Stereotypes:
Though I try to not have stereotypes about those I am not familiar with, everybody has been guilty when it comes to having them. The stereotypes that I have associated with Mexico and Mexicans have been that they are not as cleanly as Americans and not as rich either. Also, I think that Mexico has a bigger drug problem than most countries, like the United States and they are recognized closely with the production of marijuana and cocaine.
Expectations:
For my expectations of my time in Merida, I first hope to better learn the Spanish language and be able to speak more fluently. I also hope to travel to as many places possible and learn all about the Mexican culture and history. Finally, I hope to have a lot of fun and return from Mexico with great friends and great memories.
In Merida:
Cocimos al dueño de una tienda en el Mercado. Se llama Chafí Dajdaj Alam. El ha trabajado en su tienda por 40 años! Es un negocio familiar que fue empezado por su papa. Tiene una empleada que es su ayudante. Tiene un hermano que trabaja con él también, pero está enfermo.
El vende huipiles, fustanes, y mucha ropa típica de Yucatán. Sus materials son de los pueblos. La gente del pueblo hace la ropa a mano y también a máquina. Hay mucha competencia con otras tiendas: con diez tiendas, más o menos.
El es un hombre bueno y agradable. El nos ofreció un buen precio por todas las cosas, especialmente a Molly y a Tomás. La cosa favorite de é les el huipil. No tiene otras tiendas. El nos dijo que vende más los sábados y menos los miércoles. Lo pasamos bien y queremos regresar pronto.
After Merida:
Expectations:
The experience I had in Mexico was everything and more than I hoped for. All my expectations were met and then some. At the beginning of this program I had hoped to be able to speak with more fluency and to learn a lot about the culture and history. I also hoped to travel as many places as I could and return from Mexico with great friends and great memories. I can definitely say that I accomplished all of the above. The memories and friends that I am coming back with will be a part of me for the rest of my life. I am so thankful for everything that I had the opportunity to experience all that I did and my expectations couldn’t have been met more.
Stereotypes:
Before I came to Mexico, I personally didn’t have any stereotypes. However, I knew of many stereotypes associated with Mexico such as Mexico being “dirty”, “poor”, and having a lot of drug problems. After living here for 3 months, I can see where these stereotypes come from but I definitely don’t associate these words with Mexico. Recently, there have been a lot of problems with warring drug cartels, however Merida is a very safe city and isn’t much involved with that conflict. Over all, Mexico’s lifestyle is different than ours and ignorant Americans who haven’t experienced it only have these negative stereotypes.