Sometimes, even without knowing their stories, our emotional reflex towards people living in the sewer could only be either pity or disgust. But we might have to figure out what to feel about this Colombian couple who have been living in the sewers for the past 22 years.
Meet Miguel Restrepo and Maria Garcia. They met on the streets of Medellin, Colombia at a time when they were both drug addicts. Their lives were on the verge of disaster and they were about to give up. But together, they found the courage and the strength to move forward and eventually break free from addiction.
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Without any money or family to take them in, the couple found refuge in the most unlikely place… in the sewers. Twenty two years later, they’re still living in the place that offered them shelter.
Miguel Restrepo (L), 62, looks up from his sewer home with his wife Maria Garcia and their dog Blackie in Medellin.
Albeiro Lopera/Reuters
Albeiro Lopera/Reuters
Tucked away from the world, it was in the sewers that they were able to come together to kick their addictions.
Colombian Maria Garcia drinks coffee inside a sewer.
Raul Arboleda/Reuters
The sewer aka their home, is located near Medellin’s downtown. Their home may be unusual, but it has everything they need.
The place is around three by two by 1.4 meters of height and has a stove, a television, a bed and a fan.
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Miguel Restrepo repairs the electricity installation inside the sewer where he lives.
Raul Arboleda/Reuters
The couple’s dog, Blackie.
Raul Arboleda/Reuters
Blackie, keeps them company and acts as the guardian of their sewer home.
Albeiro Lopera/Reuters
Raul Arboleda/Reuters
The tunnel leaks when it rains and requires a manhole cover. Other than that, life is pretty normal here.
Colombian Miguel Restrepo gets out of the sewer where he lives on December 4, 2012, in Medellin, Antioquia department, Colombia.
Albeiro Lopera/Reuters
Albeiro Lopera/Reuters
They even decorate their home for the holidays like everyone.
Miguel Restrepo and wife Maria Garcia make Christmas ornaments outside their sewer home in Medellin.
Albeiro Lopera/Reuters
Since the place is far from the city’s bustle, they say the location of their sewer home is quite peaceful.
Raul Arboleda/Reuters
They do seem happy and contented here. What do you think about this couple and their unique home?
Albeiro Lopera/Reuters
Via Boredom Therapy