I just recently returned from another trip to Mexico. Though I was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, every time I travel to Mexico I realize that what the country and its people offer to me … the beauty, the lessons, the transformation … goes way beyond simply feeling “at home” because we share the same language.
The first time I visited Mexico, shortly after my college graduation, the country gifted me with the rediscovery of my language, my rhythm, my identity. I had spent years in the U.S. learning how to be American and — unbeknownst to me –forgetting how to be Hispanic. My first trip to Mexico healed all that; allowing me to reclaim and reintegrate who I was, my purpose and my work in the U.S.
This time, the lessons of the trip were around resonance, healing and community. It is true that there’s always a tradeoff — Mexico is Mexico, ancient, dusty, rustic, with its water challenges and its raw environments. But also, Mexico is Mexico with its delicious fruits, art and architecture and especially its beautiful, warm, service-oriented people.
In Mexico, when you sit at a restaurant and you are left alone for a while, you are not being ignored … rather they’re giving you the gift of respect, the gift of space, the gift of time. They want you to take your time and enjoy yourself. Most Mexicans are wonderfully adept at customer service because they understand on a very deep sense the concept of empathy and true service, service with heart.
During this trip I had the pleasure of observing food being prepared with love, care and heart. Humble people not asking for money but rather selling their wares, not taking the “no’s” personally. People in a village who, instead of setting their trash containers outside for the garbage truck to pick them up, wait for the truck and take out their trash so they can thank the worker and in the process build community. Just experiencing something as communal and simple as that is inspirational for what’s needed, what’s missing and what’s possible in our workplaces, in our management, in our communities.
Also on this trip I gained a whole new level of appreciation for the skill, handiwork and artistic ability of the Mexican people. The clothing, the weavings, the colors, the flowers, the beads, the masks, the crafts. These are a people truly gifted with hands that heal, hearts that understand, skill that transforms ordinary items into art.
My entire journey was a celebration of community and a recognition of the true spirit of service in community, through food, through bartered exchanges at the market, through contact with nature, amazing sites and well-grounded people. An inspiration for my heart, for my training and consulting work, for my work-in-the world.
What a beautiful painting of your experience of the Mexican people, culture, place, and heart. It truly reflects your own values and the grace with which you treat others and live your life. Thank you for sharing Adrilia!
Nice commentary Adrilia. I hope all is well with you.
This makes me want to go to Mexico and appreciate the culture. Great blog!
Adrilia, your posted trip to Mexico caught my eye – I’m a fellow adventurer. Your skill in describing the alluring side of Mexico and especially it’s people is excellent — and warm. Thank you for sharing. I encourage you to submit your comments to Mexican focused travel magazines.
Adventure is a journey – for the body, mind and soul. Adventure comes from small steps, from traveling long distances. Adventure is what we make of life, of the opportunities we see and seize and from all the interactions we have — with people, places, nature. We are blessed to have the opportunity to adventure through life.
Beautiful Adrilia, you have a gift with words. Thank you for helping me to see what is there, especially since I did not have time to visit in the market, the real community, this year 🙂
Mexico is such a lovely place! If you’ve never ventured past the border, you’re missing out on a wonderful country of such amazing diversity. When we visited some time ago, we traveled to Real de Catorce (awesome ghost silver mining town), Querétaro (the most beautiful bougainvilleas), San Miguel de Allende (check out the public library with the lovely courtyard and cafe), Guanajuato (the unusual mummy museum and underground roads) and Dolores Hidalgo for, of course, the colorful and sophisticated pottery! All a joy and a must visit!
How wonderful to read your comments. Thanks very much for your insights, suggestions and shared experiences. Feels like Christmas morning!
I just wanted to say that I stumbled upon this link through a friend’s fb page and like your writing style. I live/work in Central America after living in Peru for 2 years, so I thought you may be interested in reading other commentary as well. Safe travels!
What a beautiful experience Adrilia, but also I love your wording of the whole trip and journey. Did you ever consider writing a book? You write so well. Thank you. You are such an Inspiration.
Hi, Gillian. I love your beautiful take on the notion of “adventure”. It is a wonderful attitude that helps us approach our day, our work, the characters in our lives, our challenges and of course travel — with fresh eyes and openness. Thanks for your insightful comment. Travel reminds us that life is an adventure … and it also reminds us that we can choose to be heroes and sheroes in that adventure!
Welcome! Joslyn, and thanks for your comment. How was it to live 2 years in Peru? Would love to hear your perspectives on life and work in Central America. Such a beautiful opportunity to discover unique differences and especially the beautiful human commonality we all share no matter where we live.
Hi Margo! Thanks so much for writing and for your kind comments. Traveling to Mexico seems to always have the effect of opening my heart even more. So when I write about it that’s part of the exchange that comes across. I’m very happy you enjoyed reading it.