June 19, 2009
The great thing about traveling via roadway is you get to see the topography change out your window: the evolutionary changes of certain plants and the subtle progression of territorial formations. Also the economy: certain areas produce certain things depending on the local resources; this is the case for Mexico, Guatemala and the US. We see wealthy and prosperous communities and the fallen and downtrodden that at one time had prosperity. In the US it seems the smaller towns are becoming sparser.
We have recently learned it is a much “greener” lifestyle to live in a populated area as oppose to the countryside. Supposedly, city dwellers have less of a carbon foot print. In cities, resources are funneled to support a larger populous compared to resources being diverted to homes outside a metropolis as it would take more piping, laying of electrical lines, cutting of roads, and land occupation. In the city less space is taken up to house people and the countryside is left alone to support whatever flora and fauna that may still exist. However, the ideal situation would be to have a self-contained home non-dependent on any community resource divergence….kinda like the Chiapaneca indigenous…humm..to hard of a life for us. What we would do without electricity, potable water and internet?
Before returning to the States I thought it would be easy to know where we wanted to live. The Mexican lifestyle (at least in Oaxaca and Chiapas) seems much healthier in terms of fresh food, having to be alert while driving, being in places that promote walking more than riding and forcing habitual conservation as a way of life. Electricity is outrageously expensive and tap water is not safe for consumption and in some areas you never know when a pipe may break or a bribed official may cut off the water. The Mexican culture promotes politeness, family closeness, a naturally strong work ethic starting from birth (resulting in independence), and the cleanest floors I’ve ever seen in my life. For the American-born, the Mexicans teach you patience…..albeit unintentionally. Vive Mexico!!
However, upon our return to the US I see the simple things in our country as a luxury: wide, smooth, well-maintained and well-signage roads, stop lights you don’t have to guess at and water…..sweet-potable-tap-water. I will never buy bottled water again…..unless I’m in Florida (tap water grows algae in a matter of hours). The roads are litter free, doors open automatically, bikes are for recreation and we haven’t seen a car yet that is older than 20 years (unless it’s spruced up). However, the over consumption and wastefulness is mind-boggling. Life seems easy in US. USA!! USA!!
Carlsbad Cavern decorations.
Traveling eastward we stopped at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. For any child or family this is a must see, as is the Grand Canyon. The USA’s National Parks are a fabulous recreational resource and they are here for the people of the world….beats Disney World hands down…es mas economico, tambien.
We ended up staying in Ozona, Texas on our way to the Hill Country. This West Texas town is off I-10 and has 3 hotels, the cheapest being Travelodge - $77 USDs. Compared to Mexico, this place is a dive for the price, but it beats sleeping in van in oppressive humidity. A good night’s sleep has it’s price.
We had the good fortune of our friends Kenny and Kathy’s offering us their Hill Country ranch near Junction, Texas. After acclimating to the Texas heat we visited San Antonio for a couple of days, New Braunsfel, and Georgetown seeing long-time friends along the way. Bruce and I ate at one of our favorite TexMex food chains, Pappasitos and stuffed ourselves.
Gravel roads on ranch property.
