Mexplanations

Hospitality is sorely lacking in the world today, but it can still be found in Mexico. The other night, my wife & I, along with my father were at the Bucerias town square to find a red cowboy hat for my daughter, for a school project. Of course, we met many tourists while eating a fresh Churro (a Mexican version of the Beaver Tail but costs only $0.30) and spoke to a few of the local shop owners. All the while, my dad was standing on the corner watching some Mariachis playing on the street in front of a house. You could tell it was a private party since they had a big table on the street, they were cooking up a storm and there were plenty of guests. A few minutes passed, I look back and no longer see my dad at the corner. He is now sitting down with the locals right in front of the show and I could see a few people talking to him. Now I'm thinking that they are saying: "Hey gringo, this is a private party!" It turns out, the grandfather noticed that my dad was enjoying the music, and asked his son to invite him to sit down and enjoy the show. It was then announced that the next song was going to be dedicated and chosen by my dad. He was not sure what to pick so they dedicated the song Pancho Villa to him, because of course my dad looks like a Mexican Revolutionary! He was offered drinks and invited to have supper with the family but respectfully declined. We soon all left the town square, but my father returned with my mother to catch the last few songs of the night.
Hospitality is part of the culture of the Mexicans. Hospitality based on giving, rather than based on what one can get out of the deal.
I had a similar experience here on our street. My son went to take care of puppies just down the street, at Molly’s who is the founder of P.E.A.C.E. (Protection, Education, Animals, Culture and Environment) and when I went down to check up on him. I passed a little pickup where some of the locals were taking a much needed day off. I was invited to try a cracker with a spoonful of a mix of shrimp, green chili and cucumbers. Wow...that tasted yummy...but a little hot. So they offered me a Cerveza (Pacifico). I ended up spending a good part of the afternoon hanging around, having a few Cervezas, shrimp, and talking with them. The neighbor showed me this weird fruit which I am pretty sure is the Durian, and I was able to taste it. It smells pretty overpowering, but it tastes like a mixture of banana, mango and melon. There is this weird liquid that is very sticky, so preparing the fruit is not very pleasant, but I froze it and use it in smoothies.
Whether we are living here now, or just passing through for a vacation, we have a lot to learn about hospitality from our neighbors, the Mexicans. Why not show one act of random kindness to a stranger today! There is more happiness in giving than receiving. Find that out for yourself.

Labels: Bucerias, Mariachis, Mexico, Pancho Villa