When it comes to Mexico, I definitely have mixed feelings.
I visited Tijuana a number of years ago. I've been told that you don't really get a feel for Mexican culture when you go there, because it is so close to the border that's it's got too much U.S. influence. I'd love to venture further in, go to Mexico City and check out the Pyramids.
When I was in T.J. I still got the feeling that I was in the middle of an ancient culture. There really is something about it, something that I can't identify that seems like it must be closer to the ancients. Maybe it's just the look of the people. In many, you can still see their native ancestry in their beautiful sun-kissed faces. Or, maybe it was that feeling that it's okay to linger and enjoy the day. The people were warm and friendly, and the food was amazing!
Something else comes to mind when I think of Mexico: Poverty. There were children in streets in the middle of the day, trying to sell jewelry and candy. I wondered if they were orphans, or if their families were just so poor that they had to send them out to help make a living. It's sad to see so many of us living in poverty.
I think you would really see a huge difference if you ever venture into central Mexico. I've been to Tijuana as well and it does not compare to what you would experience further south. Unfortunately poverty continues to be a big issue in Mexico with the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer. Which leads to the poor accepting jobs in the highly dangerous world of drug trafficking. Mexico has very friendly people which sounds like you encountered. It is also very rich in culture. It is a country that has a lot to offer.
ReplyDeleteI have also been very interested in visiting pyramids and seeing them in person. I also agree with the people there how they seem ancient. Like you said with how they look and act, it makes me appreciate them and all of their hard work. They seem so friendly compared to where I live and what I am used to. I do see your poverty point and how sad it really is. That is not the way of life that I am used to seeing or experiencing!
ReplyDeleteTijuana and Tacate are the only places I have seen in Mexico as well. While there, I felt as though I was somehow only half experiencing Mexico. I did noticed a big difference in setting- particularly the overwhelming sense of poverty you mentioned- and, like you pointed out, almost a feeling of a whole other culture.
ReplyDeleteMadison Treiber