Since the Senor and I have been coming to Zihuatanejo for several years we begin to think we know the lay of the land, much of the customs and culture, and many friends and acquaintances. We know when to greet someone with Buenos Dias, Buenos Tardes and when it changes to Buenos Noches. I am steadily improving my pronunciation, but am far from skilled. But every day we learn more.
We know a smile is always returned, I know if I get confused on money at the Mercado and hold out a hand full of change they will take exactly what they have charged and no more. We have learned our way around the Commercial and no longer have to hunt for specific items. We have learned that we can buy almost anything we do at home here, but not red and white peppermint candies, and no “jimmy Dean” type sausage.
We know where our Doctor is and can find a Dentist we like, and an optician. We know where many of the popular
restaurants are, and which are our favorites.
We have learned that we do not want dinner until after dark, 7 has become our dinner time as it has cooled down to perfect. We know we prefer to eat breakfast and dinner outside. We have learned to walk slowly as there is no need to hurry as we might miss something like a beautiful flower that only blooms at night
We know where to get our pedicures and manicures, we have learned what the price of a taxi to different locations is. We have learned that taxi drivers aren’t tipped. We have learned where to hail a taxi (anywhere you see one). We have learned to state the location we are going and the price we are willing to pay before we get in the cab. If they say no and give a different price we know it’s our choice to send him on his way, negotiate further or accept it, get in and pay his price.
We have learned to ride the bus when possible over a taxi as it is only 10 pesos or less to most places. We also know walking is a great way to get around too. We have learned the value of a siesta each day.
We know that you can’t count on any business being open between 2 and 5. Most nearly anything is negotiable, and in some locations you have spoiled the fun of the sale if you don’t haggle a little. We’ve learned the first sale of the day is considered lucky as is the last and some say you might be able to swing the best deal then.
We know the streets will be swept each morning by a person, not a machine, and the beach will be raked just after sun up. We know everyone works hard in Mexico as most work is done by hand. We know Mexican time is approximate, we have learned that manana doesn’t necessarily mean tomorrow, it just means not today. Few
Mexicans smoke, and family and extended family are very important.
Everyone seems to have a cell phone, but not teenagers. Mexican people text because it is part of the plan, voice calls are expensive and are billed to the caller only. So you never ask a Mexican friend to call you. You make the call to them.
We have learned to love Zihuatanejo, with its quirks, differences and sameness. Signing off KO
Zihuathyme 