Valentine's Day in the Square in Jocotepec

Sunday, Feb. 15 / 2015  

We are at the end of 5 overcast days, with sudden outbursts of rain and brief moments of wild wind. This is unusual this time of year, but weather in general is unusual due to global warming. Our little cobblestone country road turned into a river, splashing our already unimpressive rented refurbished Saturn with mud!

The temperature is still fairly warm for us, (70-75 degrees) but the humidity has our Mexican friends wrapped up in scarves, sweaters, fleece jackets and woolly caps. So don’t be fooled that every day in Mexico is a sunny paradise. It just seems no matter what happens here there is more humour and intrigue. People are stoic and go about life regardless of hardship. I have such respect for the folks here. There is rarely a day that goes by when I don’t witness unexpected generosity and kindness.

So here are some photos of the Valentine’s Day Kiosques in the Square. Despite cool weather, people were out hunting for treasures for their loved ones. The square is always bubbling with life; people of all ages appear either wandering or seated on the many benches. It is a meeting place. I always feel in Mexico people are very connected. They talk to each other freely regardless of age differences, handicaps etc.  I am not saying there isn’t the usual awareness of economic differences and I know that as a non-Mexican observer I don’t see all the “layers of the onion”. But I do see a person-to-person comfort that I enjoy.

It is truly sad that the media focuses on the horrors (and they are very real) but it would be nice if the world knew that the average Mexican helps his “brother and sister”. It is not done begrudgingly or with expectations. It is simply part of a very strong feeling of connection and empathy that I have observed over the 6+ years I have been spending winters here.

Last night our car overheated and steam was pouring out the hood. We were given a large bucket of water, and then went to a Service Station (it was getting dark) for assistance. The attendant was kind, helpful and carefully attempted to refill the radiator. He then called a “mecanico” who appeared in 5 minutes and jerry rigged the wiring so we could drive home. (this was done by flashlight, with his small toolbox)  The fee, 100 pesos ($8.00)!