Just back from spending Thanksgiving week in Mexico where I experienced a few mind numbing moments. Please allow me to share.
As my 2 ounces of toothpaste (left in a 5 ounce tube) was confiscated at the airport, the TSA agent tried to make me feel better by telling me this is "all because of 9/11". "Paste can be formed into explosives", she said. I told her I appreciated that she was just doing her job, but that comment was total BS. The only reason for the rediculous security measures was to raise gullible American's fear level while pretending to keep them safe by making a big show at airports. I suggested better immigration and border control policies would provide real security.
While on a bus tour to Mayan ruins in Tulum, a woman commented how "they" are "taking over" "their" area in Washington State these days. When I asked who "they" are, she said, "the Mexicans". Needless to say, I was appalled.
While walking the beach, we came across a long stretch not developed by a hotel yet. I was saddened to see the trash washed up along the beach - a dozen tires, a bathtub, more plastic bottles and bags than I could count, shoes, toys etc..... My only surprise was I didn't step on a hyperdermic needle.
While talking to the locals, they confirmed what we already knew - that they are no different from us. They are mothers and fathers who moved from different parts of Mexico to the Yucatan area for jobs and better opportunities for their children. They want the same thing we do - peace, prosperity and good health.
Although we had a wonderful time, I couldn't help but be a little sad. Fear, racism, and pollution reared their ugly heads on this trip which, once again, caused me to feel embarrassed to be a human being. Sometimes I think we are too arrogant to deserve all we have been given. Our stewardship of this planet has been abysmal, our treatment of each other has been worse.
Yet, at the end of our trip, something unexpected and wonderful happened. While snorkeling on Saturday, after we all got out of the water, I was sitting on the dock. Slowly, something came up to me. A great big beautiful manatee made his presence known. He watched me for a few moments, them swam past and began to feed off the bottom of the cenote. He seemed to know I was no threat to him. After a few more minutes, he swam away, leaving me feeling like Mother Nature (or God, or Karma, or whatever) gave me a special gift to raise my hopes that maybe, just maybe, there is hope for us humans after all.