A Mexican Family Watching TV
I visited my friend Lupita yesterday. Lupita runs a pension in Guanajuato with one of the most spectacular views in a city filled with spectacular views. She's a good old girl. About 40, she was married for years to an abusive husband, finally got up the gumption to leave him, and now has a full-time clerical job while managing the pension. Her recent erstwhile partner was nice enough, but a freeloader, so awhile ago she ditched him. I remember once he took us to the airport, waxing romantic about an upcoming pilgrimage he was going to walk, how it offered time for reflection. "What about Lupita?" I asked him. "Is she going?" No, she wasn't. She would stay back at the pension, washing and cleaning and readying the rooms for the next guests, while he "reflected." Why wasn't I surprised?
We sat at her dining room table and caught up. I admired how she had rearranged furniture.
Next to us sat a family from Mexico City watching TV. They are staying at the pension for two months while the dad has a short-term business contract.
While Lupita went to the kitchen to get me a glass of water, I inconspicuously studied the body language of the family. The armchairs and sofa were in a U-shape configuration. Dad sat in one chair, holding a boy of about three. At right angles to him, on the sofa, sat Mom, holding a baby swaddled in a blanket. Her and her husband's fingers just reached between their seats. Next to her perched a son of about six, sitting close to Grandma on his other side. In the armchair opposite Dad, sat a daughter of about 12.
Six of the seven family members were touching or sitting close to each other, if not on each other.
Even while watching television--that great enemy of intimacy--this family seemed to be a tableaux of warmth and affection.
We sat at her dining room table and caught up. I admired how she had rearranged furniture.
Next to us sat a family from Mexico City watching TV. They are staying at the pension for two months while the dad has a short-term business contract.
While Lupita went to the kitchen to get me a glass of water, I inconspicuously studied the body language of the family. The armchairs and sofa were in a U-shape configuration. Dad sat in one chair, holding a boy of about three. At right angles to him, on the sofa, sat Mom, holding a baby swaddled in a blanket. Her and her husband's fingers just reached between their seats. Next to her perched a son of about six, sitting close to Grandma on his other side. In the armchair opposite Dad, sat a daughter of about 12.
Six of the seven family members were touching or sitting close to each other, if not on each other.
Even while watching television--that great enemy of intimacy--this family seemed to be a tableaux of warmth and affection.
posted by Louisa at 12:20 PM
3 Comments:
i found your blog while googling Guanajuato - you and Barry are inspiration for my husband and myself!!!!
Best!
Hi Louisa
I'm born here in Leon, Guanajuato and off course I know Guanajuato Capital.I lived 6 months in Germany and one year in Canada and is very especial tu learn about the cultures. I like your blog and don't leave to write, You must write your own book.
Hava a nice experience here in my land, guanajuato state, your land too.
Have a nice begin of week.
Hi! I found your blog while googling Guanajuato. My daughter will be studying at the University this spring. I was wondering if you had any tips for what to see/do, clothing (what to wear so not to stand out as American), safety issues ? I'm excited she'll have this opportunity but VERY concerned about the news regarding safety for American women. Thanks!
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