Ever not bought something because it cost a dollar too much? We have:
"How much for those sunglasses?"
"$5."
"What! $5? That's too expensive. $1.50."
"$2.50."
"No, my friend bought the same pair for $1.50 in Tana."
"Maybe, but this is Ambanja. $2.50."
"No way, how about $2?"
"OK, fine."
It seems pretty stupid when you put it in American dollars, right? But, since meat costs $1/pound and an orange is 5 cents, it is a big deal for the people who live here. Not us really, the Peace Corps gives us enough money; we just don't like to be ripped off because we're white.
Updates: rains have started to come down really hard here in Madagascar, we are partnering with new health workers in Ambanja to advocate family planning, and I am looking into teaching my community about food crop diversity with assistance from local NGOs.
Most of those sunglasses sold on the streets in poor countries like Madagascar are fake and they may not protect the eyes.
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