79 Comments

Thank you for this beautiful post. Tony is right about the Mexican people! I remember as a kid working for Ma Bell in Yakima placing those “ring down” calls for migrant workers through Mexico city. I can only imagine how lonely they were for the sound of a familiar voice. Eastern Washington wouldn’t be the fiercely beautiful agricultural region without the Mexican people!

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And now it is all in serious danger. The saying Don’t bite the hand that feeds you has never been more accurate

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These words continue to tell the truth. So much to love about Mexico! Years ago I was staying in a sleepy beach town, walking back to my hotel in the morning after a party. A car pulled over and asked me if I wanted a ride. I said to the family that their car seemed full, it was full, and they motioned for me to get in - room for one more. To me, that’s Mexico.

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Thank you so much for posting this. Truly eloquent and timely. I hope the current state of affairs changes to acceptance and friendship.

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I do not think most Americans object in any way to peaceful and law abiding Hispanics anywhere. As Ruth points out, they are everywhere doing quite a lot for us and I see nor hear anyone objecting to their presence.

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I hear a LOT of people "objecting to their presence"!

They all wear red caps that say MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN and they think that Treasonous Felon Donald Trump is Their God.... 🤬

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This is a fantastic post, both Ruth's words and Anthony Bourdain's. Having just gotten to San Miquel de Allende for the first time last year, I was swept off my feet by the beauty, architecture, climate, culture, markets and of course the food. Thank you for this.

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I live here now, a refugee from US insanity. San Miguel is everything you say and more. We're just around the corner from Bourdain's favorite dive bar, and the food there is better than what we often got in California for $150 a person. But it's the people, the people...just wonderful.

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Thank you for “a little piece of Tony” today. Feeling kinda down and gloomy, it was just what I needed to brighten my day. I always look forward to your posts. Today’s was extra special. x

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I'm crying now. I miss him so much. His words are still so poignant and necessary with what is happening in our country now.

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Oh Ruth, I wept reading this. It's remarkable how current his words are. And heartbreaking.

Thank you for bringing them back. And I'm glad you went to the market despite people's recommendatios. Mexican markets really do make you feel happy to be alive!

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Thannk you for finding and sharing that! Great share! Told it like it was. Every time.

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This is beautiful. Thank you for the timely posting. I love everything about Mexico and have had the good fortune to travel there and be with friends and learn their food and cooking.

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Thank you for this and how smart you were not to listen to your American friends in San Miguel. Our neighbor to the south offers so much for us to discover.

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Thank you for this post, Ruth. We are headed back to San Miguel in a few months. We adore Mexico and this post was right on time and made me miss Bourdain's voice and vision.

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I grew up driving to Mazatlán from Newton, Kansas with my parents as a young girl. There were no highways on our route in Mexico then. We drove on the local roads and met lots of people on the way. We were treated with much kindness and always welcomed. There are a huge variety of foods made in different regions. Indigenous and immigrant influences have combined for some of the most delicious food in the world. That said, I would go there if all I could eat is the best beans & rice! Thanks for sharing Tony's article. I concur.

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When Anthony Bourdain left us we lost a very special person. I adore Mexicans and their culture and cuisine. He said it perfectly - thank you for this post.

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Thank you for this moving post. I truly have always felt so welcomed and at home in Mexico. A magical place that has always rejuvenated my soul and reassured me of brighter days ahead.

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Lovely

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