While the world remains fixated on the US presidential election, the political tides have begun to turn in its neighbor to the south.
Corruption has long been a problem for Mexico, which ranks as the 95th least-corrupt country in the world. Some economists believe that endemic corruption costs the country anywhere from 2 to 10 percent of its GDP annually. It doesn’t help that renovations to Pena Nieto’s home have been tied to the awarding of government contracts.
There are many islands situated off Mexico’s coastlines, but by far the best known and most visited are the islands of Isla Mujeres and Cozumel. Although these islands situated off the coast of Cancún/Riviera Maya are relatively close to each other, they offer quite different experiences for visitors.
The islands can be enjoyed as part of a side-trip when you are visiting nearby Cancún, Rivera Maya, or the Yucatan, or you could stay on either island for a week or more, basing yourself away from the mainland.
Thus i left Queretaro to go at these two famous paradisiac islands. This part of Mexico looks like nothing besides, the peaceful quotation is very different from the Atlantic Ocean.
Both islands are very different but each of her very tourist, what returns the less pleasant visit, the frame is luxurious as you can see it.
Mexico is a country that has immense wealth, both territorially and culturally. It has customs, traditions and rituals that originate for thousands of years, some of which I could witness during my stay here.
To begin with, one of the elements that most distinguish Mexicans is the family, since it is the center of the social structure and one of the pillars that form the personality. In Mexico, the extended family is as important as the nuclear family, meeting with them every weekend at family meals or maintaining regular contact during the week. Grandparents are important figures; it’s very common for grandparents to live with their children, to care for them and to ensure their well-being, rather than sending them to residential households, as there is a huge sense of responsibility towards the family. There is a great connection between the members of the family, with frequent signs of affection and well-established roles between parents and children, as well as constant communication and presence in the lives of each member of the family. The mother figure is the center of the family; having a « sacred » place within the family’s bosom and in Mexican culture on a general plane.
On the other hand, most Mexican customs and traditions date back to the pre-Hispanic time of the territory or to the time of evangelization, because there are many events and religious festivals, since Catholicism in Mexico is the religion with more presence.
Some of the most relevant events in the country are:
They are forming light triangles of the shadow that project the nine bodies or platforms of the pyramid. That shadow, as the sun advances, runs along the wall sliding down to illuminate the head of one of the serpents at the top of the steps. According to the researchers, this effect symbolizes the descent of the Kukulcan god to the land, to begin the agricultural cycle. March 21 (the shadow appears Mar 19-23).
During all month, bakers produce bread decorated with bread « bones. » Sugar skulls emblazoned with glittery names are sold everywhere. Many days ahead, homes and churches erect altars laden with bread, fruit, flowers, candles, favorite foods, and photographs of saints and of the deceased ones. On both nights, costumed children walk through the streets, like on Halloween, often carrying mock coffins and pumpkin lanterns.
Finally, during my time here I learned that Chile is the basis of Mexican food. Mexicans put sauce on everything, even tolerating high levels of spice. Lemon and avocado are also basic in food, being the perfect companions of the famous tacos. Which have a great variety, there are carnitas tacos, al pastor, barbecue and all are accompanied by these elements.
After few days to acclimatize me to the time difference, I arrive at the university ANAHUAC Querétaro, prestigious Mexican university.
The university is at Querétaro, 3rd bigger city of Mexico. It’s the second time that I come. Thus I have the majority of my Mexican friends, my work experience during my first travel ire and all my memories there …
I live from the beginning of the semester in a student residence for reasons practice. Indeed the university is far from the city center, in a new colony called Zibata. I thus moved with 3 Mexican roommates, nobody came to Querétaro (As 80 % of the students), Jose come to Sinaloa ( North), Alejandro come to Oaxaca (South) y Lalo come to the capital Mexico.
All are now, good friends for me, this was them my ticket for my integration into the university.
The beginning of the semester begins on 3 January; it was only the presentation of the university by the administrative team. The university is immense and includes 3 buildings (soon 4) with 3 football stadium or soccer, a gymnasium, tennis courts, large parking space, a small supermarket inside the university as well as a bank.
The classes begin the following week, with a stroke of 2000 students jostling in the precincts, we speak loudly, there are people.
But from the first day everything happens for the better, the people are welcoming, beneficent, sympathetic. I made a lot of friends, people are more open, it’s easier to talk. I don’t notice difference between them and me, all represent the Mexican social stratum high, so there is no major difference with a European.
The classes are not very hard in common subjects but the more specific subjects are very interesting by their information’s and by the point of view tackled. We gonna see that more in details in an other article.
What could one wish better than to arrive in a whole country in reflection, waiting, in total perplexity in front of the events that he has been living with his American neighbor for decades and which will undoubtedly be broken.
It’s therefore in this climate and in the perspective of discovering and analyzing Mexico as well as its doors of exit vis-a-vis of the American Giant.
I would like to thank my University ESDES who would otherwise this travel, and specifically the members who allowed me for this experience
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From Lyon to mexico 