My insight into Mexican life

It is not difficult to quickly feel at home in Mexico. The people make it very easy to like the country with their welcoming nature. You will soon be invited to the wedding of your neighbour's niece or to the weekly family party. The interest in foreign cultures is great, as is the enthusiasm to share one's own culture. The topic of food is always a good place to start, quickly followed by recommendations of dishes that you absolutely MUST try. Mexicans can also talk about food for quite a while.

Problems can arise when it comes to time. Appointments with times should never be taken seriously. It's best to always add 30 minutes to 2 hours. A word that fits in every situation: "ahorita". Translated, it means "now" or "immediately", but in Mexico it can just as easily mean in 2 hours, 5 days or never. Ahorita nos vemos!

Cancún, Playa del Carmen and Tulúm are familiar to almost every holidaymaker in Mexico. But there are even more dreamy stretches of beach on the Caribbean coast. Some with a little more, some with a little less hustle and bustle. Caleta Tankah near Tulúm, for example, is a private stretch of beach with a beach bar, changing facilities and showers. Sun loungers and parasols can be hired for a small fee. The beach is always kept very clean.

The island of Holbox in the north of the Yucatan Peninsula is no longer an insider tip, but it is still a very quiet place. You won't find any cars on the island, but the island is actually very easy to explore on foot anyway. There are no properly developed roads, but "taxis" in the form of golf carts are available as a means of transport. The powder-white sand and turquoise-blue water make the island a little paradise. You should definitely try freshly caught fish in a small restaurant right on the beach.

My absolute highlight is Akumal, but unfortunately it is very well known. In the small bay between Playa del Carmen and Tulúm, turtles live right on the coast. The sea creatures can be spotted with a guide on a guided tour. However, it is just as easy to go on your own, as the animals come very close to the beach and with a little searching you can quickly find a specimen. The turtles are so relaxed and are not disturbed by many observers. Nevertheless, touching them is forbidden!

Beer is probably a very popular drink all over the world. Although tequila is also drunk in Mexico, for which the country is famous, beer is much more popular. There are well over 15 types of beer, including internationally recognised brands such as Corona and Sol. A cool "chela" is a favourite thirst quencher at any time of day or night. But the Mexicans thought that just beer would get boring at some point and got creative. A "michelada" is very popular - first put some Maggi sauce and Worcester sauce in a glass, add a dash of Tabasco and finally add the desired beer. But it can be even crazier if fruit, seafood or jelly babies are added to this mixture. There are no limits to your imagination, but it's all a matter of taste. Salud!

Almost more important to Mexicans than the "chela" are their tortillas, an absolute staple food in Mexico. Tortillas are flatbreads made from corn flour (occasionally wheat flour is also used, but it tends to be unpopular) and are eaten with every, really every dish. Whether it's scrambled eggs for breakfast or goulash for lunch, tortillas are a must. The most popular variant, however, are tacos, which are small tortillas filled with various meats, some greens and onions. The most important thing is the salsa, the spicier the better! There is usually more salsa than meat on the tacos. It can't be too spicy, even if the Mexican's face is covered in sweat, a few extra chilli peppers go well with it.

There are many customs and traditions throughout Mexico. Each state, for example, has its own dance style. From Morelos come the "Chinelos", who parade through the streets dressed in a cloak, elaborate headdress and mask to a special music. The "Danza de los Viejitos" is danced in Michoacan. Here, young or young-at-heart men dress up like old people and dance with a cane.

The most famous holiday is definitely Dia de los Muertos, which is celebrated from 31 October to 2 November. On these days, people in Mexico celebrate with the dead instead of just mourning them. The cemeteries are bustling, it is loud, there is drinking, eating and singing and everything is colourfully decorated.

Of course, people also mourn the dead and commemorate their loved ones with special customs. In Ocotepec - in the state of Morelos - families of the recently deceased open their homes to the public. They prepare a so-called "ofrenda", a large altar with pictures of the deceased, as well as some personal items, favourite foods and drinks. The "ofrenda" can be viewed by anyone, candles are usually distributed to the family and each guest is given a punch and something to eat. These are incredibly touching moments, especially when the deceased are children.

Mexico has many facets: it is colourful, loud, hectic and sometimes chaotic, on the other hand paradisiacal, authentic and incredibly lovable. Over time, I really took this colourful mix to my heart and it was hard to say goodbye. But: Nos vemos pronto, México!

Would you like to find out more about Mexico? Just contact us and we will be happy to advise you on our favourite experiences on a trip to Mexico. Or take a look at our Mexico travel offers and gather a few impressions of this exciting travel destination.