My trip in Peru&Bolivia

It is so interesting how people sometimes complain about racism in Europe. I am sure there is Racism, but it is not only the white people against the coloured people. It is also the opposite way.

I get treated differently because I am white. A 'gringito' they call me. I feel it in the looks they give me (they keep on staring). They try to rip me off, they ask way too much money for something. In the hospital they are not that sweet with me (it looks like they think 'ah this smarty blondie coming from Europe that probably knows everything better'). And the worse thing... On the street, when people are walking 3 in a row, I need to get to the wall and wait until they pass, before I can continue walking. Why would you move a bit out of the way right? :)

Imagining that I am helping those people by volunteering, most of the people still don't respect me. Or respect tourists in general. Maybe it is the culture, I don't know. But it is rude sometimes, I appreciate way more the kindness and politeness of the Danes.

I know that there are a lot of problems in Europe and that the politics should handle it way better, but I know so many people (including myself) who have been helping the refugees and providing them with a home or food. I am sure that when we (The Europeans) are poor and without homes, we will not be welcomed the way as Europe have welcomed the refugees. That is because the mentality is way different here.

I always thought, oh South America has a social minded mentality, warm and focused on family and friends. But honestly, what I have seen so far, I think Europe does it better.
Yess sure, we care about our private career and we could be individuals. But we would always help one another with anything (financially or with work or food) and when someone is sick, we would visit that person.
People here try to get their own life in the best way, even if it costs another ones success.
I have been in several homes of Peruvians and so far, everybody is hanging out in their own bedroom. They have a television there and even during dinner they watch television. They do not speak together.
When I visit my family and also when I was a kid, we always took lunch and dinner together.

I think that, just because they say to everyone: cariño and bonito (sweety and pretty) doesn't mean that they mean it. Actually, to me, the more often they say it, the less I believe it! My opinion is that when you say to everybody cariño, the word will loose it's value.
They also ask me often, Como estas and then they continue doing another thing. When you ask me how I am doing, please listen haha. :)

Just to be clear, not every Peruvian is like this. I don't want to put them all in one box.

It is just that I want to clear out, that just because Dutch people don't say all the time: sweety and darling and don't kiss and hug all the time, does not mean that we are cold! Dutch people are family people (at least the ones I know) and when they say something, they actually DO mean it. And I am proud of my friends who have been helping the refugees. Nobody that I know would treat a person with color differently.

That to me, is way more value :)Read more