It’s been a great visit to Mill Valley, California, the town where I grew up and lived most of my life. But, I’m ready to return to Oaxaca. However, besides differences in latitude and attitude, there is much they have in common.
There are sculptures in public places (click on each to enlarge image)…
There are murals…
There are depictions of aquatic animals…
AND, there are signs reminding drivers to wait and take turns. Remember my What’s easy??? post from last week? Look what just went up in Mill Valley. Discourteous drivers know no boundaries!
Rather than dwelling on the differences — which I did when I first began living this dual-country life — I now choose to appreciate the similarities. Of course it doesn’t hurt that both places are situated in beautiful settings, fresh fruits and vegetables abound, have relatively mild climates, and an appreciation for the arts.
And so… I bid a fond “adiós” to Mill Valley and “hola” to Oaxaca.
Mexican Peso Converter
View From Casita Colibrí 
Welcome to your spiritual home (if I may be so bold).
You got it, dude!
Appreciating the similarities is part of my mantra for dealing with the world. The full quote is: ” I have come to believe that the greatest hope for humanity is to embrace our similarities, even as we continue to honor our traditional values.”
I agree. 😉
I feel that Mexico. despite its serious problems, is vibrant and has an exciting future, whereas the US as a whole is hurtling, sadly. in the opposite direction.Just a generality about differences.
I know what you mean… Though, I think the majority in both countries know they deserve something better, but just don’t know how to get there.
Hi,
I have been living in Oaxaca for about 3 years and only found your delightful blog recently. I lived at Muir Beach for several years and taught at the Mill Valley Middle School while I was a graduate student at UC. This was in the early ’70s.
Perhaps you were a student there!
It’s a small world.
Small world!!! However, I think I am more your contemporary. 😉 Are you in the city or one of the villages?
Hi,
I live in the city centre. Email me. I would love to buy you a cup of coffee and hear about the hummingbirds.