The objective would be to experience the Third World existence and not to see the exotic and historical sites. For example, if we take Egypt, where I come from, the programme would include:
- A one-star hotel (bed and cockroaches), all meals to consist of horse beans and salad;
- A minimum dose of two rides on public transport each day;
- A visit to a government office to get some official papers issued such as a visa extension;
- A visit to a public hospital for whatever excuse;
- A one-week stay in the 'City of the Dead' (one and a half million people in Cairo live in the cemeteries);
- A stay in a village in rural Upper Egypt.
This therapy will work in three main ways: It will be a real human experience; the Westerner will appreciate the good things in life in the West; and will develop an interest in the Third World and hence a purpose in life - net, the trip should result in a paradigm shift of life and happiness.
The trips should be organised by a cultural travel club, jointly by the Western and Third World country, with nominal amounts paid to receiving families in the Third World country.
The proposal is based on my experiences in two extreme countries: Egypt, where I was born and grew up; and Switzerland, where I have been living for six years. Per capita income in Egypt is less than $500 per annum while that of Switzerland is $26,000, one of the highest in the world. On the other hand, the consumption of jokes and laughter, a measure of relaxation if not satisfaction, is much higher in Egypt. When an Egyptian meets a friend or an acquaintance, the first question is 'What's the latest joke?' In Switzerland the only place to find a joke is a book entitled 'Swiss jokes ... they exist'!
Omar Mahmoud, 16 Route De Mayrin, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland.