Chichen Itza, Tequila, New BFFs

Just got back from spending week in Mexico. Like every other time I have been to Mexico, I had a wonderful time. I love Mexico and could easily live there.

The first time I went to Mexico was in the mid-1970s was to visit my brother who was working in Mexico as an engineer. Almost 20 years ago after my son had finished teaching English in Peru he and I did a mountain bike tour in Copper Canyon, Mexico. Copper Canyon is about four times the size of the Grand Canyon and it was a once in a lifetime experience.

My wife and I have been to Mexico many times as my little firm was very profitable for the clearing company we used and we were guests at an annual “conference” they sponsored in various parts of Mexico.

Though there were many highlights on this trip, one of the most amazing days was a private tour we organized to visit Chichen Itza. For those not familiar, Chichen Itza is one of the seven wonders of the world. It was a city and worship center built by the Mayan Civilization. It is estimated Chichen Itza was started around 600 AD and continued to develop for several hundred years. It is estimated the population may have reached 50,000 people.

Though the ruins are most impressive and it is estimated archeologists have uncovered less than 10% of the total city that once existed. The most impressive structure is the Temple of Kukulkan (Feathered Serpent in Spanish). Though it often called a pyramid, it is actually a temple. It is 98 feet tall with 91 steps on each of the four sides totaling 365, representing the days of the solar year. The Temple is designed to align with the sun and during the spring and fall equinoxes, the sun casts a shadow creating the illusion of a serpent—the god Kukulkan—descending the steps.

The knowledge of astronomy and architecture developed and used by the Mayas is both breathtaking and astounding. The Mayan Calendar was actually more accurate than the Julian Calendar.

Our guide was of Mayan decent and he pointed out several times the Mayan culture continues with as many as 10 millions people of Mayan decent still living in the Yucatan Peninsula. He speaks the native language as do millions of Mayans. If you ever get close, make sure you visit the site and if possible, get an early morning private tour.

On a different day we toured a large jewelry store featuring a variety of jewelry made in Mexico and next to it was a tequila tasting and retail shop. Though I rarely drink anymore, out of courtesy I sampled a number of tequilas. Though many do not realize it, because 100% agave tequila is made solely from the Blue Weber agave plant it is really like drinking vegetable juice. I brought three bottles back to share with friends and then realized I do not have any friends so I do not have to share.

I also developed two new BFFs, Jose and Javier. Jose is one of the directors Concierge while Javier is the Chief Concierge. The resort at which we stayed was the highest quality and Jose checked in with me early in our stay to see how we were doing. Over the week, we ended up visiting several times. He introduced me to Javier who very generously spent a significant amount of time visiting with me. With both men, I got a chance to learn about their lives and also talk about my history in Mexico and how much I enjoy the people and the country. I also told them both that what makes resorts like theirs successful is the worker bees. [Worker bees are the employees who do all the work and are not paid a lot. In the US you find them in a wide variety of different jobs.

At this resort every employee encounter from maintenance workers to servers was positive and enjoyable. I said “hola” or “buenos dias” [good morning or good day] along with gracious whenever appropriate. It is difficult to be always friendly and helpful, even when dealing withe the occasional ugly American.

I also try to be a conscientious tipper. The average wage for resort workers in Mexico is $300-600. At this resort along with many others tips are not required or expected, but always appreciated. Small tips by our standards can make a difference. Over the years I have developed a habit of getting cash [$1s and $5s] before going which I routinely leave at most service encounters. That’s not a lot of money to me and can make a difference for Mexican workers. I am not surprised, but disappointed at the number of Americans I see at resorts including this one who never leave a tip to any worker. If you can afford to go to Mexico, you can leave a small tip regularly.

Another thing I try to do is be a polite and appreciative person. The ‘ugly American” is a real thing and I have seen examples most every time I have been to Mexico. The first time was in the 1970s when I was visiting my brother in Mexico City. We were at a large outdoor market and the older American women next to me was yelling at one of the vendors that he did not speak English. She looked at me and I said “your’re in Mexico, they speak Spanish here”. Then she started yelling at me.

As an aside, there is a reason Mexicans come to the US, they can make more money than in Mexico. A study found in 2019 undocumented Mexican immigrants earned almost $92 Billion dollars paying almost $10 Billion in taxes. Though many immigrants send part of their money home, the majority of their earnings are spent in the US contributing to our economy. The fact that many Americans and their leaders do not understand this makes they “muy estupido”.

I am often asked if I am afraid to go to Mexico. No, its much safer then the US for Americans. In 2021 there were 75 murders of Americans compared to the total number of Americans visiting Mexico at almost 29 Million. That’s a murder rate of 0.26% per 100,000. By comparison in Texas in 2023 there were 1,845 murders with a murder rate of over 6% per 100,000. Throughout the US the murder rate per 100,000 ranges from 4% to almost 7%. If you do not sell drugs on a corner in Mexico your chance of being murdered are even less.

Over a 10-year period ending in 2018 there were 288 school shootings Mexico compared to 8 Mexico over the same time period. Eight is still to high, but much much better than the US.

With both Jose and Javier we discussed the effects climate change was having on their area of Mexico and the steps they are taking to address it. The President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, is a climate scientist who understands the long-term impact climate change will have on the population and economic growth of her country. If you measured intelligence on a 1 to 100 scale, she is very close to 100. By comparison, the US President and his supporters are -10s at best.

Mexico has problems and challenges but Mexico also has the best political leadership it has had generations. Overall the economy is improving and the poverty rate has declined significantly since 2018. Mexican citizens have access to low-cost or free health care and the public education system is improving.

I would suggest to anyone, Mexico is a great place to spend some time. If you go, its fine to stay in resorts but take as many tours or excursions as you can, especially private ones. Seeing Mexico is not driving from the airport to the resort. It is getting out and see the various points of interest along with learning and experiencing the culture. Tell them Doyle sent you.