Bye bye

What, me?

It is true, with heavy heart I leave La Manzanilla and Mexico to return to the States.

The word "bittersweet" doesn't accurately describe the feelings I have/had about leaving, but it is close. I left a wonderful town filled with beautiful people and a Country that welcomed me with open arms. And now I will slowly try to fit back into American culture, beliefs, values, opinions and lifestyle.

Driving back North through Mexico was reminiscent of times I had had as I passed many towns that I had temporarily lived in over the last 10 months. All bringing a smile (and tears) to my face as I remembered people met or places visited. In some ways it feels as if a lifetime has passed, in other ways it feels as if it was just yesterday when I was driving through the Motel archway pulling my bike and skybox off the top of my car back in November (also with tears).

People have asked me if I was happy to take this 10 month hiatus and the answer is yes, without a doubt. And when asked if I would do it again, my reply is I would leave tomorrow if I could. I was so lucky to be able to have an opportunity to travel for 10 months and I given the chance to do it again, I would, instantly!

Mexico taught me a lot. It forced me to leave prejudices behind and accept people for what they are. I was in a Country where I knew no-one and very little of the language which leaves you vulnerable and lonely. Or so I had thought when I first began. But people welcomed me, both from the gringo community and the Mexican community. The Mexicans almost always trying to help me with the language or understand what they are saying. I rarely felt unsafe (less the one or two incidents) or in danger and always felt that there was someone I could turn to if I was in trouble. That is one of the best qualities about Mexicans is that they look out for their own, beyond anything else. If someone was struggling with something you'd see a gang of Mexicans run up to help; whether it be if you fall down (yes, I did personally experience this) or you or loading a boat in the water, or your bag splits open spilling the contents. Someone would always offer to help, if not everyone around you.

This is just one beautiful quality about Mexicans, as there are many more. Family is first and foremost, however everyone is considered family even if you have only known the people for a short time. Thus many took care of me just like family, inviting me places, or teaching me about their land and culture. They take care of their own - very well.

Also the ability to do things at a slower pace without anyone even giving a second thought. There is a term, "on Mexican time", which is so true and even gringos accept that after living there. Most people are late, constantly, as they are never really in a hurry. But you being 10 minutes or even 45 minutes is rarely questioned it all just goes with expectation. I never fully got that as I think it is against my nature, so I was rarely late, but learned to accept others being so. Is that a good or bad thing, hard to say, but since no-one was ever offended or upset by such behavior I'd say that no, it is not a bad thing.

But that is also Mexican behavior, the ability not to get upset by little things. Rarely would you see a Mexican yelling about someone driving, or getting upset with the lady at the store for giving them something wrong. Or mis charging them, or on and on. I'd say that it is their culture that teaches them not to show outward emotions but I'm not sure. I think that they just don't care. Barking dogs at 3am does not bother them, they wouldn't even think to raise an eyebrow at it. Nor did the fireworks at 5am. While we gringos raise our voice of concern, questioning the necessity of it all, Mexicans just roll with the flow. This is one of the most valuable lessons I learned from my Mexican friends.

The story goes on, I could list countless things that I learned but rather than bore you all I'll just say that I did learn lots! And I realize that even more after being home for a short while.

People have also asked me about my feelings about some of the immigration issues with Mexicans of recent - many asking with an almost anger in their voice. Without going into some political debate here, I will simply say that immigration/migration issues are present in both countries. There are many MANY gringos living in Mexico, some legal, some not. Those that are legal have the financial ability to go about the correct way of appling for longterm stay in Mexico and they have the educational resources too. Many of the Mexicans that come into this Country don't have those resources - if they did they too would be legal. Those that are coming here are doing so to better their families back home financially. Mexico doesn't have many jobs - let alone many that pay well. On average a Mexican gets paid close to 100 pesos a day - that equates to less than $10 USD a day. Granted this is a National average but still that is very low on the pay scale and unfortunately with the influence of NAFTA and the rising gringo population prices are going up in Mexico and making it even more unaffordable to the Mexicans living there. In La Manzanilla for example, an average home costs over $100,000 and that is a rare find. So yes, if you are a Mexican, living in Mexico and you want to provide a home for your family but you are looking at making only $10 a day the idea of going to the States to make more money to support your family is appealing! I think many of us in that situation would feel the same way. We were born lucky to be living in a first world country where opportunities are always out there. And at times I felt the "white guilt" for that because even as an unemployed person I was still wealthy beyond belief to many of these people.

So where does all of this take me from here, well that is still yet to be decided. I'm here in Seattle for now with an unsure future; I have no job, no plans for tomorrow. But that still continues to feel good. As I slowly settle back in to my American lifestyle I will continue to search what it is that I need or want and slowly start my job search...anyone hiring?

Welcome back! Y un fuerte abrazo y beso por todo!
Heidi, the dog, and a well worn car.

Stats for all of you:
over 12,000 miles logged
over $300 spent on toll roads
almost 3,000 miles from La Manzanilla to Seattle
almost 10 months to get to La Manzanilla - six days to get home
almost a million laughs had while on holiday...