It’s personal here

I read an article yesterday about a coffee shop in Washington State where many people chose to pay for the vehicle behind them in the drive through lane. It got a lot of attention as a “good news” item.

I think most people are kind – and most enjoy doing nice things for others. Paying for the person behind you is a very nice thing to do. Unexpected generosity is wonderful. I wholly endorse the idea.

But.

You knew there had to be a But, didn’t you?

I think the thing I really love about Mexico is that it is personal and face to face.

Examples:

There is a lot of fast food here, but it is cut up fruit in a cup, tacos, baked potatoes, tortas, liquados, etc. You’re not issued a number. You stand there and talk to the people as they make the food and inquire as to your choice of salsas or whatever to go with it. I should mention when we were at the Papas Locos (Crazy Potatoes) place on Zaragoza that cars pull up in the left lane next to the cart…order through their window…and chat with the owners as their food is made. They just put on their blinkers and people drive around them. No problem.

At the end of a construction project (today for us) you buy carnitas or tacos and beer and coke and have a celebration meal with the construction crew. You stand around talking (and for us that is still tough) and face to face tell them all that you appreciate what their excellent work means to you.

I can’t really think of more examples this morning – but I think you get the idea. I like the face to face way of life and am happy that I no longer go to a drive through for any of my transactions…and if I give to people it is also face to face.

Living in Mexico

Ahhh, Sunshine!

Just about done!

More about Nancy

I'm Nancy, a US expat living in San Antonio Tlayacapan, Jalisco after 11 years in Mazatlán, México.

4 Comments

Jennifer
December 21, 2007

This is one of the reasons why I can’t wait to get to Honduras. The entire culture is just so very different. That is what I want my kids to experience, not the way life is here now. With everything all about me, me, me and no time for much of anything or anyone else.

~Jennifer

Steve Cotton
December 21, 2007

Another good reason to move to Mexico. I may add it to my blog list.

I have read almost all of your blog entries. I have been making some notes for future topics of my own. It is strange how the same issues seem to arise in every move.

Nancy
December 22, 2007

Jennifer & Steve,

Thanks for your comments. I think we were born Mexican and somehow ended up adopted into US families…that’s how natural it feels to us now.

Steve, you’re smart to ferret out everything you can to read – not just to educate yourself but also to keep the flame alive. Plus seeing how others did it made us realize we really could, too.