After having jet-setted across the globe about two years ago now, a three-hour flight to Mexico was nothing compared to the eight-hour one to Spain. Besides this, I keep finding myself comparing my previous study abroad trip to my current one. I know I shouldn’t do this; a little voice in the back of my head keeps reminding me: they are two different countries with two very different cultures. But some how, this voice of reason escapes me at sometimes.
Things I compare include the people, the culture, the food and my overall experience.
It may have been strictly Toledo, where a river and a towering wall surround the city, but Spaniards seem to be less friendly and have a bad-tempered demeanor than Mexicans. Everywhere I walk, whether it’s to school, to the park, even while traveling on the weekends, I receive a buenos días from passersby. It’s a big change from people who wouldn’t even say excuse me when they ran into you on the street while in Spain.
Although Spaniards founded Mexico, the culture couldn’t be more distinct. Spain, known to be a very catholic country, has adorned and bejeweled cathedrals towering over each city, except the number of citizens attending church is dwindling. But here in Mexico, being a strictly Catholic country, everywhere you go is named after a Saint or other religious figures. Every house has a photo, figurine, altar, etc. of the Virgin Guadalupe. The buses have rosaries and crucifixes adorned to the dashboard. And although the churches aren’t as embellished as Spain, it’s clear religion is important here. But, not only this sets the cultures apart. The Yucatan peninsula is filled with history of the Mayas. Different ruins like Uxmal and Chichén Itzá are scattered about the Yucatan as well as people who have descended from Maya origin. Their way of life is quite different, down to their way of life, the foods they eat and the way they dress. Learning about this culture as well as that of Mexico as a whole has been a novel’s worth of information to absorb.
Now to the most important part: the food. Who doesn’t like to eat authentic Mexican food? While Spain and Mexico are quite different on their delicacies, I can’t choose a favorite. The most adored food in Spain, however, was ham. Anyone who’s known me for five minutes knows I hate ham. I had a hard time explaining this to my host mom. The occasional ham dish would be set in front of me, and yes, I’d eat it, but I’m glad Mexico sticks to quesadillas. My new favorite dish from Mexico has to be panuchos. Take a crunchy tortilla and put chicken, lettuce, tomato, onions and avacado on top. But here’s the kicker: the tortilla is filled with beans. ¡Son deliciosos! (They’re delicious!) This has been a favorite of mine and I hope to find a recipe when I get back to the states. Although I’ve been eating as authentic as it can get, I still can’t help but miss Chiptole.
Saved the biggest part for last. My overall experience. I’ve had people here on the trip, friends and family all ask me I like better, Spain or Mexico. Truth of the matter is, if I had to choose, I don’t think I’d be able to. I loved Toledo; I’d go back in a heart beat. And although I only spent half as much time there as I have here in Mérida, Mérida too holds a special place in my heart. More English pops up here in Mexico, but I can’t blame people; who wouldn’t want to travel here to paradise? I honestly can’t compare and rank the two places that I hope to someday, maybe (cruza sus dedos/cross your fingers) live.
Photo courtesy of Carly Wiita