Belen and the floating city
We made the long trip down the Amazon towards Iquitos,
our home port. The city of Belen is near Iquitos. It was next on our list of
places to visit before we docked.
Instead of seeing a city on dry ground, we
were presented with a entirely different concept of housing. Here were some thirty
thousand people living
on the water of the Amazon river in anything that could float.
Gilberto had prepared this side trip for us, so we could see the boat people of
Belen.
The port of Belen, has a history going back to the year 1864, as a port for trade in the
Amazon. Some of the housing looked like
it might have been built about that time. I do not want it to sound like I am
finding fault with their homes or the way they live. I can only assume that these
people are making the best of a situation they have known since birth. I had heard
of the boat people of China and Vietnam, but I had no idea that a city of this type
existed in our area of the world.
This house is not flooded, just a normal day in Belen
Almost
everything is made available, by merchants selling their wares from floating stores.
As you can see, this large boat has brought in fuel for cooking and gas for the motor
boats. The first floor is filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, and although we
did not stop, I am sure this is the equivalent of a Wal-MartŪ store in the region. They seem to do a brisk business and you might
wonder what is the method of trade used by the poor people of the boats. I doubt if there
is much money available. There was a baker with her own small dug-out and we watched
as she passed from boat to boat vending bread.
The Wal-MartŪ of the Amazon
When we were there we were told that the president of Peru was first-generation Japanese. He was born
in Peru and now having been elected to this high post, he was making every effort to help
the poorer people of his country.
Since that time he has fallen from favor with the new government .
Conditions were getting better at that time for many who were living in areas like Belen. As you
look at the boat city, some modern conveniences are evident. Street lights have
already been installed. Maybe they should be called canal lights. The light
posts define the waterways between the house-boats and are also an excellent way to
maintain order to this city. I was also told that fresh water is provided from plumbing at
shore facilities.
Venice may be the jewel of Italy but every country has to have its beginning. Belen is
just starting. At least these people do not have to worry about flooded
cellars or sinking foundations.
Below is the typical front entry,
to a home in Belen. There are no building codes or permits needed to build
here so the paperwork is cut to a minimum, in fact there is no paperwork. Most
construction follows the design principles of the Indians who were in this area since the
dawn of time.
I cannot help but look at the work these people have done and smile,
as there is a freedom of design and an innovation which over the
years has been curtailed by government regulations in our own country. Architecture
is no longer as much fun as it used to be before we became overly protected, from
ourselves, by multitudes of codes. Again,
I look at our country and wonder how we survived and prospered these hundreds of years
before the passage of all these new laws and regulations. I recently bought nails
which were certified by the local government as being acceptable for roof construction.
I doubt if the vines, used by these people in roof construction, will ever
have a similar regulation. 
The Girls of Belen
I have lived in close proximity with the water most of my life, but the girls of Belen are
closer to it than I would ever like to be.... This picture is unbelievable but this
is typical of many of the boat people. They are navigating with a safety factor of
.0001 inch freeboard.
Below, we will cover one area of
design in which every architect becomes involved during his practice.
In the early days of America these establishments of comfort, were located behind most
homes in our country. Our forefathers grew up with them, and on them.
I knew them well, as they were a f
riendly
addition to the farm houses that my uncles had in Minnesota, Connecticut and
Massachusetts.
They went by many names:
Outhouse, Dooley, Easer, John, Johnnie, Jake, Willie,
Depository, Reliever, Donnicker, and in France, Cabinet d'aisance.
I know I may have missed a few.
Pictured above is the
Sight-seer.
This "dooley" is designed for maximum comfort for the tropical regions of the
Amazon. Total visibility is provided for the user in the event of unexpected
visitors or as a vantage point in case of an accidental ramming by a run-away boat.
Life-Preservers are optional.
The owner, who's head is just visible, smiled for this picture. [:-)
The Dingy version of the Johnnie.
It is detachable and will go anywhere that is required. This john has only been
tested in areas where wave action is limited to a maximum of three feet. Fixed
securely to the stern of any home it sets 
the house apart from all others. It is
constructed along classic lines and blends well with the surroundings. Slots in the
sides provide cross ventilation and permits a view of the waterway for those with
claustrophobia.
It comes from the builders, complete with charts of all waters of the upper Amazon.
Finally The Fabric Venetian..
This doniker is made using designer fabrics as its overall theme. It fairly exudes the
atmosphere of Belen, city of canals and the sister city of Venice. It would
be difficult to look at this remarkable structure without thinking of sunbeams dancing
over the water of the placid inlets between the house boats of Belen.
Decorator colors are available on request.
I'm just having a little fun with a subject that is seldom
discussed. I thought it would be interesting to approach this as though I were
really selling the outhouses. By the way, I do not have any left.
They were all gone the first day!!!
