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| Blogs > spiritwoman45 > Life in the Canyon |
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From The Otherside of the Wall I wrote this for another site but am also sharing it here it here. I know most people here have their minds made up about Mexico and other countries but I am sharing it for anyone who is interested in a societal rather than political perspective of life. We all see life through our own filters. Mine happen to focus on the day to day life of the ordinary people rather than the larger political view. I just returned from my annual February in Mexico. I admit that I had a bit of anxiety about what I might find after all of Trump’s Mexico bashing and reports of immigration and customs difficulties coming back to the US. Things are a bit different but nothing like you might expect. 1. Other than in major cities and around large universities people are too concerned with getting by on a day to day basis to have much interest in, concern or time for the luxury of political thinking. Kind of confirms what I have said for some time – that political concerns and debate over ideologies are a luxury most of us here in the US take for granted. 2. People are reluctant to comment on US politics. They seem to hesitate be a bit guarded when you say you are an American. However when said I was from California they usually broke into smiles and almost gave a visible sign of relief. Reassuring that they do not equate Californians to mainstream US and that our different social and political values are recognized and appreciated. 3. There seemed to be fewer American visitors but that hasn’t had any impact on tourism, which I a big income producer for Mexico. The usual vacation spots are busier than I have ever seen them. With the devaluation of the Pseo people from other countries, Europe in particular, are taking advantage of how far their money will go and are taking Mexican vacations. We ended up being mixed in with a plane load of UK citizens, blue passports among the red. The airport in PTO was packed. There were several planes from European Airlines I haven’t seen in PTO before. This was the first time it took more than 10 – 15 minutes to get through immigration. Customs was a bit more streamlined. Less invasive than domestic TSA stuff in the US. 4. There was a far less local police presence all over. What I did observe was serious stuff. Tactical uniforms and vehicles but still no wheres near the extent it is prevalent in the US. I only saw the federal police (federales) twice. 5. Those I talked with from the expat communities say that many more Americans are talking about moving to Mexico. Immigration has been streamlined. There are now just 2 categories of immigrants, temporary and permanent resident, and of course the opportunity to become a citizen after 5 years. Anyone who has no felony record and can prove that they have enough money (about $2000.00 USD a month) is usually approved. 6. Canadians, Canadians everywhere. Far more Canadian tourists then American. In the past it seemed that there were more Americans. I am not sure how this applies at the American type resort hotels (which were mostly booked up) though because I always use a Mexican one. Why bother to go to another country for the same thing as i can get with a trip to San Diego? 7. There seem to be more US name stores open or opening. I actually got up the courage to brave a Walmart just to see what it was like. Much the same as here (at least I think because I seldom, if ever go into a Walmart ). Makes me wonder how much influence Trump’s proposed tariffs will effect things. Yes, these are American companies but little of what they sell is made in the US. My thought is on this the ability of the companies to simply change the way goods are moved from the manufacturer to Mexico. Many items are actually made in Mexico. With some international corporate legal reorganization (Many companies such as cruise lines and big pharmaceuticals already do this) the goods might actually be cheaper in Mexico. 8. Price changes (in Pesos) vary more. For example even with a recent large hike in the cost of gas taxi and bus fares remain much the same. Smaller, local restaurants are about the same but the larger higher end restaurants charge more. The price of fruit from a vendor on the beach is considerably more while the cost of a taco at the corner stand is much the same. I was particularly interested this since the US dollar is worth far more, actually twice as much as it was when I first started going to Mexico in 2006. I always do business in the cash currency of the country I am visiting or via credit card where ever possible, so this had little impact on me but most shops and vendors like and even prefer American currency. Some did this as an accommodation in the past but now many give you the price in American dollars and strongly encourage you to pay this way. 9. US customs and immigration, at least at LAX, had subtle but more authoritarian changes. We landed at a Delta gate but as usual were bussed to Bradley for customs etc. There were lines of airline personnel all along the way to make sure no one wandered off. We were all “sniffed” by the as we entered Bradley. This was the first time I have seen the drug sniffers outside of the actual custom or baggage claim areas. Even after we were herded and packed in to the bus and it was moving it was accompanied by 2 Border Patrol vehicles until we were herded by an almost solid line of airline and airport personnel into the Immigration area. Those of us who needed or appeared as we might need extra time or assistance - people with canes, wheel chairs etc including those with small and seniors were automatically directed to the “special assistance” line. This was a real bonus for me because it meant being able to avoid the long lines, repetitive document presentation procedures and the kiosks thing. One quick process and everything was completed – just like the good old days. On to the baggage claim then customs the agents simply took our signed off document for declaration and let us pass through. I would really line to take a trip to Europe in the near future to see how this has changed but don’t for see it happening this year. Then you never know. As I am always saying “I have a passport, an American Express card with no preset limit and the number for the airport shuttle” so anything is possible. Spiritwoman ^i^ |
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Glad to see you are home, safe and sound (debatable, lol ) and I know you would have enjoyed an even longer stay. Once upon a time, many of us were more concerned with our own day to day lives and helping those in society around us............ but by not paying attention to some of the things like politics and higher educational trends, we now find ourselves in the midst of a troubled country. There has to be a balance..... somehow. Be a prism, spreading God's light and love, not a mirror reflecting the world's hatred.
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2/27/2017 12:34 pm |
Glad to see you are home, safe and sound (debatable, lol ) and I know you would have enjoyed an even longer stay. Once upon a time, many of us were more concerned with our own day to day lives and helping those in society around us............ but by not paying attention to some of the things like politics and higher educational trends, we now find ourselves in the midst of a troubled country. There has to be a balance..... somehow. we all have our roles in the grand scheme of things. As for politics I see little in my skill set or other capabilities other than to be present, stay informed and vote according to my beliefs. Also to withdraw my financial and energetic support from things that contradict my beliefs wherever possible. I can however provide assistance and support for those in need both directly and via advocacy to help them navigate bureaucracy. Advocacy often means using the political system to get things done. I also have a higher calling, that of bringing light and hope to a dark world on a spiritual level. I learned the hard way many years ago that over involvement and emotional investment in things I have no control over keeps my from carrying out my mission. Spiritwoman ^i^
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Thanks for sharing your vacation observations with us Spirit!! Hope that you had a relaxing time!!
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Pleased to read that you got home safely. This was a very interesting read. Alfie...
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Glad you enjoyed your vacation, Spirit. Good observations. Thanks for sharing them.  Trust in dreams, for in them is hidden the gate to eternity.(Khalil Gibran)
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3/1/2017 11:11 am |
One of my most interesting experiences was at the Frankfurt airport. I had never been there before so didn't know what to expect. As we landed I saw all sorts of police type vehicles so assumed that they were stationed at the airport. Customs went through everyone's luggage. I had my jewelry in a metal case. They asked about it so I told them it was jewelry and go ahead and open it. They sort of stepped back and sternly told me to open it for them. I sort of thought "wow, this is scary". when we got through and met up with family my son in law told me that they had just apprehended 2 terrorists at the airport. This was just 2 weeks before the 9/11 attacks. It is interesting how we sort of assume things are "normal" if we don't know the whole story and know little about what "normal" is. Spiritwoman ^i^
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3/1/2017 11:17 am |
Good to know. I agree with you that we not only obsess about ourselves and our politics and would add that we seem to have an over inflated of our significance in the grand scheme of the world. I realized this the first time I spent any time out side of the US . I suspect that in the current era of "Make America Great Again" pep rallies we will become even more so. There appears to be a fine line between patriotism and eccentricity. Enjoy your trip. Hope you see and experience lots of new and interesting people places and things. Spiritwoman ^i^
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3/1/2017 11:26 am |
I can't imagine why anyone, at least from the US, would need to sneak into Mexico. All you have to do is have a valid passport and you automatically get a 6 month tourist visa. As for sanctuary cities etc. there is no such thing. The prison system is entirely different, more like a city unto itself. If you are unfortunate enough to land there you are correct. Nothing is provided for you and you have to buy your food and personal needs items or find a way to work for them. The good news is that you have do do something really significant to land there. I am sure there are incidents where people are exploited for money but in most of our situations they are smart enough to know that old people don't have enough to be bothered with and most don't have anyone who has the resources to exploit. Americans who end up in bad situations there are usually younger people who don't know how to behave in the country or who get involved in questionable situations. Unfortunately most of our young people are a bit under prepared for these situations becasue they are not used to having to conform. I remember having to go through this with my kids. "Yes, you may have the right to do .......... but that doesn't mean you are free from the consequences that may come about if you choose to do it." Spiritwoman ^i^
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