answers
this is a much less formal entry, but an answer to some questions no less. many people have asked me how it was that i had internet access and such but was living in the slums. or how angela's family is able afford certain things. and due to the language barrier, i didn't know the exact answer until recently.internet access:
originally, in order to use the internet, the family would have to go to the local internet cafe, which is 2 blocks from where they live. these cafes are quite common in Lima (and Cusco), being that it is cheaper than having internet in your house. but due to needing to access information for esmeralda, and the reccommendation of a doctor, they decided to try and get their own computer. in order to do so, angela apparently got help from family, and the rest she fundraised by selling chickens. they finally had enough for the computer they have (and donate webcam). the people that own the internet cafe are friends of theirs and wanted to help, so they ran a line from the cafe to their house and charge them only 15 dollars a month (instead of 30). not sure what currency that is, but probably soles...which means 5 CAD. so it DID cost them a lot, but in their eyes it was worth it. and i suppose my presence was proof of that, since they met me online, and we enjoyed many a web chat :)
washing machine:
from what i understood, franco either entered a contest or told someone about esmeralda's situation and it was donated. they don't always use it, due to not having reliable water supply. mostly only for big loads. the rest of the time, its the old basin and wash board. angela was surprised that few people in Canada wash clothes that way. times, they are a changin' :/
crib and other furnature:
gifts and donations from family, friends, and acquaintences who knew about their situation with esmeralda and wanted to help, in anyway they could. i didn't know this at first, but it makes me wonder what furnature they were able to buy themselves. not that that's important.
housework:
Raul has done most of the work on the house himself, including the entire rooving of the lower and top floor...although the top floor remains incoplete. someone asked me if this was to avoid a certain tax that comes with having a complete roof or second story and to be honest i thought it was merely because he hadn't finished yet, but don't really know. some questions are somewhat pointless to ask when the information isn't really that important for me to know
employment:
Raul works at a botique (which is common labour) while Angela stays at home with the children, with the help of her mother. her mother is 60 and very affectionate with the children and helps take care of esmeralda, as well as with cooking. Raul told me that he earns about 7 USD for one 10 hour work day. i'm not sure how often he works, but even still i'm sure he has to work a lot to save anything.
oh the differences in our countries....our worlds. hope that answers some of the questions on people's minds.
~np
posted by crooked girl @ 11:46 PM
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