Eye View on Mexican Culture

Aug 232011

A Foreigner’s Eye View on Mexican Culture

While recently taking leave from Jaltemba Bay in the Riviera Nayarit for a visit to the USA after a long absence, some interesting revelations came to light about our beloved Mexico. It never ceases to amaze how similar and yet so different American and Mexican cultures can be. Both countries share the same continent and enjoy similar establishments, such as restaurants, shopping, services, even entertainment activities and cultural attractions, but both with their own distinctive flair.

Given the negative travel warnings issued over the last few years about Mexico travel, we’d like to share some positive observations about life in Mexico. Why not share some of your positive experiences with us too?

Slower Pace of Life

One of our favorites, an easygoing pace of life is a major difference between America and Mexico. People move to a much slower clip in Mexico, both socially and professionally, which is a refreshing change for visitors – although sometimes frustrating when trying to meet deadlines – especially those preferring an escape from the pressures of daily life for a relaxing vacation or a retirement home.

Indirect Communication

Another endearing part of the easygoing Mexican lifestyle is their friendly, cheerful, casual communication style. In Mexico, talking is an art (Spanish is, after all, a romance language) and since Mexicans like people who enjoy their country, they want to speak with them. Talking in circles is not uncommon since they don’t quickly get to the point, but be patient, since they usually, eventually do.

Can-Do Attitude

Mexicans really are Mexi-can-s. In Mexico, if something is broken, they will try to repair it and 90% of the time, they can. As with many things, they put their heart and soul into it because they’re proud of their work; need to earn income; and like to make people happy. Even if these resourceful people can’t find a replacement part, they may manufacture it using the original part as a pattern.

Punctuality & Attendance

While Mexicans are not generally known for being on time, some are punctual. More frequently, they’ll schedule appointments and not arrive or agree to go somewhere and not attend. They will say “yes” even if uncertain but will rarely call to cancel or reschedule, since this is considered rude. Later, when addressing the issue, they commonly offer the sincerest apologies for their absence.

These are only a few of the obvious differences in Mexican culture. While foreigners are often bewildered by their customs and norms, their ways are ingrained in their culture and are logical to them. The driving motivation for much of their behavior is their firm belief in courteousness and obedience. Mexico is still a hierarchical society based on centuries of Spanish rule when to be anything other than courteous and obedient could yield serious consequences.

Accepting the differences while vacationing or living in Mexico can make all the difference!

Get a foreign Eye View on Mexico from Jaltemba Bay in the Riviera Nayarit.

Kool Kiteboarding Bucerias Style

Bucerias, Play 1 Response »

Jul 262011

Kiteboarding (Kitesurfing) in Bucerias

Sitting quietly on the sparkling gold sand of Bucerias Beach in Mexico, I’m mesmerized by two young men bouncing off and twisting above the water with a small board attached to their bobbing feet while gripping an apparatus connected to a sail above them. The two young men, one fair and one dark, both speaking fluent Spanish, looked to be simultaneously challenging and instructing each other.

It was looked like dancing on water. Graceful and powerful. At the time, I didn’t know the name of the sport, but it was so captivating that I decided to investigate. (Many of you probably already know what it is.)

The sport is called kiteboarding or kitesurfing and it’s an extreme water sport, not for the faint hearted. Basically, this is how it works: A kitesurfer or kiteboarder slips his feet into the bindings or straps of a small surfboard while holding onto grips of a navigation bar attached to a large kite or sail that pushes and pulls the rider across the ocean surface. Skilled kiteboarders do more than just propel across the water, demonstrating jumps and spins to show off their talent.

Kiteboarding Competition (Kitesurfing Race)

On May 21 – 22 2011, a kiteboarding competition was held in Bucerias, Mexico, where some of these talented young athletes were able to show off their techniques and maneuvers. The second annual Wind Festival 2011 (Festival Del Viento) is a freestyle race and tournament aimed to promote kiteboarding and the town of Bucerias as an ideal location for wind sports for its fantastic wind conditions. In windy season, from January through June, it’s common to have excellent kiteboarding conditions up to 5 days a week.

Freestyle is the most common style of kiteboarding so the race and tournament highlights this form although there are a few others. Freestyle uses a standard kite and board, whereas wake-style uses a flatter board with bindings, and wave-riding uses a special board for riding the bigger waves. Variations of these styles have evolved to include freeride, jumping, and cruising.

Kiteboarders – 132 – from across Mexico gathered for this event. The tournament consisted of 3 freestyle categories so all skill levels could participate. One category was called Open Class for intermediate level; another was identified as National Competition for advanced levels; and the third was the Women’s Division for female kiteboarders. For those wanting to participate but not wanting to compete in the freestyle tournament, the event also included downwinder and long distance races.

As a leading kiteboarding destination in Mexico, if kiteboarding is your sport, consider entering next year’s Wind Festival on May 20-23, 2012 . This fun event is a complete sports competition with food, drinks, and a celebratory party for kiteboarders on the last night, so even if you’re not a kiteboarder, this happens to be an exciting spectator sport surrounded by the beautiful beaches of Bucerias!