MEXICO CITY – As Americans, we assumed our first experience in Mexico City would be full of “better food” than Taco Bell. Mexico City, full of a lavish culture, diverse food and vibrant traditions, would prove a vast contrast to our American experience.
Growing up familiar with the energy of metropolitan cities, we did not expect parts of Mexico to make us feel at home.
The street cart vendors and small stalls in the Coyoacan neighborhood markets showcased traditional Mexican snacks and sweets, including spicy Tajin coated tamarind candies and chicharrons, fried pork skins – right beside them hung an array of Lay’s potato chips and Cheetos.
We found that there was often a large intersection between new, interesting experiences and things we were used to seeing in our own hometowns. Walking through the vibrant streets, we saw McDonald’s and Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen restaurants.
But mom-and-pop tacquerias with al-pastor meat towers were scattered in between these chain restaurants. Even within Walmart – a quintessential ‘American’ store – we found nopales and sopes, alongside tuna, the fruit of a cactus plant – all things we had never seen in our local grocery stores.
We also found an “American” aisle, filled with American chocolates, popcorn, and spreadable cheese. Asking our Mexican friends for sour cream and salsa with our quesadillas, we were shocked to find that what we considered “traditional” Mexican toppings did not exist in Mexico City!
It was these intersectionalities that allowed us to observe the correlation between tourism and culture.
Here, everyday experiences we viewed as “exotic” symbolize a diverse Mexican culture. Taking note of the similarities and differences of our American culture allowed us to gain greater appreciation of what our “norm” feels like.
One of the most distinctive parts of our travel to Mexico City was the abundance of music in the streets. As we explored the city center and surrounding areas, we came across dozens of musicians.
Pop songs sung in English rang throughout the downtown streets alongside drum sets, microphones, and electric guitars.
We caught ourselves often saying, “We feel like we are in New York City!” Only a block later, other musicians were serenading passersby with classic Mexican songs, performed with simply an acoustic guitar and a singing voice.
In restaurants, some of us adventurous eaters ordered cactus juice while others had Coke or Pepsi – a familiar taste from our American homes. We saw menus with authentic Mexican dishes as well as hamburgers and hot dogs.
Rather than a blend of cultures, like we had already seen with potato chips with distinctively Mexican flavors, this seemed like a rather rigid divide. We were unsure of whether these items were meant to accommodate tourists, or whether they allowed locals to order something ‘foreign.’
They certainly showcased the American influence in the city.
The more we explored Mexico City, the more we discovered a separation and integration of Mexican and American culture. Alongside authentic hand-woven Mexican dolls were packaged Barbies. In the laundromat, people waiting for their clothes could watch American movies such as Jumanji and Spider-Man in Spanish.
It was easy to spot multiple American state names and universities showcased on apparel for sale.
At first glance, these descriptions of Mexican “culture” may be nothing more than features that unite a society. But it was these integrations that allowed us to enjoy Mexico City for all that it had to offer.
While we can confidently say that we indulged in better Mexican food than Taco Bell, our perception of American culture and its international influence has been forever changed.
Norah Springborn is a Senior Correspondent with Youth Journalism International from Illinois, U.S.A.
Sreehitha Gandluri is a Correspondent with Youth Journalism International from Maryland, U.S.A.
