Gaining a tan and some perspective

Like many others in the IU community, I enjoyed a spring break filled with sun and fun. I was fortunate enough to go on a cruise for the first time, which was a great experience.

However, throughout my week off, I couldn’t help but ponder my good fortune. Even though I wasn’t on an alternative spring break trip, my travels definitely gave me some perspective.

I was most struck by clear economic disparity when we docked in Belize City, Belize. There was a small tourist-orientated area that had heavy security, but beyond the confines of the guards was a very different place from Bloomington. You could tell that very few people in the city could even imagine the lifestyle that we as “poor” college students enjoy.

Our group ventured outside of the tourist zone and explored the downtown area. We noticed a building that looked somewhat “official” and not as run-down as those around it. It turned out to be the Supreme Court building. (Justices park in marked spots on a crumbling alleyway.)

Most of the street vendors seemed to be well-off given their surroundings, and I have a feeling that the prices I paid were probably more than adequate, but I wondered whether my attempts at bargaining were cheating hard-working, entrepreneurial people out of honest wages.

This trip marked my first time in a developing country, and it was extremely eye opening. Is it wrong for us to indulge when there are so many people in need?

One can look at it this way: a boat full of tourists eager to pay high premiums for handmade goods and local food is a welcome stimulus to these areas. In theory, it’s a win-win: Americans pay relatively low prices while locals make relatively high wages.

But there’s still so much that can be done.

So, in addition to contributing to my “buffet belly,” my trip showed me the overwhelming needs of these countries and made me likely to go back in the future to help out — not by buying, but by building, teaching and treating.

—biglehar@indiana.edu