Life in Mexico is never quiet. Punctuating our day are the various trucks that announce themselves to be nearby, just in case you need their service.
The first sounds most people are aware of are the various gas trucks. Below are recordings of Zeta Gas and Gas Milenium. They are carrying the four foot tall cylinders to exchange full for empty.
The knife sharpener walks through the neighborhood every week or so blowing his whistle. It’s the same whistle throughout all of México, too.
The junk man makes his rounds at least a couple of times a week, too. Old metal, broken appliances, aluminum, and much more will be collected at your door.
In the late afternoon you’ll hear the song below. Just in case you’re looking for an ice cream treat .
I wasn’t able to catch a good recording of the cheese man or the fruit and vegetable truck. I always listen for them, especially the trucks selling a single kind of fruit in season. I’ve bought cantelope, tomatoes, mangoes and watermelon at various times lately, perfectly ripe and at a nice price too. The picture at the top is of mangoes I bought a couple of weeks ago. Thirty pesos, too! (That’s about $1.30 USD)
In these pandemic times there is another thing we hear morning and evening – church services announced over a public address system. All we can really gather is “Maria, madre de Dios” but I imagine those accustomed to a daily service appreciate it and are familiar with the words.
We’ve never heard the camote whistle here in San Antonio Tlayacapan but they used too come by our house in Mazatlán one night a week. Those delicious roasted sweet potatoes straight from their red hot brazier were a real treat.
jennifer rose
July 14, 2020Here in a tenencia of Morelia we have many of the same sounds, but the best is the saxaphonist across the street practicing. Since COVID-19, he’s been at home more than not, which means daily blessings of his music.
Nancy
July 15, 2020Hi Jennifer, I envy you your saxaphonist. We have the barking dog chorus this week to accompany the trucks! Take care and stay well.
Barbara Narvesen
July 15, 2020Such a treat to hear these sounds when we can’t get back to Mexico yet. Thanks
Nancy
July 15, 2020Hi Barbara, Hope you are well and that it won’t be too long until you can return.
Wendy Kain
July 15, 2020Not Greensleeves? Great post, thanks.
Nancy
July 15, 2020Hi Wendy! No greensleeves, ja ja xoxo
Deborah C
July 15, 2020Too bad you couldn’t get a recording of the police telling people to quedarte en casa. I guess the helicopter rides over the lake have been suspended, but at some point you’ll be able to add that as well.
Thanks for the smile this morning!
Nancy
July 15, 2020Hi Deborah, I shared the quedarte en casa video on Instagram a while ago: https://www.instagram.com/p/CAS3OLuJjqX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Take care and thanks for commenting!
Lorena
July 15, 2020Ahhh, these sounds remind me of the wonderful summers my sisters and I used to spend with my grandmother in Mazatlán in the 70’s. Some things don’t change. Those were special times and makes me miss those simple things. Can’t wait to travel again after it is safer to travel. Glad to have found your blog again and hope you’re enjoying your new home.
Nancy
July 15, 2020Thanks so much Lorena. All the best to you and fingers crossed for the world to become safer very soon.
Mary
July 15, 2020Great post! I’m sure you can guess why I didn’t listen to your recordings…yes I hear the exact same ones…they may even be the same vendors that pass by my house. Miss seeing you guys. I imagine you are living your home and that garden that must be growing by leaps and bounds!
Contessa Jewall
July 18, 2020What a fun post. Brings back some memories. Clever idea on your part.