An experience I had walking across the Mexico-US border from
Tijuana to San Diego is one I won’t soon forget.
It is a vibrant example how free enterprise works no matter the wealth of the surrounding culture. There were hundreds of people, maybe even a thousand, cued up in line to go through the Customs checkpoint. There were the many Mexicans vying to apply for work permits.
Others, like us, had their papers in order. And there were many others who were hoping to sell to people in line. Among the things seen being sold by the locals were the usual small packets of chewing gum “Chiclet, Chiclet” they call. There were also freshly-made (apparently) potato chips (complete with optional hot sauce or salt added), churros (didn’t seem that fresh) and all kinds of ice cream and candy. There were taco and burrito stands, ipod car chargers, braclets and wallets all for sale, either by cart, at a stand or held by hand.
It is a vibrant example how free enterprise works no matter the wealth of the surrounding culture. There were hundreds of people, maybe even a thousand, cued up in line to go through the Customs checkpoint. There were the many Mexicans vying to apply for work permits.
Others, like us, had their papers in order. And there were many others who were hoping to sell to people in line. Among the things seen being sold by the locals were the usual small packets of chewing gum “Chiclet, Chiclet” they call. There were also freshly-made (apparently) potato chips (complete with optional hot sauce or salt added), churros (didn’t seem that fresh) and all kinds of ice cream and candy. There were taco and burrito stands, ipod car chargers, braclets and wallets all for sale, either by cart, at a stand or held by hand.
 | |
| A man sells candy at the beach in La Mision, Baja, Mexico (click to enlarge) |
Not
selling anything, but just hoping for money, were all kind of disabled folks
(some of whom were double amputees) as well as a mother and her newborn
baby. One of the more poignant moments was spent standing by a woman singing songs over a karaoke machine. She looked to be around 60 years old, and had a sweet, but tired voice. She had a guitar sitting nearby and was selling CDs. She made no eye contact with any of the passersby, that I noticed. But she kept singing, looking off into the distance.
Although the weather was warm, many were dressed for cold, perhaps because that was all they owned. The cost to use the bathroom, by the way, was 50 pesos or $3.
Having finally crossed through the checkpoint, one is dramatically reminded why being an American is a blessing.
Although the weather was warm, many were dressed for cold, perhaps because that was all they owned. The cost to use the bathroom, by the way, was 50 pesos or $3.
Having finally crossed through the checkpoint, one is dramatically reminded why being an American is a blessing.
No comments:
Post a Comment