In late March, while Jean was walking under a sunny sky and temperature up to 35 degrees Celsius, we were buried in snow in Montreal.
After he left Matamoros, he walked towards Soto la Marina. The news I get from him are getting farther apart. Every time he gets a chance to be near a computer, he emails me, always writing a few words in Spanish... to practice... I guess! He admits he was a little nervous when he left Matamoros... everything was so much different... then he fell in love with Mexico and its people. He writes: " Zero problem here... no problemo aqui... the people are warm and hospitable, they give me food, wave at me, honk their horn and cheer when I go by... Here, the concept of the "middle class" is completely different than at home. It is more a question of self-esteem than a race to acquire material goods..." It makes you think... doesn't it?
On March 28th, he arrives in Tampico and he writes: " Once more, with the help of God, I meet an angel again. His mane is Rodolfo, I am staying in his home and tomorrow he will introduce me to the media"
The coverage by the media was super! Jean was on the news on 2 TV stations, 2 newspapers and 1 radio show. When he watched himself on TV, he was surprised that his Spanish was not too bad... Of course, he understood his own heavy accent !!!
On the 29th, I started receiving emails in Spanish...Well! I had to do something! I went out and bought a French/Spanish dictionary and a self-learning Spanish program. So far, I have done one lesson but I'll get there. I have time, as Jean will be in Spanish speaking country for another year and a half!!!
After Tampico, the next stop was Naranjos and then Poza Rica. He took advantage of his stay there to visit the archeological site of El Tajin that he enjoyed very much. In Poza Rica, on April 10th, he writes: " I just went through a region called "La tierra de las narancas". It is full of orange trees and the fruits are delicious. There are also papayas, mangos, coconuts and the banana season just started. I eat my fill of all these delicious fruits... Also, as always, the Mexican people let me taste all kinds of new vegetables and fruits typical of this country. I just love it!!! "
In the meantime, back in Montreal, I receive, by regular mail, packages containing photos, newspaper clippings and even a videocassette when Jean made the CBS news in Harlingen, Texas. All this, I will post on the Web site as soon as I have a chance...
When Jean left Tampico, his angel, Rodolfo wrote this: "Jean left Tampico yesterday, at about 08:30 A.M. He took his way to Veracruz so in about 3 weeks he will be taking a bus to Mexico City...
...You need to know something... when I took Jean to the "Tampico Bridge" (the one that leads to Veracruz) I felt as if part of myself was going with Jean, I really believe he gave more to us than what we gave to him. Every night he will be in our prayers, and of course all of his family too!!
I hope to read from you soon..."
On Easter Sunday, back from a family reunion, this email was waiting for me:
" Subject: Inspired?
Date: Sat, 14 Apr 2001
Jean,
How's it going? Good, I hope! Receive best wishes and all the encouragement you deserve from Wales, UK.
I today decided to walk the world. I searched for a website address, and came across you purely by chance! That is quite a commitment you are making.
I guess you will have had others drawing parallels between what you are
doing for your beliefs and the actions of the Buddha.
I am planning in 18 months or so to start a similar excursion to yourself, but with the aim of raising awareness of local environmental problems that nevertheless have global implications. It's partly because I'm an environmentalist, partly because I'm cynical about the way commerce is ruining the planet we live on. But significantly, it's also driven by my wish to achieve something very positive in life, and a dissatisfaction with 9-5ism!
I ramble. You walk! Know that today, you have achieved something wonderful in addition to your normal achievements: you have inspired someone who had lost direction to grasp the nettle and make a difference. For that, I thank you!
All the best, and I hope one day, our paths may cross.
Regards and all best wishes for the future,
John Rowlands.
Anglesey, North Wales UK "
Jean's latest message was dated April 11th. Then, nothing for 2 whole weeks! I was getting a bit nervous when I received one on the evening of the 25th. He had just arrived in Veracruz and was in great shape and high spirits.
In Veracruz, he stayed, for 3 nights, in a hotel, courtesy of the City of Veracruz and during the days, it was the usual media coverage... He was especially happy with himself when he appeared on TV for a half-hour show... I guess his Spanish does get better!!!
He left for Mexico City, by bus, on Saturday the 28th of April, early in the morning and he arrived safely 5 hours later.
Till next time...
Luce