It's about justice, really. And it's our job.
A few weeks ago Katherine and I took a trip to Puno, Peru, where we spent the night on Amantani Island out in the middle of Lake Titicaca. Our host family was a man named Fredy, his wife Violeta, and their two children Diego and Selena. They welcomed us to the island, fed us lunch, took us hiking, fed us dinner, took us to an island party dressed up in their clothing, let us sleep in their house, and then fed us breakfast...all for $3.00 per person. Does this sound right to you? It's not. PER traveller, they are to recieve over $8.00 (still not a lot, but they should receive over double than what they ARE receiving). The tour companies have been withholding the due money from the island hosts.
Fredy took time to explain the whole injust situation to Katherine and I. He said he needs to tell as many foreigners as possible, that can understand him, so the situation can change.
I felt helpless in actually STARTING a tour agency that would be fair, but still have had a few ideas:
Concerning the tour companies, as a tourist, you can demand to pay the 25 soles DIRECTLY to your family. All in all, you should never pay more than 75 soles for the rest of the trip to your tour company.
I plan to talk to the tour agencies I know, as well as spread this information to foreigners that I come in contact with. News spreads fast amongst the travellers.
One of the last things Fredy told us before we left was about abandoned children on the island, who are just being raised by random people on the island. He also spoke of families that have 8 children or more --who don't know that to most of the world Christmas includes PRESENTS! They walk around daily without shoes because their family cannot buy any. Fredy's wish was that a foreigner who would be there around Christmastime could bring Christmas to the Island. THIS IS ME! I WILL BE AROUND during Christmastime!!
SO-- here's the plan, folks! Let's bring Christmas to Amantani Island!
All gifts are welcome.. even used, even torn.. notebooks, crayons, clothing, shoes, candles (they have no electricity), matchbox cars, kites, coats, matches, school supplies, even a used laptop!
How will they get them? SEND THEM TO ME! The options are:
1. Send them to guests who will be coming down to visit me before Christmas, and they will bring down an extra suitcase full. (If you're interested, write me, and I'll send you the address of the next friend coming for a visit).
2. Mail them directly to me in Cusco. Send it normal mail (NOT Fedex!) to:
Adrienne Wanner
Lucrepata 115-E
San Blas
Cusco, Peru
3. Send money, with a note attched saying "Christmas" to:
Barb Cole
308 Maple Street
Manchester PA 17345
and I'll use it to buy presents here.
I will gather all the things, let Fredy know I'm making the 7 hour bus ride down to Puno, and deliver the presents in time for Christmas.
What do you think!?