What Mexico is Really Like- Puebla Mexico anyways

Common things people may not know about Mexico? (And some tips )

1. In Cholula, Mexico it has seriously rained almost everyday since I got here 5 weeks ago. (normally you think of Mexico as arid and full of cactus) - in this part of Mexico FALSE
2. With the summers in Cholula it can be quite chilly
3. Cholula and Puebla are very nice cities and peaceful, except for the fireworks
4. There are ALOT of fireworks, every day they are going off ( it basically means anyone that can hear or see the fireworks are welcome to their party) 
5. Mexicans literally party every day of the week, except Sundays (well most of the time)
6. Only weekend buying and selling alcohol is prohibited is during the Presidential Elections 
7. Yes they have a drinking age... 18
8. You don't flush the toilet paper after it is used, they don't have a good sewage system, just throw it in the trash can
9. Don't bother buying stuff at Walmart, try to go to the local markets - it will be a lot cheaper 
10. Barter with prices on stuff you want to buy, especially if your at a big tourist area you can bring down the price on some really expensive items. (some people will actually refuse to sell to you if you simply accept the first price they set)
11. There is ALOT of PDA 
12. When greeting a person you kiss the side of their cheek (though if both are guys a good bro hand shake works) 
13. Most people are very polite and it is very common to use the Usted of you 
14. If you are a blond girl, you WILL stand out. (and will probably get a few whistles from passing cars) 
15. If your a new visitor Seriously, don't eat street vendors food that requires cooked food or ice. (It's not pretty either way it comes out) - i.e. food poisoning or Montezuma's Revenge 
16. DON'T drink the water unless it is bottled 
17. Check to see how hot/spicy your food is before you add the salsa (also check the salsa)
18. You can use a tortilla as a spoon
19. Shorts and tank tops are used though usually not as a combination 
20. Girls wear extremely tall heels when they go out (main form is platformish with spikes for heels... hurts to get stepped on so wear protection ;)
21. People are a lot shorter here so 5'3 blends in a bit better :D yay me!
22. American Football is the new thing for colleges 

To be continued :)

Why travel?

Mexico, always an interesting subject. I have currently been in Mexico for 6 weeks. In my college I have joined an exchange program called a Dual Degree Program - This is a program designed for my Communications major between my school, Appalachian State University (ASU) in the U.S. and La Universidad de las Americas Puebla (UDLAP) in Mexico. Basically I take classes for my major at ASU for my Freshman and Senior years, and take them in Mexico at UDLAP for my Sophomore and Junior years. At the completion of my studies I will have a degree in Communications both UDLAP and ASU. Should be interesting, mas o menos. However before this program has started, I have been in a Spanish Immersion program for the past 5 weeks at UDLAP and have meet some really awesome people, Mexican and American alike. :) So far Mexico has treated me well and I'm looking forward to my next experiences.

Now to answer my question of why travel? - If you have never visited another country, you are missing out on a life changing experience, you meet people you never would have met and make life long friendships along the way. Yes countries have their stereotypes and dangers, just don't be stupid and you will be fine, that shouldn't stop you.

I used to think that it was just too expensive to even try traveling out of country. But turns out, it can be very similar to traveling just to another state. It can even be cheeper (and safer). Every day it is easier and easier for young people of today to travel and see the world. There are places in Mexico that you can go to and stay at a hostel for $10 a night and is right on the beach. And for the next two weeks I will be doing exactly that while I wait for school to start back up.

Nos vemos