Monday, April 12, 2010

Assignment 1 - Meixco


My relationship with Mexico began years ago. I tell people often that I initially began to study Spanish because I was looking for culture and honestly, I did find a lot of that culture in Mexico. Being a total white girl, I always felt that Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries were oozing with something that I lacked.

I have travelled to Mexico various times, but the most lasting impression was made when I lived in Guadalajara for 6 weeks. I travelled through various parts of Mexico before landing in Guadalajara and as I learned more and more about each different state, I realized how rich and colorful this culture is.


If I had to choose three things that I relate with Mexico, it would be very tough; there is so much, but here it goe....

1- I would have to say that I immediately think of the vibrant and caring people when I think of Mexico. There is a common saying that goes along with the Spanish language. "Mi casa es su casa." When I was living there, this became the truest statement. Many people helped me find my bus stop by (walking me there) in Tlaquepaque, my host mom fervently helped with me my homework (pulling out old newspapers to validate her point) and more. Mexico's hospitality, true kindness and smiles of their people is truly undeniable.


2- Mexico's culture speaks many different languages. Their culture is not single layered or one-dimensional. I think of La plaza de las tres culturas (the plaza of the three cultures). Here resides to remnants of the Aztecs, a Catholic church and modern-day Mexico. It has always fascinated me how Mexico has woven multiple cultures together and created their own form of a melting-pot. I love how Day of the Dead, for instance, incorporates the old indigenous practices as well as modern-day Catholic practices. I honestly do not know if I can think of another culture that has fused together so well. I mean, just look at their flag.....

3- Would it be too cliche to say that lastly I think about the food and drink? I mean, what would Mexico be without the amazing chilies, tequilas, guacamoles, mole and more? The restaurant experience is more than anything we would expect in the US. Mariachis singing, margaritas flowing....Oh, it's just amazing. When we went to a small mercado, there were about 50 chilies to choose from. A country that has that many chilies to choose from just must be flavorful!
I have not had time to travel to Guatemala or Belize yet! But, if there was just one image that came to my mind when thinking about Guatemala, it would be Rigoberta Menchu.
Mexico is complexly beautiful and unique. It's tumultuous past has laid groundwork for a country comprised of Aztec, Maya , Spanish and much more.....all who we call Mexicans.

5 comments:

  1. You seem to have a lot of experience with Mexico and that's awesome! I love their food as well and when you mentioned that Mexico's culture speaks many different languages, before I read on, I thought of how there are so many different dialects in Mexico and how meanings of words change depending on locations.

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  2. Hola!

    It must have been an amzing experience to live in Mexico for a little while. I was young when I traveled there and easily terrified by a culture that seemed so different from my own--especially when I knew next to nothing about it. Now I know more, and I think that underlying the drugs, gangs, and politcal and economic problems, Mexico and its inhabitants are truly wonderful people with an amazing cultures.

    What you said about Mexico having many cultures well fused together, that struck me. Many countries (including our own) struggle to meld together cultures, but Mexico seems to have achieved far more harmony than the U.S. probably ever will.

    Hasta luego!

    -Kayla Hudson

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  3. I am a true believer that truly learning a culture necessitates living in that culture-not at the hotels or tourist areas--but with the people...it is only there in their world that we learn the most...

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  4. I love Mexico too, and I really enjoyed reading your story. I'm a white girl too, and I think I know what you mean. I love its crazy mix.

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  5. I definatly think about the food and drink as well. I love the authentic Mexican food. I love when my friends grandmothers that are Mexican make tamales. They make huge batches and either sell them or give them away. They are the best. One think I am not fond of is the candy. I remember being little and my teacher went to Mexico and brought us back candy. It was so salty. Although the Dulce de Leche is yummy.

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