"How is Mexico viewed from abroad?"

It's "normal" that we have ideas and stereotypes associated with a country.

For example, we say:

• Italy = pizza, spaghetti, etc.



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• France = cheeses, we think about some of the 365 different types of cheese, or one of their delicious and exquisite wines from Burgundy.



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• Spain = Real Madrid, Barcelona FC, parties in Ibiza and "Olay! "

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We all have something that we have associated with a certain country, rightly or wrongly so, and here are some of the many things that they have said or asked me around Mexico.

"Andale wey! Andale Andale! "



It was very funny for me to see the foreigners try to imitate our accent, they associate us internationally with the very well-known "wey! " thanks to the very much HATED telenovela Rebelde, which has now arrived in many parts of Europe. Plus, the "andale, andale! " is from the famous mouse in the Speedy Gonzales cartoon who shouts "andale, andale! ". These two phrases combined are dinamite for us, haha!

Sombreros and moustaches!



It's hard to believe, but it is true nowadays that is it commonly thought that here in Mexico, we only wear rags and sombreros. This is thanks AGAIN to that stupid mouse, and the majority of publicity in international media.

All jokes aside, it's true that in Mexico, depending on the area, we have a typical regional way to dress, but it doesn't mean that we Mexicans dress like that to go shopping, nor do we go to mass or weddings, etc. with a sombrero on.

Although, some people still think that we spend the night sleeping under a tree with our sombreros, tequila and a hammock.

Tequila and spice challenges!



If you thought that was enough, wait until you go to any European bar or restaurant... Once they hear a little bit of your accent and you tell them that you are Mexican, immediately they will be challenging you to eat everything spicy and drink tequila.

It is true that Mexico is one of the countries that consume quite spicy food, and when I say quite, I mean very. At least, here in Spain it doesn't exist; the "salsa valentina" that is eaten by 4-year-old children in Mexico is lethal here in Europe - they just feel awful. As soon as they get to the university cafeteria, they always challenged me to eat spicy foods. So far, they haven't found anything that resembles good spicy Mexican food (Agus, you'll have to work harder)... Anywhere you go, once you say Mexican, they'll definitely challenge you with spice.



However, not only is it the spice challenges - wait until you are out at night, or you're having a simple beer in a bar. Mexico is not only associated with the things above, but also with tequila, which is another of the things which almost all Mexicans are immune to. Every time that you get to a bar, it is law for them to ask you about tequila and they almost always will give you one or a shot of tequila.

So, Mexicans, prepare your stomachs for spice and tequila!

Instability and drug trafficking!



It's not all sunshine and flowers and it can be a bit of an uncomfortable topic for some, including me. It is true that Mexico is also known worldwide, not only for its good things or the great sense of humor and empathy of Mexican people, but also for the great sense of instability that lives within the country.

If people hear that you come from Sinaloa, or somewhere nearby, most people just think the worst, and that's normal. Now that I'm on Erasmus and I've been away from my homeland for almost a year, things from here are seen as "TERRIBLE". However, it is also important to mention that not all of Mexico is involved in drug trafficking and drugs, and not all Mexican families are dedicated to that.

Although, I say this as a Mexican who is proud of my culture and my land; it is well known that there are very honest and hardworking people who sweat like pigs in order to live without being involved in some kind of scam.

So there is no need to fear... It may be true that in Mexico there is insecurity, but it is not something that many countries get rid of, either with drug trafficking (which is present everywhere in the world, it's just some countries have less scandals and more hypocrites) or with attacks and other things.

Euro-MEX



Whatever happens, and with stereotypes whether they are wrong or not, Mexicans are very well-received in Europe. There is a lot of talk about xenophobia, which I haven't run into yet, and I can say that the countries I've visited have all been charming and very friendly and even the Erasmus in almost all of Europe are very friendly and I love it!

Note:

This blog is based on my experiences on Erasmus. Everyone's perspective can vary with respect to what kind of life you live and where you live it. I hope not to offend anyone with my ideas and thoughts!



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