Just across the border.

Interesting how just a few thousand miles can change a culture.

When I went to Mexico several years ago, the differences were astounding.

The cars, buildings, water, and air were the same, but everything was different.

I guess we get used to subtle nuances of everyday life like running water, air conditioning, and safety.

I went to Oaxaca, the capitol city of that Mexican state. I'm not a big fan of my current city, but the worst part of the city on its worst day is the BEST part of Oaxaca on their BEST day.

Considering all of the water we drank was from bottles and the water we did use for showers was brown (Yes, brown. ), it's no wonder why so many drink Coca Cola (and Pepsi). It's safer because, if you think about it, Coke is better than festering water. Brown, bacteria-filled water. 

Even such a relatively short distance showed a huge change. The abject poverty was everywhere, and communist signs were spray-painted on every city wall and fountain. "For them, any governmental version is better that the one they live in," so my guide mentioned to me.

Amazing how rich we are in America.