Mexico and North America. Far away, so close.
It is clear that Mexico is geographycally located in North America. But in some respects Mexico looks like Spain. On this post, I will focus on the constrasts between Anglos in North America and the Spanish-America.
Some of the fine cities in the Mexican landscape have preserved that old-world air characteristic of Spanish-America, unspoiled by the elements of manufacturing communities.
One example of this are the plazas. Centers of recreation and social life, where music is part of the government of the people, a feature far more prominent than in Britain or the United States.
The cathedrals, the rugged architecture of the streets, the barred windows, and the picturesque dress of the working class, form an atmosphere of distinctive life and color.
In many respects it is an atmosphere of charm and interest which the traveler encounters in Mexican life, especially if he has recently arrived from Canada or the United States. The transition fron the busy Anglo-Saxon world that hurries and bustles in strenuous life northward from the Río Grande, to the land of Spanish-America. Yet it is only divided by a shallow stream. As the traveler crosses this boundary he leaves behind the enormous buildings and modern cities, and goes back in time some years. You can feel the courtesy of Mexico.
If you consider Canadian and American manners to be typical of North America, the customs of the Mexican are singularly un-American. The influence and romance of the long years of Spanish domination and character have been crystallized upon the Mexican soil.
Whatever critical comparison may be applied to the people of Mexico, the foreigner will acknowledge the pleasing trait of courtesy they invariably show. The elegance and grace of old style Spanish values. That is a reason why strangers to the Mexican culture adapt very quickly to their sorroundings, and will grow in affection for the local manners.
Some of the fine cities in the Mexican landscape have preserved that old-world air characteristic of Spanish-America, unspoiled by the elements of manufacturing communities.
One example of this are the plazas. Centers of recreation and social life, where music is part of the government of the people, a feature far more prominent than in Britain or the United States.
The cathedrals, the rugged architecture of the streets, the barred windows, and the picturesque dress of the working class, form an atmosphere of distinctive life and color.
In many respects it is an atmosphere of charm and interest which the traveler encounters in Mexican life, especially if he has recently arrived from Canada or the United States. The transition fron the busy Anglo-Saxon world that hurries and bustles in strenuous life northward from the Río Grande, to the land of Spanish-America. Yet it is only divided by a shallow stream. As the traveler crosses this boundary he leaves behind the enormous buildings and modern cities, and goes back in time some years. You can feel the courtesy of Mexico.
If you consider Canadian and American manners to be typical of North America, the customs of the Mexican are singularly un-American. The influence and romance of the long years of Spanish domination and character have been crystallized upon the Mexican soil.
Whatever critical comparison may be applied to the people of Mexico, the foreigner will acknowledge the pleasing trait of courtesy they invariably show. The elegance and grace of old style Spanish values. That is a reason why strangers to the Mexican culture adapt very quickly to their sorroundings, and will grow in affection for the local manners.
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