Third¬world Country?

One of our reasons for wanting to travel (to Mexico included) is to get a better idea of where America fits in to the grand scheme of things globally. By "fits in," we mean how America is similar and different from other countries, culturally, religiously, economically, etc.

Most Americans consider or at least think of Mexico (or at least parts of Mexico) as a third¬world country. Under this consideration, we sought to uncover exactly why this is, why Mexico and Mexicans are poor (by assumptions based on American standards). We were thrilled upon arriving because we thought we had immmediately found the reason: $16.00 for a Coke!, $25.00 for a pack of smokes!, $400.00 to eat out!. Outrageous! Of course these people are broke, paying prices like those! We were quite mistaken.

Apparently, there´s this thing called an "exchange rate." Apparently, Mexicans have their own money too. A little ambitious for a "third¬world" country don´t you think? Well, ambitious or not, we were baffled to discover this, and equally baffled to discover what the nature of the "exchange rate" implies concerning how America "fits in" (*cough*) in the world. Turns out, things are cheap in Mexico.

Actually, as far as we can tell, Americans might be more broke on average than Mexicans are. As far as we can tell, it seems pretty easy and inexpensive to supply one´s self with the necessities down here. Even our brief interactions with government and military officials have seemed to be exceptionally organized, fair, friendly, and charged with genuine concern for the people. Of course, this is only after a few days observation and interaction, so we´ll keep posting and all, but as of right now, being in the third¬world feels like a hook¬up.

Like anywhere, there are some things not to like (like our first houseguest and having to place used bathroom tissue in a waste basket as oppossed to flushing it), but we think it´s a fair trade so far. Also, there are a lot of stray kitties, but it´s kinda like having free community pets :) And who doesn´t like kitties? (evil people, that´s who)

The "swine flu" is pretty much a joke too btw. Every local we have talked to is appalled by the media hype surrounding the "pandemic" and unilaterally attribute it to some kind of political agenda. Pretty much everything for Cinco de Mayo was cancelled yesterday, and most of the tourist areas are closed through Thursday. The people here are very upset about this, and we don´t blame them.

Well, we´re still working on getting our laptop working in our amazing condo (the lower floor of which we have been invited to use for free (including the pool) since there´s no one occupying it), that way we can post daily without having to pay a HORRENDOUS $12.00/hr. for internet use (less than an American dollar lol). Until then, peace out. ¬Justin and Karina

P.S. Mexican key¿¡çrds are wierd.

(posted by Justin)