Living in Peru : your everyday companion

By Ross Knutson

Any discussion revolving around a country’s progress generally involves macro-economic indicators such GDP growth, unemployment rates and export statistics. Often overlooked are the more subtle areas of progress that will never make it into the business section of a newspaper but are nevertheless important components of a country’s development. In Peru, we are talking about little things that just a few short years ago were very rare, did not exist or happen at all.

I was more finely tuned to these subtle signs of progress after living outside of Peru for two years. Many of these changes might not even be noticeable to someone who might not have left Peru but became all the more clear from my newly found “foreign” perspective.

One item that I noticed immediately was the Lima airport. Over several years, rennovations have been completed to modernize the airport and truly make it a proper gateway to Peru for the millions of business travelers and tourists who pass through during the course of a year. The airport is now more spacious and the section for internationl arrivals now has an orderly flow beginning with disembarking the plane. There is no longer a long descent down a flight of stairs out on the tarmac. Now, the airplane pulls right up to the terminal where the passengers enter the terminal through a skyway system. Much better than having to walk across the tarmac inhaling all the lovely jet fumes. Now if the airport authorities can just fix the huddled masses of people who crowd the exit area waiting to greet loved ones then we will see true progress.

Another sign of progress incorporates the area of personal hygine. By definition a proper public restroom/bathroom will at the very least contain a toilet (with toilet paper), sink, soap and either paper towels or an automatic dryer. When I departed Peru many public restrooms in restaurants and bars would generally contain only 1-3 of the items listed above. Most often lacking were the toilet paper and soap, two of the most crucial elements if someone is properly complete their bathroom duties. Generally, one had to provide their own paper products and soap. Now, the situation is much improved and I am even contemplating freeing up some valuable pocket space by leaving the toilet paper at home next time I am out and about here in Peru.

When I am talking to people about Peru one of the questions that always gets asked is “how safe is the country”. Here too Peru is making some significant steps. One security related area that I noticed immediately upon arriving in Lima was an increased presence both the national and tourist police. The police forces now seem much more proactive in patrolling the streets to ensure the safety of its citizens. Crime and delicuency are still a problem but remember that we are measuring even the smallest steps. Another security detail that must not be overlooked is the bag-clips in many restaurants and cafes. People can clip their backpacks, purses, and bags to a solid object such as a chair or table, which drastically reduces the chances of their bag going “missing”. And remember no need to bring your bag (with toilet paper) into the bathroom as it will probably have soap and toilet paper!

Progress is even arriving in the public transport sector. Those of you who have braved a combi or bus ride in Lima know what a harrowing experience it can be. At first glance it looks like this system is about as organized as a plate of spaghuetti. However, when analyzed from an outside perspective, baby steps are being made here as well. For instance, there are now officially designated stops (paraderos) where stops should be made and combi companies that are not using these stops can be fined if caught. What is most shocking is these official stops are actually being used (not as much as they should be but a start is a start)! Also, published fares are being displayed inside the combis (although it is very rare that these full fares are being charged) letting the riders know what they can expect to pay. Finally, and perhaps most surprisingly is the fact that receipts are being given to passengers, which means two things: in a case of an accident the passenger is covered by some basic accident insurance and the transport company is paying their share of taxes (not a small matter in a country where tax avoidance rates are extremely high).

What is important is that these subtle signs of postitive progress are happening whether it is through a government program, community effort or private initiative is of less importance. So next time when you are taking measurements of a country’s progress why don’t you look at rolls of toilet paper, receipts handed out, and how secure your bag is and leave it to the economists to analyze the economic data.

tags : progress macro-economic GDP unemployment exports

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1 Comments

# Emiliano Falen Siesquen says :
12 May, 2006 [ 10:17 ]

Dear My fair Lady:Ross Nutson, I´m cheerful and gay, for your appreciation wonderfull and enchantment, that to make of my beautiful country Perú.I wish thank you, for your article in the magazine living in Perú chronicles.We the peruvians hope that some reporterto to add to countryside for benific of our people to benefit everybody. God bless you Emiliano Falen Siesquen

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