Mirador El Calvario

                                            

This is a separate hike that I did the following day. This one did cross the poorest of the poor. There were just shacks stacked on top of one another going up a steep, steep dirt hill (steeper the better for my legs). This was the hike that you would not find a tourist on without a group or a car to take them up there.

Again, they are just people for me and I sit and talk with them on the way up.  Kids walking down in their navy and white outfits.  I bought some pineapple and watermelon from a lady and her two girls. She had two bunnies her girls were playing with and I told her I really wanted a bunny. She says that I can take one with me and her smile is bright and genuine.

Then there was the boy who was riding his bike with chicken in his carton. He had to make lunch so he was on the go. There was the family sitting and watching TV in just amazing how many people in poverty have tvs. They deserve them too and should not be denied that right of course. They had such kindness, humility, and warmth-just what God wants out of his people.  I just had some small chats with people who demonstrated interest in talking.

With my sense of direction, I have to always ask questions. Usually, God gets me there and sometimes quite miraculously. This time I was so energized by the people, the horses, the sheep, the birds, the beauty that I just went right past the entrance-way past the entrance. I found myself in a horse stable with two guys cleaning the horses. They told me, “Lady it’s down there. You walk alone-no good.”

I said, “Okay, Okay.”

I tried to negociate a deal for a half an hour horse ride, but they were on their way to lunch. He is so sweet and kind. He seems to be happy just to have a tourist spending time talking with him.  He welcomed me to come back tomorrow, but I think a one time solo trip was enough. 

I found the blatant entrance that I missed. I wonder about how a person can be so clueless with her way and travel. This was the higher mountain with a view of the whole city and the three mountains. They had a watch tower, a bench, a swing set, a park, and a small memorial. The only people there were a couple and one other tourist-peaceful and just what I wanted.

 

 

After I stopped in an English center where I spoke with the Director. He started a center with computers for learning and classes. He said it had good enrollment, but it was difficult for students to be consistent. Also, the weren’t getting this English practice in their environment or at home. This was a problem I faced teaching in Morocco.  He was the one running it all and I expressed how proud I was for him. These locals who start these businesses are truly making a difference in their community. They have created a school and resource for their own people-it’s beautiful and a definite need.

After I went to Guadalupe church to speak with the Pastor about his church and the community. He was not present so I had to come back. 

When I reached my hostel, I told my mother friend that I just finished El Cavario.

“You did El Cavario yourself? What?!”

“Yes and no one bothered me or stole something or engaged in negative behavior. It was completely harmless.”

“The only way tourists go up there is with a guide. You are brave.”

“I don’t think so rather I think I just believe.”

“ Believe in what?”

“I believe in people.”

It was a chance for me to share with her to teach her to have more faith in her country.  This is easier said than done on both sides, but I do believe it’s possible.

     Anything is possible if you believe in people

PRIS