Wall of papers
Gilbert Klumpenaar, third-year student International Business and Languages at the faculty of Economics and Management in Arnhem, does his traineeship at a big international agrarian company in Lima, Peru.
Buying newspapers before the traffic lights turn green
Everyday when I walk to my job, I come across different newspaper stands where newspapers and magazines are sold. Newspapers are very popular in Peru. Many people don’t have a television at home or another medium to keep informed of all the news, which explains the many stands in Lima. The papers are sold in the streets too: people with large piles of papers in their arms are waiting for the traffic lights. When the lights turn red, they walk along the cars, hoping to sell some of the papers. People can choose between many different newspapers. The salesmen know the people who buy papers by heart. Therefore, they don’t have to pay for the papers every day. A newspaper in Peru costs 0.70 Soles, which is the same as 0.18 Eurocents! You can even get credit for this here, which is unimaginable in Holland.
Distance causes lazyness
Many people may wonder: ‘Why don’t you get yourself a subscription to the newspaper?’In some areas of Peru this is hard because everything is distanced from each other. Another reason, quite lazy, is that you have to take the paper out of your postbox yourself: it is more easy when somebody hands you the paper while you are in your car.
Pick your paper on the wall
The newspaper stands are very popular with people who walk or take the bus to work. It is often also a social meeting place. All people here talk a little and then leave towards work. Most people leave their homes earlier to do this. The funny thing is that the owners of bigger stands put the covers of all newspapers on the walls of their stand. Many people pick their newspaper by watching the covers. And those who don’t have any money to buy a newspaper, can still read the headlines of all papers on this wall before going to work.
