You are quite correct in what you say, Genie.

I have found the Third World really inspiring in trips to places like Cuba and Trinidad...the first being socialist, the second being capitalist. The richness of community life and social life and the strength of tradition, including home-made music is immediately apparent in both countries. Small "mom and pop" businesses are everywhere in those countries, as are self-taught musicians and strong traditions in family and neighborhood life.

Their young people are much more mature in outlook and much more self-sufficient than their average counterparts in affluent societies, and they also show more respect for the older people.

Trinidad has a couple of major problems, however. Poverty and CRIME! There is a tremendous amount of crime in Trinidad, including theft, break-ins, kidnapping (for ransom), and violent crimes. I'd almost call it an epidemic of crime. It's driven by extreme poverty for many alongside visible affluence for a few. You don't feel safe after dark on the streets in Trinidad.

You do feel safe in Cuba. Almost no crime there...and not much visible presence of the police either.

Traditions seem strong in both countries. So does family life, and people's religious convictions, which I find run much deeper with Third World people (on average).