I was sitting on the rooftop of the hostel in Zacatecas. Living the real dream of seeing a new place for the first time. Naturally, my eye gravitated towards the highest peak I could see. Contemplating the best way to get up there, I realized a hike would definitely be in my future. The next morning, I was drinking coffee at the same spot, trying to figure out my route for the day. I didn’t even bother looking at any maps, I just decided to start walking, see where my feet would take me! Upon exiting the hostel, I kept looking at this peak to gain direction amongst the streets. What was in store for me on these sky view hikes and trial bikes was something I totally wasn’t expecting.
NOTE: Are you planning a trip to Zacatecas? Be sure to read my post on things to check out there before you go!
Take a Hike!
Walking through the narrow streets of this place, I couldn’t help but feel I was living back in the 50’s. I continued to walk, and ask people for little hints here and there as to how to continue through the alleyways. Passing through an alleyway with a small clearing in it, a man was bowing in front of a mural of Mother Mary. I have come to see this a lot all over this beautiful country, and believe it adds to the culture in a big way. Regardless of religious beliefs or backgrounds, it is quite a calming scene to experience something like this. I continue on my hike through these tiny streets, and finally see the outlet to the main road. The bush was far too thick to walk through, and there were no real trails leading up to the peak. The road is my final solution.
A Long Way Up
Walking on the road, I am keeping caution for drivers who are probably going to the same destination! About 20 minutes into the hike, I just feel a vehicle slowing down behind me. I wasn’t sure what to think of it, until a huge bus came up next to me. He asked me if I wanted a ride! Because this was a bus, I thought payment would be necessary. I would much rather walk the road than pay any money to get up there. He assured me he didn’t want any money, and told me to hop on. I felt relieved, in a way, because of all the stories I have heard about money being the priority for most of these drivers. They even ask for money from hitchhikers!
Anyways, I got on the bus and started talking with this guy. All of a sudden, he started talking REALLY fast. So fast, I couldn’t understand a single word he was saying. Once I told him in Spanish to slow down a bit, he took a look back. The typical question I thought would have come a lot earlier came out of his mouth: Where are you from? I told him Boston, and he seemed a little taken back. He thought I was Mexican the whole time! Getting past the language speed allowed us to have a really nice conversation about Mexico. He told me he grew up in Guadalajara, and came here 20 years ago for work. He enjoyed driving the bus, exactly for the reason he picked me up: to meet new people! We got most of the way up, and he stopped by the other buses.
The Hike Continues
He told me this was where he would wait for the tourists, and the walk wouldn’t be more than a kilometer or so from there. I thanked him, and went on my way. Just as I am reaching to the top of the walk, I notice something a little different than I had expected.
A man, dressed in full off-roading gear, on a trial bike! For those of you who don’t know, trial bikes are the very light and small motorcycles people use to climb steep grades and rocks. I have actually never seen one of these in person before this moment, and was looking forward to sparking up a conversation with him.
Luckily, this guy was all for it! I asked him questions about the bike and his practice, and he answered them all with excitement. He told me he had been practicing for a few months, and really enjoyed trying to navigate the rocks on this small bike. He asked me about my time in Zacatecas, and I explained to him the journey of A Traveling Teacher.
Great Vibes
It was really amazing exchanging energy and conversation with this total stranger. For him to be so passionate about his adventures on the trial bike, and my passion of traveling the world on my motorcycle, everything seemed so positive and light-hearted. He enjoyed our conversation so much, can you believe…
He let me ride the trial bike!
Are you serious?! I would not have thought in a million years he would tell me to take it for a spin. I didn’t even bother asking! He told me to start off in second gear, because first was meant for really slow, hill-climbing speeds. The feel of this bike was so much different than any other bike I had ridden. SUPER low center of gravity, the seat feeling like the bike was going to fold in half. Immediately, I could tell the gear ratios were definitely purposed for what this guy was doing. I was nervous to take it off road, so I just took a quick trip around the street we were on, and returned with a smile from ear to ear.
He could tell how excited I was, because of how I talked about the whole experience. My excitement made him laugh, and we shook hands. I asked him to show me the real reason these things are used, and he did a quick run up the mountain. I waved and thanked him again. We parted ways after such a positive, unexpected experience. It was time for me to continue on to check out the views, and for him to continue practicing on his trial bike.
How amazing is it when you just vibe with a stranger within moments of meeting?
All the cars that were passing me, were now finding where to park! I spent my time enjoying the views, watching people zipline to another part of the city, and see some historical statues lined up along the overlook! The views of this old city, cathedrals and all, were something out of an old scrapbook.
The Return Trip
Once I got my fill of these historic views, heading towards the hostel was my next move. With the bus driver now gone, it seemed I would be in for the long haul! I figured, while I’m making the trek, why not just stick a thumb out and see if there are any takers! By the 11th car (not like I was counting or anything), a pickup truck full of people slowed down, and told me to hop in! This was no normal hitchhiking experience. These people were laughing and singing the WHOLE way down the mountain! What a memorable way to finish up the day.
What a Day!
Heading back to the hostel, I couldn’t help but feel very welcomed in this place. This seems to be a common theme amongst my travels. Every place I go has shown me people all over these regions are charismatic, helpful people. The stories I have been able to share about these positive experiences are the ones that leave lasting impressions on me. From trial bikes to hitchhiking, to being mistaken for a local, this day was one for the books!
‘Til next time,
Pete – A Traveling Teacher