Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Mexico--Segunda parte (Part Two)
......or "The Saga of 1200 N*ked Men!"

After walking the hallways of the National Palace and viewing the walls and walls of frescoes, I was actually feeling very civilized and sophisticated! Imagine the 180 degree turn around I felt as I approached our tour bus and walked directly past two Mexican women--protesting.
As I walked past these two women (trying my best not to look!), I began to wonder if I had somehow been transported into a National Geographic Magazine somewhere in the Rain Forest! I'm sure that if these women would have looked back a little further...they would have seen my jaw hanging in complete shock.

I stumbled onto our Coach and settled into my window seat feeling a bit dazed! How could it be that these women were willing to degrade themselves in such a way? How could this be legal; the square was filled with people, security guards, police--and no one was being arrested. As our tour bus pulled away from the curb and rounded the corner, my disbelief was audible, for we were now being surrounded by 1200 n*ked men protesting!
(Thanks to Dawn for translating the sign: "The Senate does not hear us or see us")

Each day for the last six months, this group of protesters wander the large square outside the Mexican Cathedral, National Palace, and Temple Mayor protesting n*ked.
They kept coming.......... .......and ......coming!


They surrounded our tour bus and we were forced to stop as the protesters walked by.

These business conferences are dangerous! ;)

Eventually, the crowd passed by and we were able to continue on with our very informative tour!

Moments later, sitting at a beautifully decorated and festive table, I began to feel more refined! With a mariachi band playing, the beauty of the Mexican culture permeated the room.....and my mind! It was a delightful lunch, although I did respectfully decline the Tongue Taco and Mole Enchilada after I asked the waiter what Tongue Taco's were. When he pointed to his tongue and said "Moo," I smiled and said "No, thank you!" I didn't want him to tell me about the "Mole"--think about it for a moment! However, I did find out later that "Mole" is not a rodent, it is a very rich, dark, chocolate sauce, that is actually quite good!
I continue to be grateful that although my life has its struggles, I have never been in a situation so devastating that I must stand n*ked on a busy square, in front of national landmarks, protesting private land being taken away by our Government.
It is always a good thing to do international travel and I so appreciate the people and the places that I am able to visit. Each time I return home, I have a renewed appreciation for the "Good Ole U S of A!!!!!!" Yes, we have our struggles, but there's truly "no place like home" in the whole wide world!!!!

15 comments:

Dawn said...

They must be very desperate to degrade themselves like that day after day. At least the men covered up a little bit! I get a kick out of the boots and socks and hats - the most important, I guess.

The same prof that translated the signs is a gourmet cook, and loves to dishes with Mole.

Grafted Branch said...

Uh.

I'm feeling so many things right now I don't know what to say. I'm with Dawn in thinking they must be very desperate.

And at the same time, I'm trying hard to hold back a wild peal of laughter at the thought...and, well...the sight! ;)

Scrambled Dregs said...

Thanks for the smiles.

Glad I stopped by.

Ah. Don't know what's more complex -- human beings or cats!

Thanks for swinging by to say hi!

groovyoldlady said...

"Here he comes - look at dat, look at dat!
There he goes - Look at dat, look at dat
And he ain't wearin' no clothes!

O yes they call him the streak
Wheeeeeeeee!
Fastest thing on two feet..."

Remember THAT gem from the 70's?

Of course, it looks like those fellas weren't movin' too fast!

Totally bizarre!

Sharon Lynne said...

That's certainly a unique way to get attention! Hopefully this method won't catch on in America.

Diane@Diane's Place said...

You truly don't have to travel very far from home to find that things are very different outside the States.

I hope their protesting has some positive results after their letting it all hang out. Literally.

Have a wonderful weekend, Diane. ;o)

Love and hugs,

Diane J.

Susie said...

Hi Diane,
Thanks for visiting me. We've seen lots of the Western coast of Mexico and are always amazed at the differences in cultural. I can never get use to seeing the armed soldiers riding around in trucks.
I've never seen naked protesters though.

Michelle (wife, mom, grandma, daughter, sister, friend, co-worker, and striving to be a Proverbs 31 woman) said...

I just have to agree with grafted branch's comments...I didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
We're cruising to Mexico next year with our two boys...now that would be a cultural lesson to be sure...
Blessings,
Michelle

Karen H. said...

Good Evening Diane,
Thanks for stopping by the other day. Wow!!!! I don't know if I could have stood there and watched those protesters or not. Well at least they weren't all naked. But still. I didn't post anything this weekend. I'm going to post tomorrow. Hubby made it home Friday evening around 5:15p.m. We went and ate fish and then came back home. We didn't do much of anything else at all. He had to leave at noon today to take a load to Kansas. He will be back home sometime Wednesday. He will be off the rest of the week. I'm cooking Thanksgiving dinner for the 4 of us and my parents and sister are coming to eat with us. Well, take care my friend and have a great week. May God Bless You and Yours.

Hugs,
Karen H.

Nadine said...

I agree there is no place like home. Taking one's clothes in protest is a desperate act.

Heather Smith said...

You seriously find some interesting things on your travels! I must say that I'm very glad we aren't allowed to protest naked. I'd seriously hate the thought of getting stuck in traffic jams like that on a daily basis! Hey, another thing to be thankful for!

someone else said...

Happy Thanksgiving, Diane!

Karen H. said...

Good Afternoon Diane,
I'm coming by to wish you and yours a "HAPPY THANKSGIVING". If you have time, stop by. I have a Thanksgiving banner on my today's post for all my blogging friends. We are under a Tornado Watch here until 8:00p.m. Then, the cold air will be here later tonight. It has been raining most of the day. We are dodging thunderstorms and tornadoes now. Take care my friend and have a great Wednesday. May God Bless You and Yours.

Hugs,
Karen H.

Just Me said...

Hi! I don't always comment...but I just wanted to. My daughter and I just did a missions trip to Mexico this summer, and we were in Mexico city. I'm certianly glad we didn't hit THAT protest. And..tho it does make you 'wince'...I couldn't help but wonder what on earth must be happening, that these precious people are willing to show they've been 'stripped of everything they have'. Pretty desperate. Pretty sad.

Gardenia said...

What wonderful photos and narrative. Well, I understand the metaphor of the nakedness - maybe I'll go downtown in protest of our gradual loss of freedoms - just kidding!