In the Before Days

Long time ago, in my 20s me and the guy that I was dating went to Mexico. We ended meeting a very nice middle aged couple from Texas, who were there to do some diving and spearfishing. They invited us on their yacht trip to just tag along; we could snorkel while they dove. They hired 3 Mexicans and this yacht and we all had an amazing day in the hot sun, in waters that were Scope blue. The Texans brought their catch back in the boat and the 3 guys grilled the fish which we all ate. The Texans were so generous and kind and hilarious and they wanted nothing from us but our company. They just had huge grins which I can still see. I don’t know why this memory surfaces at this time but the travelling, the serendipity, the friendliness, big heartedness and acceptance with no strings attached whatsoever appears like explosive colour in my mind during my very monotone grey days which are filled with doomscrolling and news riddled with hate and confrontation.

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Nice read and glad it went good for you

Apr 8, 2021 at 1:43pm

Cuz i just seen the netflix series 'The Serpent' about people visiting Thailand back in the day and it didn't go so good for them - to say the least. Guess its about keeping our radar on in this life and/or keeping linked to the protection of the the higher powers. Probably both. Be well and walk good Sisters & Brothers. OCM Sto:lo Coast Salish salutations

Anonymous

Apr 8, 2021 at 2:06pm

No one in Canada likes to admit that Americans are really nice and friendly. (NYC, excluded) Sure there's nasty people, and that countries politics is insane, but I've never me more friendly people in my life. So friendly; coming from Vancouver, it's overwhelming at times.

Great description

Apr 8, 2021 at 2:48pm

There is often a specific brand of mutual trust and generosity extended between people while travelling that is pure magic.

Great story

Apr 8, 2021 at 3:06pm

Thanks for sharing
I’ve experienced the kindness and generosity from Americans as well

Dive people are often good people

Apr 8, 2021 at 4:20pm

Scuba takes a bit of discipline to do safely and competently.
A very diverse group to be sure. Still, I've rarely had bad experiences with the long-time dive crowd. At over 300 dives myself so a considerable amount of data, bunch of different places.
The "tourists" are a different matter but tourists often are.

And the Mexicans I know here are lovely. Quit doomscrolling and find some to chat with. They're a sociable bunch.

9 9Rating: 0

Wow

Apr 8, 2021 at 4:49pm

No sex, drugs or booze? Next time include say a threesome or the captain eating the caught fish off your body while your bf went snorkeling with the captain’s wife naked with the sharks. Confession readers such as myself are stuck at home, some trying to recover from Covid, who rely of writers such as yourself to provide some spice to our otherwise quiet lives.

Some Americans

Apr 8, 2021 at 5:14pm

Are nice and friendly but a good number are the total opposite. The same could be said of Canadians.

Covid has for sure brought out the worst in people who were already douchebags to begin with.

Cowgirl

Apr 8, 2021 at 5:14pm

I used to live in Dallas and know the hospitality you speak of. They are amazing people.
I love Texans, the great state of Texas and its culture.
I am happy to hear you had such a wonderful experience.

Anonymous

Apr 8, 2021 at 7:47pm

Decades ago down in Austin City, I met a real Yankee Doodle Dandy. Great chap, he bought me a human alcohol beer free of charge.

29 4Rating: +25

OP

Apr 8, 2021 at 8:40pm

Thanks for the comments, everyone. Generally speaking, and I’m probably speaking for many others as well, but I’m just really missing humanity with people that I know, and with people that I haven’t met yet. I miss humanity in the people directly in front of me, like the cashiers at the stores, as I can’t hear what they are saying between their mask, face shield, and plexiglass divider between us. I’m missing the time to be with my sports team as it’s too dangerous now to get together ( just look at what happened to the Canucks ). I miss that high of meeting a new person who turns into friend at a concert. I miss that speedy exchange of quips and laughs with my existing friends face to face. Most of all I miss just sending myself out in the world knowing that no harm is coming my way and that I will come home with an adventure story because magic happened with other people and me. The Texans that I met, they epitomize the open spirit that I come across when travelling, and while I may not remember their names, I will always remember them.

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