Besos

Disclaimer: This is a really random blog. However, not many interesting things have happened in the last few days. (Although I do have to brag that I ate a cricket. And went to see Benjamin Button for less than $3.)

Adjusting to Mexican culture hasn't been all that difficult. There are a lot of similarities here, because they are probably the most "americanized" culture in all of Latin America (obviously, since they're so close). However, there are some interesting differences. For example, the beso. Now, I'm not sure how many people in the U.S. are aware of this custom, so sorry if you already know this. However, I'm going to explain it. Every time you greet someone and every time you say goodbye to them, you give them a beso (kiss) on the cheek. There can be a group of ten people standing there, and you give each one a kiss on the cheek. It doesn't matter if you're meeting them for the first time, you still do it. Even if two people are having a private conversation, you interrupt them to give them a beso. Now, I'm starting to appreciate this tradition. However, I must say, it can be quite awkward for us gringos. Because:
1) I'm not used to interrupting people so that I can give them a kiss on the cheek.
2) A lot of times Mexican people will hesitate before they give a gringo a beso. I think they are unsure of whether or not they are going to freak us out. However, it just makes it that much more awkward.
3) You're never sure whether or not to give your other gringo friends besos, but you feel wierd only kissing the Mexican half of the group.
With that said, I'm finding that the best way to deal with the awkwardness is to kiss everyone. I mean, obviously I don't kiss the bus driver every morning, but if I'm being introduced to someone or if they are a friend of a friend, I definitely need to give them a beso. I figure it's better to give too many besos than not enough.

Oh, and P.S. Another random thing that's different about Mexico is that there is an overabundance of speed bumps, also known as "topes". I guess they figure that's more effective in keeping people's speed down than establishing speed limits??