My Recent Trip and some metalworking Thoughts...

Some years ago I saw a show about grass roots employment somewhere in Africa. Close enough for the discussion at hand. One of the 'companies' was three guys in the bush, making square nuts. This was total open air, not so much as a lean-to. One guy forged the nut square, the next guy forged the center hole, and the last guy slathered some oil on and hand tapped the hole. They were doing it at a fairly good clip for the process. Looked almost stone age primitive, but the three were keeping themselves fed.

Jon

Wouldn't surprise me at all if they still are... The folks I met make around $1.75 a day for their efforts and survive on it somehow.

interesting post; thanks. it gives a lot to reflect upon

Always fascinating to see what the rest of the world looks like. Years back I went kayaking down in Chile. I think it should be a requirement of education for our young to travel early on. I think it widens ones views and opens the mind.

-- Bill

Indeed. My daughter got to go to Ireland with her high school choir last year, and I'm taking my son to Oz next year. Having been born and raised in CA, I found Australia quite the experience. But looking at the global picture, they are almost mirror images, with minor differences. Wife says we're going to Vanuatu one of these days. She'd been there before and found the rural people dirt poor, but quite happy.

The wife and I have talked about doing volunteer work after we retire. She's a clinical nurse and I'm pretty handy at making and fixing stuff. Shouldn't have any trouble finding some place we can be of help.

Jon