There’s a town not too far from Xalapa where the doors were always open. The residents offered tamales and hot punch to visitors during the Day of the Dead celebrations. They offered their sleeping mats, couches and extra beds to strangers.

The word began to spread. Soon, everyone knew that there, in this quiet, little town, they could find free food, a clean floor to sleep on and wide, open doors.

Then, little by little, a new crowd began to frequent the town. This new wave of tourists began battering down doors, throwing bottles in the street and demanding frijoles, tamales and ponche, leaving only trash behind.

Slowly, one by one, the people began to lock their doors and close their windows. The streets are much quiter now. There are no longer tamales or frijoles or even ponche. Day of the Dead is a quiet time of year. Nothing like before.

“Mexicans always open their doors to strangers,” I’ve heard many say. “They always offer you the little they have.” That may be true, but even the nicest Mexicans will shut their doors if you stay too long or take too much without giving a little in return. If they share with you the little they have, think about what that will leave them with when you’ve moved on to your next destination.

I can say this because now it’s my Mexican family that is giving a couple of travelers room and board. I’m happy to say that these travelers are the conscientious kind. But here’s a word to the wise: If you are not paying for your stay, stock the fridge, wash the dishes and always say “please” and “thank you.”

Source: www.orientaltrading.com