Goodbye, Dear Mexico...I'll Miss You

On my last day in Mexico, Roberto invited me out to lunch with his friends from work. As I have gotten to know both Olga and Ricardo over these passt months, it was definitely hard to say goodbye. They took me to my favorite place in La Condesa, La Buena Tierra, for lunch. This place has the best juices with combinations like mango, strawberry, and orange and limeade with a touch of mint. The three office “fairies”—Olga, Ricardo, and María Laura—bought me several going away gifts. I received a beautiful set of pinky-purple glass earrings and a matching necklace, and I also received a long brown necklace made out of wood. Unfortunately, our delicious lunch came to an end too soon, and I was left to say goodbye.

Afterwards, I planned on meeting up with my wonderful friend, Claudia, but there was a problem with our phones and we were not able to get in contact with one another. Claudia, I’m extremely sorry that we did not get to say goodbye, but you know I will be back to visit. I want to thank you for your continued guidance and friendship throughout my stay in Mexico.
Finally, I want to make a list of the “Top Ten Things I Learned from this Experience.”

1.) It is important to try every salsa on the table. BUT…be sure to start out with a little spoonful first to make sure you like the flavor and can handle the heat.

2.) I still am a terrible dancer. I have tried to learn how to salsa dance numerous times and have failed miserably on all occasions. But, someday I’ll get it down.

3.) Never turn down an opportunity to try new food. I tried grasshoppers, dried crawfish, minnows with their eyeballs still attached, and fried pork skin!

4.) It’s nice to have dark hair, dark eyes, and dark skin. I blended in here and therefore did not get some of the negative attention that blonde-blue eyes get.

5.) The metro can be a nightmare or your best friend. It can get you from Point A to B without the hassle of traffic. But, when it’s raining watch out! You might be stuck on the metro for hours.

6.) Mexican señoras will never give up telling you how things should be done (or rather that things should be done their way). From the “right” way to do laundry to the best route to the local supermarket, they think they know it all.

7.) When asking for directions, ask at least 5 people. Just because they live there does not mean they know where things are located. And, even if they don’t know, they’ll give you their best guess. That’s why you should ask and ask again.

8.) Taxi drivers have a wealth of knowledge. Most have been former policemen, teachers, firefighters, restaurant owners, etc. Just talk to them. They can tell you almost anything about the city.

9.) Mexican people are very proud of their country, and they have every reason to be. The word hospitality was probably invented here as everyone is extremely generous and welcoming.

10.) Friends are made when you least expect it and you need them most. Thank you to the many people who touched my life in Mexico and helped to make my stay memorable.

Click for more pictures! (Lunch with the Gang)

Click for more pictures! (Flying Home)

Abrazos, Nicole

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