That's My Story

Not a day goes by that we don't learn something we didn't know about the wonderful people and culture here in Mexico. It makes it alot of fun!

THINGS I DIDN’T KNOW UNTIL I LIVED HERE IN MEXICO!

Originally published the week of June 8, 2010 in Western Outdoor News

Like living anywhere else, there are little nuances and bits of trivia you learn-as-you-go that either make you scratch your head in wonder; nod your head in approval; or just makes life more interesting.  Here’s then is a list of some of the things I have learned.

            Understand that these are just based on my own personal experiences and I can be way off base, but here goes.  Some are funny and nonsense. But here goes…

• Most folks don’t know how to swim. We assume that since folks live next to the ocean, they MUST swim.  Surprisingly, many captains and deckhands I’ve met,  don’t know how to swim.  It always scares them when I jump overboard to cool off.  (Like pilots who say, “Why jump out of a perfectly good airplane?”) As one captain told me,” I never swim in water I can’t stand up in.”

• Given where they live, most folks have never fished either.  We just assume everyone fishes or knows how to fish.  They don’t.  It’s a luxury.  It’s expensive. It’s what tourists do or commercial fishermen do.  Or folks who have money.

• We assume everyone eats fish. They don’t.  It’s considered a treat to get fish. Same with meat.  We take eating fish and meat for granted.  Alot of folks can’t afford eating like that.

• Locals don’t drink Corona as much as American TV leads us to think. Most think it tastes like..well, Corona!  They think it’s funny that Americans like Corona so much. Actually, more Pacifico is sold than any other beer (But Pacifico owns Corona so no loss.)  They also don’t see why Americans put a lime in it or why we need to drink tequila with lime and salt. Hang a sign around your neck that says “tourist.”  Cans of beer come in 8 packs, not 6.

• If offered a choice (We own a bar now),  Mexicans think it’s crazy to do tequila shots!  (“It makes you crazy!”)  They are more inclined to order a beer or a shot of whiskey to sip.  Tourists drink tequila. Boy, that was an eye-opener!

• Cinco de Mayo is not a big deal down here.  It’s big in the states because of the marketing to sell beer and promote parties.  Cinco de Mayo is like Armistice Day in the states.  When was the last time you went to the beach or saw a parade to celebrate Armistice Day? 

• We’re used to sitting down in a restaurant and getting chips.  It’s an American thing.  Chips and salsa aren’t automatic.  If you get them automatically, you’re probably in a tourist restaurant. They often are not free either. And it’s a little basket and no free re-loads!

• There’s no such thing as a “Mexican restaurant.”  Stop asking me for an “authentic Mexican restaurant.”  Mostly, Americans are looking for an El Torito-type chain restaurant like in the states.  That’s not authentic.   Locals don’t usually eat there at chains here.   They go to a seafood place or taco stands, but that’s authentic local faire.

• Don’t give your loose pocket change as tips.  Giving your cab driver all your quarters and dimes is worthless.  American coins are as worthless down here same way pesos are worthless in the U.S.  However, U.S. paper money is fine. A one-dollar bill is worth more than five dollars in quarters and nickels.

• Manana doesn’t always mean “tomorrow.”  It really means, “not now.”  If someone tells you “manana” enough times, it politely means “NEVER!” 

• You can buy only ONE!  Many local folks don’t have enough money to buy the whole pack.  You can purchase one cigarette; one piece of paper; one piece of cheese; one hot dog from the pack, etc.

• Your waiter is not being rude when they don’t bring you a check.  Americans are used to eating and running.  Mexicans take their time. They eat, drink, socialize.  It can take hours.  Much more civilized.  You’re expected to take your time.  So, you have to ask for your check.

• Locals often dress up to go out.  Americans dress down.  You can pick out Americans in a crowd.   By the way, it’s considered bad form to walk around shirtless in a public place. 

• People call it like they see it.  If you’re losing your hair, they will probably openly call you “Pelon” (Baldy).  If you’re fat, they will openly refer to you as “Gordo.” (Fat).  It’s not an insult.  Get used to it.  Actually, it probably means you’re liked enough to get a nick-name.  However, “Estupido” still means stupid. Be insulted. Find new friends.  I have been called all three.  Sometimes honesty is not so good. 

To be continued…I am still learning.

Jonathan Roldan is the Baja Editor/Columnist for Western Outdoor News since 2004 and lives with his wife, Jill, in La Paz, Baja Mexico where they have run the Tailhunter International Fishing Fleet since the mid-90’s.  www.tailhunter-international.com.  They also own and operate the Tailhunter Bar and Restaurant.  Jonathan can be reached via e-mail at riplipboy@tailhunter-international.com