Whenever we go to Los Altos, one of the first things we notice is ….
Well, first there are all of the cerros; I would call them large hills, or, maybe, small mountains. I do not know what the most accurate translation is, sorry, but, they are just that, small mountains. And, they are everywhere one looks.
Another thing is the open expanse of land. There are miles from the highway to the cerros, that are dotted with cacti, shrubs, small buildings, and the like. Many times we see small hovels that once housed a family, or, maybe, an abandoned business; still standing, but unused, at present.
Along the road, families have set up lean to’s, selling pecans, sometimes prepared food, and, even, corn on the cob, or off the cob. The thing I notice, maybe more than our traveling companions, is that those people, selling their wares, all seem to be smiling; as if they do not have a care in the world.
Sometimes, the folks have masks on, though that is not the norm. The air, there, is fresh, and, breezey; clean of pollutants, and CoVid19. Taking in a deep breath of clean, sweet smelling air, there, is, well, memorable.
It is as if we take a small trip back in time, just a bit; it is more primitive, if you will, than here, in the city. Well worth the time getting there.
Noise; there is none. Well, perhaps, not none, as there are the sounds of people moving along the streets, cars tooting a friendly “hello/hola” to everyone. Because it is a small town of about five hundred inhabitants, most people know each other. How special! But, it really cannot be considered as noise.
There is not the constant droning of machinery, equipment, construction, the Metro, the loud mufflers of the buses, cars honking, dogs barking, like here, in the city. It is peaceful, tranquil, and, quiet.
We go back as often as we can, when Jesús gets a vacation day, that is. We stay at J’s parents home, and are thankful for it. They feed us, and put us up for however many days, and nights, we can stay. Coming up, soon, we will be staying four nights ,and three days; plenty of time to decompress. It is a wonderful, relaxing time, shared with our new family, and friends. It is also the quinceñera of one of J’s cousins. Should be fun.
Please, stay happy, stay healthy, stay safe. Wash your hands, cover your mouth, and protect your loved ones.