Caras de Linea My Mission Statement

La otra lado, the other side...

There is a fence just down the I-5 that separates the United States of America from the United States of Mexico.  On one side of the fence there is a line...a line of people waiting and waiting for their turn to cross to the other side.  Walking into Mexico we are now all corralled into a razor wire high fenced in, slightly over sized sidewalk that is uphill (for seniors and disabled as well), through federal property (no rights in this zone) then zip through the familiar turnstile. Soon Mexico will have a brand new facility to welcome visitors, for now its down

 the stairs and viola “Viva Mexico”!  

However coming from Mexico into the U.S. be prepared for “the line”or “La Linea” as the regulars call it.  The pedestrian line can reach up to a thousand people on any given day, taking anywhere from two to three hours.  Reaching five hours during the Christmas Season. 

 The line during December shows Mexicans like to shop and they shop in the U.S.

 (and this is a problem I ask?).

Who are these people from all walks of life? All ages and ethnicity's, that stand in the sun for hours at a time,that bring umbrellas for rain or shine.  Where are they going and how does this affect their lives?  To help clear any misconceptions about the thousands of people who cross this line for whatever reason, to show the real people, who have shown great patience and humility while enduring this process at the International border, some on a daily basis, for years at a time.  I have created “The Faces of the Line” or in Spanish “Caras de la Linea”.  

I have asked the people waiting in line if they would like to have their picture taken and answer one or all of the following questions, along with what is your Name and what Country are you from

and permission to use the photo.

1. How often do you cross?
2. What  is the longest you have waited?
3. What is the one thing you always bring with you to the la linea?
4. Where are you going? or if you prefer, How long is your commute?
5. Do you feel welcome when you enter the US? (CBP)
6. Would your life change if the border was open and how?

                  Believing that only through understanding do we find compassion and with

compassion hopefully one day peace. Living without fear accepting each other.

My New Project: Faces of the the Line- The birth of an idea

I've started a new page on Facebook and will hopefully

  have started  it up and will be blogging about it on it's own page.

 It's called Caras de la Linea or Faces of the Line.

I feel that the general public has a pre conceived notion of who is crossing

the U.S. and Mexican border everyday.  I hope to show the diverse wave of humans

that pass through this gate/fence one by one every day to the rate of  

an average 50,000 people every twenty four hours.

This man has not given me his permission to use his photo yet, I need to get it on

a phone so I can show it to him and ask  him how long he has been playing the line.

I can vouch for at least two years.

I plan on giving out little cards to each person in line starting at the end and working my way to the front, explaining my project. Then if they are not interested they can return my card and if they would like to participate they can sign it and I shoot!

I want to ask 4 questions they can answer one or all four. I will get their name and county.

1. Why are you crossing?
2. What's the longest you've stood in line?
3. What is the one thing you never leave for the line without?
4. Would your life change drastically for the best if the border was more efficient?
5. If you could change something in your life what would it be?

So I hope my portrait skills will improve and maybe something good will come out of it!

Still here

In a few days, I will have lived in Playas De Tijuana for two years.  

I have had time for reflection, observation and apprendir (learning). 

There have been barren deserted moments and unfolding enlightening sunsets along the way.

So I thought I would compile some of my favorite things in no special order:

1. Frequent inexpensive public transportation with live music  2.Street food vendors 

3. Water delivered to your door with fresh fruit and other goodies

4. Affordable utilities 5. Sobre Rueda (Swap meet/ Farmers market

& some things I could do without:

1. homeless dogs  2. getting gringo prices  3. trash/dog poo 

So here's to another year south of the border! Living on the ocean, getting my Baja on!