Hey chicken little! As long as it's unscented toilet paper grab me some! :-) A group of us pay a courier to bring in hauls of Kirkland TP where I am in nowhereville. it feels like a flex. Like THAT's the biggest problem? in our part of "Mexico" (I kinda roll my eyes when anyone says "Mexico" is this or that because Oaxaca ain't Merida ain't Durango ain't Tepoztlan ain't pueblo dust bowl) but getting the good TP is something we can control I guess. Someone must be sacrificed to make a 6 hour round trip to Costco. No one can live on complaining alone, I struggle with it too some days. But I take a cue from neighbors and locals. Look away! Avert your eyes! Disassociate! (they think beer is the answer and for them I think that may be, I don't drink. ) So I get ice cream and I walk a dog on a deserted beach and revel in that because I know I'd NEVER be able to do that on 'the other side'. Funny you call yourself 'snarky'...I took you as an astute and clever relative realist. Like Pollyanna Lite.
OK, I may be a relative realist or a Pollyanna on a diet. Or maybe I’m just trying to shovel myself out of a hole, using a keyboard as my metronome. Piping a tune to dance to isn’t my natural inclination - going against my nature is my way of avoiding self-help books.
If I ever find myself driving by your stretch of Sonoran paradise, I know now to bring Kirkland bath tissue along with some kibble. As always, thank you for the comment - it helps tether me to this dusty planet rather than floating off into the clouds only to get clutched by some raptor intent on feeding its family.
I hear you. I've been wondering what to wear to the end of the world for a while now. The tether yarn is frazzled. Also, "Sonoran Paradise" lol. Good one. Keep shoveling!
I love your writing style, keep it up! Our regular news channels are so tainted against Mexico and so different than what I experience when I go there, then I find your pros refreshing. It’s crazy to worry about the security or poverty when the US has so much random violence (so much more dangerous than targeted), and I can’t lock down any other commercial streets in my home city without walking by homeless people or folks with the unfortunate disease of drug addiction. I have never seen that in Mexico, and I feel a whole different level of safety when I am there. Not to mention, the values of that culture are very kind and community oriented so people are much less likely to turn a blind suspicious eye to a person on the street in need.
Thanks Christy. I kind of feel the same way, although sometimes I feel like I might be too harsh on the U.S. Maybe some day I'll take up writing "United States of America Listo" - but maybe not, it's a mouthful.
I love your refreshing take on Mexico. There are plenty of places to read about how problematic this country is so it's such a relief to find something that reflects what we find ourselves defending constantly when the first thing out of people's mouth when we say we live here is: "Is it safe?" Groan. I have just one quibble and that is with the use of the word "them." It always trips me up when I see it or hear it when referring to a culture/people other than one's own as it sets up and us and them dynamic, which feels counter to your intention. As a writer myself, I find you can usually avoid it. Example: "Somehow, though, 130 million people manage to live here. Many have no choice but to live here. Many are nice, happy, relatively well-adjusted people. How is that possible?" Please keep doing what you are doing. It's a perspective that needs to be heard. Thanks!
Thanks for pointing out the "them" problem, Josey. Not my regular grammatical choice, I think it slipped in here because I was sort of commenting on finger-pointing, but it is an unfortunate word use. Thanks for reading, and for the comment!
It makes me happy to read this about my country! I hope you are very happy with your family here, I lived in Merida from 1994-2008! Now I'm just passing through my homeland Campeche! :-)
Hahahahahaha you really made me laugh! I find it funny that somehow being happy in this country can be considered a feat! In reality, Mexico is not what it is now. I grew up in a much safer and happier country...but even now we are too! We adapt to everything! Culturally speaking we are very resilient and this comes from our history... the Mexican always laughs at himself and at his misfortunes. When a hurricane happens, extreme warm, a pandemic, deaths, massacres... the first thing a Mexican makes is a "meme"... first we laugh and then we solve it! And well, if you look at history, they are always cycles. From my point of view there is not a single country or civilization that is at the "top" forever, there will always be a moment when the new system begins to saturate, fails and fa revolution happens... a new system is established. It has a moment of glory, then It fails and a new crisis arrive and we have a new paradigm! It seems to me that this always happens anywhere in the world! Very warm greetings from Campeche!
What a great post, Mike. And what a good reminder of Mexico's pluses—beautiful, vast, with mountains, oceans, gorgeous beaches, and so much more. Plus there's a happiness, too, and acceptance of life that's the norm, not the exception. That one is hard to achieve almost anywhere, but it's a constant in Mexico. Gracias! Write on!
I agree. I try not to write negative things as well. As “Shelter” said, enough people are claiming the sky is falling. Unlike the “newspeople,” we have the power to choose to write about whatever we wish.
Thank you, Jennifer! Although I often get distracted (usually by dogs), I will try to keep on writing. BTW, "Red Shoes are Better than Bacon" sounds intriguing. Looking forward to checking it out!
I like the positive and playful view you bring, thank you! I, too, live in a place where people question it's safety. I have never felt safer. Thank you for sharing your perspectives!
Today in Morelia the sky actually is falling, thank goodness, as the first rains arrive. Haven't spotted any rainbows yet, or unicorns for that matter. I've lived here for 30 years now and share your positive perspective on Mexico. Although it's curious that if you tell many Mexicans their country is awesome, they'll start listing off its problems. On the other hand, if you mention something negative about Mexico, they will sing its praises.
Yes, Brian - that is curious. But I suppose that is the same everywhere - the "locals" want to point out what you're missing. Oh well. Glad to hear you are getting rain down there in Morelia - it's a welcome relief I'm sure!
I always find it curious the people who ask me if I feel safe in Mexico. The last to do that really surprised me - someone who an academic and fluent in Spanish and didn't blink an eye when I said I was going to Colombia but when I said I had spent a lot of time in Mexico asked me if it was safe. I replied matter of factly like I usually do saying, yes but just like the US there are places like places you want to keep your guard up. You would think that when I tell them that I have travel all over Mexico in a van they would assume it is just as safe as the US.
But I've also had Mexicans tell me that places in Mexico weren't safe. A Mexican campground owner from Sonora once warned us about how unsafe Mexico City is. I have never felt unsafe in Mexico City. I use the same precautions as I do in any big city.
Exactly. I defiantly feel more safe in my neighborhood here than I did in my neighborhood in the US. It is all about locality, what to know, common sense. Like everywhere else on earth. Mexico gets a bad rap because the press loves to give Mexico a bad rap. Ah, well. Thank you for the comment, Duwan.
How unusual, a reasonable guy continuing to try to be reasonable. A rather endnagered species don't you think? Congratulations. You done good Mike. You know of course, that when the bad guys win it's always the academics, and reasonable people they come for first, so that's a risk you appear to be willing to take. You could alway move to Mexico. But wait, you already did that. So now what? I hear mezcal answers most of our questions in its own mysterious, and some would maintain, spiritual way. I agree, with those views. Celebrate the good Mike. It will pay us all back.
Say it louder for the people in the back! I hear a lot of people say that it is probably miserable living in a certain countries. Even here in Canada I hear people talk about the negatives a lot of living in the country. Like you said Mexico is country that does have problems, but it shouldn’t define the country. Just like in any other part of the world each country has it’s own beauty and ugliness. We just need to be nuance about it. Hopefully, I can find nuance in my own writing and try not to be overly negative about things, yet not be overly positive. Thank you for the articles as usual Mike.
Thank you, Fahim. I understand the struggle of balancing positive with negative - especially in today's world. I look at pointing out the positives as a sort of kindness. I do of course complain a lot - especially when I'm standing in line at some government office - but I think I'll refrain from writing about that.
Yes, you have a great, refreshing take on Mexico, Mike. Indeed there are negative aspects of [insert place name here], but it's also not necessary to focus on them, and make them the defining aspect of your relationship with a place. Keep up the good work.
Hey chicken little! As long as it's unscented toilet paper grab me some! :-) A group of us pay a courier to bring in hauls of Kirkland TP where I am in nowhereville. it feels like a flex. Like THAT's the biggest problem? in our part of "Mexico" (I kinda roll my eyes when anyone says "Mexico" is this or that because Oaxaca ain't Merida ain't Durango ain't Tepoztlan ain't pueblo dust bowl) but getting the good TP is something we can control I guess. Someone must be sacrificed to make a 6 hour round trip to Costco. No one can live on complaining alone, I struggle with it too some days. But I take a cue from neighbors and locals. Look away! Avert your eyes! Disassociate! (they think beer is the answer and for them I think that may be, I don't drink. ) So I get ice cream and I walk a dog on a deserted beach and revel in that because I know I'd NEVER be able to do that on 'the other side'. Funny you call yourself 'snarky'...I took you as an astute and clever relative realist. Like Pollyanna Lite.
OK, I may be a relative realist or a Pollyanna on a diet. Or maybe I’m just trying to shovel myself out of a hole, using a keyboard as my metronome. Piping a tune to dance to isn’t my natural inclination - going against my nature is my way of avoiding self-help books.
If I ever find myself driving by your stretch of Sonoran paradise, I know now to bring Kirkland bath tissue along with some kibble. As always, thank you for the comment - it helps tether me to this dusty planet rather than floating off into the clouds only to get clutched by some raptor intent on feeding its family.
I hear you. I've been wondering what to wear to the end of the world for a while now. The tether yarn is frazzled. Also, "Sonoran Paradise" lol. Good one. Keep shoveling!
Oaxaca is a beautiful city! Es genial!! Enjoy it! :-)
I love your writing style, keep it up! Our regular news channels are so tainted against Mexico and so different than what I experience when I go there, then I find your pros refreshing. It’s crazy to worry about the security or poverty when the US has so much random violence (so much more dangerous than targeted), and I can’t lock down any other commercial streets in my home city without walking by homeless people or folks with the unfortunate disease of drug addiction. I have never seen that in Mexico, and I feel a whole different level of safety when I am there. Not to mention, the values of that culture are very kind and community oriented so people are much less likely to turn a blind suspicious eye to a person on the street in need.
Welcome to Mexico whenever you want! :-)
Thanks Christy. I kind of feel the same way, although sometimes I feel like I might be too harsh on the U.S. Maybe some day I'll take up writing "United States of America Listo" - but maybe not, it's a mouthful.
I love your refreshing take on Mexico. There are plenty of places to read about how problematic this country is so it's such a relief to find something that reflects what we find ourselves defending constantly when the first thing out of people's mouth when we say we live here is: "Is it safe?" Groan. I have just one quibble and that is with the use of the word "them." It always trips me up when I see it or hear it when referring to a culture/people other than one's own as it sets up and us and them dynamic, which feels counter to your intention. As a writer myself, I find you can usually avoid it. Example: "Somehow, though, 130 million people manage to live here. Many have no choice but to live here. Many are nice, happy, relatively well-adjusted people. How is that possible?" Please keep doing what you are doing. It's a perspective that needs to be heard. Thanks!
Thanks for pointing out the "them" problem, Josey. Not my regular grammatical choice, I think it slipped in here because I was sort of commenting on finger-pointing, but it is an unfortunate word use. Thanks for reading, and for the comment!
It makes me happy to read this about my country! I hope you are very happy with your family here, I lived in Merida from 1994-2008! Now I'm just passing through my homeland Campeche! :-)
Hahahahahaha you really made me laugh! I find it funny that somehow being happy in this country can be considered a feat! In reality, Mexico is not what it is now. I grew up in a much safer and happier country...but even now we are too! We adapt to everything! Culturally speaking we are very resilient and this comes from our history... the Mexican always laughs at himself and at his misfortunes. When a hurricane happens, extreme warm, a pandemic, deaths, massacres... the first thing a Mexican makes is a "meme"... first we laugh and then we solve it! And well, if you look at history, they are always cycles. From my point of view there is not a single country or civilization that is at the "top" forever, there will always be a moment when the new system begins to saturate, fails and fa revolution happens... a new system is established. It has a moment of glory, then It fails and a new crisis arrive and we have a new paradigm! It seems to me that this always happens anywhere in the world! Very warm greetings from Campeche!
So true, Guadalupe - everything in cycles! Thank you for your insights and your comments - it is wonderful to hear your perspective!
:-)
What a great post, Mike. And what a good reminder of Mexico's pluses—beautiful, vast, with mountains, oceans, gorgeous beaches, and so much more. Plus there's a happiness, too, and acceptance of life that's the norm, not the exception. That one is hard to achieve almost anywhere, but it's a constant in Mexico. Gracias! Write on!
Gracias a ti, Jeanine! I appreciate your perspective, and your motivating words. Let's both write on!
Okay!
I agree. I try not to write negative things as well. As “Shelter” said, enough people are claiming the sky is falling. Unlike the “newspeople,” we have the power to choose to write about whatever we wish.
100%, David. We do indeed have a choice, why not choose the positive? Well said, and thank you for your comment.
Keep on writing, because you're one of the rare voices of sanity in this country.
Thank you, Jennifer! Although I often get distracted (usually by dogs), I will try to keep on writing. BTW, "Red Shoes are Better than Bacon" sounds intriguing. Looking forward to checking it out!
I like the positive and playful view you bring, thank you! I, too, live in a place where people question it's safety. I have never felt safer. Thank you for sharing your perspectives!
Thanks Michelle, I'm happy to share my perspective (tempered, of course, by removing the swear words). Hope all is well in PR!
Today in Morelia the sky actually is falling, thank goodness, as the first rains arrive. Haven't spotted any rainbows yet, or unicorns for that matter. I've lived here for 30 years now and share your positive perspective on Mexico. Although it's curious that if you tell many Mexicans their country is awesome, they'll start listing off its problems. On the other hand, if you mention something negative about Mexico, they will sing its praises.
Yes, Brian - that is curious. But I suppose that is the same everywhere - the "locals" want to point out what you're missing. Oh well. Glad to hear you are getting rain down there in Morelia - it's a welcome relief I'm sure!
I always find it curious the people who ask me if I feel safe in Mexico. The last to do that really surprised me - someone who an academic and fluent in Spanish and didn't blink an eye when I said I was going to Colombia but when I said I had spent a lot of time in Mexico asked me if it was safe. I replied matter of factly like I usually do saying, yes but just like the US there are places like places you want to keep your guard up. You would think that when I tell them that I have travel all over Mexico in a van they would assume it is just as safe as the US.
But I've also had Mexicans tell me that places in Mexico weren't safe. A Mexican campground owner from Sonora once warned us about how unsafe Mexico City is. I have never felt unsafe in Mexico City. I use the same precautions as I do in any big city.
Exactly. I defiantly feel more safe in my neighborhood here than I did in my neighborhood in the US. It is all about locality, what to know, common sense. Like everywhere else on earth. Mexico gets a bad rap because the press loves to give Mexico a bad rap. Ah, well. Thank you for the comment, Duwan.
How unusual, a reasonable guy continuing to try to be reasonable. A rather endnagered species don't you think? Congratulations. You done good Mike. You know of course, that when the bad guys win it's always the academics, and reasonable people they come for first, so that's a risk you appear to be willing to take. You could alway move to Mexico. But wait, you already did that. So now what? I hear mezcal answers most of our questions in its own mysterious, and some would maintain, spiritual way. I agree, with those views. Celebrate the good Mike. It will pay us all back.
It will pay us back - yes, one hopes. Otherwise, as you wisely point out, there is always mezcal.
Say it louder for the people in the back! I hear a lot of people say that it is probably miserable living in a certain countries. Even here in Canada I hear people talk about the negatives a lot of living in the country. Like you said Mexico is country that does have problems, but it shouldn’t define the country. Just like in any other part of the world each country has it’s own beauty and ugliness. We just need to be nuance about it. Hopefully, I can find nuance in my own writing and try not to be overly negative about things, yet not be overly positive. Thank you for the articles as usual Mike.
Thank you, Fahim. I understand the struggle of balancing positive with negative - especially in today's world. I look at pointing out the positives as a sort of kindness. I do of course complain a lot - especially when I'm standing in line at some government office - but I think I'll refrain from writing about that.
Yes, you have a great, refreshing take on Mexico, Mike. Indeed there are negative aspects of [insert place name here], but it's also not necessary to focus on them, and make them the defining aspect of your relationship with a place. Keep up the good work.
Thank you, Victor. I hope to continue the refreshing takes (and I'm not just talking about Topo Chico here). Onward, with fizzy water in hand!