Today I decided to write about a very special topic: my country.
I know there are tons of negatives we can say about Mexico. The first thing that comes to the minds of foreigners when they hear Mexico is drugs. I don’t want to address that topic because it can go on forever. Instead, I want to focus on the good parts. The wonderful and special attributes that make this country so amazing.
To start this conversation, I want to say that after being part of a long distance relationship with someone from a different country has opened my eyes in a whole new way. It allowed me to see myself and my surroundings with a new light and I can appreciate more the traditions and customs of my people.
The urge of writing about this happened during Sunday service. It was almost the end of the mass when the priest asked a couple with a newborn baby to go to the altar with him. You see in Mexico, it is customary that when you have a baby you go and present him/her to God. You go to church to have the baby blessed by the priest for good health and life. This simple act, I love. And it is connected with many more traditional rituals in Mexico. All of which are part of our spiritual development and growth. For me, SPIRITUALITY is as important as breathing.
I love being from a country where being spiritual actually means something. Where people believe in something bigger and more mighty then pure randomness. Mexico is a very big catholic country and every time I see people worship their beliefs I feel a tingle inside and it gives me happiness. (Please Note: this is not meant to open a fight about personal religious beliefs and/or spirituality. Please take this for what it is: my take on life. You have your beliefs and I respect you for them. Spread love not hate. Thank you!).
Another very big aspect that I think defines Mexican people is PLANNING. Or the lack of LOL!. There’s a special trait we share. We have the gift of creating a party in no time, with delicious food, great music and a bunch of family members and friends. I’m not just saying this, it’s something that certain Dutch people have noticed about us hehe.
Over the past two years, my boyfriend has come to visit me in three different occasions and every single time he makes a comment on this very matter. And when I’m visiting him I get to experience how they go about this business. It’s pretty hilarious to be honest. Because I don’t know how we can get it done with no real planning behind it, things just work out, plans happen and calls and texts get send. That’s it! No other secret. In Sweden, on the other hand, it’s not quite the same. AT ALL. People plan weeks in advance, write things on calendars, make appointments, dinner dates, they synchronize schedules, etc. Even when it’s something as simple as go out with your family. Crazy how different this is across cultures, right?
On a different note, now I 
feel like talking about a topic that hits my heart in a special place because of my love. When I first introduced my Dutch man to my family here in Mexico it became a big party for almost my entire family. That first day when we got home from the U.S. my mom had decorated my room with balloons and welcome signs for him (she’s the best mom ever). She had my nephews draw pictures and write messages for him to hang. That same evening my family came over and we barbequed, my aunt brought a cake with welcome signs again in all four languages (Dutch, English, Swedish and Spanish) and we had a blast. The food was delicious!
I still remember the look on his face after meeting everyone and when getting all of this love from my family *so cute*. Later that night, he told me no one had ever done anything like that for him, and that he couldn’t imagine how people that had never met him could express so much love for a stranger. All because I love him. Because he’s special to me. Indeed this is how my family is. WARM. Open hearted people. I’m one lucky girl.
All in all, I love being from Mexico. With the bad, regular and amazing aspects that come with it. I am thankful for being born in a family that surrounds me with love and acceptance, friends that are there for me, and a guardian angel that’s always by my side. Stay happy, grateful, healthy and blessed.
With love,
Ale
It's Me, Ale 