Tomorrow I leave for Mexico City. The big D.F. I'm very excited because I found a Quaker house to stay at. I know about the Quakers from when I was with the Tikkun Community in San Francisco. They had a meeting house we often had gathers in, but the people who officially were Quakers were what was most memorable. No, they didn't make furniture or quilts, but to a person, they were gentle, genuinely concerned, bright people who were comitted to social change and efforts to make peace. We organized a 24-hour vigil outside of Nancy Pelosi's office "until the war was over" and some Quakers were eager volunteers. We actually connected with quite a few city workers and pedestrians doing that. When people realize you're sitting out on the cold sidewalk nonstop for a cause, they strongly consider what point you are trying to make, whether they agree or disagree. (Just for the record, sitting out on the cold sidewalk by yourself overnight sucks big time. Time goes by veeeery slowly.)
Anyway, the Quakers are good people.
From I've learned so far, over in D.F.m they're all about social change and host regular events—seems like something every night. Apparently, they are a notable place for educcators and activists to stay who come through MExico City, so I'm hoping to make some good contacts for organizations to shoot for. They even put out a regular newsletter on what social activities are going on. The last issue discussed illegal migrants traveling north, which happens to be a story I'm working on. I understand there's a train yard just north of D.F. where many migrants who've come from points south hop a train to the border. A perfect—no I mean—perfect—place to get shots, talk to migrants, and add depth to my story. (What I have so far can be seen at http://allencraigphotography.com/Photo_Galleries/Pages/Crossing_the_US-MEX_Border.html )
Finally, some movement. I'm getting very impatient here in Guadalajara without being able to take a "next step".
I have many photos from recent shoots, but I haven't had time to go through them all.
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