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By Emily Hogge - Guest blogger traveling in Mexico.
Whew! I feel so exhausted. We just finished tramping all around Mexico City, and my mind and body both feel tired. My overall impression of the city was this: overwhelming. There were so many things and people to see.
One of my favorite parts, though probably the most intense, was our time in the Zocalo, or central plaza of the city. The Cathedral is on one side, the Mexican governmental offices on the other, and a huge Mexican flag waves in the center. And the people-- there were people everywhere! That may have been somewhat amplified by the fact that a huge political rally/demonstration is set to take place tomorrow, but was probably not too much different than normal, since there are 22 million people in this city.
People were doing Aztec dances, selling all kinds of food and wares, preparing for the protest, and just generally milling around. A little girl came up and put a sticker on my shirt. Oh how cute!, I thought. Then she asked, "money?", and when I didn't deliver, took her sticker right back.
Part of my feelings right now are hinging on a sense of helplessness. Our guide said, as he described the City and the Zocalo, that there are 22 million people here, and they're all just trying to make a living however they can. As I walked by all the vendors, each with their different methods and ways, I just felt guilty for not buying things.
It must be so hard, trying to sell these wooden puppets by the Cathedral, when tourists just breeze by, or someone picks up a doll for closer examination, and you think you've sold it, but then they turn and walk away.
At times I feel like a selfish American, because while I don't feel like I have any money, obviously I do; that I am able to take this trip to Mexico, to Mexico City, is evidence of this. It's so hard. I just feel so helpless.
I know there will always be poor, Jesus said that, but when you see them, and even touch them, and realize that they're human beings and have feelings and hopes just like you, it changes things.
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