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Gringo Greg · Posted: Sat Jun 26, 2004 2:49 pm Post subject: How you changed?

Let's get off the topics of globalization and focus in on things closer to home. Is it just me or does Mexico make it easier to find time to ponder things a little more deeply? On another thread, one talks about the supersitions or whaetever, but the thing that impresses me the most about Mexicans is their love of fun. People know how to relax and have a little fun and I know for most of us, it has washed off on us.

I found it easier to involve myself is less stressful things when I was living in Mexico and it forever changed me, I see how the people around me always seem in a big hurry........I know people compare Asians and Mexicans at first glance, but stick around a little longer and they are very different.

I guess I am curious how Mexico changed you all......

Except for Miss Raymond, but maybe she can enlighten us as to how she changed too. I am willing to guess that Miss Raymond has always been this way, but maybe she can offer up advice as well.

thelmadatter · Posted: Sat Jun 26, 2004 4:55 pm Post subject: good idea

Good idea. I suppose I might have gotten carried away on the globalization thread.

I think that after a year here, Mexico is only STARTING to change me. I am resisting fiercely Laughing

I have always been fiercely independent and since the death of my mother some years ago, quite high-strung (and worse after my divorce). Ill be the first to admit that neither of these qualities help me much here.

But I came to the conclusion that I had two choices - adapt, or go running, screaming back to the States. If nothing else my pride will never admit defeat! Smile

I am learning more about myself because certain assumptions of mine are being challenged. I wont say that the Mexican way is best - like US culture, it has its pros and cons. But at least I can say I am a bit more aware then I was a year ago. So Ill thank Mexico for that.

moonraven · Joined: 24 Mar 2004 Posts: 3094

Gringo: I prefer the formality of being called Miss Raymond to your derogatory "Moonie", especially since I know that other religions (there used to be a controversial cult also derogatorially referred to as Moonies) are an anathema for you (as in "crazy Muslims")--but it's Ms.

I believe it was Popeye who said, "I yam who I yam". I am not he.

inmexico · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 110 Location: The twilight zone

How has Mexico changed me? ......hmmmm
I don't think it has. After two years, I realized that I fit right in to the way of life in Mexico. Although there were some challenges along the way, I don't feel as though I ever had to "adjust". I was very fortunate to initially meet some people there who were incredibly supportive and helpful. These people became very close to me in a very short time, and I believe they will always remain my friends...no matter where I find myself in the world. I think the strongest attraction for me is the absence of "cliquiness' (not sure if that is the spelling - or even a real word, I am sure you get my meaning).
Aside from one town (LaPiedad) I found the people of Mexico to be friendly, almost to a fault, when compared with the general public of Canada. I have been quite nomadic my entire life, and have lived in several cities across Canada. With the exception of Kamloops, B.C. (the only city in Canada that I call home) I find that the citizens of Canada could certainly improve in the area of hospitality.
I have been in Canada for the past 6 months, and I can't wait to get back back home.

estanton · Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2004 1:34 am Post subject: Mr Superstition

Greg, Mike, Raven, etc.

Think I may have sounded pompous the other day busting in on the globalization thing

Just want you all to know that I'm totally new to online forums and I'm still figuring out what's normal around here. Seems as though you all may know each other and may not actually hate each other's guts... Smile

and whether you do or not is really none of my business. I'm just here looking for a job and getting some info about Mexico.

about asia...I don't know how it is in China, Japan, Korea, etc., but India and Sri Lanka are a lot like you described Mexico, in that there's a much slower pace and people take time to relax and enjoy life. Especially Sri Lanka. Delhi India is about as fast paced as any city of course

but I really enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere where I saw it and hearing similar things about Mexico is one reason i want to go there.

so my point is that I'm not totally obsessed by superstitions or manners or details. Smile

and to the point that I am, I hope Mexico will help change that.

after being in india for awhile I cared a lot less about little things like late trains or cows in the street.

hope mexico does the same for me

e

Gringo Greg · Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2004 8:45 am Post subject:

I refuse to call someone Ms., either it is Miss or Mrs. So I will stick with Miss Raymond. The Mooinie cult is still in existence, in fact they made the news in the past week. You need to follow current events more closely being that you have a lot of comments about current events. Smile

I stand by my crazy Muslim comment, any person who kills or tries to injure a person just because of thier religion or nationality is crazy. I think Paul Johnson's killers fit that defintion, oops but sorry those killers are a-ok, but the soldiers are crazy, right? Smile

You never commented, it never changed you? Or maybe it is that you changed Mexico?

moonraven · Joined: 24 Mar 2004 Posts: 3094

Doesn't surprise me, gringie boy, that your fanatical committment to being politically incorrect also extends to Ms., instead of Miss or Mrs.--a change that was made in the US over 30 years ago. What do you want us to do, ask you to please open your raincoat? Not going to do it.

lozwich · Joined: 25 May 2003 Posts: 1536

Gringo Greg and Moonraven,

Take it outside, guys.

If you two don't like each other, then at least have the good grace to stay away from each other, and leave this forum for what it's been put here for - discussing TEFL in Mexico.

You are quite literally making me feel sick every time I read your bickering.

And to stay on topic, that is not something that has changed about me since I came to Mexico.

I didn't like watching people being violent to each other before, and I don't like it now.

Lozwich.

magpie · Joined: 27 Mar 2004 Posts: 54

Lozwich--I can't say thanks enough. I am a relative newbie on the boards, but I have made some posts and come here regularly for information as I will be moving to Mexico next month to start teaching. This constant bad-mouthing and name-calling is irritating and sullies the value of these boards in addition to being just plain childish. I have held back in saying anything, because I do need a lot of information and really don't want to offend anyone. But, I have come to the point of wondering if anyone really monitors these boards since so much venom is being spewed in nearly every message these days.

For each person who asks you, the offenders - and you know who you are - to please refrain from making these boards a breeding ground for hostility, there are likely 10 more who are thinking of asking you to stop, but too timid to post. So, for the sake of all of us who do respect your knowledge, experience and opinions on issues concerning living, working and traveling in Mexico, PLEASE leave this as a forum for information and take your bickering to PMs or simply drop it. The badgering is meaningless, debases you and, if it continues, will ultimately lessen the value of input. There are those of us who truly want to learn about the subjects on these boards and do not want to be exposed to the dark sides of the posters. People, please pull in your claws!

MixtecaMike · Joined: 19 Nov 2003 Posts: 643 Location: Guatebad

What has changed in me? I used to like Mexico and now I don't.

No, not really. I think Mexico has made me more self reliant, there is no family support for me here, there is no government or legal support for me here, if anything happens to me I have to deal with it myself.

It has also made me less patient with those looking for a hand-out, drunken bums asking for money "because you gringo are rich," boring lefties (local and imported) demanding the US send them millions to repay past evils (admittedly more in Central America than Mexico). In Mexico fake indigenas (Marcos etc.) wanting the Mexican government to give them special rights and of course money.

Contrary to some people it has made me MORE demanding on time and money, but then that might be age rather than Mexico.

Unlike Lozzer, I always liked a good fight and still do, but that's just me. Twisted Evil

johnslat · Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2004 2:57 pm Post subject: It needed to be said

Dear lozwich and magpie,
Bravo - well put and much needed. I've never been a big fan of blood sports, either. If the participants want to bicker, well, that's one reason PMs are there.
Regards,
John

seanie · Joined: 28 Nov 2003 Posts: 54 Location: m�xico

One day I found a tiny little bug (dead) in an empanada. I tossed it out and continued eating. It was only afterwads that it hit me: no retching. (I still draw the line at flies and roaches Smile

) I'm also no longer bothered by people touching my food with their hands (the antojitos sellers). So I'd say I'm not as squeamish as I used to be.

estanton · Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2004 9:13 pm Post subject: a good fight

I think "a good fight" can be informative to everyone and make people think if it's an actual debate that deals with real issues and real examples that actually relate to Mexico.

When it gets personal, then I view it as a waste of time for the rest of us.

estanton

MELEE · Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2004 9:41 pm Post subject: Re: How you changed?

Gringo Greg · Posted: Tue Jun 29, 2004 2:33 pm Post subject:

I third or fourth the motion, as I posted on another thread, it is over. I had enough of a certain poster belittling other people, let's see if that user takes the hint now and keeps it civil.

I went to live in Mexico at the young age of 24, and it changed me a lot. I look back at the naive kid back in 1997 and am glad that Mexico did it's number on me until 2000. Talk about peace...hard to believe that it is already 2004, it only seems like yesterday that I was celebrating New Year's 2000 in the Zocalo.......