My Beloved Mexico.
by Eboni Bailey
decadent culinary wonders, and most importantly
some of the most friendly people that I have run
across as of yet. While I have been there several
times, it was my most recent journey to Mexico that
changed my view of her forever.
I was in Mexico for two and a half months in order to
fulfill a study abroad requirement. I visited Mexico
City, Taxco (silver capital), Guanajuato, San Miguel
de Allende,Pozos, Puebla, Coyoacan( the home of
Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera), Ixtapa, Acapulco,
Hidalgo, and a few others. We visited museums, old
historical sites, Mayan ruins, artistic centers, age old
artifacts, and age old spas in the hills and hot thermal
baths in the country side.
language I had a rather advanced use of the language. I would have to say that English is widely used in
larger cities due to tourism and much less in the country side.
The "Must See" location would have to be the state of Oaxaca. The moment you enter the state you will be
swept over by its vibrant colors and very rich indigenous cultures. From open leather markets, to the famous
cheese, the region is a culture diamond. When visiting Mexico City, remnants of indigenous cultures are
evident, but once you enter this region a whole new world is alive and well. I felt that as a Black traveler and
person, I was able to relate to the displacement of a people of the government's way of exoticizing the
indigenous peoples rather than considering them an integral part of Mexican society.
The largest element of culture shock was living with a Mexican family. I had to learn how the kids in the home,
especially in an economically thriving home, have very little responsibilities. And hence I had to learn to find
other things to do, rather than aid in the family affairs. I began to converse a great deal with the house mother
and the house cook on how things are from social expectations, and family expectations. It was a learning
experience that in the end seemed almost normal for me. The largest learning curve had to be speaking
Spanish on a new level. It is often in international travel that you are able to truly assess you Spanish speaking
abilities and how little you really know. Though you are respected for your English or Spanish capabilities, I
would suggest taking the time to learn a bit of Spanish if only to know what price you are paying for a service,
such as a taxi, and so forth.
than they are, especially if you are Black. I would argue that
social class and culture far outweigh racial divisions, though the
divide between those of Spanish origin versus indigenous roots
are widespread as you may see on television ads and passing
billboards. People do stare, but unlike certain regions of
Europe, they are warm stares, such as those of a curious child.
Do not get me wrong, machismo is still alive and well in Mexico
and young ladies, despite your stature, you may receive some
sort of cat call, such as whistling, for women of color. Though
this element of Mexico will be less found in larger cities versus
rural
regions, the reality is still alive and well. My treatment was not
unlike the type of treatment a blonde bombshell might receive in
the States!
Though I was mostly in Mexico City, my group also traveled to
many other regions in Mexico, such as Guerrero (the home of
Ixtapa and rich African culture), Oaxaca ( home of the famous
Queso Oaxaceno) and Guanajuato. From region to region
Mexico changes before your eyes from arid deserts to rugged
intimidating castles and cathedrals to Mayan ruins peeping out of developing surroundings.
I would imagine that when people think of Mexico and they are plagued with images from U.S. media of illegal
boarder crossers and poor beggars, and though these characteristics can be found, they are mostly found
along the Mexican – U.S. Border. If you travel into Mexico, you’ll find isolated spas, hot thermal baths, small
artistic towns such as San Miguel de Allende and a Mexican version of gaundala filled Venice at Xochimilco,
a Mexico City neighborhood, not to mention Chapultepec Park, not unlike Central Park in New York City, but in
Mexico you get Maximillian’s castle and one of the largest anthropological museums in the world with the
park!
From my travels in the Guerrero region the people of color became very much a live. Either migrating from the
Caribbean islands, or from the often ignored slavery history in Mexico. Visiting the southern regions
of Mexico are on the top of my list in order to better learn of the forgotten peoples of color in Mexico. I would
highly recommend Mexico to any Black traveler who is in for an adventure. To one who is interested in
penetrating the outer border layers and tequila celebrated coasts of Cancun. The country is rich in European,
Indigenous, and African cultures. I challenge you to go and see it all for yourself.
Coming from a small town in Central Texas, everything about Mexico City was intimidating. From flagging
down the red stripped taxi sedans rather than the green VW bugs with their thievery reputations, to busy bars
screeching around street corners with small child vendors offering me packs of cigarettes along with small
plastic toys at midnight, to
traveling by first class buses one way, and then traveling second class on the way back (I finally learned why I
must ALWAYS travel first class!)—the experience was eye-opening, to say the least.
Since I spent the greatest amount of my stay in Mexico City, the size and general precautions mandated in a
larger city had to have been one of the biggest challenges for a young 24 year old. Treatment, though, in local
establishments was quite respectful, but one again social status and culture are highly valued in Latin America
and as a result appearance is everything. As a participant in a study abroad tour, we often stayed in family
geared all inclusive hotels. I would say that 4-5 star establishments respect the dollar and also have had more
experience with International patrons.
I would first like to suggest that you go into Mexico with an open mind and heart. By doing so, both will be
touched in very intimate ways. As Black travelers we also can bring a new face to tourism in the nation. In
thinking of the displacement of the indigenous peoples of Mexico, as a Black traveler, I felt that challenging the
images US media portrays about toward the Black American, we are able actively challenge those
misconceptions.
What do I wish I had known about Mexico before I went? I would have loved to have known how very
welcoming the people were and are. Maybe then I would have been able to knock down some of my own
walls and start enjoying it much sooner.