It seems that I've had to work real hard for most things worthwhile in my life. This photo is a rare exception. It was taken over a decade ago and is still one of my all-time favorites.

I was in the village of Tlachichuca, in southeast Mexico, preparing for a climb of El Pico de Orizaba, Mexico's tallest mountain. I always have the "butterflies" before a climb and wasn't really in a photography frame of mind. After a very early breakfast I climbed to the roof of the hacienda to pace and to wait for the jeep that would transport me to the base of the mountain. The streets below were awakening in the dawn's early light as yawning students made their way to school. The soft light, muted colors, and street patterns highlight this young man's solitary stroll.

Mexico's negative worldwide reputation is mostly a bum rap. Trek inward, away from the glitzy coasts and horrific drug wars of the U.S. border, all fed by the almighty dollar, and you have one of the more intact and enchanting cultures in the world. Long may it be so.