Columns

Twenty-one years ago, a young U.S. archaeologist knocked on our door and introduced himself. “My name is Chris Beekman. I just came from the jungles of Guatemala where somebody mentioned a caver living near Guadalajara named John Pint. Is that you?”

Not long ago, I was sent far away as a consultant on a most interesting project. I would like to relate to you a rather peculiar adventure that took place, but I must warn you that my mission was somewhat secret, obliging me to change the names of the persons and places involved. This, I think, will not detract from the story.

After 36 years of crawling into dark spaces in many parts of the world, naturally I’ve had a few close calls.

For years I’ve heard stories about the difficulties and rewards of hiking to the top of Cerro Bola del Viejo, which – at 2,960 meters above sea level – is Jalisco’s second-highest mountain after El Nevado de Colima (4,240 meters and, by the way, not in Colima).

Members of Guadalajara’s Colectivo 4:20 are gearing up for the Global Marijuana March, which has been held worldwide on the first Saturday in May since 1999.

Just back from a trip halfway around the globe, which included transatlantic flights, short local hops and even travel in military helicopters. Along the way, I discovered that worldwide airline security procedures have quietly changed since I followed a similar route a year ago.