Fitting in?

[el caribe]

We have been to Mexico many times and we love the culture and people very much. I have found that speaking a little Spanish makes the vacation a lot more fun and interesting. I was wondering though, what other people do to fit in culturally or to enjoy the locals more??? That also made me think of the many things people do that offend the locals and diminish the fun overall. If you like please list your 3 favorite things to do to fit in and recommend 3 things not to do.

[james]

do:
1. be friendly
2. be polite
3. be interested

dont:
1. be loud
2. be demanding
3. be in a hurry

you'll already fit in because you will be surrounded by other tourists but theses rules might just help you have a better time. of course, there will always be the chance you will have to don't a do and do a don't. latin america is full of contradictions and inconsistencies.

[MWC]

Do:
Try at least one meal in a hole-in-the-wall place the locals are frequenting
Try speaking a little Spanish, even if you massacre it
Remember to greet merchants/waitstaff before you launch into business

Don't:
Make fun of how restaurants translate into English on the menu
Hesitate to share your opinions about politics, world affairs, social concerns; we have always found locals are fascinated to hear what "real" Americans have to say about things
Forget to smile and relax

[Michael]

Originally Posted by james

do:
1. be friendly
2. be polite
3. be interested

dont:
1. be loud
2. be demanding
3. be in a hurry

Simple, accurate (of-course) and very powerful.

[Jacko]

Originally Posted by james

do:
1. be friendly
2. be polite
3. be interested

dont:
1. be loud
2. be demanding
3. be in a hurry

.

That list would work anywhere in the world!

[el caribe]

Originally Posted by MWC

Do:
Try at least one meal in a hole-in-the-wall place the locals are frequenting
Try speaking a little Spanish, even if you massacre it
Remember to greet merchants/waitstaff before you launch into business

Don't:
Make fun of how restaurants translate into English on the menu
Hesitate to share your opinions about politics, world affairs, social concerns; we have always found locals are fascinated to hear what "real" Americans have to say about things
Forget to smile and relax

To greet people first before launching into our business is a great way to go. I make friends with whoever i can and it is really enjoyable, i think we are accustomed to go right into business mode here in the U.S. it would be rude though in Mexico.

[james]

I don't think heading down the politics and world affairs path is a very good idea if two sides have limited understanding of each other. It's hard enough to get the drink order right.

edit: adding to this, it's probably not a good idea to mention anyone with a last name that could form part of a hedgerow.

[lovbuds]

Master the local hand-shake, works for me every time when greeting aggressive merchants

[eva-maria]

i wouls say you should try to speak spanish, that shows a lot of interest in the country and of course in the language

for the rest, i agree with james:

Originally Posted by james
do:
1. be friendly
2. be polite
3. be interested

dont:
1. be loud
2. be demanding
3. be in a hurry

[MWC]

Originally Posted by james

I don't think heading down the politics and world affairs path is a very good idea if two sides have limited understanding of each other. It's hard enough to get the drink order right.

edit: adding to this, it's probably not a good idea to mention anyone with a last name that could form part of a hedgerow.

You got me there, but I am coming from the point-of-view of someone who did NOT vote for said topiary. Gives me lots in common with a lot of the world!

[Mindbender]

I'm in accord with James too. Nice simple rules. They know you're foreign too and expect you to be different at times.

As to they work the world over... Well in London (not the UK as a whole) they'd move around a bit:

Do:
1. Ignore the existence of everybody on public transport.
2. Be polite if spoken to, but imagine they're either mad or after your money.
3. Be in a hurry.

Don't:
1. Show too much interest, or they'll think you fancy them or want a fight.
2. Be over friendly, or they'll think you're either mad or after their money.
3. Be loud, or they'll think you're mad/drugged/drunk or from the US.

[Michael]

Originally Posted by Jacko

That list would work anywhere in the world!

I wish that was true...........

[CalifGuy]

edit: adding to this, it's probably not a good idea to mention anyone with a last name that could form part of a hedgerow.[/quote]

So, you USC fans cannot talk about Reggie?

[mofi]

Originally Posted by Mindbender

I'm in accord with James too. Nice simple rules. They know you're foreign too and expect you to be different at times.

As to they work the world over... Well in London (not the UK as a whole) they'd move around a bit:

Do:
1. Ignore the existence of everybody on public transport.
2. Be polite if spoken to, but imagine they're either mad or after your money.
3. Be in a hurry.

Don't:
1. Show too much interest, or they'll think you fancy them or want a fight.
2. Be over friendly, or they'll think you're either mad or after their money.
3. Be loud, or they'll think you're mad/drugged/drunk or from the US.

Is this list for the UK or Mexico??? If you are refering to mexico I hope your joking? I talk to everyone and everyone when I am there. But usually they speak english to me and then I respond in spanish. Never gotten into any trouble nor have I had anyone take money from me, or given it to anyone.

[Page]

Originally Posted by james

I don't think heading down the politics and world affairs path is a very good idea if two sides have limited understanding of each other. It's hard enough to get the drink order right.

edit: adding to this, it's probably not a good idea to mention anyone with a last name that could form part of a hedgerow.

Oh James, I do like the way you think, not to mention how you express yourself (chortle ...)!