Third World Underworld

I work for a big US company who is engaged in outsourcing.  And being in a third world country, where labor is cheaper, we are presented with a lot of opportunities.  These are opportunities to earn well for our families, and also, opportunity to learn more about ourselves.

Since we follow the business hours in the U.S., we usually work at night until early morning.  Every day has been a learning experience for me.  From the time I step into the bus going to work, until I set my foot on the ground going home.

Each night when I go to work, I pass by this busy street, though not as busy as it is in the morning, you can still feel the rush of every people and vehicle you see.  People who wants to be home and be with their families early, and people, just like me, trying to get to work.

Amidst the crowd, along the walkways, outside the comfort of an air conditioned bus, there is a new world, the third world underworld.  In this world you will see people who sleep on walkways, with plastic and cardboard as their mattress.  They are the people who strive to make a living out of the streets. 

Before the sun rises, these people would roam around and look into garbage cans, each and every garbage can they can find in the area.  They are looking for anything of value.  Left over food and drinks, and even plastic and soda cans which they can sell to buy food.  As the sun rises, you can see them either selling cigarettes, or calling passengers for buses, or begging for money, or simply bumming around.

By this time, I, together with my peers, are on our way home.  Another night has passed and its time to be with our families and rest.

As the sun starts to set, so am I, all set to go back to work.  And as I pass by the same street, again I see those people.

With all their hard earned money, you will see them drinking and even gambling.  Some of them are taking drugs.  Their kids roaming around the streets, not bothered about the passing vehicles.  And as the night grows darker, they unpack their plastics and card boards.

Another day has passed in the underworld.  Another day just like the previous days that have passed. 

Sad, but nothing much I or we can do.