SAN MIGUEL
In the evening I went to the wooded square in front of the lighted cathedral. The square was full of people sitting at the many park benches and strolling in the evening. I watched friends meet each other and first hug everyone in the group and then ten minutes later when they were parting hug everyone again. Some people were eating boiled corn on the cob slathered with mayonaisse, cheese and hot sauce which I also tried and others were eating ice cream from the many ice cream carts. I had a feeling of warmth and peace even though the cool wind was blowing. Above us was the lighted cathedral. People were having a great time.
And suddenly American pride popped into my head, American exceptionalism, and I began to wonder, how could anything be more exceptional than this evening with the human warmth of people together, the delicious tacos I was about to eat at Andy’s Taco Cart, the mariachi bands playing all around me, the feeling of religious devotion as people entered the ornate church. I thought of the strip malls and emphasis on consumerism at home. I thought of Frank and Grace coming to live here. Back home Trump was announcing new tariffs on Mexico to start tomorrow as he deports Mexicans and others.
I felt a discordant irony and didn’t know what to make of this odd feeling. Instead I just enjoyed being here.
Here is a video of a mariachi band circled around me. If you had a Vision Pro you would see it in 3D, but enjoy it on the flat screen and get a little taste of exceptional Mexico.
https://share.icloud.com/photos/0aav1ra69J3aPAgPnQy9IIcuA
And then when I got back to my Airbnb my daughter Susie, contacted me on Facetime. She was at a benefit concert at the Grey Eagle in Asheville. The place was packed. They were raising money for Zuma Cafe in Marshall which had been devastated by Helene’s flooding. I recognized the band, with Eric, a friend of Susie and Todd playing an electric guitar. Everyone was dancing and having a wonderful time. The USA can be pretty warm and exceptional place as well.
BILLYBABA’S WANDERING 