by Karen McConnaughey
I heard a wonderful story recently that I have to share with you. Alumni Jim Vivian and Cheryl Kotila-Vivian were participants in our October 3-10, 2009, Focus on Mexico educational program. We had a wonderful time, and as it was my first stint as Program Director, I know it will always remain my favorite group! We shared so many fun memories.
After Jim returned home, he wrote to tell us how he got rid of his pesos before leaving Mexico. It’s a lovely story, and I think it completely represents the people of Mexico. I can’t imagine this happening at an airport in the United States or Canada. But…judge for yourself!
I have to tell you about getting rid of my pesos. In the Mexico City airport we came upon a Dunkin' Donuts. I decided to have one last donut before succumbing to Doc McGee's lecture [Dr. McGee is the naturapathic doctor who speaks to our groups about the alternative medicine opportunities available in the Lake Chapala area]. And I also wanted a cup of coffee. Total cost was 28 pesos. I took out my last 20-peso note and took out all the Mexican change in my pocket—total: 23 pesos. Then you should have been there with your flashing red light [on my always-available camera!] while I made friends with the lady who ran the Dunkin' store. She spoke virtually no English, and you know how good my Spanish is. I started with the 20-peso note. She said "no, no, no" (I got that much); so then I pulled out one of my one-peso coins. "No, no, no." I got it again. Then I pulled out the second one (I only had the three). "No, no, no." I was getting sick of it by now. So then I pulled out the last one and pulled out my pocket showing that it was empty. Then, before she could say 'no' again, I went into my other pocket and pulled out an American quarter. She said "no" to the quarter and pushed the coffee and the donut at me, smiled the nicest warm smile and said "si, si, si!” I made a kissing face at her, smiled and walked off with my coffee and donut for my last 23 pesos. Then (we were sitting right across from the donut store) every time I passed by (on my way to the restroom, etc.), we smiled and waved at each other like old friends. And when we got up to leave (she could tell because we picked up our carry bags and jackets), she waved at us with a great big smile and shouted "Hasta luego!" I returned it with my best accented "Hasta luego," and we parted friends, never having spoken an intelligible word to each other despite the business we transacted. I walked off and said to Cheryl, 'isn't Mexico something?"
Yes, Jim, it is. I cannot tell you how many times we’ve heard similar stories of the graciousness of the Mexican people. Obviously, if you approach anyone with good humor, smiles and friendliness, you’re bound to get it back. However, there is just something about the Mexican people that warms my heart over and over. Thank you for sharing your story with us.
Karen McConnaughey: Operations Manager for FocusOnMexico .
Focus
On Mexico offers 8-Day Educational Programs to Ajijic and Lake Chapala,
Mexico (2nd Best Climate in the World). Join us on a Focus program and
learn why thousands of Americans and Canadians chose to retire in Lake
Chapala.
Our programs offer the perfect balance; a wonderful
vacation and an insightful, educational experience. Our expert speakers
cover all topics: Health Care, Real Estate, Legal System, Immigration,
Bringing Pets, Cost of Living, US Taxes for Americans, Non-Residency
for Canadians, Living on the Lakeside, Investing in Mexico, Mexican
Economy and much more...
You’ll get everything you need to help you decide if Lake Chapala, Mexico is the place for you, plus have a lot of fun doing it. Retiring in Mexico couldn't be better.