Monday, October 27, 2014

The Streets of Juarez

Driving on the streets of Juarez can be a harrowing experience.  The drivers here are some of the most aggressive that I have ever seen, although, paradoxically, they are also some of the slowest.  I'm not sure how both of those things can be true.  Aside from the drivers, however, you also have to avoid the numerous potholes (which they repair by filling with sand), missing lane markers, and vendors at every traffic light, selling everything from inflatable punching bags to churros from the top of a festive sombrero (sadly, Sarah has forbidden me from ever eating a churro out of a man's hat).  At first, I viewed all of these things as somewhat of an irritant, but I have begun to appreciate them as just another unique and integral part of this city.   
     

Not everyone benefits, however.  Dogs in particular are not well taken care of.  If that picture on the left is hard to figure out, it was taken through the back windshield of a passing vehicle.  The driver had popped out the back speakers, which allowed his chihuahua mutt to sit with his body in the trunk of the car, but with his head sticking out into the cabin of the vehicle, like some sort of puppy periscope.  Not sure if this is better or worse than the poor dog on the right, who had to sit on top a pile of old scrap metal as his owner rambled through downtown Juarez.  


But the unpleasant sights (like unsafe dogs and children without seatbelts) are thankfully outweighed by the much more enjoyable bizarre sights, sounds, and smells that you find at almost every intersection.  There is almost always a juggler, gymnast, or dancer ready to show off their skills for a few pesos.  If you're hungry, why not roll down your window and buy some sunflower seeds, mangos, or a popsicle.  Just the other day, I watched a lady purchase a cob of corn from the comfort of her vehicle, and then proceed to drive around, munching on her elote and talking on her cell phone.  I literally cannot think of a worse snack to eat while driving than corn on the cob, but hey, I'm just an ignorant gringo.   


One of the things I appreciate most about Mexicans is their entrepreneurial spirit.  If there's a way to make money, they will find it.  If there is demand that needs to be filled (like people who want to eat corn while driving), they will meet that demand.  Juarez will always be unique, and the strange stuff you see every day on the street is a constant reminder of that.

1 comment:

Tabbies in Tow said...

Let the nice readers understand that our fire-breathing friend here just took a massive mouthful of a diesel and gasoline mixture. I only know this because we finally asked him what he was swigging before he made his fireballs, and I cringed upon hearing his response. That can't be healthy, but his teeth are probably pretty clean.