Other stereotypes...

As my trip comes to a close, I was thinking about stereotypes that were busted wide open this week. Things that we are 'sure of' that may not be the case. One of the biggest discoveries that I made this week is that there are many Mexicans that don't have any idea how to dance- not only the salsa but other fairly common Latin dances like the cha-cha. Why is this a surprise? Well, this is a country known for it's music and passion for dance. I was taken aback the other day when I was teaching the locals a few steps just to get them through the dance! Another stereotype that was challenged this week- the openess of the culture. I had a nice stay with a host family this week but I cannot say that I felt the warm fuzzies. This is the third time that I've stayed in Mexico and I've found the families to be pretty much the same- kind but reserved. Finally, the last stereotype was that Mexican men are assertive. Based on my experience this week, I would still contend that this is true. At first I thought it was just men wanting to sell their goods that were trying to engage me but then, I had random men walk up to me and start talking to me that were not in the service travel industry. It was such a strange experience to have so many men try to engage with me. Overall, my experience in Mexico was a very positive experience. I've learned more about the culture and history. The trip has made me want to explore Mexico in more detail and that, I believe, is a good thing.

"Signs"...

In the last few days, I've encountered signs that made me pause. The first was a help wanted sign which would definitely not be allowed in the U.S. It read "help wanted- dishwasher, female between the ages of 18 - 35". I thought it was interesting because in the U.S. we have laws that are supposed to protect applicants from being discriminated against. But isn't that just window dressing? Can't a potential employer tell by your work history and your name approximately how old you are and if you a are a man or a woman? Don't get me wrong, I am all for a color-blind, gender neutral, equal opportunity for young and old society. It just seems to me that why shouldn't we get to ask for what we want? There are reasons that a stock clerk job is more suited for someone 18 - 29 years old. They are stronger and probably have more "pep". 

The second sign was at the grocery store today. It had the items in the aisle listed in Spanish and in English. I wonder how many people who complain about Walmart or Target listing signs in Spanish and English would complain if they were here in Mexico trying to buy a box of cereal. You see, business doesn't care about where you come from, they just care that your money is good. This may sound harsh but it's reality and because of this reality, they are going to do whatever possible to make sure you know where and how to spend it. So, it's not a matter of "catering" to one group or another- businesses will do what they have to do to help you spend your money. The bottom line is the bottom line!

Donkeys, parking spots and understanding cultures

This morning on my run, I ran into "picture perfect" moments that I believe illustrate why I love to travel. The first, I was running past the local supermarket chain when I saw a donkey "parked" outside. I don't run with my glasses on so I had to get fairly close to confirm it was, in fact, a donkey and not a horse. Sure as shootin'....it was a donkey parked on the Main Street that runs along the beach. For me, it was a "fun" discovery. I would never imagine that I'd see a donkey on my morning run. Fast-forward a few blocks....I'm finishing my run and there on a side street that leads to the main entrance of the beach was a parking spot being saved by buckets. I know this routine because in Chicago, we do the same thing with freshly shoveled parking spots. People break out the brooms, chairs and whatever else they can find to ensure that some bum doesn't take their spot after they spent an hour cleaning it out. It then dawned on me, these two incidents really are an excellent metaphor for people in general. No, I'm not going to say what you might think (although it is a coincidence I didn't think about before...hmm..donkeys and jerks that want your parking spot. There is a connection!). What I was referring to is that while we may have differences...some may take a donkey to work while others the "A train" and others their Vespa, we have more in common than we think such as saving our parking spots with whatever domestic items we can find. So, next time you're quick to say "Ah,those guys are strange because....." Remember, we probably have more in common than you would expect.

Perspective....

I'm excited to be in Mexico (again) on Día de los Reyes Magos- or as we know it "The Feast of the Ephiphany"- the day the 3 kings paid homage to the infant Jesus. Día de los Reyes is something unique to the Spanish-speaking world. It's the day when children wake to see what presents the Three Kings have left for them. It's a magical time to be in Mexico. It is exciting for me to see and experience different traditions. It is my goal to get to experience many holidays in different countries. I think that you really get insight into the culture to see how holidays are celebrated, what kind of food is eaten, what kind of gifts are given etc. Speaking of experience and perspective....I was thinking today about two quotes from two different leaders regarding U.S. - Mexico relationship General Porfirio Diaz- Poor Mexico, so far from God, so near the United States John F. Kennedy- Geography made us neighbors, tradition has made us friends I think if you were to ask the average U.S. and Mexican citizen, you would probably get similar responses to this. I always try to remember that Mexico is a separate country with its own rich traditions and culture and not an extension of the U.S. I would be willing to bet that my way of interacting with the locals will be a bit different as I keep the perspective of Diaz in the back of my mind this week.

Lisa esta lista!

Lisa esta lista means "Lisa is ready" or many times they'll say "lista Lisa". I just love that little saying. It rolls off the tongue so nicely. And, how could I not be ready? Puerto Vallarta in January! Before anyone gets too envious, I am going to school so it will be a little work. I'm off for another language excursion and it "just happens" to be in sunny Mexico. This trip will be a little different in that I will have my own personal Spanish instructor with me! My Spanish tutor happened to buy a school in P.V. so he will be one of my instructors (and most likely, tour guide) while I'm in Mexico. This is particularly exciting for me as I will have someone who will be able to give me "color commentary" on some of the sites. As always, I'm excited and a bit nervous about the trip. What will I learn? Will I be able to communicate clearly? What if I don't like my host family? It my surprise some people that I still get nervous before a trip considering how many I've been on. I actually look forward to the butterflies in my stomach as it a sensation that I only experience right before a big excursion. I often talk about this "feeling" with my students in my international business classes. I believe that having a little bit of an uneasy feeling before a trip is good. It reminds me that I'm about to experience something new, that I need to keep an open mind AND closed mouth so as to immediately jump into "ethnocentric" mode and start listing all the things that are "weird". My plans for this week are: to focus on the subjunctive (the bane of my existence), participate in some cultural activities such as taking a cooking or dance class, soak up some sun and explore some sites.