There's a Fuzzy Logic to It
It's always interesting when you travel to see the aspects of another culture that are different from your own. These are a few random observations I've made so far in the Yucatan.
I've seen this in other countries before, and as a person who hates cough drops, I find it hard to grasp that people would suck on a menthol drop when they're feeling perfectly well. But as you can see, Halls are such a popular candy here they've sold out.
Last week I took my first bike taxi ride. As I was leaving the supermarket, bogged down with bags of groceries, a guy asked me if I needed a taxi. I did, so I followed him outside... and was a bit surprised to be led to his bicycle. It was basically a three-wheeler with a cart attached. I've never been on one of these before, so I just shrugged and hopped on. As he peddled me home, I don't think we moved much faster than the pace at which I could have walked. Also, I admit I was a tad uncomfortable perched up there behind him like a privileged princess; however, I was grateful for the ride and humbled by how he made a business for himself out of so little.
Kleenex soap, anyone? It's somehow weird to see a brand you associate so strongly with one product sell another (think of Nestle bottled water). Something about it just feels wrong, doesn't it? Kleenex is tissue. Period. But we're wrong because here in Mexico, it's also hand soap, and who knows what else.
When I first arrived here at the house, totally flustered and hot, Martha showed me around the house, including how to operate Fuzzy Logic. I had to smile as she pointed out the settings for different clothes, including the "fuzzy" setting, with total seriousness. Of course I assume it's for sweaters, and the other materials like jean and lana (wool) are clear enough materials, but I can only wonder at what type of clothes would be right for the silencioso setting. Just really quiet ones?
At an ATM, I was asked to put my card in long- ways. Why was this so mind-blowing? I can't say for sure. But it was enough to make me take a picture of it... and then proceed to question everything I know to be right and true.
Sometimes medicine is candy.
I've seen this in other countries before, and as a person who hates cough drops, I find it hard to grasp that people would suck on a menthol drop when they're feeling perfectly well. But as you can see, Halls are such a popular candy here they've sold out.
Your taxi might be a bike.
Last week I took my first bike taxi ride. As I was leaving the supermarket, bogged down with bags of groceries, a guy asked me if I needed a taxi. I did, so I followed him outside... and was a bit surprised to be led to his bicycle. It was basically a three-wheeler with a cart attached. I've never been on one of these before, so I just shrugged and hopped on. As he peddled me home, I don't think we moved much faster than the pace at which I could have walked. Also, I admit I was a tad uncomfortable perched up there behind him like a privileged princess; however, I was grateful for the ride and humbled by how he made a business for himself out of so little.
You might wash your hands with Kleenex.
Kleenex soap, anyone? It's somehow weird to see a brand you associate so strongly with one product sell another (think of Nestle bottled water). Something about it just feels wrong, doesn't it? Kleenex is tissue. Period. But we're wrong because here in Mexico, it's also hand soap, and who knows what else.
Translations can be funny.
This is my washing machine, and the brand is called Fuzzy Logic, which I love.
There's rarely one right way to do things.
At an ATM, I was asked to put my card in long- ways. Why was this so mind-blowing? I can't say for sure. But it was enough to make me take a picture of it... and then proceed to question everything I know to be right and true.
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