My body wakes up without me opening my eyes, images of the mountains in Chiapas begin to pop into my mind. Everything is green and beautiful. The air cools off my skin from the coastal heat as I lean in the fun curves that take me up and down through the Sierra Madre. I look up, way up high, it’s full of tall sheltering trees on each side of the road. To my surprise, the valleys have fertile fields covered with corn, grapes, coffee, lettuces, cabbages and more! I cannot believe it. It reminds me of family trips when we talked about farming in Mexico, how much it had changed and suffered since the NAFTA.
Suddenly, I see this richness in front of me. I ride next to and in between vendors selling blouses with multicolored flowers and birds perfectly stitched on them; they are so attractive and unique, they make me feel proud of Mexicans’ work. I even think of only wearing those clothes from now on. Some people wave back with a smile they did not expect to give away, many men walking by are wearing straw hats, white long sleeve shirts, pants and sandals, while most women decorate themselves with the typical skirts or dresses I admire.
I think of all the markets I have visited around the world, searching for a unique souvenir to photograph and show back home. Arts and crafts are wonderful in many places, but nothing has yet surpassed my country’s, not in my eyes. Just like the food, so many good dishes to choose from, oh, so happy to be from here! I feel the vibration of the bike again, stay alert, a huge speed-bump ahead makes me stand up and giggle as I hold on to my chico’s shoulders and chest hearing him say “tope”.
We both smile. I enjoy the dancing jeans, T-shirts, shorts, dresses and underwear hanging from the clotheslines; I find them so fun, just drying up in the air next to a window or right by those brick and metal houses with wandering chickens and dogs around them.
My eyes begin to open as the images fade away, I need to pee and I know its cold outside. My goddess… I can’t hold it anymore. Maybe a cup or plastic bottle could do, but no, I get up quietly to put on my sandals and T-shirt. I walk towards the coat rack in front of the bed to throw on my hooded jacket and walk outside. Uff, its chilly, I finally pee, what a relief! I quickly flush the god knows how many liters or gallons toilet and hurry outside. Right before opening the door of the apartment I look up into the sky, the stars are shining bright on me.
I remember Summer Camp, learning about the Big and Little Dipper, Orion’s belt, the North Star, compasses, tents, wilderness in general… How special that was! Standing on the dippy duck next to the dark lake at night, listening to calm waves hit the shore, the call of the loons and chatting in silence with my dear friends. I was so young. I have a feeling of an ageless being, like no time has ever gone by. They seem the same stars, the same sky and… the same me? Nop, for I have so much more in my heart.
I go back into the room, remembering its bed time and not spacing out time. I close the heavy metal door and leave my clothes behind me, completely naked I crawl back into bed, almost shivering. As I lay down to let my right ear rest on the pillow, I feel my chico’s arms around me. He slides next to me with his dear body of mine warming me up. It feels incredible. I love squeezing my cold feet in between his legs and letting my butt cheeks touch him gently. It’s a magical moment. I feel so good, so happy, so loved. I smile remembering how tight I hold him while on the road sometimes.
I love hugging him when I cannot find the words to express how thankful I am for each moment during the ride. It just happens! I close my eyes… He holds my right hand and touches my boobs, belly and hips with his left one. Oh, so sexy, so cuddly. We both fall asleep again. I’m now ready to keep resting and enjoying my adventure. I love it!
Awe, mi chica