This blog is about my exposure to the Spanish language and various Latin-American cultures through travel and research; particularly Black/Afro-Latino.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Passing Through Mexico City
Mexico City's Zócalo District.
On my way to Perú, I took advantage of an 11-hour flight layover in Mexico City and took the Metro (subway) into town. My first stop was in the Pino Suarez section of town, where I hung out, went shopping, ate some genuine tacos, then took the subway again into the famous Zócalo section of town.
Buying fresh-squeezed orange juice in the Pino Suarez District.
Keep in mind, the primary purpose of my Latin-American trips is to practice my Spanish among people who don´t speak English. That way, I cannot cheat. LOL. I was amazed at how well my Spanish went over with those whom I chatted. They did not believe that I´m an American. Many thought that I was one of the many Cubans who migrated to Mexico. I had to bust some English to convince them. I found this whole experience flattering.
Catching the metro subway from the airport into town.
Also, I used proper Latin-American manners that I should have learned to use a long time ago, like saying buenos días/tardes before approaching someone and getting to your point. When you leave, you say “permiso” (exuse me, gotta go). I am learning from my travel experience that these little things go a long way when interacting with Latin Americans.
Yes, mannerisms are important.
ReplyDeleteOh the subway brings back memories.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tips, I didn't know this. How did the Mexicans treat you?
ReplyDeleteEverybody I ran into were nice, cordial, and professional. I've passed through Mexico City about three or four times and only ran into one rude person having a bad day. It was an airport employee who wore her ID on backwards so no one would identify and report her.
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