5 MORE Things You Didn't Know About Mexico

Here are five more of my observations of Mexican culture. Enjoy! 

No forks needed.

1. Everyone sticks together. The other day Kara and I were at the U.S Consulate in Tijuana. Most of the people there were applying for their visas for the States, we were commenting on how even if only one person in the group was applying or interviewing for their visa, everyone came along, the husband, wife, the kids, maybe a sister, and definitely the grandma. Mexico is extremely matriarchal, the mothers and grandmas and mothers in law are the key person of respect in any household and they are always present at any appointment no matter how small or big. Whether it be a hair cut or a visa appointment abuela is there. We have noticed the "family theme" on Homes of Hope builds too, the neighbors are usually always present for the house build as well as any family member that can make it. The more the merrier! 

2. Meal Times. On our YWAM base we stick to the American way and eat at 7:30 am, 12:30 pm, and 5:30 pm. But throughout the rest of Mexico it is a different story. Breakfast is a very large meal eaten between 9:00-11:00 am. Typically with sweet bread and a coffee to follow as dessert. Lunch is eaten between 2:00-4:00 pm. Lunch tends to be more of a sandwich or tacos, a little on the lighter side. And dinner is eaten late, very late. Here in Mexico most of the schools run on block schedule so half of the children will attend school in the morning while the other half go in the afternoon/evening. Some middle schools and high schools don't even get out of class until 8:00 pm so dinner can be around 9:00 or 10:00 pm or later. Going out to eat tacos at 6:00 pm is more like snack time and you will definitely find a table to sit at, if you go at 10:00 pm, it's a different story, good luck finding a table. 


3. Making Fun. When I first arrived in Mexico I thought Mexicans were bullies. Always making fun of you, poking fun, never serious. If you are fat they call you gordito (fatty), if you are skinny, flaquito, if you are Asain or have almond shaped eyes they call you chino. In America we are ultra-sensitive with how people look, and never speak of race or weight or anything of that matter but in Mexico its a different story. I learned over time, if they made fun of me, it meant they liked me. If they poke fun at you, or joke with you, they are paying attention to you and enjoy your company. Mexicans are so relational, relationship is EVERYTHING, and making someone laugh, joking around, and nicknames are just a way to bond and be close.

Mexican Pickup Line of the Day: "You are like my mom's flipflop, when I see you come close my heart rate accelerates."
*Cultural Note: Many good Mexican mamas make use of their flipflop to swat their hijos when they are naughty.* 

4. The Yes Finger. When I first saw it I was confused and didn't think of asking what it meant until it became all too common. The yes finger. Mexicans do it when they are saying yes, as opposed to shaking their head yes. You take you pointer finger and wag it up and down, not side to side like you are saying no but up and down bending it at the knuckles. You often wag your finger to say yes if you are on the phone and therefore cannot speak or are drinking something and cannot give an immediate yes. I have found I have begun to give my yes finger when agreeing with people a lot...even to people who are not Mexican and I have begun to realize I may look silly if one is not accustomed to the yes finger. 

5. Sharing. Mexicans love to share. If you have a bag of chips, keep in mind if your Mexican friends are around, they won't be just yours for very long. Sharing is caring, sharing means you love relationship. When you go out, its family style even if you each have your own plate and individual order. Walking down the street? Make a friend and offer a piece of gum. Some Americans wouldn't except that but a Mexican? Ya why not?! Gum is the best and now I have a new friend. I learned quick if I don't want to share, don't open a new jar of Nutella or ice cream in front of a big group, or you will Nutella-less. 

Sharing is caring!