The Mundane Side of Mexico

 American Icon’s – Oddly Welcomed Here in Mexico

I feel a bit guilty if I don’t update this blog at least once a week, and clearly I’m feeling so today, as it has been weeks since I last took the time. A funny thing has happened – life has become a bit mundane. The reality is that life is not all fun and games here in Querétaro, or anywhere for that matter. I am, after all, here to work.

I will never adjust to 12-hour work days – except briefly when the 3-day weekend arrives. Generally a day is lost just to recover from such a grueling schedule – but that day of recovery is glorious in its own little way. It is certainly no way to live for the long term, as I seem to have run out of steam.

The last few weekends I have just been hanging out at home, relaxing, catching up on last year’s movies on Netflix and planning what’s next. I caught my first cold here in Mexico (fortunately a mild one and I recovered in three days).

Everyone here feels about the same – looking forward to going home at some point in time, ideally with a lot of money in the bank. Many I work with have been here for over a year, and their plans for the future seem to be a topic that arises often.

  Mi Casa and Automóvil here in Querétaro

Don’t get me wrong. Querétaro is a vibrant, modern city and a fairly safe place to live. It seems we have parties and get-togethers far more than the norm in the US. But there are some things about Mexico that wears one down.

Mexican drivers are pathetically annoying – hard to fathom, because as a people they are so gracious. Yet when they get behind the wheel it is as if some demon takes over, to lunge at you at intersections, cut in front of you and tailgate you. Driving is the biggest threat we face here.

And then there are the topes – Mexican speed bumps of all shapes, sizes and destructive potential. Some are gentle mounds; the worst come as a row of steel ball bearing embedded half deep in the roadway. I know the location of each topes on the trip to Bombardier’s Site, but head into new territory with caution. But with the recent pounding rains, the location of all potholes also needs to be put to memory.

  The Tire Killing Topes – the Absolute Worst Speed-Bumps in the World

And the other annoyances: Of course, you really can’t drink the water. So I buy bottled water and even brush my teeth with it. All fruits and veggies have to be soaked in an anti-bacterial water mixture. And I really am not adventurous enough to eat the street food.

Meat just does not taste like meat. Chicken is orange. COSTCO and, surprisingly, Wal-Mart are welcome salvations to what I consider eatable food.

I’m not picking on Mexico – Korea, Japan and Italy were much the same. Well almost – fruits and veggies were never a problem.

OK, enough pissing and moaning. I’m making a small fortune here in Querétaro, México. I just miss the comfort of the good old USA.