Yeah, I know that most of the time, it’s human nature to feel more comfortable when you don’t stand out like a sore thumb. There’s a certain sense of comfort in being around people who are like you and with whom you feel you fit in perfectly. But there are some happy exceptions to that rule, as I found out during a recent vacation and business trip to Guadalajara.
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MEXICO TRAVEL TIPS: Underground Tours & Excitement at Mexico’s Río Secreto
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First, a bit about me. I’m the kind of person who doesn’t fit in when I find myself in many parts of the world. My pale, splotchy and pinkish hue certainly attracts no attention when I wander the state of Kentucky, where my family’s from, but I’m decidedly not one of those cool, beautiful people with international good looks that make me easily adored and hard to identify.
During my most recent visit to Mexico‘s second-largest city, I found myself the only gringo on multiple occasions. And — thanks in large part to the warmth and hospitality of the people I encountered — I found it to be a wonderful experience.
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DON’T MISS: Why I Would NOT Rent This Fab Guadalajara Airbnb in Guadalajara Again
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Here are 4 things I love about finding myself to be the only gringo in the room when I travel in Guadalajara (although the same could be true for when I travel elsewhere in Mexico, as well; these are just some specific observations I made during this particular trip).
- Extra attention: If you sit anywhere near the stage during a drag show and you look like a foreigner, the drag queen will likely pick you out for questioning, and twice, in two different venues, I was also called on stage. (see number 2)
- Free shots: After being called on stage by two different drag queens on two different nights, I was invited to do a free shot of tequila. Just for standing out in the crowd! I graciously accepted both times, and received rounds of applause from the audience for my drinking talent.
- People will go out of their way to help you. Whether it’s providing travel directions, food recommendations, ideas on things to do in Mexico or even help after you’ve done something stupid like dropping an entire tray of theater popcorn (believe me, it’s happened to me while on vacation), Mexican people are adept at showing their warmth and friendliness — and they’re even more likely to go out of their way if they see you’re not a local.
- People open up to you. If you make an effort to speak some Spanish, you may find that people in Mexico will share personal opinions and things that they won’t share with others. Whether it’s an insider’s take on local life (good and bad) and personal musings, life histories and fantasies, Tapatíos (as Guadalajara residents are called) are more likely to open up to a foreigner.
https://departurelevel.com/mexico/all-smiles-at-mexicos-1st-cafe-staffed-by-people-with-down-syndrome/