We waited about 10 minutes, and a little man walked in and came directly over to our table.
“Welcome to Palenque, my name is Moises, and I was expecting you,” he announced in perfect English.
How did he know that we were coming and would meet in this little bar? When we asked Moises if Raul had contacted him about us, he said they had not seen each other for many years and had not talked. So, if Raul did not call him, how did Moises know we were coming? Why did he come to the bar except to meet us? These were things we did not understand—and still don’t.
Moises said that he was hired by a French group to guide them through Palenque and would be with them for the day. “Perhaps we can meet for dinner tomorrow evening?”
That or any other arrangement was fine with us, and we said so.
The next day we went to the site, ready for a full day of experiencing one of the great Mayan cities of its time. Who was waiting for us? With a big smile and welcome, it was Moises. He had asked another guide to take the French group so he could be with us for the day and evening.
Holy Mackerel, What more? Still, there was.
We cherished every moment of being expertly guided through the ruins by Moises. He spoke in great detail, sharing hundreds of wonderful stories about Palenque and its people. We were mesmerized by his every word as Moises continued into the evening.
Moises also mentioned that he was invited to lecture in many places. But, before he did, he would walk the streets in every new place he visited, and if the place did not feel good, he would fly home and not lecture.
“A place must welcome you,” he said. “If not, leave it.”
More to come.
Sy
I walk on the ground—It is my reality—More above, below?
The stories of your experiences with the Olmec heads, Raul and Moises were my favorite in your book. Right up there with your lifelong relationship with the Japanese soldiers. These will stay with me and be retold.
Great stories about Olmec heads. It shows when you are on the right track, life supports you in unexpected, and sometimes mysterious ways. Communication sometimes goes beyond the ordinary sensory world to facilitate this support.