Becoming the Local
The trash piles up, in particular when there are guests in…there is no refuse collection at the moment. There is supposed to be, they don´t come. Sometimes, maybe once a week at best.
I can understand their reluctance to work during the floods, the dump was flooded, there was nowhere to put the rubbish.
But now the floods have ceased and the dump is dry. Why aren´t they coming round? People have resorted to tossing their black bin bags full of daily detritus into the river.
But for one resourceful Señora and her family, the lack of refuse collectors is just fine. She makes a good income coming around with her carro mula – horse drawn cart – to pick up our trash and take it to the dump. The pay varies according to the quantity.
Obviously I am appreciative of her service and always give a little more.
I like to think that she comes with a smile and a cheery remark due to the fact that here she is treated like a person rather than a refuse collector.
¨GRINGO,” she bellows through the window of our sala that looks onto the road and the Magdalena River.
“TIENES BASURA?”
Her smile reveals silver capped teeth.
Obviously there´s rubbish, this is the land where the toilet paper does not go down the drain, it collects in baskets and then needs to be emptied.
Today began no differently.
“GRINGO……..TIENES BASURA?”
Yes, there´s three bags. I hand over a little more that $2. She has come with her brother.
He says: “El no es Gringo, el Ingles es Momposino.”
I am pleased. This has taken just over three years.
3 responses to Becoming the Local
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Mi Gringo! | ricardoemp's Blog
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Mi Gringo! | Richard McColl
on December 8, 2011
Sebas Barreneche said on April 6, 2011
This gave me chills at the end, can’t explain why. Happy for you, it is no easy feat to be considered a local! Especially if you’re considered a ‘Gringo’. There’s people in my family who have light eyes and hair and are 100% Colombian, yet they’re still called Gringo. Obviously, there’s no hate behind it.
I’m thoroughly enjoying your stories! Thank you!
Richard McColl said on January 31, 2011
Apologies, I just take it for granted. I am based in the town of Mompos and locals here are referred to as Momposinos.
Jessie Beck said on January 31, 2011
I really like the image you portrayed about the woman coming around to collect trash — it’s these seemingly mundane moments of travel, and not the hype of “exotic”, that make me want to get on the road again.
Only thing is, I don’t understand what Momposino means, and I feel like I’m missing a crucial part of the story’s point?