I returned from my bike trip two years ago. Still, the only time I hear about Mexico in the news is in reference to the violence surrounding the drug cartels. People I talk to perceive it as a country where you would be lucky to come away alive. This was so different from what I saw. There was poverty everywhere but the people were universally friendly. I often thought of how much the people there really did have "family values" as opposed to the stuff that we are sold here. I often saw three generations of family together in public and even the teens seemed to be enjoying the company of the other family members. Another thing that has occurred to me often is what the experience of a Mexican cyclist with little English skills would have on a tour of the U.S.. I think his experience would have been quite different.
2012 was a shit year for me. My mother died in the winter and my cat died late in the summer. I dealt with the worst depression of my life. As I exit from that period, I am looking ahead and wondering what is next. A trip similar to the one in this blog would be a great way to contemplate the possibilities. I have learned a lot about myself and going through difficult times is a good way to see who really cares about you. I am excited again about the future.