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In a Strange Land
Street Life
By Larry J. Pitman

When I was living in a middle-sized town in California, I used to wonder where all the people were in my neighborhood. In the evening, I would walk my dog and not see another person. Because most of the houses were dark, I used to fantasize that I was living in a ghost town.

Things are different in Peru.

Our neighborhood offers a rich street life. Although we live on one of the quieter streets of Barranco, the street scene is lively.

Early morning is tranquil. No cars and no people. Then the action begins. On the early shift a man is sweeping and cleaning the street using a palm frond. Also early are the people scurrying by on their way to mass at the nearby church.

Soon comes a man with a cart selling fruits and vegetables from door to door. Then appears the lady selling flowers. Not long after is the young man who has freshly baked bread and other treats to sell. Another young man on a bicycle appears delivering newspapers.
A woman comes by with another cart with snacks. She takes up position at the next corner, near to the school. The school girls who are her customers appear on the street heading for class.

Ever present are the guards who are protecting the houses and the cars on the street. They are on the street day and night. I see some of them sleeping in chairs leaning up against the walls at night. They know everyone and everything in the neighborhood. When I walk by they always call out their greetings and often inquire about the health of my dogs. Sometimes they take a break and have a little football game in the streets. Those that are off duty look around the neighborhood for cars to wash or a dog to walk. Just to make a few extra soles.

As the morning goes on, gardeners work on the little patches of lawn. They trim the bushes and plant flowers.

During the day there is a steady stream of people. Workers are repairing the streets or going to make home repairs. Young people pass by heading for the beach. Lovers stroll entangled together on their way to the gardens on the malecon to gain a little romantic time. Dog owners or their maids are on the streets parading their pedigree pets and allowing them to commit inuisances. You know what I mean!

And the street is not without its music. I hear the young boy calling out uu MEET tas, uu MEET tas. He is selling umitas, a tasty treat with corn and cheese. A little later, I hear a man yelling out bo TELL yas, bo TELL yas. He is looking for bottles to recycle. Another man walks the streets looking for knives to sharpen. He is playing out a tune OO EE AA. The ice cream man plays another tune.

In the early evening, the flow goes the other way. Then, tranquility sets in again. Even later at night, it is so quiet that you can hear the waves on the beach.

OK it is a little chaotic. But I like it. It is a great neighborhood. There is a feeling of community, of humanity, that I like.

Let's face it, it's a lot more interesting than the streets of Bakersfield.

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