The Postman Almost Rings Twice
Ever wonder what it’s like being a mailman in a town with no addresses? I was aware of our Todos Santos post office, but had no idea we have a mailman who actually delivers the mail… on a motorcycle! Meet Crispin Garcia Flores, Guri to his friends and family.
MM: So, Crispin, do you know just about EVERYBODY?
CGF: Yes, I know very many people in town and all the locals. I know the new people by references. If I see your car, I can find where you live.
MM: You mean you would bring me my mail in person? I don’t have to come by the post office to check if my name is on the list?
CGF: That’s right. If you have a mailbox on the outside of your house, I can deliver your mail. If you receive a package, I will leave you a notification slip to come pick it up.
MM: How long have you been the Todos Santos mailman?
CGF: My brother, Arturo, was the mailman first, for 16 years. He hired me when he got bored and quit, and I’ve been here 17 years now.
MM: Having grown up here and gone to school here, how do you feel about all the changes in Todos Santos over the past ten years? And tell the truth!
CGF: It is very different now. The amazing increase in population has been very positive for the community. There are more jobs and more interesting things happening. It was really dull before.
MM: How do you view the relationship between the ex-patriot community and the locals?
CGF: Many Americans feel like my own family. I think there are many of them who do really well with the locals.
MM: What do you love about being here?
CGF: Everybody knows each other and it is really peaceful and quiet here, even at midnight.
MM: Where do you dream about traveling?
CGF: I have only traveled in Baja. I like to dream about going to Rome. I think I could give speaking Italian a try. I have no desire to go to the mainland or Mexico City.
MM: Do you ever get a chance to visit the art galleries here?
CGF: I stop and take a look when I deliver the mail. I don’t have a lot of time and sometimes I am too tired. I have three children, ages thirteen, six and one month old.
MM: Do you collect stamps, by any chance?
CGF: Yes, I have my family’s collection besides the ones I collect. I always ask foreigners for the stamps from their letters. You have to be so careful when you try to remove them.
MM: What is the weirdest thing that ever happened to you as the mailman?
CGF: When the Anthrax scare was happening, I delivered a letter to a local from the US. He insisted on wearing gloves to receive it and to take it to a lab for testing. I just laughed. Gloves were sent to me from the mainland, but I never used them. They are still hanging on the wall.
MM: Is there something you would like to say to all your friends here in Todos Santos?
CGF: Yes, it seems a lot of my friends last in their jobs for only six months or so. I want to tell them to stick to their work and be the best you can be in your job.
MM: Thank you Crispín. You are very passionate about your work.
