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the small, dirt road that leads from my apartment to the main campus of the university is littered with interesting things. roving packs of dogs stand guard or bask in the sun. random chickens and roosters peck in the dirt and run frantically when a motorcycle or a bicycle comes their way. children with backpacks walk to and fro talking and laughing.

there is an entire family that lives on this street. they have two beds that are situated along side one of the university’s walls. during the day, the family sells cigarettes and takes care of their children. at night, the mosquito nets go up and the family goes to sleep. it’s surreal driving home at night with only the moon to light the road and seeing two pastel mosquito nets covering a sleeping family.

they have a couple of children who stare at us when we pass. the youngest is about two and the oldest is either five or six. she waves happily at us and says, “hello!”, in her piercing voice. if we respond she runs to her mother and playfully hides behind her.

the rest of the day the family sits around talking, playing cards and generally looking content. they live on the street guarded by stray dogs, roosters and pastel mosquito nets. what does it take to make us content?