Monday, May 5, 2014

Interview with a member of the Aymara People

On August 13, 2013, the Associated Press had an interview with a man named Carmelo Flores Laura. Flores is a 123 year old who is a member of the Aymara people and is the oldest man ever documented.  Flores lives under a straw roof-dirt hut close to the banks of Lake Titicaca. In addition, he only speaks the native Aymara language, he has no teeth, and he does not wear glasses.

At the beginning of the interview, Flores approached the press chewing coca leaves. The coca leaves are used as a stimulant to prevent hunger. Flores stated that he knew that he was at least 100 years old when asked but his bad memory prevented him from recalling his age.
Eugineo Cordino, Bolivia's civil registrar, says that Flores baptism certificate says that he was born on July 16, 1890. Since the baptism certificates were registered by priests, the state approved it. When asked what he owes his longevity to, Flores stated "I walk a lot, that's all. I go out with the animals".

I found this interview to be  interesting because a member of my culture is now the oldest man to ever live. By analyzing this interview, one could gain a first hand perspective of the life that the Aymara people lead.

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