Story 3 | Te Conectamos Perú

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Chapter 3

Raúl Barbagelata
Resident poet at Coyungo

The local art, from the Peruvian desert to the world.

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LEARN THE HISTORY OF Coyungo

Coyungo

Changuillo District. Nazca Province. Ica Department.

Coyungo is a small town in the coastal desert of Peru. Around 90 families live there, approximately 200 people, many of whom are of African descent. Until quite recently there were no communications available. People had to search for a signal in distant spots or even in other towns. Most of them are prawn fishermen, many are farmers (they grow fruits such as grapes, mango, and oranges, and vegetables such as carrots, spinach, and chard) an others raise goats. This is the place of birth of the writer Gregorio Martínez Navarro, best known in the area as “Goyo”, who recreated in his novels the magical atmosphere of Coyungo and the ways of its people.

Story

RAÚL BARBAGELATA

Raúl Barbagelata has lived in Coyungo for more than twenty years. As the town’s midwife, his mother welcomed to the world quite a few locals. When no medical post or nurses were available at Coyungo, she took on the role of doctor and was affectionately called “mama” by many. That’s why nowadays the town’s elementary school is named after her. Raúl enjoys the weather of the area, the landscapes, the river, and Coyungo’s peaceful environment. Raúl, a retired farmer, finally found the time to fuel his true passion: writing and reciting ten – line stanzas. Sometimes he finds inspiration while sitting at his table, and sometimes under the cool shadow of a “guarango”, a regional tree. Due to the scarce signal at his place, Raúl decided to lend his cell phone to a friend, who in turn let him know every time there was a call for him. With the new antenna and 3G service all across town, Raúl can now call his friends from home.

STORY

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