At 8.45 this morning, just a handful of minutes ago, I heard some whistling at our front gate. I ignored it at first, since you get used to such sounds here. Finally, the whistling got very insistent and I peeked out the window to see a young man standing at our gate. Michael went out to investigate, and came back in about 45 seconds later.

When Michael went to the gate, the man said, in Spanish (he was Mexican), “Is this your truck?” and motioned to Michael’s work truck that is parked in front of our house.

When Michael replied that it was, the man said something to the effect of, “I need a ride, can you give me a ride? I don’t have any transport.” Michael said he could not give him a ride and the man went down the street to the next house.

Michael is home waiting for a repairman, so couldn’t leave, but unless it was an emergency I doubt he would have given the man a ride. It would be one thing if he had, say, his pregnant wife with him, or if he was injured and needed to get to the hospital. But to stand outside our gate, whistling impatiently, and then ask for a ride without saying “please” or having any valid reason for demanding the ride?!

Michael was incredulous and I just had to laugh. Another thing that has never before happened in my 37 years. Of course, I saw the look on the man’s face when a 6′4″ tall gringo came out of the house, I think you could have knocked him over with a feather (Michael’s truck is the standard, beat-up-looking work truck full of junk). I hope the poor guy finds a ride, or the 5 pesos to take the colectivo.