He once was lost and now he’s found,
Was blind and now he sees…
No…no….no…he has always wanted to be lost. From a young age he relished the chance to blend in and camouflage himself. So you would think that being one of only two gringos in a mid-sized Mexican city (Xalapa, in Veracruz State) would leave him anything but blending in. While standing at least a foot taller that the average local, he had a clear view of his brother as they wound their way through the streets at a fair but recoverable distance from one another. Just in town, and no roots as of yet, a quick turn and he could be alone for hours if not indefinitely. By the time his brother’s mind surfaced from its current absorption, they would be separated by endless thin streets meandering through centuries old Spanish architecture.
Was blind and now he sees…
No…no….no…he has always wanted to be lost. From a young age he relished the chance to blend in and camouflage himself. So you would think that being one of only two gringos in a mid-sized Mexican city (Xalapa, in Veracruz State) would leave him anything but blending in. While standing at least a foot taller that the average local, he had a clear view of his brother as they wound their way through the streets at a fair but recoverable distance from one another. Just in town, and no roots as of yet, a quick turn and he could be alone for hours if not indefinitely. By the time his brother’s mind surfaced from its current absorption, they would be separated by endless thin streets meandering through centuries old Spanish architecture.
So he pokes his head into a local barbershop. Not like he has ever seen but clearly the woman of the family cut hair. It had been warm and his shag long. She smiled gratefully for the opportunity. He sat back and had little concerns except the lingering thought that his travels may have just become solo. As it is, so shall it be.
Like homing pigeons, brothers find one another. They headed out of this larger enclave of culture by autobus through the mountains toward Coatepec (10 kilometers South). This smaller community offered cold beer, delicious food, and locals who played proud guides for free. A strenuous hike left us on top of the peak overlooking it all. But still they wanted to get lost further.
Down the road another 5 clicks or so they found a real hideout. Xico was a very small and friendly place. All things are quiet and dark at nightfall. Climbing down a jungle path just south of the last stone street, they found a rare roaring river. They passed on viewing the cascade to the West and agreed to spend a couple nights in a tree fort wedged up in the rocks over-looking and over-listening the constant force of the water on the rocks. They could not hear one another and settled in to the wonderful feeling of lost.
