Jesus was nice enough to drive me to the airport in Leon where I would depart to Atlanta again. We did not have time to stop, so I stuck my camera out the window if he slowed down while going through some of the towns. I wish I had the grand shots of some of the mountains to show you just how stunning the landscape was. I wish I had really had a moment to take in the beauty of Mexico when I was here--I did do some drive-bys, but no real touring. What I can tell you is that I experienced the beauty of Mexico through the people who live there--and I'm not really talking about Americans and other foreigners who live there (many, many of them).
I felt the divide between Americans and Mexicans the entire trip--I didn't like it. I don't understand or agree with it; I may be criticized for this statement, but I can't escape the divide of the color/nationality line I witnessed in Mexico and have always witnessed my entire life here in the southern states.
This "sign" is just a moment in time. Not somewhere I went, not somewhere I knew, just a photo of a random place on the way back to the Mexican airport where I arrived: Leon.
We had passed a funeral on the way; we had passed state police (full armed gear standing in the backs of trucks) driving ahead of us; we had seen beautiful mountains and rancheros, including wildstock; but this was the least out-of-focus shot.
Hi Daryl. I'm with you on the "divide" you mentioned. I will probably get in more hot water than you with what I'm about to say, but I think it goes way past just American/Mexican. On top of all the domestic travel I do, I recently had opportunity to do some international travel and the air of superiority that most Americans carry with them is just appalling. I could go on for sentences but I best not. It's unfortunate the trip was under the circumstances that it was - it would have been neat to see more of Mexico through your lens. Welcome back and Happy New Year.
@rellimdj No matter where I have lived (north, south, northwest), it's the same. It's not just Americans--I've lived in Europe too--don't get me started. What I know is that people don't like walking in other people's shoes. Period. I'm not comfortable ever ignoring the utter poverty that is staring us in the face every day (whether here or abroad). And it's not because someone just doesn't have the "get up and go" needed to get there.
Photo's are a way to capture memories, so it doesn't matter what you put on the photo, its the memory that goes with the shot that is important! that is what you have done here so wonderful!!
I like this photo that presents a real sense of place. I agree with you up to a point on the divide people have created for themselves. Here, that divide still exists, but I also see people making an effort to overcome their differences. I have never been to Mexico, so can't comment on what you saw there, but I have seen the suspicion between cultures in the American southwest. Too bad.
Hi Daryl, I understand your sentiments, and wish our worlds would all mingle better, but for now, we can each try to live what we wish would be more widespread. I do like this photo a lot -- and the "Aqui" with the arrow pointing down made me smile. Here, as in this spot on the ground? Here, as in where "las palmas" are? In any case, the rest of the pictures you have in your mind will have to live there and keep you filled with visual memories. I hope you have a chance to go back to Mexico under different circumstances.
@jyokota it was the 'aqui' that had me. I can't begin to describe this trip. It's not a photographer's journey. It will inhabit a journal, short story, or novel but it is indelibly inscribed in my heart...aqui. :)
January 4th, 2014
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