Expectations

My expectations far exceed the landscape being beautiful, the cities being interesting, friendships with fellow classmates growing, and my knowledge of the Hispanic culture and the Spanish language improving. I'm going to take this trip with and academic motive, and also utilize it for its artistic inspiration. I am an art major, so naturally, during my spare time I will be taking advantage of the experience and working on some of my most significant artwork to dat. I am anxious to allow my creativity a chance to escape and grab this experience to create something I can relish.  

Stereotypes

I have encountered numerous stereotypes of Mexico and Mexicans throughout my lifetime. Most, of which, are not necessarily good, or true, but definitely notable. The first need to be stated: Mexicans can drink you under the table. This is more than likely very true, but can also definitely be considered a stereotype. Other stereotypes are that Mexicans are dirty and all they do is work. Please do not get the idea that these are my thoughts, I am simply reciting some common stereotpyes that can be learned largely through the media and other unreliable sources.

My expectations coming into this trip were confused and in the air. I had never left the country before this trip and I honestly did not know what to expect. I knew that it would be different, that it might be difficult to adapt to, and that I would probably enjoy it. Other than that, I left nothing to the imagination, and everything to the experience. The initial arrival in Merida was the most interesting, as far as cultural shock in concerned. I immediately felt uncomfortable with what I called the "garage stores". Everything was much smaller than I had expected and the city did not resemble anything I had expected either. I was given frequent advise from my family and friends to be careful, but I honestly feel safer here than I do in at home. I cant say that I expected the mexican culture to be different, because I did not know what to expect, but it was very different. The food is amazing, the people are very talkative, and the the city is extremely relaxed. My conversation teacher thinks that my experience in mexico has been bad because of illness, injury, and misfortune. I disagree completely. My experience has been one of the best in my life, and minor problems are bound to arise no matter what situation you are in. I could not have had a better time here. I couple of bumpy spots here and there, but overall, classes went well, spanish improved, met a lot of great people, and experienced a new culture. Successful trip? It will be difficult to explain the experience to my family and friends when I get home, because i feel it is an experience you need to have for yourself.