Leaving my beloved Mexico and returning to Canada

Saint Philip Neri San Miquel de Allende

Sparky and I returned to Canada last night amid fears, rumours, and worries about the coronavirus pandemic, leaving behind my beloved Mexico. 

It wasn't an easy decision, but it was necessary. Just a few days ago, I realized that the world opinion was rapidly changing from one of optimism and economic growth to fear of what the future would bring.

For the first time in twelve years, I began to feel uneasy, being on my own in a country where my language skills were limited, and in a new city where I had barely begun to build a support network of new friends.

San Miguel de Allende

Then last week, the Canadian government sent out several emails advising citizens, living or vacationing abroad, to return home as commercial airline flights were diminishing and any government rescue flights would be very limited. That tipped the scales for me, and I searched for flights out of Leon to any large airline hub. Eventually, I found a flight from Leon to Cancun, and then to Vancouver BC on Friday.

On Wednesday, Sparky and I traveled to Leon via shuttle service and stayed in Centro. It was interesting to see another large city in Mexico, but Leon is not nearly as beautiful as San Miguel de Allende, even though it is about as old. I wandered the historic area, people-watching. Listening to snippets of conversation, I could hear an overtone of uncertainty and worry. Then, I heard a lovely voice singing, accompanied by beautiful guitar music, and I stopped to listen.

Leon, Mexico

He was an elderly gentleman, possibly in his mid-80s, perched on a stool near a restaurant. As I put the money in his cup, I noticed that he didn't acknowledge my presence, so I looked more closely at him. He was blind, and when I spoke to him, he didn't respond, so I touched his hand with the money. He thanked me, but I realized that when another person did the same thing, he was not only blind, but deaf. 

The reality of his situation brought a flood of tears to my eyes. There is no financial safety net for people in Mexico or in many other countries. If you don't have money, you don't eat. What was going to happen to this man and others like him as the tourism industry grinds to a halt?  Restaurants, bars, and shops - closed. Flights, cruises, tours - canceled. Many Mexicans depend on tourism to feed and house their families.

Sparky in the elevator discovers another dog

On Thursday night, Sparky and I over-nighted at a hotel in Cancun, staying away from our Isla friends - just in case I had come in contact with the coronavirus. 

The hotel staff was kind, helpful, and also very worried. Everyone expressed their concerns about their jobs and the ability to care for their families.

Once on board the WestJet flight to Vancouver, I felt a sense of relief. I was returning to an uncertain situation, but at least I would be in a country where I would be closer to family, speak the language, know how to get medical assistance, and I still had a large group of friends.

Crew of flight #2057 WestJet

The WestJet staff did their best to lighten the mood on the plane, chatting and joking with the returning Canadians while struggling to hold back their tears. For that particular crew, flight 2057 on Friday, March 20th, was their last flight until...well, no one knows when. 

Sparky was a huge hit. He was cuddled and hugged by passengers, the flight attendants, and the pilots. The final announcement when we landed was a tear-filled thank-you from the crew, which had many passengers reaching for tissues.

As to my future, it is uncertain. I will sort something out in the next week or two, but in the meantime, Sparky and I are self-isolating at the home of dear friends in the Vancouver area.  

I will sorely miss the kindness of the people and the beauty of Mexico. I wish you well. Hopefully, we will meet again.

Sincerely, Lynda & Sparky

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