First time out of the country...MEXICO 1996

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I have to make a disclaimer about my photos. They are not up to the par of photos today. Digital cameras and iPhones did not exist. Most of my pics were taken from a disposal camera from this trip. In this first photo to the right, the man on my left is not reaching for my breast. Just bad timing of the photo. :)

The first country I ventured to explore was Mexico. My friends and I embarked on an

impromptu road trip from Park City, Utah. Side note: I had spent multiple snowboard seasons in Park City, working my ass off waiting tables and working the ski slopes (for a season pass). After each ski season, I would pick somewhere to travel, run out of money, and then repeat the whole cycle the next season. Maybe it was irresponsible, but I don't regret a thing. I did this for 7-8 years. I recommend it to anyone who has a wanderlust spirit.

So, back to getting to Mexico. My friends and I drove through Arizona, eventually reaching the bustling border town of Nogales. It was almost midnight when we arrived, and we needed to find a parking lot to store my car for a month. Somehow, we managed to find one, paid for the month, and handed over my keys without a second thought. Stupidly, we crossed into Mexico on foot after dark. With our oversized backpacks and clueless expressions, we were the epitome of naïve gringos.

We wandered aimlessly through the unfamiliar streets, lacking a map and in the pre-GPS era, clueless about our destination. As we trudged along, hoping to stumble upon a train station, a sleek black Mercedes pulled up beside us. The driver, a middle-aged man named Marcus, rolled down his window and sternly advised us that walking around Nogales at night was a dangerous idea. He told us that walking to the train station at this time of night was not safe and that the train wouldn't come until morning.

He introduced himself as the owner of a nearby restaurant and offered us a place to stay for the night, along with a ride there. Sensing our hesitation, he pointed out the location of his restaurant and said he would meet us there. Faced with the choice of either trusting a stranger or continuing our blind trek through the night, we decided to take a leap of faith. It was a decision that could have ended disastrously, with headlines reading, "Five Gringos Disappear in Border Town," but instead, it turned into an unforgettable act of kindness.

The man met us at his closed restaurant and offered us refuge for the night. He generously told us to help ourselves to food and drinks, ensuring our safety until morning. We spent the night indulging in the unexpected hospitality, savoring the warmth and security of our unlikely sanctuary. Sleeping in the restaurant's booths, we felt a profound sense of gratitude and relief. The photo to the left is a picture of a placemat from the restaurant I took as a keepsake. I can't believe I still have it.

The next morning, rejuvenated and with spirits high, we made our way to the train station. This serendipitous encounter set the tone for the rest of our Mexican adventure. Over the years, I’ve often reflected on that night and the man's kindness, a vivid reminder of the inherent goodness of people.

Mexico revealed itself to be a land of stunning beauty and extraordinary kindness. Throughout our travels, we experienced a tapestry of unforgettable moments, both joyous and challenging. Yet, the unwavering generosity of the Mexican people remained a constant, leaving an indelible mark on my heart.

This journey began with an act of compassion from a stranger, a testament to the incredible humanity that exists in the world. It's a story I’ve carried with me for over 25 years, a cherished memory that continues to inspire and remind me of the kindness that can be found in the most unexpected places.

I have many stories to share from Mexico on this blog but anything I share will be in no particular order. Basically, I will be sharing in a stream of like consciousness of my travels. I'm trying to make a record for myself but using this blog format to keep myself motivated in the writing of my recollections.

Check out my next post where I'll share travel essentials I recommend and wish I had at the time!

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