Because I have worked in Mexico and South America for so many years, the unusual is no longer unusual. The other day I was thinking of the Mexican work ethic. The Tijuana kid's view of physical labor is totally different than our U.S. kid's work ethic. Kids here grow up learning to work. Work and chores are part of their life; starting at the age of ... very young.
If you don't work, you don't eat; it's as simple as that!
Whatever our job is, it seems there are always kids willing to help. Many know just what to do with-out asking ... they just pitch right in and do it ... even if it's cleaning up vomit or a diarrhea mess. They're cool.
The other day we were jostling up the long and winding dirt road to the Ijido area. It's a punishing ride for both the vehicle and the passengers.
The road is a collection of impressive pot-holes with a little bit of road around them.
So often, on the dirt roads of Tijuana, we will see kids with shovels working to fill in the potholes, and hoping, as you pass by, that you might give them a tip or cola for their effort.
Young independent business men trying their best to scrape up a little cash for the day.
"We haven't any money today ... what'll we do?"
Work! (What a novel idea!)
This time I thought to bring up my camera and snap a photograph of this young worker.
Yep, he got a tip!
This was one happy "road-worker!"
