With a clear uptick in people looking to move to Mexico as an escape from the humanitarian crisis shit show in the US, I am compelled to share a few of my observations, and yes, suggestions.
As a 13-year grateful Permanent Resident and guest of Mexico, I have witnessed my fair share of the “less than becoming conduct” of some (not all) of the visitors and immigrants to Mexico.
While my edit on this piece carries with it an added element of disgust and abhorrence from when I first wrote it nearly a year ago, my intention and purpose for publishing it continues to come from a desire to facilitate cultural understanding, appreciation, conversation, and most importantly, respect and decency.
My experiences of living as an immigrant in Mexico are certainly impacted by the tapestry of my upbringing, my travels, my profession, and my choices as an adult woman to raise my children in this magnificent land, but it is not so difficult for anyone without this particular history, to understand, that when visiting or residing as a guest in another country (i.e. Mexico), that it is best to do so with some mindful forethought, consideration and preparation.
“Leave Your Ego at The Border” means to arrive on Mexican soil open-minded to the opportunities and gifts of this beautiful culture and all that she has to offer–to allow gratitude and not privilege be your guiding light.
Making demands of your host or expecting that everything will go exactly your way or how you are accustomed to in your home country, is… well, highly unadvisable.
People will not acquiesce to your every want and desire, nor should they.
Moving to Mexico 101:
- Be mindful of the living room you are walking into.
- Make an effort to learn Spanish.
- Refer to the national currency exchange rate so that you can conduct your financial transactions with comprehension, respect and patience.
- Be a keen observer of the cultural norms (and nuances) and modify your behavior & assumptions in accordance with them–always remembering that you are a visitor, and, ideally, a welcomed guest.
- Understand and know without equivocation, that yelling at the barista, wait staff, or service provider in irritation or indignation will not make your order come faster nor assure its delivery in your desired state. And it certainly won’t make you present yourself as a decent, kind, respectful person. Chose wisely.
A Course in Manners Is Not to Be Underrated
I have witnessed my fair share of distasteful displays of people that are in search of “fun, freedom & anonymity” in Mexico that are 100% cringe-worthy, and, simply shameful. No doubt a few of you reading this have too.
As a former Middle-School Teacher with my Masters in Cross Cultural Education & Curriculum Development (with a minor in Psychology to boot), allow me to share an important acronym passed along to my many students:
KISS=Keep It Simple Silly
- Be here legally: do not assume that your stay in Mexico on an expired FMM or a Temporary Visa is a badge of honor for “skirting the system”. Quite the contrary, it is a total lack of respect and regard for the laws of Mexico. Additionally, the possibility of being detained and deported doesn’t sound like such a fun memory to add to your social media #tripreport.
- Contribute to the local economy: in a thoughtful, additive, respectful, sustainable way.
- Volunteer: become involved in your community, extend a helping hand to humans and animals alike.
- Improve and care for: the environment by being a socially-conscious observer, consumer, and action taker.
- Leave your ego (and fear) at the border: the dividends will be great and the rewards immeasurable.
I am fully aware that as a bilingual/ bicultural person I have been a part of this continual uptick in folks moving to Mexico–from ALL over the world, not just the States & Canada.
I do operate with a great responsibility to guide these “reinventions in Mexico” in a thoughtful, mindful, and respectful way so that the footprint we visitors and immigrants leave as individuals, couples, and families is one that carries with it the highest regard for and contribution to Mexico and her people.
Please join me.
Mi Querido México
Mexico, your reverence for community, family, history, tradition and relationships is palpable and something I will always hold near and dear to my heart, treasure, protect and honor.
Thank you for being home to so many of us that came looking for a better life.
¡Qué Viva México!
¡Te quiero! ❤️
~Katie
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After server al years of visiting Mexico, I moved here 3 1/2 years ago. I recently bought a house near the ocean am eager to learn more about my community and get involved in activities and volunteering. I am a continuing student of the language .
Good Morning Peggy,
Congratulations on your move to Mexico, what a grand chapter of one’s life.
I doubt not that your community will graciously receive your efforts of involvement, including language acquisition, which we all have our own proclivity for. It is the effort that counts.
Saludos,
Katie 🙂
Genius writing as always. I would like to replace the “Border” with “Home. I truly believe egos and narcissism are the root of all that’s wrong in this world.
I hope you and your family are well.
EB
Thank you, Eric.
All is well with the fam and I hope the same for you and yours.
And you are exactly right, leaving one’s ego at home is the best place to start.
Saludos,
Katie
Katie you are humanity at its best! Thank you for your wisdom, kindness, and helping so many find a new way of experiencing life in Mexico. This was so spot on to what I feel when I see visitors being disrespectful …especially in the home that has so graciously invited them over to dinner. ❤️ We love Mexico and we love you! Keep up the great work.. Besitos – Stephanie
Your message brings a big smile to my heart.
Thank you, dear Stephanie…you words touch me so. Working with you was nothing but a delight and it has been such a joy to see your own family’s evolution and journey in Mexico.
Un abrazo,
Katie 🙂
Katie,
I enjoyed your article and agreed with every point! Thanks for publishing this important information.
It was great to meet you today. Jon and I may have passed you many times during our travels and time as expats in Mexico. We have lived in Puerto Vallarta for 3 1/2 years and in Sayulita for 6 years before that.
I’m looking forward to reading more of your articles and newsletters.
Terry
Hi Terry!
It was so great meeting you yesterday and I enjoyed chatting!
We will have to share a sunset drink one of these afternoons.
I have always enjoyed seeing your Healthy Living and Traveling in Mexico publications all of these years!
Un abrazo,
Katie