In the lands of the coffee, from the book, Searching for treasures
Pachuca, Hidalgo, Mexico
“They reached all the way out to the valley of the Cauca, and yes, of course, to the lands in Tolima so far from Medellin, from where they had at one time left to seek their fortunes. They were searching for a new life that offered fresh opportunities for them. Those were the families of the Antioquians, yes sir, the Paisa folks that arrived at Caldas, at Risaralda and Quindío to set up their farmlands. For these reasons, even though I may not have been born in Medellin, I consider myself part of the Paisa culture. I’m always ready to keep on going, with nothing to stop me, and there’s no way I’ll get stuck anywhere when I’ve made my mind up. I’ll do whatever it takes. I’m loved because I’m good at what I do and better than anyone else. Always ready to bet on the winner. Let me tell you that on top of it all, I can finish up a bandeja paisa, yes I can, and I’ll still have room for some spirits to settle it down. Why? Because I’m a Paisa, and that’s who we are!”
Motionless and deep in thought, Jon Jairo traveled back through his memories to those old times he had described in these actual present ones. It has been said that to remember is to live once more. If only memories were required to live a new, we would all be immortals. It is as easy as that.
At the same time, Jean Marie was also lost in his own reflections. So many items to consider… How different was Colombia compared to his country…
Jon Jairo brusquely interrupted this shared moment of shared contemplation. “How can it be so late? This is unacceptable! So many more chores for the afternoon, which is wearing thin. I am so sorry, my dear Jean Marie, but I must leave now. This get-together of ours dragged on for much more time than I had bargained for, you see how late it is? Let me explain. I have a few errands to run this afternoon, for I am leaving Marsella tomorrow and won’t be back until a few full moons from now.”