Greetings La Vida! I am stoked to be a new blogger, and for my inaugural entry I compiled a list of the essential advice for working/volunteering/traveling in Mexico responsibly and with style.
I first came to Mexico as a student a few years ago, and for the last three and a half months I have been coordinating Adapting to Scarcity, a community media project focused on empowering and connecting communities adapting to water scarcity in the greater Guadalajara area.
With the help of our partner organization, the Mexican Institute of Community Development, we have navigated many interesting problems and been provided introductions to the communities we work with and the area where we live. Stay tuned for some of the amazing organizations and people we are meeting in our work.
From popsicles to language mistakes, this list covers a bit of everything. Feel free to add more advice in the comments section!
1. By far the most dangerous aspect of life in Guadalajara, and other places I have spent time in Mexico, is being a pedestrian. Here the car always wins, very rarely yields, and sidewalks are nearly always full of holes and things to trip over. As long as you are paying attention, you are golden.
2. Missing sugar and sweets? One word: paleta. They are way better than the popsicles you can find in the states. Here they make them with water or milk with all different types of real fruits. They are amazing, cheap, and can be found almost anywhere.
3. The internet is not the best way to find sweet places or often directions where you live, even if you are in D.F. or Guadalajara. Take this as a gift instead of a challenge. Talk to folks on the street and those in your neighborhood. Reach out, even if you only speak broken Spanish.
4. Eat papaya every day; it is the fruit of the gods. It will do wonders for many diverse stomach ailments. Limes are another great fruit to eat in abundance.
5. Make a copy of your tourist visa as soon as you get it.
6. Look into the exact area you are traveling in Mexico and talk to locals about where you are living and where you might travel. Do your research, exercise traveling street smarts and you will be fine.
7. A few important language mistakes to avoid: “Estoy embarazado” means “I am pregnant,” not “I am embarrassed.” “Estoy caliente” does mean “I am hot” but with sexual undertones. Be careful, or you will be truly embarrassed AND misunderstood.
8. Have an uncomfortable bed and looking for a cheap fix? Go to a tapicería. There, you can buy aglutinado (mattress foam) and pick out the size and thickness. It is a more interesting and much cheaper option.
9. Vino blanco at the bar is often tequila, not wine. Look into it and be careful how much order. Cuidado…
10. Always start speaking to people in Spanish, no matter your language ability. It is respectful and will most likely result in people being more patient and willing to take time communicating.
Latest posts by sarahadapting
- Without Corn There is No Country (Sin Maíz No Hay País) - March 9th, 2010
- Neighborly Relations - March 1st, 2010
