Updates and Cancún

My classes have been pretty easy, except for one: International Negotiations.  I think this one is much more difficult because it is in Spanish (like my other classes), but it is also with all the regular Mexican students;  I am also the only person from the US in that class!  It has been an interesting time because we are learning a lot about how Americans do business and how it differs from how the rest of the world does things.  Here in Mexico, a business deal may take a whole week, because there is a lot involved. First you become friends, and learn about each other, and then slowly you start talking about business, where as in the US we simply get down to business.  Much of what we have learned are stereotypes, so its just interesting to hear all of them.

I have also learned that it is not correct to describe someone from the US as American, North American, or even from the United States.  My professor made the point that they are Americans too, also North Americans, and they are also from the United States (of Mexico).  Very interesting!  So in class we have adopted the friendly term "gringo" to describe people like me.  They insist that it is not derogatory!

This weekend we are going to Cancún!  I'm very excited to escape the 70 degree weather here in Monterrey!  We are flying out on Thursday night, going to stay in a hostel, and then play it by ear from there.  We plan on seeing some of the famous ruins in the Yucatan like Chichten Itza, which has been declared one of the 7 new world wonders, Tulum, an ancient city on the Caribbean, and various others.  I'm very excited!  We will return on Monday (it is a national holiday here).

Another thing that I have had a hard time adapting to is the metric system.  There are many foreign people here from all over: France, Germany, Australia, Latin American countries, Asia, etc. and every one with exception to the US uses the metric system.  I tell people I live about 2 miles from campus, and they always say they don't know how far that is!  The metric system actually makes a lot of sense, and it is easier to use, but since I didn't grow up around it, I don't know how far a kilometer is or exactly how hot 30 degrees is with out converting it!  Someone told me it was going to be 30 the other day, and at first I was really surprised.  After, I realized that its about 86 degrees F.

Lots to get accustomed to here, but I really enjoy that aspect of being here.  I have learned so much, not even from my classes, but just being somewhere so different (although so close to home)!  I hope everyone is doing well!