Mexico, in particular, has always been a mystery to me. I’ve lived most of my life in Los Angeles, Mexico a two-hour drive away, but I’ve only crossed the border a couple of times, and those long ago. Why? Mostly because I’m scared, of the Napoleonic system, and corruption. And Montezuma’s Revenge. Actually, my experiences there were entirely mundane and peaceful (and healthy), but even so.

I have enough trouble trying to understand the US and cope with the systems here.

OTOH, give it twenty years, and who knows, things might just equalize, or reverse. Would never have imagined saying that, twenty years past but looking forward today, I just don’t know anymore.

btw, I really appreciate the posts here by those more traveled and experienced than I, re Mexico, China, and of course wretchard’s writings on the Phillipines.