Monterrey, Mexico Trip Notes

Mexican Identity & Mexican-Americans

• Many Mexicans do not consider Mexican-Americans to be truly Mexican if they leave Mexico permanently, do not return (except to visit), and do not speak Spanish.
• Some Mexicans feel that people who moved to the U.S. chose an easier path instead of working hard in Mexico.
• Many people who emigrate to the U.S. come from lower-income backgrounds.
• A common sentiment expressed:
  • "Don't claim you're Mexican if you don't even know the language."
• Some Mexicans said Mexican-Americans visiting Mexico can sometimes come across as rude to waitstaff.

Monterrey vs. Mexico City

Monterrey

• Monterrey is viewed as a city where hard work and ambition are rewarded.
• Many people move to Monterrey for economic opportunity, so asking "Where are you from?" is common.
• Monterrey feels like a melting pot because so many people relocate there.
• The pace of life is faster.
• Residents are generally seen as ambitious and hardworking.
• Some people believe Monterrey's success comes from local leadership, including a young mayor who is investing his own money into the city.

Mexico City

• Several people said there are so many people in Mexico City that working harder often does not lead to greater financial success.
• This reduces the incentive for people to work harder.

Regional Tensions

• Some people from Monterrey resent sending large amounts of tax revenue to Mexico City.
• Some people elsewhere in Mexico are annoyed by Monterrey's attitude that everyone should simply "work harder."

Economy & Cost of Living

• One person said you can earn more as a manager at McDonald's than as an engineer in Mexico.
• Uber rides around Monterrey generally cost between $5–10 USD.
• San Pedro Garza García is considered the richest city/municipality in Mexico.

Mexican Culture & Society

Family

• Mexicans were described as generally being more family-oriented than Americans.
• Family relationships often require much more time and effort to maintain.
• Family conflicts can also be more intense, including disputes over inheritances.

Relationships

• One person felt Americans are generally:
  • More mature
  • More respectful
  • More independent
• They felt friendships in Mexico can involve more drama and require continual investment.

General Perspective

One person summarized their view by saying:

• Every country has its own culture.
• States are different.
• Cities are different.
• People are different.
• You cannot change the world—you simply have to accept its complexity.

Soccer & National Identity

• Soccer is one of the things that unites Mexicans.
• One person joked that Mexicans unite around:
  • Soccer
  • Having a common enemy

Government, Politics & Corruption

Several conversations included opinions that:

• Corruption is widespread throughout Mexico.
• The government has allegedly exchanged benefits or money for votes.
• Corruption has reportedly occurred even at election centers.
• Politicians have reportedly been photographed with cartel leaders, although people said this is less obvious today.
• One person said the government abandoned construction of a new airport in favor of the Tren Maya project.
• One person believed some Americans or U.S. officials financially benefit from drug trafficking across the border.

Safety & Security

• Soldiers were stationed roughly every 50–100 feet along the Santa Lucía Riverwalk.
• One person claimed:
  • Soldiers wearing sneakers are likely cartel members.
  • Soldiers wearing black boots are actual military personnel.
• Historically, Mexico has struggled with:
  • Missing children
  • Violence against women

U.S.–Mexico Relations

One opinion expressed was:

• If the United States pushes Mexico away politically or economically, Mexico may strengthen its relationship with China, potentially allowing greater Chinese military presence.

Visas & Travel

• One person said their U.S. visa application had recently been denied because the U.S. has become stricter.
• Others had long-term (10-year) U.S. visas.
• One individual regularly visits the U.S., spending money on trips such as:
  • Disney World
  • Royal Caribbean cruises
• JJ, from Veracruz:
  • Attended a private university.
  • Has a 10-year U.S. visa.
  • Speaks both English and Spanish.

Healthcare

According to JJ:

• Healthcare in Mexico is generally quite good.
• Medical costs are much lower than in the United States.
• Even a major procedure costing around $50,000 generally would not financially ruin someone.
• Doctors commonly work in both public and private hospitals.

Personal Observations

Arrival

• The first day was extremely hot and humid.
• Thunderstorms lasted throughout the evening.
• Evenings became much more pleasant, especially with a slight breeze.

Safety

• Nobody approached me trying to sell anything during the entire trip.

Language

• English was less common than I expected, even among hotel staff.
• Google Translate was extremely helpful.
• I occasionally asked people, "¿Hablas español?"
• One young man who sat at my table appeared nervous when I tried speaking with him.

Transportation

• Uber was inexpensive and easy to use.

People I Met

JJ

• From Veracruz.
• Private university education.
• Fluent in English and Spanish.
• Has a 10-year U.S. visa.
• Explained why Monterrey is more economically successful.
• Shared thoughts on healthcare and Mexican soccer.

Uber Driver

• Fluent in English.
• Works as a Program Engineering Manager.
• Said Monterrey succeeds because its people are ambitious and hardworking.
• Felt Monterrey residents resent sending tax money to Mexico City.

Americans at the World Cup

Met two Americans from New York City:

• Moe
• Ahmit

We sat together during the match. They planned to continue traveling throughout Mexico afterward.

World Cup Experience

• The World Cup atmosphere was fantastic.
• Many Mexican fans supported Japan.
• Many Mexicans wore Japanese jerseys.
• Japanese supporters traveled in large numbers and wore entertaining costumes.
• The stadium was modern and became very loud during exciting moments.

Fan Festival

• Watched Norway defeat Senegal 3–2.
• Erling Haaland scored twice.
• Ate tacos al pastor.
• Shared a table with a young Mexican who did not speak English.

Watching Argentina

While watching Argentina with JJ, we discussed:

• Mexican youth players often sign lucrative contracts early.
• Once they become famous, some lose focus and party too much.
• Wealthier clubs generally acquire the best players.
• Brazilian players are known for individual creativity and dribbling.
• JJ felt many Brazilians lose that creativity after moving to the English Premier League, where play is more structured and possession-oriented.

Parks & City Impressions

Fundidora Park

• Very large and well maintained.
• Filled with families.
• Did not notice drug users.
• Beautiful walk from the Museum of Mexican History along the Santa Lucía Riverwalk.
• Extremely hot during the day but pleasant in the evenings.
• Modern rodent traps were installed.
• Security was visible approximately every 100 yards.

Food

• Tacos al pastor.
• Mexican candy (gift from an Uber driver).

Holidays

• Cinco de Mayo is relatively insignificant within Mexico.
• Mexican Independence Day (September 16) is the country's major national celebration.

Geography & Diversity

• Mexico is a very large and diverse country.
• People look very different depending on the region.
• Many people appeared to have European ancestry, while many others are of Mayan descent.
• One person mentioned Japanese and Chinese communities in southern Mexico.
• Cities have distinct cultures.
• Even tacos vary significantly from one city to another.

Notes About Perspective

• Most of the people I interacted with were highly educated.
• Many spoke English fluently.
• As a result, these observations likely reflect the perspectives of a relatively educated, English-speaking segment of the population rather than Mexico as a whole.