Thoughts on Mexico

I just got back from a nearly two week trip to Mexico. I’m still in the process of getting back to my regular routine and I’m slowly getting used to everyone saying that they are ‘too busy’ again. It’s crazy how quickly the human body and mind can adapt to a new place. The first day I got back from Mexico it felt very strange to be back home. The floor felt different and the toilets flushed super fast!

I have to say that I miss Mexico. The greenery, fresh air with a slight scent of soil, amazing clouds and friendly people willing to stop and talk. Of course, this is not the case for big cities like Aguascalientes. Aguascalientes is like any other city in the US. I literally couldn’t tell that I was in Mexico besides the fact that the signs were in Spanish and the road was littered with different types of cars that are not sold in the US.

I spent 90% of my time in a small pueblo (town) called Huanusco, Zacatecas. I also visited Jalpa, which is another small town 20 mins away for breakfast every morning. They serve some of the best birria de chiva I’ve ever had (Google it if you are not familiar with the dish). The dish was very filling. It kept me satisfied until 5 or 6 pm.

In the pueblo I stayed in, everything is very different. You walk down the street and are greeted by everyone you encounter. In that small town you know your neighbors and all the store owners. You eventually learn everyone’s first name. In the US I don’t even know the names of my neighbors. I’ve never even shook their hand! Time doesn’t seem to be as coveted as it is here in the US. People over in Mexico don’t mind stopping and talking to you for 10 or 15 mins. In the US everyone is always super busy. They’re so busy they don’t have time to eat sometimes! I’ve had that excuse plenty of times myself.

I realized that the fast paced life we live here is neither right or wrong. It is just another variation of living. You can choose a fast paced life and stay here. Or if you feel more suited for a relaxed life, then a small pueblo in Mexico is right for you. I wouldn’t be surprised if I decide to move to Mexico for 3 to 6 months sometime in the future, because I really liked it. The food is good and the people are friendly. A lot of the meat you eat is going to be grass fed. The air is fresh and the girls are pretty. The clouds form amazing shapes in the sky. There are beautiful views to be seen everyday. The music is enjoyable once you get used to it.

Yes, there is danger in Mexico but there is also a lot of danger in the US if you stumble into the wrong part of town. If you keep to yourself late at night, then you should be safe.

There is a lot of poverty, but it doesn’t seem to stifle the overall content mood of the people. Some of the poorest people I met seemed to be some of the happiest people. Lack of education was normal in the small town I visited. Instead of continuing school, it was valued higher to begin working either on the land or in a nearby shop. Earning money is a priority that sometimes has to be chosen over education. In the US, a decision like that is usually unneeded.

Overall, life in Huanusco, Zacatecas was very enjoyable. It was an experience I won’t forget. I look forward to my next trip over there.