I rarely re-post articles, but this one is just too good! Crystal Langer is a Biola grad, currently studying for her Masters in physical therapy. Her observations are accurate…and hilarious.
Ten Things I Learned in Mexico, by Crystal Langer
1. Speed limit signs in Mexico are interesting. No matter what the numbers are, they always mean the same thing: as fast as you can possibly go.
2. One more person can always fit into the van. Always.
3. Options on American cars: MP3 players and leather seats. Options on Mexican cars: brakes and blinkers. (Options on used Mexican cars: doors and floorboards.)
4. Don’t ask what words mean when you are eating at the taco stands. You don’t want to know.
5. They have probably taught you words in high school Spanish that are technically correct but have evolved other meanings over time. Bad meanings. How do you know? Easy. Watch the eyes. When they bulge out of their sockets, your high school Spanish is failing you.
6. A motorcycle is actually a family vehicle. For a family of six.
7. Light (lowfat) milk is humorous to most people in Mexico. They have no idea what skim milk is. Don’t bother with either.
8. Some things are much more efficient in Mexico. Antibiotics for example. Why bother with a prescription or with two weeks of remembering to take the right dose? It’s much easier to buy a single bottle that you can drink all at once to kill anything that may be a problem. Suggestion: if you’ve already chugged the bottle, don’t read the long list of possible side effects.
9. Just because the bus looks the same and has the same number does not mean it goes to the same location.
10.They have very different safety standards in Mexico. This makes for scary driving and really fun water parks.