It seemed slow at first, but Spring is here. That means our time in Guanajuato, Mexico is coming to a close in a few short weeks, and we're preparing for our annual migration north, back the Yukon, and my home in Dawson City. Since the time for creation is over, for now, I have more time to reflect on these past three months.
There’s a lot to love about Mexico. For me, one key thing is the warmth of the people. Maybe the climate influences the people, I don’t know, but I like the way they treat one another. There’s deference for Senoras reliably setting up shop on the side of the street to sell veggies and honey. They do a decent business too. There’s respect and generosity for the elderly employees bagging groceries at the g stores, and most people aren’t shy when it comes to charity needed for the people too disabled or unable to work. Maybe they don’t give much, but many give something, and I’m sure it helps. Maybe it’s the prevalence of churches and religious devotion that makes this so, or maybe it’s a greater realization that the shoe could be on the other foot under different circumstances. Maybe it’s the fact the people most in need don't beg but try to sell small trinkets. Either way, it’s nice to see the neediest members of society treated with humanity and a population collectively act as though we’re in it together.
There are so many highlights to include, like the colours that are everywhere, and the combinations of the colours on the buildings that are stacked one on top of another in a careless and beautiful way. It’s all inspiration for me.
I love the disregard for what Canada would consider building basics, like squaring a floor, or leaning walls that have stood exactly as they are for decades at the very least. In this sense, Mexico has taught me a lot about cement work and masonry and the ways they can be used. You can build buildings or sculpt statues, and basically, if you can think it, there’s a way to do it. These are things I can move forward with as I experiment more with cement. It has been a very exciting and educational time for me as my understanding of everything cement grows. Here are a few pictures of a Mammoth of cement and wire.
I feel as though it’s hard not to be inspired by the sensory overload that is Guanajuato. Even the sounds are intoxicating. It’s not traffic and sirens, but the music of roving Mariachi bands as they look for their next gig. They go late into the night and in the evenings when my wife and I are enjoying wine on our terrace we can hear the music float up to us on the hill.
It’s quite a life we have to be sure, and after three months of breathing in every moment, it feels familiar, but I think we’re both ready for home and the BIG outdoors of the Yukon.
