But my mind is always two steps ahead... what ideas can i share for the blog? What pictures would my readership enjoy seeing? I decided to listen to my friends and family to see what they wanted to know... and the common idea is safety. What's the crime rate? Are there police and other civil services? Do I feel safe here?
Yes, yes, and yes. Just like any other major--or even minor--city in the world, Merida has its good and not-so-good neighborhoods. As long as you're aware of your surroundings and don't engage in risky behaviors, I am 100% confident in saying that Merida is just as safe as my suburb in the States. I have no qualms about walking in my neighborhood at midnight to meet a taxi with a friend or head out to a club. But, as my dad always says... "If something doesn't feel right, don't do it." If I don't like the situation, I don't second-guess myself. That alone keeps me safe and street-smart.
I know a lot of people wanted to know more about the "real" Mexico, so I have compiled a list of things you should know before you come.
Reasons NOT to Visit Mexico
Don't come to Mexico if:
...you don't like sunshine. Mexico pretty much invented sunshine. If you're looking for dreary weather, giant snowdrifts, and freezing temperatures, you need to head in the opposite direction. Yesterday (March 10th) we had a random thunderstorm which brought temperatures down to a brisk 60* or so, but it's usually in the 80s all day and maybe in the 70s with nice breezes at night. No jackets needed!
...you're a homebody. There is ALWAYS something to do in Merida. If you're looking for touristy, there's tons, and if you're looking for local, there's tons more. Great shopping--both cheap and pricey/American, movies, theaters, clubs, bars, karaoke, restaurants, beaches, museums, art galleries, cultural festivals, concerts, ruins, bus tours, volunteering, fishing, snorkeling, sports games (including ice hockey!), dance lessons, fitness seminars... I have been here a month and while I have attended every available opportunity I've known about, there are at least 5 more that I missed or was interested in at the same time.
...you're not very sociable. Latin people are famous for their outgoing group dynamics. No matter where you go, someone's always laughing or talking or even singing! I think the quietest place in Merida, after the library, is the bus... and only because people are drained after a hard day's work. The people here aren't afraid of a little snuggle time, either. It's very common to see couples of all ages holding hands, kissing in public, or getting close on a park bench. Couples are very physically affectionate in public and nobody notices. Coincidentally, their culture is not very sexualized. Not many racy magazine covers or nude scenes in movies, and everyday wear is casual and covers properly. (Going out is a different story...)
...you're a TV/internet junkie. From my first day with my host family, I noticed that our house is always humming with activity. The grown, married daughters come over daily with the kids and even the dog. Neighbors and friends stop by to say hello and have lunch. And if nobody's at our house, we're all meeting other people somewhere else. Even my 83-yr old Abuelita goes out to meet with her elderly friends (with some assistance from Mama Mili, of course). My family has TVs but they're hardly ever on. I can't tell you what a single program lineup is here. Aside from the news, we're busy interacting with each other so there's no time to watch movies or Skype for hours.
...you're not willing to explore. On Sunday, MT, Anna and I had a ridiculous and frustrating adventure around Merida, trying to find the mall. While we went home pretty sour at first, I can now say that I know the major bus routes around the city and saw plenty of interesting places I wouldn't mind going to again. We spent an entire day seeing various sites and we never even left the city--or saw the other half! If you're expecting adventure to find you, sometimes it will... but you also have to be willing to look a little yourself.
...you're a couch potato. In Merida, you walk A LOT. Even though there are buses and taxis, your two feet learn to be pretty good at getting around. For instance: I walk 3 blocks from my house to my bus stop. I take the bus for 20-30 mins to school (depending on traffic and number of stops made), but I have to walk another 10 to get to the actual building. My friends and I see no problem with walking 7 blocks from my house to go to a club. One night, we tried to meet the rest of the class at a restaurant, anticipating a 30 min walk. We walked about 3 miles, from the beginning of one of the longest streets in town all the way to my district. Oh, and at the ruins? Hiking and climbing galore. I broke in a pair of shoes my 2nd day exploring the ruins of Chichen Itza.
...you don't want to feel attractive. People in Mexico find staring to be acceptable (to an extent). If you are looking good--and sometimes, if you aren't--you will notice people checking you out. Ladies, men will look at you on a daily basis. I constantly get honked at, waved to, people stopping to say "Hi, you look great! I love your hair..." Men especially are very forward, but NEVER disrespectful. It's part of their culture of machismo--where men show their manliness through virility. I'm no longer surprised when I go to the beach and a guy says "Wow! Gorgeous, chica!". A smile and "Gracias" does the trick. In clubs, when guys approach me and I'm not interested, they politely move on. As uncomfortable as it may sound, after about an hour you get used to it. However, men know their boundaries--they don't make leering or suggestive remarks, they take no for an answer the first time, and there's no physical contact.
...you don't like doing more for less. My favorite thing about living in Mexico is that even on a student budget, it's so affordable! You can find great places to eat, things to do, and stuff to buy without being a #1 bargain hunter (but it sure helps!). Haggling for lower prices at most outdoor markets is acceptable and encouraged. If you really want to feel fancy, try some of your favorite American delights while across the border. I recently went to the nail salon (more on that in my upcoming Culture post) with my host mom. I had a full pedicure and polish, as well as custom-designed acrylic fingernails. Total cost? 400 pesos, or on a bad day, the equivalent of $40 USD. (At the local exchange a week ago, I was making 12.45 pesos per dollar, so it was probably more like $32-$35.) I know places in the States where you can't even get acrylic nails done alone for $40!!! If you're into spending with nothing to show for it, then Mexico's not for you.
So, to recap: If you are generally not a fun-loving person, you should stay far away from Mexico. But if you want to try something different, grab your passport and come visit!
