It’s Mexico…we all pay the gringo tax.
It‘s Mexico…there are no rules, only suggestions.
It’s Mexico…if there are rules…those are suggestions as well.
It‘s Mexico…if a rule become a suggestion but then reverts back to a rule…it’s still a suggestion, unless it is also simultaneously a rule, in which case it is just a suggested operational guideline. That’s the rule.
It‘s Mexico…there are no lies, just different versions of the truth…perhaps an occasional misunderstanding. Probably due to the language barrier….amigo.
It’s Mexico…the dollar to peso exchange rate is a suggestion (see above) only that will vary from shop to shop and minute by minute, ingoing or outgoing tide, moon phase, wind direction, the particular ferry in operation that day, humidity index, Celsius or Fahrenheit temperature measurement, odd or even number passports, whether Mega had the little bananas that are like crack in stock, whether Noche Bueno is in season, some College Algebra, and three other mandatory factors that I forgot…
It’s Mexico…the tequila you tasted and thought you purchased won’t be anything close to the tequila you open at home. The tequila you brought home does make excellent paint thinner though.
It’s Mexico…you probably shouldn’t get that jewelry you bought appraised once you get home.
It’s Mexico…the authentic Mexican blanket/pancho/drugrug you purchased was probably made by a 5 year old Asian kid. Still make great gifts though.
It’s Mexico…a family of 5, and a dog, on a scooter is perfectly normal.
It’s Mexico…the traffic accident is your fault.
It’s Mexico…no one speaks English if you have a problem with them, but it’s more fun to not let them know you habla the Espanol Until it’s time to let them know
It’s Mexico…That’s why we are here.
Seriously Though, I expect honesty for those around me, but I just have to adjust my offend-o-meter to the Mexico setting once I get on the plane. With the exception of cabs, tourist crap shop owners, and airport personnel, 95% of the people I have dealt with in Cozumel have been wonderfully honest to deal with. Besides, if you know you are being lied to…is it really a lie if you are not fooled? I accept the gringo tax as a standard cost of a Mexican Vacation that offers world class diving, friendly people, incredible food, and an easy day of travel(mostly) for about a third of the cost anywhere else in the world….including America. If I know I’m getting gringo taxed, I just don’t tip as much or at all.
Should you be reading this while in Cozumel, please have the Lionfish Marsala at New Especias for me and wash it down with a very cold Bohemia Obscura (or 10) for me!!
Safe Travels,
Jay
