FINDING LOST CIVILIZATIONS This

Later that day when we returned from the market werode home in a local cooperative van. When the van pulledup the side door did not work and the riders filed in throughthe front passenger door. When I entered there was no seatingavailable and I squatted where the front passenger seatused to be and held onto the seatbelt, which was attached tothe doorframe. But, then right behind me a mother and hertwo children climbed aboard. As we left the driver of the vanpulled the passenger door shut by means of a string attachedto the doorframe. We all rode quietly and content that wedid not have to trek back home under the hot sun and thatthe ride only cost us fifty cents. To an extent this is the magicof this country. A form of controlled chaos and laissez-faire.It’s as if two worlds are simultaneously coexisting. One footin the past and one foot moving forward. But, most of allI enjoy the spirit, resilience, ingenuity, and humor of thepeople as they walk between these two worlds.As my father and I ascended the stairs to our room wewere filled with joy knowing the coming days would be fullof laughter, good times, and remembrances. But, most of allwe knew that our shared time would be bound by the loveof father and son.53