Todays cool story about a random interaction in a foreign country with a stranger turned friend ... When I set out for the pyramids this morning, I was initially going to walk 7km to a bus station, take a public bus 55km, wander around and then return the same way. Wanting to get there a bit quicker, I decided to splurge on a cab to the bus station, and was led to a brand new Toyota sedan with a very friendly driver. After apologizing for his English (which was actually quite good), he asked where I was taking a bus to. I told him Teotihuacan and he asked why I wasnt taking the cab all the way there. I explained that I could not spend that much money. He quoted me the equivalent of $90, and I reiterated that this was outside my budget. He politely pressed on, reminding me that I was going to spend half my day on a hot bumpy bus and would be arriving at an important site about which I knew nothing and could not speak Spanish. Then he explained that the $90 would include the round trip, his waiting 5 hrs for me, and his services as a tour guide should I wish. Thus, Luis and Johnny set out on an adventure. He is an awesome guy. 54, putting his two daughters (close in age to Katy and Jack) through school, and supporting his parents, by driving and working part-time in a grocery store. He chattted the whole way there (including asking me, awesomely ironically, for relationship advice) and I decided hed be great company, so I paid his entrance to the site. We walked several kilometers as he explained the entire history and importance of every aspect of this incredible wonder of the world. He even declined to climb the Pyramid of the Sun with me, I think recognizing that Id enjoy some meditation time at the top (I did!). Before returning to Mexico City, Luis took me by a shop where his friend explained all about the techniques by which things are made, from carvings to textiles to tequila. She then proceeded to give me 6 free sample shots of delicious varieties of tequila. Im pretty sure I ended up drastically overpaying for a bottle and a few postcards, but it still feels like a bargain for the whole experience. On the drive back, Luis shifted into a whole near gear, asking me if I enjoy rock and roll. Of course I answered affirmatively, and he busted out a CD mix of raw and loud live Santana, Doors, Canned Heat, Ten Years Later, Zeppelin. So we cruised into town, windows down, tunes cranked, feeling great (one of us can attribute some of that to the tequila). I tipped him well and thanked him for a fantastic day. He gave me a big hug and said it was one of his best days in a while too. Life really is awesome :) Engage with the people around you. I guarantee you that, more often than not, you will discover that they are pretty great and you will both be better for the interaction ❤
Posted on: Sat, 24 Jan 2015 22:46:14 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015