Many of the guide books we have reviewed continue to caution leaving well beaten trails. Apparently there are unexploded landmines around the country left over from their civil war. Because of the human toll exacted by the mines, the people left maimed were unable to work. A few years ago UNESCO gathered those who sustained mine injuries and who were left to beg on the streets. They then taught many of them to play indigenous musical instruments. We are encountering them playing for tourists at the various archeological sites. It provides for great ambiance while you tour the ruins, hearing the music in the back ground, and it once again gives them an opportunity to work for a living. The surprising thing to me, which I had not noticed until Vincent pointed it out to me, is that we have seen no people begging for money. Believe me, it is not because they have been keeping us away from the poverty. Granted, we have been approached many times and asked to buy various items, but no begging. This is in considerable contrast to China, which is supposedly a communist nation. When we were in Beijing we saw many people begging on the streets, even with it's roaring economy.
On the education front, many children attend school. Those that can't do a full day do at least a half a day. The school day runs from 7AM to 11AM. They will then break for lunch from 11AM to noon, and they will then finish up afternoon classes from 1PM until around 5PM. All this goes on for six days a week, leaving Thursday off from school so the kids can work.
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