Things you see In MexicoMay 5, 2009
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Fire works
As iguna
Buenos dias from Mexico.
At the present time we are still in La Cruz. We have decided to apply for an FM3 that allows you to stay in Mexico for a year , without having to leave every 180 days. The paper work like everything else in Mexico is confusing and as I think its over kill. First you must give them you passport as well as a photo copy of every page even the blank ones. You must produce 3 months of bank statements, an address where you live and a phone bill from the marina ,a copy of the id tag of the person that signed the letter stating where you live along with their finger prints a form done with a immigration person listing all your tattoos and scars, your mothers maiden name and don’t forget the most important thing graft money as well as many other things to boring to mention. The swine flu has thrown a monkey wrench into this being a quick process as the government has closed all its offices for days now as well as schools , bars and even restaurants. Oh well I guess its just another day in paradise.
Since we have been here we have spent time catching up with friends and enjoying ourselves. We had the rare occasion to witness the 11th international symposium on fireworks . For 5 days competitors from 20 different countries traveled to Puerto Vallarta to show their stuff, and what a show it was lasting for over an hour each evening. Its unbelievable how they could make such beautiful pictures using fire works. I for one being a fan of fire works really enjoyed the magic of the event. One other night we had the pleasure of being entertained by a country and western band from Calgary , the band leader had at some times in his life worked in Fort McMurray. They played great music and it was funny to see how Mexicans dance to our kind of music.
While waiting for our FM3 I have compiled a list of things you typically see in Mexico that I would like to share with you.
Dogs and cats are welcome in restaurants and bars
Beer is the drink of choice on busses
Quads are a great way to get around you can rent one to take you any where. (my kind of mode of travel)
Two adults and two children can ride on one motor bike and no helmets are needed
The box of a truck can hold lots of people , even the policia along with their machine guns and ever flashing blue light travel this way.
Cash registers in small stores don’t exist only purses or boxes
Bus drives have wooden boxes they stuff your fare money into and allow some people to ride for nothing .
Young people standing up and giving their bus seats to women and older men is common practice.
Stores have federal guards with gun and more employees than customers in some cases
Everything in Wal-Mart is taped shut with packing tape, batteries , razor blades ,and even reading glasses so you don’t get to try them on …….oh well labor is cheep here.
Everything of value must be viewed from behind locked glass cases even with a clerk present.
Stores are close on Saturday at 2 and stay closed all day Sunday
From two to four is siesta time so don’t expect to have any work done for you then , but workers don’t go home until at least seven pm
When hiring someone to clean your boat you supply all the tools as well as all the cleaning products they only supply the labor.
Most women spend hard earned money on fancy finger nail jobs.
Children go to work with their Moms
Kids can have a great game of soccer with a water bottle
Child labor is alive and well here.
People make baskets and the hard working native Huichol Indians create beautiful bead work art right on the street comers.
Everyone speaks and smiles back to you when you greet them …even the teenagers
Doctors collect their own fees and put them right into their wallets.
MacDonald’s serve Jalapeños along with ketchup and avocadoes on their burgers
Street venders close up shop by wrapping a tarp or chicken wire around their stands .
All buildings have rebar sticking out of their roofs so they are not finished and can avoid paying taxes.
Job sites are never cleaned up just left.
Side walks even on main streets are few and far between you must walk on dirty dusty trails most of the time.
Food in bakeries are never bagged so the flies have a hay day
All bakery products use the same dough so even dough nuts and pies are not sweet
Oyster shucking is best done on main street.
Butter is sold by the quarter pound
Eggs are sold in plastic bags
Blenders are sold everywhere
Street market have lots of underwear to sell
A few things that don’t exist.
Dill ,icing sugar, cream corn, sweet pickles cost 7.00 a jar ,seasoning salt , good steaks, measuring cups, stir fry sauce. Floss picks to mention a few.
We have learned to live well and love Mexico.
Love to you all
Rene and Eva
