Shacks and Sing Alongs

When I was in high school, I volunteered at an orphange in Tecate, Mexico, which is very near to Tijuana, Mexico. While I remember my mom telling me that the people in Mexico were poor, it was hard to actually comprehend, as my neighbors from Mexici (I'm from LA) all had cars and, at least, apartments. But the poverty there was absolutely astounding. Shacks, dogs roaming the streets, kids dirty and barefoot.

I know a lot of people go to Mexico City or the beaches of Cancun when they venture to Mexico. Most end up getting a bit too drunk in Tijuana before they leave. But I encourage thoughtful travellers to explore other areas of Mexico. Get to know the people and understand why they need to work in America and how cruel it is to deny them that right. The main places where they work in the States (California and Texas), were part of Mexico not long ago. So go there and see it for yourself before weighing in on the immigration debate.

Better yet, volunteer for a while in the slums and really get your hands dirty.