Before the sun is high the beat begins to build. Dogs bark with aggression, the garbage man rings his bell. Over and over. The moan of a woman’s voice repeats on a loud speaker. She asks for old washing machines and computers. Another man, pushing a cart, temps me with tamales and other treats. The street sweepers sweep, the chamen make their daily calls. Mexico City. Ciudad de Mexico. CDMX. Distrito Federal. It was home.
In a few days my group will say goodbye to Mexico City and the life we built here. I’ve felt it such an honor to spend more time with the Mexican people, learn about the things that are important to them and the hopes they have for the future. They are a culture of hospitality, offering their resources to help you and most importantly, their time. They are a hard-working people. I genuinely believe that each person I see is working hard to provide for their families. Their intentions are pure. They are a resilient people. No matter what is said about them, they are kind to all and go above and beyond to help those visiting their country.
There is an obvious appreciation and patience for people who have come into their country and are attempting to speak their language. They repeat words, they slow down, they smile. I wish people in the U.S. were that patient as people make a huge life change, move to a new country and attempt to live, work and operate like everyone else. And just like every immigrant to ever come into the U.S., I, at any given time in Mexico, am trying. I’m trying to speak Spanish and my efforts are acknowledged daily.
Their historical and incredible love and focus on family makes Mexico a place that strives on community. The love for other humans is incredible and that love prompts an acceptance for the gay and trans communities. Marriage is a right that is open to everybody here.
During my time in CDMX, men have been gentlemen in every sense of the word and the city’s dogs are the most well-behaved animals I’ve ever seen. Healthy foods are affordable here and drive-thrus are non-existent. It’s a good place and I’ve learned more every day.
There is something sobering about being in Mexico during the inauguration of a bigot extremist. As many of my hopes and dreams turned to dust, I know some of theirs did too. The U.S. is such a beacon of possibility for so many and now what will it be? I think the Mexican people’s hearts break with ours. Many in the states have talked about them like dogs, criticized their values and ways of life, and mistreated them to no end and their hearts still break with ours. That’s God. That’s compassion and perhaps the biggest lesson I learned here. No matter what the political climate, compassion for all of humanity is essential and the Mexican people have figured that out in the face of so much adversity. Screw the wall. I want to live the Mexican way.
Gone Girl Travels 