Travelers not Tourists

When we decided that our next trip would be to Mexico, safety was our first concern.  And why wouldn’t it be? The evening news, online feeds, Trip Advisor, and the State Dept. website all warn American citizens about the dangers around every corner here in MX. 

It was just the other day that the Mayor of Mexico City said he didn’t feel his children were safe here, and that the entire police department turned their backs on him while he spoke at a public event.  Police in one of the largest cities in Mexico are being targeted for killings after controversial rulings of cops killing citizens and being acquitted suggesting corruption in the cities system of law and order.  Who would visit a place where cops are killing people, people are killing cops, the government officials are afraid for their children, and the police and the government are accused of either being in cahoots or in direct conflict? This sounds like treacherous ground on which to tread. 

**Oh, after a bit of fact checking, I discovered these stories are not from Mexico City, but from New York City.  I will now check to see if tourism rates to NYC have fallen or if there are any warnings on the above mentioned feeds that travel to New York City and the surrounding areas is not recommended…

I am not saying that Mexico does not have its share of corruption or downright violent crime.  But once you come here, it boggles the mind how this is the only impression Americans have of this country.  Horrible things have been happening in the states and other 1^st world countries.  Ferguson in Missouri, unrest in NYC, terrorist attacks are far too common in France and other European nations.  But we don’t see those incidents as characteristic of the entire country or a fair representation of their people.  Why is it that we capture all of Mexico through this lens?

Let’s put some shoes on other feet, and change our perspective a little.  A Greek citizen calls his American friend to talk about a planned vacation.  He plans on visiting the Grand Canyon.  Well, planned.  He’s informing his friend that he’s cancelling the trip since he read about everything going on in Ferguson.  The American friend laughs and tells him the Grand Canyon is nowhere near Ferguson.  You’re fine.  And for that matter if you felt like visiting Missouri, you’d still be fine.  Go see the arch if you feel like it.  That issue is confined to the people involved in it. 

The United States has conflict and violent crime and really bad areas you shouldn't visit and quite frankly wouldn't visit unless you had a very specific reason.  Mexico is no different.  Actually, there aren't many countries or major cities that don’t fit that description.  And while I’m ranting about narrow perspectives, I find that most people have an antiquated view of what Mexico looks and feels like.  We imagine indigenous peoples with packs on their backs, barren desert land, and adobe sheds for shelter.  We imagine this because of the imagery we have seen in our sixth grade text books or old encyclopedias.  I equate this to looking at a Norman Rockwell painting and thinking all New Englanders still get around using a horse drawn carriages.  You’re looking at beautiful Folkloric pictures, and thinking that is still the way of life here.  It’s narrow.  

Of course, there are things that you will see “only in New England”, but we regard them as unique, special, and tradition.  We don’t consider them a mark of our 3^rd world status, desire to keep our heads in the sand, or lack of intelligence and progress.  They have charm and nostalgia.  It’s the same here.

Time for Tina to go to work for the National Board of Tourism here in Mexico.  This country and its people are beautiful and fun and interesting and steeped in tradition while moving forward with a work ethic a Fortune 500 CEO would envy.

I laugh as I observe “only in Mexico” things such as two week long street fairs.  Fireworks set off during the day to call people to church on holy days and Sundays.  A man walking through town with a wheelbarrow full of fish ready to cut your fillets as you like them and weigh out what you need for dinner. 

And then I have my breath taken away by the beauty in the countryside and in the major cities.  As we drive from place to place we are taken through mountains and into valleys and through national parks that rival the hills of Tuscany in their splendor.  Large ranches with horses and cows and sheep to our right and left.  We arrive in charming college towns like Guanajato that take us back to Quebec City, while bringing us into their own spirit with Mariacchi music and families exploring into all hours of the night.

Mazanillo had the weather of Hawaii with the hospitality and warmheartedness that can only be Latin America.  The beaches were beautiful and our hotel was perfect.

Morelia the capital city of Michoacan, said to be the most dangerous place in Mexico where no US citizen should tread; rivaled Milan with its hustle, bustle and beauty.  Centered around the church with artists and dancers and live music, we walked through cafes and watched street performers.  We dined on a 5 star meal overlooking the plaza, and regretted that we did not plan to stay longer.

I could go on and on as I have learned about the health care system, the educational system, the 6 day work week, and many of the other social aspects of this country.  I find a new culinary delight daily whether it is eating food from a street vendor, handmade gelato, dining in a small café with no menu, or at the best restaurants in Mexico’s major cities sipping lip licking tequila.  I resist buying every piece of exquisite jewelry, tapestry, dishware, and clothing I pass.  All made with meticulous detail and artistic flair.  I say I resist buying every piece – I've bought a lot! Because once again, everything here could not even be described as affordable; one cannot figure out how they are even able to make the items, afford a store front, and have a salary it’s so inexpensive.

I don’t know why I feel such a strong impulse to tell you about how wonderful it is here.  It’s my sense of justice, I suppose. These people and their beautiful country deserve a chance to settle into your heart.  Quite honestly they deserve a chance to earn your tourism dollars, and to grow as a major contributor in the world economy.  They’re putting their nose to the grindstone every day with a smile on their face and love in their hearts, ready to welcome everyone into the place they call home. 

So there you have it – it’s time to plan a trip to Mexico. And don’t tell me you’re headed to Cancun or Puerto Vallerta! Yes, those places are gorgeous, but Mexico is not only a resort.  Be sure to explore the countryside, the coast, the mountains.  Talk to the people here, eat their food, listen to their stories.   You will get an earful on where to visit that will have you discovering what truly makes this country and its people so special.  Be a traveler, not a tourist.  And when you get here - tell them Tina sent you.

If you wish to travel far and fast, travel light. 

Take off all your envies, jealousies, unforgiveness, selfishness and fears.

Cesare Pavese