In the lands of the coffee, from the book, Searching for treasures
Historic Center, Puebla, Mexico
“Let me tell you a bit more about my hometown. The founding fathers of Marsella came, precisely, from Villamaría. It all began when one of the bolder, daring men set the example, the rest merely followed, or should I say, the rest of us, including myself, followed. I include myself, placing the cart before the donkey if you don’t mind because, as things turned out, I left with all of my family: we went off searching for new, fresh opportunities, or that’s what my old man used to say, and he didn’t talk much, but when he did, it was worth your while to listen to him!”
“How old were you, Jon Jairo, at the time? Excuse me for so many questions, but believe me, all of these matters are so interesting. You see, I grew up in a different country, and more recent times, of course. We also had quite a diverse way of life, and I dare say, of thinking. Imagine, when I was twenty-years-old, I was still studying, and what’s more, I had a few years left to go before I could finish my studies. How long ago did all of this happen?” Jon Jairo listened quietly, smiling placidly.
“You know?” the traveler continued to speak. ” While I was riding down here, on the bus from Medellin, I was totally engrossed viewing through the window. There were so many farms everywhere, and all these houses scattered all over the landscape. Some of the houses were placed in those most remote and inaccessible sites possible. Some were built on the summit of these sheer, steep slopes. They got me to wondering. How could those unattainable height get to be settled? Just walking up to the house seemed a nightmare. But, on top of all that, having to do so loaded with supply and household stuff?”
“I have to admit it blew my mind! Those houses seemed to be isolated into a world of their own, standing there, in the middle of nowhere! So, quite naturally, I’d say, I asked my self, wondering. When did all this start? How did all these people come up with the notion of settling the top of those mountains.? Establishing themselves in those unattainable heights that are as remote as they are solitary!”
Genuinely puzzled, Jean Marie besieged the man with his doubts and queries. The traveler was so absolutely enthralled with the conversation, that he even forgot about his drowsiness and need for sleep.