Along the winding trail that leads to the hot springs, there are crafts for sale made by Mexican artisans and a small jar to collect the money. Nobody attends the booth in the daytime, as it would be illegal for someone to cross the river and enter the country without going through proper channels (in fact, it’s unlikely that these artisans have passports). The jar collects money via the honor system, expecting patrons to contribute based on the price tags affixed to the artisan goods.
But in the night, the money disappears, presumably due to Mexican businessmen and women crossing the river and collecting their earnings undetected. This isn’t just a one-time phenomenon – it’s a fixture of the hot springs and income for families.
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