Chapter 1 Summary

The location is a small, Mexican town on the day of the dead in 1939. A festival is taking place in Quauhnahuac, Mexico.

In a casino, a local doctor and Monsieur Laruelle discuss the local consul, Geoffrey. As they gaze over the landscape, they remark on the results of the consul's destructive alcoholism. As he departs, the doctor encourages Laruelle to go out for the evening.

Laruelle reflects on his pending journey to the United States. He remembers his time in Quauhnahuac, including when he met Hugh, the consul's brother. With this memory fresh in his mind, he goes for a long walk through Quauhnahuac.

Even after five years in Mexico, Laruelle admits to himself that he still feels like a stranger in the region. Yet, he revels in the fact that he can admire many different types of landscapes from the highest vistas...