BajaNomad - A DAY IN THE LIFE

A DAY IN THE LIFE

David K - 8-18-2011 at 05:54 PM

You see it is two DIFFERENT countries and cultures... but, you could just as easily run into a rude Mexican in Mexico as you could a rude American in America.

For, I am happy in Baja... on vacation or doing some exploring or research... fun stuff... So, I walk into Mexican businesses with a big smile and try to speak Spanish with them and apologize for any flubs I make trying!

So, I can't think of rudeness... but I try and forget any negatives I run across... and the same thing on this side of the border...

ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING, afterall!

DENNIS - 8-18-2011 at 05:58 PM

If you're the same, everything else will be the same as well. After all..........it's not what people do, but how you perceive it.

Diver - 8-18-2011 at 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
If you're the same, everything else will be the same as well. After all..........it's not what people do, but how you perceive it.

Your doctorate in sociology is showing ! :lol:

shari - 8-18-2011 at 07:39 PM

one thing they do different here is when you cross any threshold, like going into a store or restaurant, people say buenos tardes and acknowledge everyone in the store including the cashier and people say it back to you...and in restaurants they say "provecho" (enjoy your meal) as they walk by...people would think you are a nut bar if you did that NOB.

Politeness is much more prevalent here for sure...waaaaaaaaay less rude people than up north.

Buenas -dias -tardes -noches, Nomads

Mulegena - 8-18-2011 at 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by shari
one thing they do different here is when you cross any threshold, like going into a store or restaurant, people say buenos tardes and acknowledge everyone...

and they mean it sincerely, I believe.

I first really understood that difference, that crossing the threshold thing and polite sincerity, when I was in Tijuana in a business highrise for a few days. Everybody, and I mean everyone, gave a greeting upon entering the elevators and everyone responded in kind.

This is a lovely custom, and does make a difference in how you feel throughout the day.

Horse pucky

Dave - 8-18-2011 at 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by shari
one thing they do different here is when you cross any threshold, like going into a store or restaurant, people say buenos tardes and acknowledge everyone in the store including the cashier and people say it back to you...and in restaurants they say "provecho" (enjoy your meal) as they walk by...people would think you are a nut bar if you did that NOB.

As anyone from south of Mason-Dixon and east of the Rockies would testify. Polite manners are as common in rural or the southern United States as in Baja.

[Edited on 8-19-2011 by Dave]

krafty - 8-18-2011 at 09:20 PM

Sorry, have to agree with Dave. Rarely had any problems in Cali-I treat people the way I'd like to be treated. 99% of the time it works.

gnukid - 8-18-2011 at 10:41 PM

Quote:

This statement exemplifies the programming of prejudice in Mexico/USA of neighbors, who are in actuality good neighbors and valuable community, but Governments, both north and south prefer to program instability and mistrust in order to destabilize the California region for their economic benefit.

DENNIS - 8-19-2011 at 06:09 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by krafty
Sorry, have to agree with Dave.

Don't be sorry. Be happy.
I also tire of the reference that we're a nation of pigs and cavemen.
And.....although I've never been there, [don't want to go, either] I'll go all in saying DF isn't as down-home friendly as smaller cities and towns across Mexico.

Besides....all this "Buenos Días" formality comes from centurys of serfdom which the US hasn't gone through. Do you really believe all those people getting on an elevator really care how your day is going? I'll bet they couldn't care less.
Sooo....it's a waste of time to judge the character of a culture from a bunch of mumbled lip-service.

SFandH - 8-19-2011 at 06:49 AM

The politeness thing works both ways. Sure, people in Mexico more often greet strangers BUT, on the otherhand it seems to me that some acts of common courteousness in the US don't exist in Mexico.

For example, have you ever driven in heavy traffic in Mexico? Too many Mexican drivers are maniacs. Few take turns when two lanes merge into one, they pass on the right, and forget about using turn signals to let others know what they're about to do. Speed limit? What's that? Stop signs are discretionary.

Another example. A friend and I were in the Ensenada Home Depot, talking to a sales guy about some plumbing parts. Another customer walked up, barged into our conversation, and if that wasn't bad enough, the sales guy proceeded to help the butinski while we stood there waiting for him turn his attention back to us. I was amazed. My friend said it happens all the time.

I'd forgo all the g'days for polite (safe) drivers and salespeople.

Hey, all I want is perfection!! :tumble:

[Edited on 8-19-2011 by SFandH]

tripledigitken - 8-19-2011 at 07:05 AM

How about the crowding and pushing while standing in lines in Mexico vs US???????

Personal space in Mexico is considerably less of what is common in US.

Katiejay99 - 8-19-2011 at 07:16 AM

I walked into a local grocery store yesterday (todos santos) just as a Mexican man (who I know and have respected) was saying, "P-nche Gringos" (it was said in anger, not as something funny). When he saw me he turned bright red, said "perdona me" and then was all smiles and everything. Sure made me stop and think.

I have lived here for many years and I have always appreciated the respect shown to others and to myself.

One time when I was in the US visiting my mom I was going on and on about the differences in respect, etc between the two countries and why I live in Mexico. We went to a gas station and standing in line behind me was a woman and child (this was Colorado). I had a soda on the counter and was paying for $20 in gas and my soda when she piped up and told the cashier to put it on her charges. I did not know this woman. I heard her tell her son something to the affect that you should do at least one good thing a day for someone else. I left completely confused and never said another thing about the differences again.

shari - 8-19-2011 at 07:22 AM

I guess I prefer mumbled lip service to the abrubt, heartless, arrogant lip of extranjeros.

this thread was started to delve into the different social aspects of LIFE in baja....Another interesting difference here is that when you go to buy something or go to borrow or contract someone to do something...you dont just barge in and say....give me 2 pounds of 1/2 inch nails...or I need a door for my garage....first you say buenos dias, como esta, y tu esposa? como va su hija en escuela, como sigue tu mama....you ask about the family, how the mother's health is, how the daughter is doing in school...in short, you open with a personal conversation showing you care about the family or village or whatever....THEN after a short (or long) conversation, you get around to what you need.

I know this wastes your "valuable" time..but somehow living here changes our "values" and what becomes meaningful are the personal exchanges that happen throughout the day...the friendships forged...the smiles and jokes exchanged...not the nails you go to buy. Your project may take a half hour longer but you enjoyed getting the nails and most likely learned something or laughed out loud.

I realize that perhaps this type of life is not found in some bigger cities...maybe places like DF, Pta.Banda or Ensenada but here in rural baja, the old polite ways are practised. I have become a better person since moving here and really notice the difference when non baja folks come down and seem rude. I often get asked by locals why extranjeros are so very rude...most visitors dont even realize they are considered rude as they are just doing what they always do NOB.

Interesting point to ponder Dennis about left over serfdom...but boy I tell ya...living in a respectful culture...no matter where the respect came from...is refreshing.

Dave...we dont get alot of visitors from south of the Mason-Dixie...most visitors are from the west coast. I dont mean to generalize either...of course I realize there are polite and rude people everywhere but we're talking in generalities here and perceptions...which of course depend on where you live and who you deal with.

Differences???

bajaguy - 8-19-2011 at 07:26 AM

Hey, how about the ex-pats and tourists that break the law(s) here in Baja, but wouldn't think of doing the same thing back in the US or Canada???? :lol:

Katiejay99 - 8-19-2011 at 07:44 AM

Shari - I agree with you....

I know this wastes your "valuable" time..but somehow living here changes our "values" and what becomes meaningful are the personal exchanges that happen throughout the day...the friendships forged...the smiles and jokes exchanged...not the nails you go to buy. Your project may take a half hour longer but you enjoyed getting the nails and most likely learned something or laughed out loud.

I agree with the "perceptions" statement as well, but perceptions are based on culture, how you were raised, etc. Perceptions can be changed - I know mine have and for the better. I thoroughly enjoy living in Mexico for many reasons.

shari - 8-19-2011 at 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by tripledigitken
How about the crowding and pushing while standing in lines in Mexico vs US???????

Personal space in Mexico is considerably less of what is common in US.

wow, that is not my experience at all...visitors are baffled here when there is a line for example at the telegraph office...we dont actually stand in line...people mill about, talk to others, look for their phone bill...but everyone is aware who came in and in what order and when it is your turn, you just amble up to the teller.

I find mexicanos extremely orderly and patient when standing in line and waiting for something. I get fidgety and they calmy stand even with babes in arms and little children. Men will stand up and offer a chair.

what I did learn early is that when there is a crowd...for example at a busy taco stand at a fair....when you get close to the front you are EXPECTED to try to get the guy's attention. The first time, I just patiently waited for the guy to see me and take my order....he never did but people behind me were yelling out orders and getting them....I was perplexed but upon observing the "custom" of how to get a taco..I figured it out that you needed to step up and be more aggressive...not like in canada. When I asked a taquero about it, he said that if you dont shout out your order, they think you are just thinking about what you want and havent decided yet...they dont say..."what can I get you?"...the ownice is on you to get their attention.

It's like you HAVE to ASK for the check in restaurants...as it is considered rude to bring it to you. Like at parties, the ladies usually dont start cleaning up or washing dishes while guests are still there as it is considered a sign that you want them to leave....I make so many social blunders like this...I like to clean up as I go and start the dishes so I'm not left cleaning up late into the night.

Skipjack Joe - 8-19-2011 at 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mulegena

I first really understood that difference, that crossing the threshold thing and polite sincerity, when I was in Tijuana in a business highrise for a few days.

Mulegena, this caught my eye.

Polite sincerity - isn't that a contradiction in terms?

Oh, and I wanted to relay my thoughts about chinese people. For years I had thought they were the model of civility. They were so polite, considerate, and thoughtful when we spoke. And then I went shopping at Chinatown, San Francisco. They pushed one another around in the fish market. Shoved in front of me (us) out of turn to pay the cashier. Barked at us angrily when asked questions. It was a free for all in there. But what an experience. That's the great thing about this country - you can go abroad without leaving the country.

[Edited on 8-19-2011 by Skipjack Joe]

Katiejay99 - 8-19-2011 at 08:01 AM

One time I took the ferry out of Santa Rosalia with my then 10 and 12 year old boys. Both of my boys commented on how well the Mexican children were acting. Not one child was running around hollering and screaming or playing loudly or crying. They had their toys and played quietly with others or siblings. My kids were totally shocked. Mexicans are taught to be respectful from the get-go. Now at home they may be different, but in public I have never seen them act up. Quite a base to start from.

shari - 8-19-2011 at 08:07 AM

This subject is very close to my heart as one of the things I do is teach spanish immersion...which means not only learning the language but learning about and understanding the culture....it's complexities and differences.

Here is another interesting difference. When someone wants to talk to you about something, they dont just march up and knock on your door. First, they drive up and park in front of your house and wait for you to come out. If you dont, they may get out of the car and lean on it and whistle a bit hoping to get your attention inside the house. If this doesnt work and they really need to talk to you, they may say buenos dias...then repeat it in a louder voice (not shout it)....wait a bit and repeat several times. If you do not come out, well....it's probably becasue you are making out or asleep or something so they go away and come back later...never ever intruding on your property let alone knocking on your door!!!

I kinda like this as you have the choice to go out or not and it is not intrusive.

It was fascinating after living here over 10 years and thinking I knew so much about the culture...it wasnt until I married a mexicano that I really learned what was appropriate...no one ever tells you to our face when you comit a social blunder...(but I sure hear about it when my family and neighbours talk amongst themselves about how rude the gringos can be.) Juan was kind enough to educate me and set me straight...but it sure was embarrasing to know that all those years I was such a putz....major learning curve.

[Edited on 8-19-2011 by shari]

Katiejay99 - 8-19-2011 at 08:15 AM

I know of a couple who recently moved here from the US. They have a short wall around their property with a gate that is always open when they are home. They were complaining to me the other day that Mexicans are very disrespectful because they stand out in the street and whistle or holler "buenas dias". They said they told all their Mexican friends to just walk right in and knock on the door. I tried so hard to explain the customs here and to let them know that actually the Mexicans were being very respectful. They didn't get it.

Perceptions.

tripledigitken - 8-19-2011 at 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by shari

Quote:

Originally posted by tripledigitken
How about the crowding and pushing while standing in lines in Mexico vs US???????

Personal space in Mexico is considerably less of what is common in US.

Lines in your neck of the woods probably don't compare to those I have experienced in the larger cities like Tijuana, Guadalajara and Mexico City.

It's not a condemnation of the politeness of the country, just a cultural distinction I have observed.

DENNIS - 8-19-2011 at 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by shari
Interesting point to ponder Dennis about left over serfdom...but boy I tell ya...living in a respectful culture...no matter where the respect came from...is refreshing.

That's a personal evaluation, Shari...one which I totally agree with, but our NOB social contracts are written from a different outline and it works for us.
I guess we should agree that each culture is different rather than right or wrong.
There's room for improvement on both sides of the border.

a day in the life

mtgoat666 - 8-19-2011 at 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by chrisx
A DAY IN THE LIFE

I read the news today oh boy
About a lucky man who made the grave
And though the news was rather sad
Well I just had to laugh
I saw the photograph
He blew his mind out in a car
He didn't notice that the lights had changed
A crowd of people stood and stared
They'd seen his face before
Nobody was really sure
If he was from the House of Lords.

I saw a film today oh boy
The English Army had just won the war
A crowd of people turned away
but I just had to look
Having read the book
I'd love to turn you on

Woke up, fell out of bed,
Dragged a comb across my head
Found my way downstairs and drank a cup,
And looking up I noticed I was late.
Found my coat and grabbed my hat
Made the bus in second splat
Found my way upstairs and had a smoke,
and Somebody spoke and I went into a dream

I read the news today oh boy
Four thousand holes in Blackburn, Lancashire
And though the holes were rather small
They had to count them all
Now they know how many holes it takes to fill the Albert Hall.
I'd love to turn you on

DENNIS - 8-19-2011 at 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by shari
when you get close to the front you are EXPECTED to try to get the guy's attention. The first time, I just patiently waited for the guy to see me and take my order....he never did but people behind me were yelling out orders and getting them....I was perplexed but upon observing the "custom" of how to get a taco..I figured it out that you needed to step up and be more aggressive...

There it is, Shari. What we consider to be chaotic and rude in our culture is the norm in Mexico.
It's different. Not bad.

DENNIS - 8-19-2011 at 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Katiejay99
IThey said they told all their Mexican friends to just walk right in and knock on the door. I tried so hard to explain the customs here and to let them know that actually the Mexicans were being very respectful.

Respect? Yeah...for the unseen dog. I've lived in neighborhoods here where Mexicans won't even walk on the sidewalk for fear of that same dog in the yard.

How about the young man who comes over to pick up your daughter for a first date and sits in his car honking the horn to bring her outside?
In Mexico, that is the way it is.

Katiejay99 - 8-19-2011 at 08:44 AM

Sorry Dennis - gotta disagree with you.

A Mexican MAY honk the horn to get your attention (not very likely) but parents NEVER allow a daughter to go out and just leave without the young man properly presenting himself first. Respect - the young man knows it, the girl knows it and the parents know it - it is a custom here. Has nothing to do with dogs.

Things are just different, not to say one is good or bad, just different.

tripledigitken - 8-19-2011 at 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote:

Originally posted by chrisx
A DAY IN THE LIFE

acid flash-back?

Martyman - 8-19-2011 at 08:52 AM

Thank you all for the tidbits on Mexican culture. Hopefully... I'll soak them up.

durrelllrobert - 8-19-2011 at 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by chrisx
A DAY IN THE LIFE

What do people do different in baja than they do in the North. A lot is not the same.

I won't describe my day-to-day activity but I will tell you that one thing that I would never do down here is ride a byicycle on the narrow highways. :!:

krafty - 8-19-2011 at 10:01 AM

Think maybe Mexicans drive the way they do is because, unlike the states, there is no testing on the safe way to drive? Just a guess

DENNIS - 8-19-2011 at 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by krafty
Think maybe Mexicans drive the way they do is because, unlike the states, there is no testing on the safe way to drive? Just a guess

We obey laws differently because we have a more thorough system of law enforcement. When's the last time you payed a steet cop in the US?

DENNIS - 8-19-2011 at 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Katiejay99
A Mexican MAY honk the horn to get your attention (not very likely) but parents NEVER allow a daughter to go out and just leave without the young man properly presenting himself first.

Oh well.....I'm smart enough to know that when someone uses the term, NEVER, the conversation is over.

bigzaggin - 8-19-2011 at 10:59 AM

Inevitably, any conversation about "cultural distinctions" must devolve into us v. them. It's almost a chatroom law, especially when ex-pats are involved. We become like college students, back from our first trip to Europe, which we somehow think is better because the buildings are older and dinner is served at a different time.

I live in Los Angeles, an oft-perceived epicenter of evil/rudeness/whatever. I have had strangers here pull over and help me with my car. I shop at places where the store-owners greet everyone and vice versa. People tell me to enjoy my meal all the time. Do strangers wave in passing cars? No. But is that function of the culture or the population? And conversely, I rarely hear strangers whistling at teenage girls and I think being openly gay is pretty okay here.

Point is - and point should always be IMHO - people are people all over the place. Do I love the pace and customs of life in Baja? Of course I do or I wouldn't spend my entire life fixating on the place. Do I think it's somehow better or, more simple in some perpetually magical way? No. That has not been my experience. Amazing scenery, warm people, and a value on selflessness...exist everywhere, if you know where to look.

That said, it's pretty much impossible to score a great fish taco in LA. Baja wins on that one hands down. And good luck finding Noche Buena.

DENNIS - 8-19-2011 at 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bigzaggin

That said, it's pretty much impossible to score a great fish taco in LA. Baja wins on that one hands down. And good luck finding Noche Buena.

On the other hand, there's no "Pantry" in Baja. :biggrin:

coffee

chrisx - 8-19-2011 at 11:57 AM

This morning I woke at 7. Good morning, good morning, all around. Someone saw me with an empty cup in my hand and showed me a kettle full of hot water. I sipped my coffee out front and people said good morning some more. A girl with long black hair stuck her tongue out at me, but would not let me step on her toe. The lady making tortitas leaned herself out the window. After getting my dictionary I discovered she wants me to get a job instead of bargaining over the price of a tortita. (Senorita, no card verde). She also recommends I get some green chillies for my sandwich.

Around 10 I started kicking a blow up ball around the court yard with a 5 year old boy. He does not allow girls of any age to play ball ?¿? In just a few minutes the ball was confiscated by his mother. No mallow, si bueno. The ball is still confiscated, and he wont sneak and get it. Do people really sleep that late¿

In the North I sit at a coffee shop and stare out the window, but refills are free.

chrisx - 8-19-2011 at 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by krafty
Think maybe Mexicans drive the way they do is because, unlike the states, there is no testing on the safe way to drive? Just a guess

The Mexicans are more far more likely to hit the brakes, wait till it is clear and pass safely on a narrow shoulder less road. The Americans are more likely to try and pass at full speed, (10 too 30 mph above the speed limit,) without a thought of safety or concern for other people.

not a guess

DENNIS - 8-19-2011 at 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by chrisx
Around 10 I started kicking a blow up ball around the court yard with a 5 year old boy. He does not allow girls of any age to play ball ?¿? In just a few minutes the ball was confiscated by his mother. No mallow, si bueno. The ball is still confiscated, and he wont sneak and get it. Do people really sleep that late¿

In the North I sit at a coffee shop and stare out the window, but refills are free.

Keep playing with that five year old boy and your view may once again change.

chrisx - 8-19-2011 at 12:11 PM

Many people can not type this well.

Quote:

Originally posted by shari
I guess I prefer mumbled lip service to the abrubt, heartless, arrogant lip of extranjeros.

this thread was started to delve into the different social aspects of LIFE in baja....Another interesting difference here is that when you go to buy something or go to borrow or contract someone to do something...you dont just barge in and say....give me 2 pounds of 1/2 inch nails...or I need a door for my garage....first you say buenos dias, como esta, y tu esposa? como va su hija en escuela, como sigue tu mama....you ask about the family, how the mother's health is, how the daughter is doing in school...in short, you open with a personal conversation showing you care about the family or village or whatever....THEN after a short (or long) conversation, you get around to what you need.

I know this wastes your "valuable" time..but somehow living here changes our "values" and what becomes meaningful are the personal exchanges that happen throughout the day...the friendships forged...the smiles and jokes exchanged...not the nails you go to buy. Your project may take a half hour longer but you enjoyed getting the nails and most likely learned something or laughed out loud.

I realize that perhaps this type of life is not found in some bigger cities...maybe places like DF, Pta.Banda or Ensenada but here in rural baja, the old polite ways are practised. I have become a better person since moving here and really notice the difference when non baja folks come down and seem rude. I often get asked by locals why extranjeros are so very rude...most visitors dont even realize they are considered rude as they are just doing what they always do NOB.

Interesting point to ponder Dennis about left over serfdom...but boy I tell ya...living in a respectful culture...no matter where the respect came from...is refreshing.

Dave...we dont get alot of visitors from south of the Mason-Dixie...most visitors are from the west coast. I dont mean to generalize either...of course I realize there are polite and rude people everywhere but we're talking in generalities here and perceptions...which of course depend on where you live and who you deal with.

mtgoat666 - 8-19-2011 at 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by durrelllrobert

Quote:

Originally posted by chrisx
A DAY IN THE LIFE

What do people do different in baja than they do in the North. A lot is not the same.

I won't describe my day-to-day activity but I will tell you that one thing that I would never do down here is ride a byicycle on the narrow highways. :!:

have you ridden a bicycle in 10 years

chrisx - 8-19-2011 at 12:22 PM

Are the words bank and government interchangeable! Are the people of the north so hurriedly trying to pay the bank they forgot how to live¿?

Quote:

Originally posted by gnukid
but Governments, both north and south prefer to program instability and mistrust in order to destabilize the California region for their economic benefit.

Katiejay99 - 8-19-2011 at 12:36 PM

Hey Dennis - you are right about the "Never" part. I thought about it after I had logged off and headed to town. That word bites me alot and I really should not use it.

There are a whole lot of great things to be said about the US - just as there are a whole lot of great things about living in Mexico. The flip side is also relevant.

:bounce:

shari - 8-19-2011 at 01:04 PM

yup...never say never is ALWAYS...I mean usually my motto!!!!

bajaguy - 8-19-2011 at 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by chrisx

Think The Mexicans are more far more likely to hit the brakes, wait till it is clear and pass safely on a narrow shoulder less road. The Americans are more likely to try and pass at full speed, (10 too 30 mph above the speed limit,) without a thought of safety or concern for other people.

Hahahaha.......where have you been??????.......this sounds like the drivers in Baja.....and downtown Ensenada. STOP signs and speed limits here in Baja are not the law, they are a suggestion...... :lol:

DENNIS - 8-19-2011 at 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by shari
yup...never say never is ALWAYS...I mean usually my motto!!!!

Hey Shari....Wiley and Carol came through town last night. Found the fire dept. hot-zone to check email and hit the road this AM. I guess they're on a major road trip.

[this thread has been due for a major hijacking for a while now]

Katiejay99 - 8-19-2011 at 01:49 PM

I was riding with an American woman not long ago in Todos Santos. She blew right through a stop sign. I said, "hey, that was a stop sign, didn't you see it?" She said yes she saw it but another friend of hers told her that if she stopped at them she would be hit from behind - so she never stops at them!

UGGGGG! Maybe I'm wrong, but I ALWAYS (ummm.... should I use that word?) stop at stop signs.

DENNIS - 8-19-2011 at 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Katiejay99
I was riding with an American woman not long ago in Todos Santos. She blew right through a stop sign. I said, "hey, that was a stop sign, didn't you see it?" She said yes she saw it but another friend of hers told her that if she stopped at them she would be hit from behind - so she never stops at them!

UGGGGG! Maybe I'm wrong, but I ALWAYS (ummm.... should I use that word?) stop at stop signs.

As well you, and everybody else, should. Your friend was just showing her ignorance and lack of common sense.
I wouldn't be riding with her in the future.

Barry A. - 8-19-2011 at 03:34 PM

The following is a statement, and then a question-----I have no idea what the answer is, but I would like to know------

When I lived in El Centro, the local Safeway had a painted red curb in front of the store, and all we gringos parked in the parking lot and walked to the store past and over the red curb. Often there would be multible cars, all with Mexican plates, parked at the red curb in front of the store--------why is that???? Anybody know??? I remember that it DID annoy me.

Barry

DianaT - 8-19-2011 at 03:39 PM

There can be a flip side to the extremely polite customs. I don't want to say is can be dishonest, as that is too strong, it is more like a cultural thing.

We have observed locals being quite polite to local people they really don't like because as they say, they need to be polite just because.

At times they can appear to be very accepting of some of the "behavior" of some visitors, but talk a lot later.

Workers will be very polite to people for whom they work, and have nothing nice to say about them to others---like the conversation KatieJay walked in on.

So I am not so sure all of the politeness is really respect all the time-----just a cultural thing to be polite no matter what. And indeed, that may be something positive. And we know it has happened to us also.

Then again, the same thing happens NOB, especially when money is involved. :-)

On the other side, it grows tiresome when these threads lead toward those NOB all described as basic barbarians. Some of them are, just as there are barbarians everywhere.

[Edited on 8-19-2011 by DianaT]

DENNIS - 8-19-2011 at 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Barry A.

When I lived in El Centro, the local Safeway had a painted red curb in front of the store, and all we gringos parked in the parking lot and walked to the store past and over the red curb. Often there would be multible cars, all with Mexican plates, parked at the red curb in front of the store--------why is that???? Anybody know??? I remember that it DID annoy me.

Barry

Maybe they didn't understand the implications of those zones, Barry. They now have handicapped parking here....same signs, same placards and for the most part, they are respected. They haven't been around for all that long.

On the nasty flip side.....there is little to no parking enforcement and occasionally someone will park in a restricted zone and dance into the store. They do it because they know they can get away with it. These people are just plain a-holes.

SFandH - 8-19-2011 at 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Barry A.
The following is a statement, and then a question-----I have no idea what the answer is, but I would like to know------

When I lived in El Centro, the local Safeway had a painted red curb in front of the store, and all we gringos parked in the parking lot and walked to the store past and over the red curb. Often there would be multible cars, all with Mexican plates, parked at the red curb in front of the store--------why is that???? Anybody know??? I remember that it DID annoy me.

Barry

Why? Because parking tickets are rarely issued in Mexico. In the US, they are a source of city revenue. City having budget problems? Traffic tickets fines go up. It's a tax.

DENNIS - 8-19-2011 at 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by SFandH
[Why? Because parking tickets are rarely issued in Mexico. In the US, they are a source of city revenue. City having budget problems? Traffic tickets fines go up. It's a tax.

I think El Centro is in the states.

Skipjack Joe - 8-19-2011 at 04:42 PM

One Mexican - custom would be the wrong word - habit is also wrong (I'm having a senior moment. Had them all my life though) - is to partake in conversations from cars that have stopped next to one another in the middle of the road and facing one another. This is illegal in the US but is apparently so common and satisfying to Mexicans that they have a hard time giving it up entirely after they move here.

Basically, you drive down your street and find the road completely blocked up ahead with two exchanging pleasantries, parked cars on both sides, and no way to get around. As you drive up you notice there is now a greater urgency to their conversation as they realize someone is behind but they haven't quite finished. Finally, the wheels start to roll slowly forward and the voices become even more animated as they now are shouting across a greater distance. Eventually, there is a wave of the hands for their final goodbyes and now you are free to continue your journey.

Barry A. - 8-19-2011 at 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by SFandH

Quote:

Why? Because parking tickets are rarely issued in Mexico. In the US, they are a source of city revenue. City having budget problems? Traffic tickets fines go up. It's a tax.

Yes, El Centro is 11 miles north of the border in the Imperial Valley.

The Police, when called in (the Safeway parking lot is private property) would not issue tickets, they would tow the vehicle away. This rarely happened as the veh. owners normally came back first and just drove away. We local gringos just thought it really rude for them to park like that----------like what made them think that they were "special" ???

Barry

DENNIS - 8-19-2011 at 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
One Mexican - custom would be the wrong word - habit is also wrong (I'm having a senior moment. Had them all my life though) - is to partake in conversations from cars that have stopped next to one another in the middle of the road and facing one another. This is illegal in the US but is apparently so common and satisfying to Mexicans that they have a hard time giving it up entirely after they move here.

Basically, you drive down your street and find the road completely blocked up ahead with two exchanging pleasantries, parked cars on both sides, and no way to get around. As you drive up you notice there is now a greater urgency to their conversation as they realize someone is behind but they haven't quite finished. Finally, the wheels start to roll slowly forward and the voices become even more animated as they now are shouting across a greater distance. Eventually, there is a wave of the hands for their final goodbyes and now you are free to continue your journey.

"They" do the same thing with shopping carts in the stores. It's almost like I'm invisible until I smile and say, Con Permiso, then they almost break their arms getting the carts out of the way.
This is a cultural thing, but I wouldn't even try to label it.

Skipjack Joe - 8-19-2011 at 07:54 PM

Well, I thought it was because many come from rural areas where this interchange is no big deal as there is nothing but a dusty road before and after.

But maybe it's because latinos are so social they take every opportunity to talk.

I gotta admit I'm seeing less and less of this. Actually, I've grown to like it, sort of. Along with their midnight serenades. Yeah, we've got a regular Tortilla Flat here in HMB.

DENNIS - 8-19-2011 at 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
Well, I thought it was because many come from rural areas where this interchange is no big deal as there is nothing but a dusty road before and after.

But maybe it's because latinos are so social they take every opportunity to talk.

Whatever it is, it's selfish and rude. I don't care where they are.

BajaGringo - 8-19-2011 at 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Whatever it is, it's selfish and rude. I don't care where they are.

Well then you probably won't like me much either. It is one habit I have picked up since moving down here. It's a long road out to the house and whenever we cross paths with a friend or acquaintance it is the norm to stop, roll down the window, exchange greetings and catch up.

We do try and leave room for folks to get by though...

DENNIS - 8-19-2011 at 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaGringo
We do try and leave room for folks to get by though...

That's the difference.

astrobaja - 8-19-2011 at 08:35 PM

I don't mind the habit of stopping in the road to chat either, exactly the same thing happens all the time in rural Ontario!

Perhaps its because we've become a mostly urban species driven by our fast paced rush to get things done that we hesitate to stop and chat. Too bad!

I always breathe a sigh of relief when returning from "freindly" SoCal (not!)
Here to us is really starting to feel like "home" never again a big city!

durrelllrobert - 8-20-2011 at 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666
have you ridden a bicycle in 10 years

Not in the 7 years I've been in Baja, but before that I had a stationary bike in my bedroom. Does that count :?:

shari - 8-20-2011 at 09:25 AM

here is another cultural difference between my original home in Canada and my baja home....swimmers wear their clothes in the water here in Asuncion...extremely rare to see an actual bathing suit on a local let alone a bikini. I'm not allowed to swim at the town beach in my bikini!!! When I first came here most everyone swam in jeans and a T-shirt but now they are wearing more shorts and a T-shirt.

Mulegena - 8-20-2011 at 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by shari
here is another cultural difference between my original home in Canada and my baja home....swimmers wear their clothes in the water here in Asuncion...extremely rare to see an actual bathing suit on a local let alone a bikini. I'm not allowed to swim at the town beach in my bikini!!! When I first came here most everyone swam in jeans and a T-shirt but now they are wearing more shorts and a T-shirt.

Yes, I remember 30 years ago on the Mainland, women sat fully clothed in the ocean shallows. However, they'd go in the river to wash the family clothes on the rocks stripped down on top to their underwear. As an aside, it was also fashionable in those days for women to wear big, gold men's watches. As for me, I usually choose to swim with a t-shirt & shorts here in Baja or a wetsuit. I'm protected from sunburn, jellyfish, prying eyes and cold-@## water.

I'm reminded of a really old photo of my parents. They were teenagers back in the 1920s, just friends. They're both wearing these very modest suits. Daddy's, a one-piece with long shoulderstraps & shorts; Mama's a one-piece dress. Daddy's holding a beach umbrella over the two of them and they're smiling so happily. Good memories, thanks!

chrisx - 8-20-2011 at 09:59 AM

tres minutos

Two weeks ago I went looking for Angie, ( Sign the name Angie ). When I found her she said she would be over in tres minutos.

2 weeks later, (yesterday,) she showed up around lunch time. ¿ tres mucho minutos ? She stayed for 9 hours or so, until bed time. If you want to learn Spanish go shoping with a Mexican girl, one that likes to talk a lot. She wants a photo of her little puppy dog. Should I not buy her at least one new shirt. After all she looked at the prices and found one on sale. She insisted I buy a water melon. Put some soy sauce, garlic salt, green chilies, and some things I always forget to put in the basket. She cleaned my room, and hid my camera in a bag full of socks.

Put her tooth brush in my drawer.

She said she wants to go to La bufadora today and take more photos of her cute little puppy.
The last thing she said was dies minutos.

Is anybody able to predict what dies minutoes means in Mexico.

[Edited on 8-20-2011 by chrisx]

David K - 8-20-2011 at 10:15 AM

'Mexican time' ... just like the metric system: 'double it and add 30'! :lol:

DENNIS - 8-20-2011 at 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by chrisx
She cleaned my room, and hid my camera in a bag full of socks.

I've known of construction workers who would hide the owners tools in surrounding brush. When the tools came up missing and ample time allowed for thorough searches, if not found, the thief would return at a later date to gather up the loot.
If the culprit was, in the interim, accused or placed with the property in the past, the tools or whatever would be miraculously found and the accused would be righteously indignant.

chrisx - 8-20-2011 at 02:14 PM

A valid statement, and a thought that needs thinking.
In this instance, She was arranging things in normal Mexican storage order. Clearly different than my single male toss on the table storage method. I assume socks are a well known and common hiding place. She made a production out of putting the camera away and out of plane sight.

Note for better hiding places call Mexico City and ask the mariachi who live 18 in one room

shari - 8-20-2011 at 02:32 PM

how about sweeping dirt...never did that at home NOB!

Eli - 8-20-2011 at 02:46 PM

Sweeping dirt is a good one Shari, I have sweet memories of doing that, must admit, it was quite a few years back.

I remember when I first came home, what was at the top of my lists of why return was I was so sick of the efficiency of the U.S., I don't miss that at all.

DENNIS - 8-20-2011 at 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by shari
how about sweeping dirt...never did that at home NOB!

You probably never had a dirt floor in Canada. Or...did you?? :lol:

Lee - 8-20-2011 at 03:01 PM

What do most MX think when trash is thrown from a moving vehicle in Baja? I'm guessing nothing, or else -- oh someone's getting rid of their basura.

My impression of Mexicans on beaches on a Sunday afternoon is that most will leave all their trash on the beach. That would be bottles, food, diapers, everything. And sometimes gringoes will feel obligated to pick the trash up.

DENNIS - 8-20-2011 at 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lee
What do most MX think when trash is thrown from a moving vehicle in Baja? I'm guessing nothing, or else -- oh someone's getting rid of their basura.

My impression of Mexicans on beaches on a Sunday afternoon is that most will leave all their trash on the beach. That would be bottles, food, diapers, everything. And sometimes gringoes will feel obligated to pick the trash up.

You're right, Lee.
Trash is part of life in Mexico, and I dont mean Mexicans are trashy people.
In the states, in high refuse situations, we have a plan to deal with it. Trash cans, as well as a crew to empty them.
Here, in most cases, they don't do that.....yet.

Wind is the great basura cleanser.

Pray for Wind.

Barry A. - 8-20-2011 at 03:59 PM

The BLM in the SoCal deserts use to have a lot of trash cans out at the main recreation areas-------people came from miles around to dump their household trash at our sites so that they could avoid paying for trash collection at their homes, I guess. About 30 years ago, BLM pulled all the trash cans out of the desert as we were simply overwhelmed, and the "cans" acted like magnets for mountains of trash, far beyond the capacity of the "cans".

Trash is EVERYBODIES problem, and it takes EVERYBODY doing their share to keep it under control----it's far beyond the capabilities of "Government". In the USA over the years we have made great progress in each of us handling our own basura-------I can testify to that as I have "paid attention" for many years since it was "my" problem in the desert.

Yes, the "wind" works wonders for loose trash-------removes it from your sight, and deposits it in somebody elses sight------not sure that is progress, tho. :lol:

Barry

Eli - 8-20-2011 at 04:19 PM

When my daughter originally formed UVERDE in Los Barriles, one of her principal activities was to pull all of Her company's construction crew off the job one day a month and pay them instead to pick up trash, cleaning up downtown and the outlying areas of our community. They hauled away several dump truck loads of trash every month. A few gringos did step in and help, but 90% of the trash was picked up by my daughter's crews. It was her way of giving back to our community and teaching her workers about throwing trash around.

Once a month, there is a recycle pickup in Los Barriles, this has been organized by a few local gringos. But again, UVERDE has stepped up to the plate provides transportation of recycled items to La Paz where they are processed.

UVERDE is a Mexican Non Profit Organisation with an all Mexican board dedicated to Environmental Issues. UVERDE is not funded by the Gringo community. It stands on it's own now, Mexican Volunteers, Money raised by rummage sales etc. UVERDE also visit the schools to orient the kids in environmental issues and provides summer recycle art projects for kids of our community. Los Barriles has never been the same since UVERDE stepped up to the plate. We have a little trash blowing around town, but still several times a year UVERDE organizes trash pickups.

[Edited on 8-20-2011 by Eli]

Sampling fruits

Skipjack Joe - 8-20-2011 at 04:23 PM

It's common for an American shopper to pull off a grape and try it before purchasing the entire bag. To make sure the taste is what you expect. Don't like the flavor - don't buy it.

My ex got the dirtiest look from a vendor at San Ignacio when she did that. Oooops... lesson learned.

Hugs & Pecks

oladulce - 8-20-2011 at 05:21 PM

I come from a family of huggers- Hugs for hello, hugs for goodbye with family and friends is all ok with me. I'm not used to shaking hands. It's not something that was done in my profession etc, but I'm working on that one especially when a Mexican child extends his or her hand I remember,"oh shoot, the handshake".

One thing I haven't figured out is the right-side, left-side fake kissy thing that sometimes goes with a hug. Is it right side first, then left or vice versa or is there a technique? When and who do your reserve this for?

We've become friends with the ingeniero who did our Environmental study and we needed to get some documents from him. We were in La Paz for FM renewals so he said he'd meet us at the immigration office. The office was busy that day and most of the chairs in the waiting room were full. Hilario walked in and we waved and he came over. I expected a verbal greeting and instead noticed he was gearing up for a Mexican-hug-greeting, and then he surprised me and went for the Hug-and-side-to-side-peck maneuver.

I have never attempted that maneuver Mexican style so I went with what I know and gave him a big 'ol smouch on the cheek like I'd give my grandma. The noise in the crowded room just happened to dim at that exact moment and I swear the "smack" could've been heard on the Malecon outside. I don't think that's how you do it .

DENNIS - 8-20-2011 at 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Barry A.
Yes, the "wind" works wonders for loose trash-------removes it from your sight, and deposits it in somebody elses sight------not sure that is progress, tho. :lol:

Barry

I thought we were talking about Mexico. About something we don't understand.

chrisx - 8-20-2011 at 05:38 PM

My great Grandmother who was born in 1882 said,
¨the people who did things the old way seemed happier than the people who did things the modern way.¨
She died in 1971.

There seem to be a lot of people in Baja living the old way to some degree.
Many Mexican people seem happier than even their cousins up North.

Barry A. - 8-20-2011 at 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by Barry A.
Yes, the "wind" works wonders for loose trash-------removes it from your sight, and deposits it in somebody elses sight------not sure that is progress, tho. :lol:

Barry

I thought we were talking about Mexico. About something we don't understand.

We are, Dennis. I don't understand why ANY folks (north or south) would "throw" trash to just 'blow in the wind'------and I have never heard an explanation that satisfied me. It defies logic. :yes:

Barry

shari - 8-20-2011 at 06:21 PM

yep the "Hug and a Handshake" is one of those differences and I try to warn our visitors and friends about the handshake after the kinda fake kissy-poo action...which is on the right cheek by the way...right fake kiss followed by the right hand sticking out. Or sometimes its a fake back pat...also right cheek to cheek.

Roberto - 8-20-2011 at 06:37 PM

The concept of what is polite/acceptable in Mexico is interesting. I'm not sure that it's fair to either Americans or Mexicans to define one as more polite than the other.

The buenos dias, provecho, etc. I see as analogues to Have a Good Day, Enjoy ... Basically custom. Digging in a little deeper, there is a feeling of privacy in Mexico that doesn't really exist in the US. Very similar to what we see in other "Latin" (and related) countries, like Spain, Portugal, Italy, as well as other older cultures. An example is the ritual that one should follow before talking business - how are you, how is the family, ... It's also true that to form true bonds of friendship, that go beyond these manifestations of education and culture is just as difficult in the two countries, but in different ways. I remember when I first moved to the US in 1982, how truly shocked I was at the openness of Americans. I mean they address each other by their first name while strangers. They also talk about things that in Italy are considered intimately personal (relationships, sex, family are examples). But the reality is that this is a layer, and discussing these matters is in no way reflective of friendship. This is similar in Mexico.

There are also contradictions ... like waiting in the line to cross the border at San Ysidro. I mean Mexicans are there to grab every personal advantage they can - screw everyone else. Hardly polite. A mexican friend once explained this contradiction by saying that when driving a card, they don't have to look at you in the eye. Read in that what you will.

When moving to another country we know little about from one we know well, it's easy to see the good points of the new one while criticizing the one we come from. That rarely produces accurate observations. It's pretty tough to declare one country/culture as superior to another - they are all different, and being made up of people, have pluses and minuses.

chrisx - 8-20-2011 at 06:49 PM

Some how it seems important to go many places and discover the differences. Not just from country too country but from state too state as well.

Quote:

Originally posted by Roberto
It's pretty tough to declare one country/culture as superior to another - they are all different, and being made up of people, have pluses and minuses.

Eli - 8-20-2011 at 06:53 PM

Another of the differences between Mexican and Gringo culture that I really like is in Mexico you don't have to know someones name until you really have some kind of valid relationship with them. First you get to know the person, than you call them by their name. In the states, as soon as you meet someone it is the polite thing to do to memorize their name, than later you can figure out if you are going to really get to know the person or not.

chrisx - 8-20-2011 at 06:54 PM

California, Oregon, and Washington Are reasonably clean, free of trash. On a week long hike in the Olympic mountains I found 0 trash.
The East coast is over loaded with trash. to the point I don't want to go back

The Black Hills are quite trash free

BajaGringo - 8-20-2011 at 07:01 PM

I hear you on the trash thing.

It is frustrating and something I have been vocal about to a lot of folks here. Some would say I am p***ing in the wind and after filling another, countless bag of left behind trash I was just about ready to agree with them.

That is until a couple of weeks ago. I was contacted by a local group who has a program on the local and only radio station here a couple of times a week. They push a green agenda and have begun dedicating a portion of their program to educating people about the downside to littering and promoting people to pick up their trash wherever they go, and always mention our coastline / beaches. They have also begun recruiting for a day in September to organize a group to come out for a day of trash pickup, installing some fixed trash bins and posting no littering signs.

Change comes in small steps and I am going to keep my fingers crossed. We offered to throw a BBQ out here on the beach for all who show up and participate.

Hopefully this will be one of many such events...

shari - 8-20-2011 at 07:13 PM

like Eli says, there are people I have known for 20 years and I dont even know their real name as everyone uses the nickname!

Also, it is totally acceptable to refer to someone by their physical attributes...for example I have heard people in restaurants call the waitress over by hailing..."Gorda" or "Flacca" which is most likely not considered appropriate but they do it....pelon, chino, negro, narizon are others that are quite common...I hated being called guera, "white girl" but have gotten used to it now and realize to them it's not negative...it is just how they address someone who's name they dont know....seems so foreign and unpolitically correct to us.

chrisx - 8-20-2011 at 07:25 PM

A couple of years ago I chanced to meet a Belgian man pedaling his bicycle North. He started at the southern tip of South America. He said the Mexican people were among the warmest and nicest he meet on his journey. He also likes Bolivia. And said the Colombian girls were the prettiest ever. Although he spoke highly of his Mexican friends, he also got robbed in Mexico. He rented an apartment for 1 month on the main land. Someone broke in and took everything accept his bike which was locked to the radiator, (ouch).

He Said he received frequent invitations to dinner and a cot for the night. Until he crossed into Texas, Where the invitations stopped for good. Some nice folks in Silver City New Mexico paid him $1,000 to cut tile for 10 days and he bought some new cold weather gear. Note: ( the Hotel California from the song is near Hurst castle). As we set on the steps of the now closed Hotel California eating lunch, the Belgian showed me a years worth of photos from his journey. Then a Ranger pulled in and more or less called him a wino. Note; (a bright yellow jacket makes you look like a cyclist instead of a wino.)

You can find something good to say about each country. You can find Something bad to say about each country. If you have something to say about many countries you are winning.

Note; from the border south, and from about the red woods north you are a touring cyclist and people ask to many questions. Where, when, why, how far. etc.
In Socal you are a wino on a bike, now move! Hows that for a cultural difference?

chrisx - 8-20-2011 at 07:31 PM

Very similar to that in rural Ireland, where I lived for 2 years

Quote:

Originally posted by shari
like Eli says, there are people I have known for 20 years and I dont even know their real name as everyone uses the nickname!

Also, it is totally acceptable to refer to someone by their physical attributes...for example I have heard people in restaurants call the waitress over by hailing..."Gorda" or "Flacca" which is most likely not considered appropriate but they do it....pelon, chino, negro, narizon are others that are quite common...I hated being called guera, "white girl" but have gotten used to it now and realize to them it's not negative...it is just how they address someone who's name they dont know....seems so foreign and unpolitically correct to us.

Barry A. - 8-20-2011 at 08:57 PM

True story---------when we moved to El Centro (1974) in the Imperial Valley (SoCal), we bought a house in a cul-de-sac consisting of 8 houses. 3 of the 8 houses were owned by Mexicanos, all USA citizens. The house had been on the market for several weeks prior to our buying, and the grass and scrubs were a little overgrown. The day we moved in (Saturday), and were really busy unloading the van, all 3 Mexican families (men, women and children) came over with their garden equipment and cut the lawn, trimmed the hedges and treated the entire day as a welcome party without intruding on our 'moving in' activities in the least. I was thoroughly impressed, believe me, and it is still clear in my mind and that was 1974. For the 13 years we were in that house, these 3 families were amongst our best friends. It took me weeks & months to gain a similar friendship with the Anglo families in the other 5 houses, and one couple never did become friendly---------I always thought that was weird, but it did not bother me.

Barry

Eli - 8-21-2011 at 06:26 AM

Oh and the really fun nicknames are the ones that were given as a baby and really don't any longer in anyway fit. I know a lady who is as medium a size as any and her nickname is Gorda, because she was a fat baby. Or the bald guy called Chino, or the guy with a full head of hair being called Pelon because he was a bald baby jejeje. too funny. I know lots of Gueras that are Mexican, my head always pops up when someone calls out Guera, and than I note they are referring to someone else. One of the ladies in my art class is called Blondie, I have no idea what her real name is, she is a reddish blond many freckled Mexican. I feel strange addressing my art teacher by his name Luis Portfilo, we all call him Maestro.

oladulce - 8-21-2011 at 06:49 AM

Thanks Shari. Lean to the Right and lead with the cheek- hold the peck.

BajaGringo - 8-21-2011 at 07:58 AM

Yeah, down here just about everybody has a nickname. A lot of them aren't very flattering either and yet people don't seem to mind. They just accept that they are called as people see them, and as they do with others. Like my adopted lil' sis Shari, I'm also "guero" to a lot of folks down here.

Going to keep working on my tan. Maybe they'll start calling me Jorge Hamilton...

Mulegena - 8-21-2011 at 08:19 AM

I think that'd be lean to the left and you'll "kissey-peck" the right-- I think.

Quote:

Originally posted by oladulce
Thanks Shari. Lean to the Right and lead with the cheek- hold the peck.

Quote:

Originally posted by shari
yep the "Hug and a Handshake" is one of those differences and I try to warn our visitors and friends about the handshake after the kinda fake kissy-poo action...which is on the right cheek by the way...right fake kiss followed by the right hand sticking out. Or sometimes its a fake back pat...also right cheek to cheek.

[url][/url]

[url][/url][email][/email]I've always appreciated this greeting, but only do it with sincerity. The other day at the horseraces some drunk guy tried to take this greeting to another conclusion and overstepped his bounds. I felt it coming, turned my head completely away- to the left- and UP came my left arm which prevented him from completing that bear hug he had in mind. I was prepared to give him a push with my left arm against his chest, my foot behind his, so he'd fall in the horse pucky, but alas... wasn't necessary.

Eli - 8-21-2011 at 08:26 AM

One of Dona Lupe's favorite terms of endearment for my father was "Ay que Mi P-nche Gringo". How many times I recall she would pinch both of his checks and call him that with greatest affection, he loved it, go figure. Even when we buried him, she cried "P-nche Gringo" at his graveside.

I just called my adopted brothers in San Jose, as always, when he recognized by voice, Lalo answered "Hermana Ingrato", (ungrateful sister), he always calls me that, again this is said with great affection, but reminding me how seldom I call them.

DENNIS - 8-21-2011 at 08:35 AM

This looks like a good read:

Latinization: how Latino culture is transforming the U.S. By Cristina Benitez

http://tinyurl.com/42nz329

Eli - 8-21-2011 at 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
This looks like a good read:

Latinization: how Latino culture is transforming the U.S. By Cristina Benitez

http://tinyurl.com/42nz329

I just skimmed thru this a little here and a little there, but looks like she has covered her bases very well with all she has said. Looks like a good read to me.

chrisx - 8-22-2011 at 09:49 AM

Shopping

What about shopping? With out thinking about it I buy different things at the store here. Chillies for example. Up North they have green chillies, but I don't buy them. Here I put them in most meals. I don't know why. In the North I buy Different cloths too. When my bottle of tubeless tire sealant erupted and ruined my Icebreaker shirts, I replaced them with 33 peso polyester shirts, (no cotton for bicycle riding.) Apparently I have a different perception of what I need here.

durrelllrobert - 8-22-2011 at 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Barry A.
The BLM in the SoCal deserts use to have a lot of trash cans out at the main recreation areas-------people came from miles around to dump their household trash at our sites so that they could avoid paying for trash collection at their homes, I guess. About 30 years ago, BLM pulled all the trash cans out of the desert as we were simply overwhelmed, and the "cans" acted like magnets for mountains of trash, far beyond the capacity of the "cans".

Trash is EVERYBODIES problem, and it takes EVERYBODY doing their share to keep it under control----it's far beyond the capabilities of "Government". In the USA over the years we have made great progress in each of us handling our own basura-------I can testify to that as I have "paid attention" for many years since it was "my" problem in the desert.

Yes, the "wind" works wonders for loose trash-------removes it from your sight, and deposits it in somebody elses sight------not sure that is progress, tho. :lol:

Barry

Most of the cleanup crews you see along SoCCa highways have been convicted of DUI or other misdemeanors and are doing their community service time. Could this work in MX? :lol:

BajaGringo - 8-22-2011 at 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by durrelllrobertMost of the cleanup crews you see along SoCCa highways have been convicted of DUI or other misdemeanors and are doing their community service time. Could this work in MX? :lol:

Only if they were to actually start arresting drunk drivers. As long as they don't cause an accident or any major property damage, most of the ones around here simply get an escort home...

:rolleyes:

Mulegena - 8-22-2011 at 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaGringo

Quote:

Yeah, you don't want to arrest your mama. Kinda make ya' feel like a monkey's uncle.