“Mexico…you sure it’s safe there?!” was the most common response I got when informing friends and family I had secured a job there. Sure, every now and again you hear via English media about a drug bust, or a shooting in Mexico, but I don’t get the same response when I’m nipping into town for a pint. “You are going into the city centre?! Are you crazy?!” Six amazing months later, I’m teary eyed and saying goodbye to all my students, listening to each of my adult students tell me how careful I will need to be if travelling to Guatemala; es muy peligroso David! Another six amazing months later, same thing. The local Guatemalans can’t believe I survived Mexico, and think I’m crazy for wanting to travel through Nicaragua. (I have to shout out Fred & Itzel here….I’m writing that trip in the travel section – LOVE YOU GUYS!) And now here I am, the Nicaraguans are yet again amazingly lovely people, and they are certain I have super powers, having had safe passage through the scary Mexico and Guatemala! Is the general negativity each country sees in other countries to do with local media?  Obviously, in every country in the world, you will get your 5% of morons who are simply best avoided at all costs. But if folk dropped their barriers and actually met and embraced other cultures and people, can the world not become a more friendly place with less fear installed into the majority of the citizens? We all get deep impressions of places, things and ideas, without necessarily knowing and understanding them.  Simply by listening to others time after time, instead of experiencing it yourself, gives you a subconsious opinion. I can’t remember who said this, but: “whose is the best country in the world daddy?” “ours is of course son.” “whose is the best religion in the world daddy?” “ours is of course son.” “whose is the best culture in the world daddy?” “ours is of course son.” 9/10 children are hearing this from their parents. Depending where or when you were born kind of dictates who you are and what you are led to believe. Once we stop being afraid of what is unfamiliar…..stop spoon feeding our children, students and younger generations with the same bullshit we were all fed….stop pretending what we know and do is the only way….. Once we stop labelling, good change is bound to transpire.

#chewsfreedom

#weareallthesame

#experienceitforyourself

Big Love!x