Ingenious begging
Here in South America the unemployment rate is extremely high (around 50%) so people turn to alternative forms of employment to get money. This usually involves selling local crafts (alpacha wool socks have proved to be very warm) but the best we have seen here in Cusco involves a set of bathroom scales. Basically the beggar stands on the street with a set of bathroom scales in front of him. Members of the public concerned about their obesity may then stand on the scales and the beggar will very kindly read the number off the dial for you. Dulcie tried this out and for one peruvian sol (about 16 pence) was informed she had lost nearly 6 pounds. Perhaps if she´d paid more she´d have lost more?
Tags: Travel
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