Thoughts
We’re doing a longer drive today and I’m impressed at how low maintenance Sienna is becoming as she gets older. My job is more just to pull out toys and supplies as she goes through them, instead of holding her hand through each activity like I did at the start of the trip. It gives me the chance to actually do something for myself, like writing, which is a fun development. In the last three hours, Sienna has coloured, painted, played with Play-Doh and a magnetic dress up doll, plus she’s had a peanut butter and banana snack.
Since we’re so close to the end of our Mexico visit, it seems like a good time to reflect on the way North Americans live. In relation to many other countries and even in relation to past civilizations, North Americans lead the lives of kings. We have access to foods from every corner of the globe in our local grocery store, while in Mexico, it is difficult even to find tea. We think nothing of the fact that an ordinary Canadian has daily access to delicacies like sushi, pad thai, fajitas, dim sum and Vietnamese spring rolls. While many of our neighbours to the south have to scrub their clothes by hand in the river, we scoff at the thought of hanging our clothes on the line because it’s too much work. We all know these things, of course, but travelling really brings it to the forefront. I don’t think we need to feel guilty or ashamed that we have all these luxuries. We work hard to maintain our comfortable standard of living. But it is nice to be reminded just how lucky we are. The next time I get wound up about something unimportant, like having to wait too long at a stoplight, I hope to remember that most people on this planet have to worry about bigger issues, like feeding their families.
Travelling not only gives you a sense of how fortunately you are, it also helps you develop tolerance. When we first arrived in Mexico, I became upset one day with how closely someone stood behind me in line. Since that time, I’ve learned that each culture has a different sense of “personal space” and in Mexico, for example, that space happens to be very small. In other words, it is socially acceptable here to press up against a stranger in line. I may not be comfortable with it, but at least I’m no longer taking it as a personal affront.
Something that tends to bother most North Americans is the litter strewn everywhere, along roads and in towns. I was lucky to have had some insight on that issue from Hugo Bonjean, in his book “In the Eyes of Anahita”. He explains that many third world cultures are relatively new to commercial goods and packaging. Until recently, anything they disposed of was made from naturally derived biodegradable materials. In fact, in places like the Copper Canyon, litter is nearly non-existent, because people still live that way. Now, however, with packaging made of plastic and metal, and without proper education, some less informed people continue to dispose of their garbage the way they used to, only with unfortunate consequences. It helps to remind myself that we weren’t so different 50 years ago.
A common concern for foreigners travelling in Mexico is the fear of being swindled. We’d heard the stories about gas station attendants not zeroing the pump and overcharging for gas. As a result, we were on guard for the first few weeks, at gas stations, tolls and in stores. After a while we realized that, not only did we have little to worry about, Mexicans in general were very honest, caring people. One day, I misunderstood a total, believing the amount was 20.50 pesos, when in fact it was 12.50. I gave the cashier the cash and walked away. She ran after me and gave me my change. So much for that theory. That’s not to say we didn’t run into situations where we felt we were being cheated. But sadly, both times I did encounter this, it was at the hands of North American expats.
I’m sure I’ll think of other life lessons I’d like to share, but these are my thoughts for now (for what they’re worth). It’s been a fun journey, not always easy, but we’re living our lives and we’re experiencing the world around us. It’s wonderful to be alive, isn’t it? La vie est belle!
