Abuelo y Nieto (Grandfather & Grandson)
Today is my last full day in SMA. Quite frankly, I loved it here. There is a big expat community of both Americans and Canadians. I’ve found everyone, regardless of nationality to be friendly, open, and accommodating. I’ve enjoyed this international journey so much more than I did to Australia, where, as I mentioned, I found the people rather stand-offish. Anyway, different cultures. 
Of course, I had someone to show me around, introduce me to other people, etc; however, when I ventured out on my own, I noticed that people were just as friendly. I met complete strangers in the Jardin (The central garden in town were people come to hang out.), had conversations, etc.
I met one lady, Ci-Ci, in the internet cafe around the corner. We’ve run into each other 3 times, so far. This morning, we met again at the Mercado Organico, a weekly organic market where, it seems, most people in town come. I was greeted with a hardy hello and a nice, long hug. This is my kind of place. I’m greeted several times per day, on the street, with: Hola! Qué tal? (What’s up?).
This morning, during my walk, I noticed this grandfather and grandson walking down the street and it just spoke to me about what it is about here. It’s about family, not getting ahead. It’s about community. Over and over, I’ve heard the same story by expats. “I came here _____ years ago, and never left.” or “I came here _____ years ago, now I’m here every year 3 – 6 months”.
Even as I type this, I’m thinking about my return visit. I’ll probably come back, perhaps later in the year, or early next year, stay a month, or so, and work from here. I like this place. Besides, I need to work on my Spanish!
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The shot of the child with his grandfather is full of rich color and texture. It’s a great shot. This is such a colorful place but I don’t find the colors distracting.
ken bello recently posted..the future of (my) photography
Thanks, Ken. I’ve tried out a couple of B&W things, but have discarded them. Color is such an integral part of this place that, for me, B&W just doesn’t work.
Three excellent images telling a story about the community and the people. Sounds and looks like a place I would enjoy visiting or even living. Many of these communities have so much to offer and a laid back life style which is one reason so many people from the US and Canada know little about. No wonder people come back or stay.
Monte Stevens recently posted..While it snows….
Monte: Almost everyone had the same story: Came here, never went back. It was amazing. Now, having been there, I can most certainly understand why.
I’m heading back myself.
You need to come and visit me when I go back, or come with me!
We could have fun! Start practicing your Spanish right now.
Great series of photos, Paul. We went to Australia back in 1996 – the people there seemed to bend over backwards to please Americans. I wonder what’s changed since then? Of course a lot can happen in 17 years or so…
John – Visual Notebook recently posted..Common Things #2 – Split the Difference
Well, not sure where you went in Australia, I was in Sydney. Overall, my experience was far superior in Mexico.
Great visual storytellin,as always. Love the atmosphere in the shots. If you don’t mind me asking: what gear did you use for your street photography? Does it work to approach people using your “big guns”, or do you opt for something smaller, less obtrusive?
Thomas recently posted..Scotland – once more
Thanks, Thomas. I used an Olympus OM-D, EM-5 for all of the shots. It’s a nice, little, unobtrusive camera. It makes me look like a harmless, tourist.