Friday, January 28, 2011




































We always expect winter to be cold, grey and a bit dull, but when you are suddenly invited to Mexico for the time between Christmas and New Years your world turns around completely! There was little hesitation to "yes" and taking the last possible seat bound for Cabo we didn't even wonder what necessities we might have left behind.
The first few days were spent on board a lovely vessel with friends that all converged the day after Christmas. It's easy to travel with favorite people and the voyage that took us to our little beach in Paradise.
The air was warm, but not too warm, the sky was blue, but not too blue and the pool was cool and simply refreshing. We were now living in full Technicolor with Dobie surround sound smiling and laughing constantly. The birds, surf, live music and lack of mechanical sounds all were lovely. The fragrance of real evergreen Christmas trees , salt air and delicious kitchen smells were a daily joy.
Each day was so pleasant, we simply did not want our vacation to end. It was easy to forget the poor economy and the world suffering, but this was about to change. Our host arranged for us all to meet a young couple that has begun to build homes and schools for the "indigenous" people of Mexico. These are the migrants that work the fields and have been completely forsaken by the Mexican government. They have nothing! They have no shelter, food, water, clothing, medical attention and no education. As we visited the fields where they work, the horrid camps where they live and then finally the school and homes that have just been built by private funding, we were struck once more by how fortunate we are in contrast. The sad faces of the children in the fields were replaced by happy and clean faces at the school. We have since been able to help in some small ways and this worthy project will go on and on and gain speed with time.
Each time I go anywhere in the world I am humbled and thrilled at the same time. For me, the world is getting larger rather than smaller and the more I learn, the more I realize how little I know. Meanwhile, I am back in the cool grey and quite content. If and when I ever go again, it will be time for a change of scenery and I will surely love it!
Happy New Year and Happy Trails!
Jane