Mexico City Traffic/Driving

Mexico City driving is the worst I've ever seen in my life. I seriously believe if you can drive here you can drive anywhere. I mean there is almost no respect for red lights. People block intersections because they dont want to be stuck at a red light. Some parts of the highway dont have specific lanes. I dont even know how people can tell how some roads are one way or not. People are also definitely not afraid to use their horn here. But what drives me crazy is the fact that people will beep it for no good reason when they are like deep in traffic. I mean really what is that gonna do?
And Mexico City has these "round a bouts" that make cringe. And I cant believe how close some cars go next to each other. You really need to know the dimensions of your car here. What also shocks me is that people hop on buses here when they are moving. Its NUTS!! I mean somehow people are used to this crazy way of driving in this chaos and surprisingly have not see a single accident. Traffic and crazy driving is just a part of everyday life for Chilangos here. (Chilango= person who lives in Mexico City) But never ever call someone that, useless you really know them on a personal level.
This is a very common thing in Mexico wherever there is a lot of traffic. But what is also weird for me is people selling any random thing while you are waiting for the light to turn green. I mean it can be anything from a lantern, to a sparkly ball, to food, water, or a pump for your water. They also have people doing juggling acts, mime acts, or any other sort of trick at busy traffic lights for tips. What is the weirdest is the people that are mimes that pretend to wash your window? Why would I pay someone to pretend wash my window?? haha My a lot of times moms bring their babies or just young kids will be doing some kind of act for money its sad. But you will rarely see a Mexican begging for money for just the sake of begging.

Coyoacan

Today I went to this this neighborhood in Mexico City called Coyoacan. It means "place of the coyotes" in Nahuatl.(from the Aztecs) Legend has it, that a coyote used to bring chickens to a friar who saved the coyote from being strangled by a snake.
This place is a historic center that is very popular to visit on weekends for families. It is the 2nd most visited place in Mexico City, right after the Zocalo.(downtown) This place still keeping it a lot of the colonial structues, layouts, and narrow streets; you can see that it is very different from the rest of Mexico City. It also has a different feel from the normal hustle and bustle; with a very laid back attitude.
Today was the first day Ive been to Coyocan on a weekend. Luckily we found a parking spot easily because on sundays this place is super busy. Because in Mexico Sunday is strictly family day. Anyway we left the car with a "franelero", which is a person who unoffically claims public places where to park. They supposedly watch over your car and if you car is ok and not towed when you come back you give them normally 10-20 pesos.
The place was filled with people; mostly tons of families with little kids. I saw also a lot of couples. But this place is like heaven for little kids. People selling ballons, candies, toys, and yummy icecream. There was a rock concert and street performer juggling swords. One the things I was really amazed was the marketplace here. I wanted to buy everything!! There were so many booths with interesting artworks, crafts, clothes, scarfs, trinkets, and basically everything you could think of!!
I really loved taking pictures here and just people watching. There were just so many things going on; people jamming out to music, making out, kids riding their bikes, kids chasing bubbles, people walking their dogs in weird outfits, and just having fun. I loved this place.

Montezuma's Revenge

What is "Montezuma's Revenge"?

It is a term for diarrhea contracted in Latin American countries by non-locals.

Where does it come from?
Montezuma II was Emperor of Mexico from 1502 to 1520. He was in power when the Spanish were beginning their conquest of the Aztec Empire. Diarrhea is supposed to be the revenge of the local gods that were worshipped prior to Latin American countries becoming taken over by Christianity.

What is actually happening?
The body is responding to bacteria encountered in water sources and in produce. The most important bacterium is enterotoxigenic E. coli which is estimated to account for up to 70% of all cases. Symptoms include symptoms are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, bloating, low fever, urgency, and malaise,and appetite is almost non-existent. It usually goes away in 3-5 days.

When and where does it happen?
It usually happens a week after arriving to a new country. It does not happen to locals usually because their body are used to the bacteria. It happens to 20–50% of international travelers each year. It mainly happens in Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

Different Names
"Aztec 2 Step" - Mexico
"Pharaoh's Revenge," "Mummy's Tummy," or "Cairo two-step"-Egypt
"Bombay belly" or "Delhi belly" - India
'Holiday tummy"- United Kingdom
"Beaver Fever"-Canada

Safety tips
Well I learned this the hard way but it is best to not buy food from street vendors when it is an especially hot day. If you do I suggest eating something that you can see them cook it to get rid of bacteria.
-bottled water and avoid ice cubes(although I have never had a problem with ice cubes in the past)
-avoid eating raw fruits and vegetables unless you peel them or wash them


I am not suggesting do not eat street food. Some of the best food I have had in Mexico has been from street vendors. You just have to be choosy and pick the ones where a lot of people are eating from. Then you know it is good! Unfortunately this happened to be today from most likely eating a quesadilla with mushrooms. I have been to Mexico around ten times and this has never happened to me this bad. My insides feel like they are coming out. I know that my body just has to get used to food again. And I will def be more careful from now on.

Xochimilo

CULTURE SHOCK

When you first arrive to Mexico it can be a total culture shock depending on what city you stay in and how far you separate from the typical tourist areas. You will notice that people stand very close together. When you walk into a room you greet every person. Girls and girls kiss on the cheek. Guys and girls also, but guys do not kiss each other. You also make it point to do the same thing when leaving the room. It can take a while to get used to.

Also, it can be overwhelming not speaking any spanish. Its frustrating not being able to know what people are saying and not being able to ask what you want. But people in Mexico like it when you try to speak Spanish. It shows you are respecting their culture and you should be trying to speak Spanish it is Mexico. But what I recommend is for you to learn at your own pace. Learn a few words and grammar rules each day and before you know it "estas hablando en enspansol!" It really is a beautiful romantic language.

You will also notice that Mexicans are very welcoming. The saying "Mi casa es su casa" really is true here. They also have this energy for life that is incredible. Mexicans love any chance to celebrate and party. Maybe this is why in a study on happiest countries they were number #2 in the whole world. But I do believe a big part of that is because no matter what is happening in your life, it is good as long as you have family.

Despite Mexico's laid back attitude you have to be more aware of things around you and cautious. Things you should know:

1. Never ever carry large amounts of money

2. Never flash your expensive jewelry

3. Always look like you know where you are going

4. Never walk on a bridge at night, it is a perfect trap