Compared to most of Europe, Mexico is quite child friendly in terms of free time amenities (the maternity/paternity leave system still sucks). Most restaurants and shopping malls will have no problem accepting even the youngest ones, and staff will make all they can to make you feel welcome. Furthermore, people will generally assist mothers or fathers traveling alone with a toddler even if traditionally child-rearing roles are female-specific.
Category Archives: in english
Argentines 10 years ago, Russians and Brazilians now
My family has visited Cancún since the 1970’s. When I was a teenager I loved to hook-up with Argentine and Paraguayan girls my age who would be coming over as it was quite cheap for them back then (in the times of the convertible peso). Now, a quite easy visa regime and direct flights mean that in the Mexican off-season after January 6th it’s chock-full of Russian and Brazilian tourists besides a few Americans & locals. Wouldn’t be surprised if in a few years the Chinese start holidaying there too.
Massification of social media
I was definitely surprised by the way social media has been taken up by the Mexican mainstream given that we don’t have a great history of technology adoption ahead of the curve.
I mean, when local medical creams and condoms advertise their YouTube channels in their TV ads and even city bus lines promote their Twitter accounts you know it’s definitely been picked up by the public.
2011, what a year
- Became a father.
- Became a Finn.
- Became part of a huge project at work.
- Became an even more-frequent traveler: 31 trips between business and pleasure i.e. one every 1.6 weeks.
- Didn’t become insane.
Economic growth keeps on going strong in Mexico
The Mexican economy recovered from the 2008-09 crisis, growing 5.5% in 2010 and 3.9% in 2011. People are shopping heavily during Christmas, there is a lot of infrastructure development, and even access to credit seems to be better. While the headlines are dominated by violence, poverty and the like, the economic climate to me feels much, much better than the one in Europe.
Update (26.3.2012): On macroeconomic terms, even the US Federal Reserve tends to agree: Mexico’s Economic Growth Strong, Offers Lessons for U.S. and Europe
Gentrification, degentrification
During the life or a city, certain neighbourhoods will rise and some others will fall. It was with great sadness that I realised that the street where I grew up for 19 years has degentrified, which is a nice way of saying it’s gone to the boondocks. Most of the neighbours I knew have moved away, and the houses now have fencing they wouldn’t have required when I lived there. Sad as it was a great place.
Local understanding fail
If your business is international, and we want to make it local, we should know how to spell our local associates’ names correctly. It’s Rodrígues or Rodríguez, not Rodriques. FFS!
Mexican tourism campaign in London
Paris
I hadn’t visited Paris since 2007, so it was quite nice to make a quick visit to France (more photos here). Had good meetings and was even able to meet a couple of friends.
Wales and England, November 2011
Spent some time in England and Wales for Rally Wales GB, and was able to catch up with some friends at the end of it. As usual, more photos and videos here.
