Last week, I crossed the border and visited Mexico with my mexican friend. I was really excited, but I’m not gonna lie I was partly scared. Why? Probably because of the reactions I got when I told people I was going. Maybe because I had blonde hair and blue eyes, because I thought I might stand out and never make it back home. Of course, now, all of those small concerns that were lurking in the back of my mind seem silly.

Mexico was definitely something else. Its an experience I won’t forget. The carefree atmosphere was infectious and something I’d never experienced before. Seeing people overcrowd cars driving around a city with no seatbelts and no worries. Experiencing people paying the police to let them off when they were pulled over. This was definitely different to home for me. But, this is people’s home.

What I realised after my fun filled weekend of eating tacos and visiting bars, was that a lot of who we are depends on what family we are born into. I watched many people walk around homeless with hungry children begging by the border. People who might have no chance for a better life because of where they were born. I met beautiful people who were so welcoming, friendly, and hospitable but live in poor conditions. People who work hard so their children can have an education and a better life. Walking around the area, I saw houses that were built with tires and rags, homes that weren’t stable. But also seen smiles and laughter despite the bad conditions.

I loved my weekend in Mexico, I enjoyed my trip in a minivan with my friend’s mexican family. Blasting spanish music in the heat whilst eating ice creams and appreciating the views as we drove by the ocean and by Rosarito. Even though we broke down and were stranded on the side of the road for two hours, the not knowing what was going to happen next made it better. We were rescued by an ambulance and laughed it off. Even though there was a communication barrier between me and the rest of Mexico, it didn’t stop me from understanding certain situations that can often be picked up in the tone of people’s voices, in their body movements and gestures. When you are an outsider, it’s lovely meeting people who try their best to communicate with you and help you understand. It’s also wonderful just sitting back and embracing the culture.

I met a little puppy on my journey.  He was in a dark room beside a gas station, the barrier between us was barbed wire. The puppy looked sad so I decided to pet it. That’s when I noticed it had injuries and I knew he wasn’t treated well. This made me sad having to leave the adorable tiny puppy in horrible conditions after petting it and giving it some sort of hope. I realised that this is probably a common reality as I later saw many stray dogs on the street.

Mexico was eye opening. It was a wonderful experience. I had lots of fun and enjoyed myself with the company of wonderful people. But watching a family in tears saying goodbye to one another was heartbreaking. Knowing that a Mother can’t accompany her children safely to the otherside for a better life. The kids have to get by on their own and leave their parents behind. I’ve never had to have been seperated from my mother, I’ve been lucky enough to live with my family and get an education.

The experience has made me think about those who feel helpless and hopeless. People who have to leave their home for a better life. Seeing people laugh and smile even though their lives aren’t the way they planned, is even more inspiring.

 

Look around you and listen a little closer to others. Appreciate life 🙂

Over and out,

Saoirse.