/ Another Honest Mexican

Another Honest Mexican

 

Another Honest Mexican

10 March 2006 Interviews & Editorials, LIVING 9

In the spirit of this post, and while it is fresh in mind, today another honest Mexican was encountered, this time in Cancun. Of the Working Gringos, one is in Merida and indeed working, while the other is waiting in the Cancun Airport for a flight to Curacao to visit an old friend.

While riding in a taxi to the airport, this Working Gringo realized he didn't have enough effectivo to pay the driver, so he asked him to stop at an ATM machine. When we arrived at the nearest bank, Working Gringo dashed inside to get his cash, leaving his suitcase in the taxi. When he returned, the taxi driver politely informed him that this was not a good idea.

Well, this Working Gringo *already knew that*, but retorted that we have lived in Merida for over four years and have never been ripped off. Not once. That may be right, said the taxi driver, but this is not Merida. This is Cancun. There are people here from all over Mexico who drive taxis and you can't trust all of them, especially the ones from Tabasco... (We have noticed before how Yucatecos have a thing about the folks from Tabasco.)

Working Gringo thanked him for the reminder and the taxi driver began to talk of other things, how he and his family struggled after Hurricane Wilma and how things have improved back to the point of normal since then.

Eventually, Working Gringo learned that he was originally from Merida. Figures.

At the end of the ride, WG gave him a sizable tip, saying, "un regalito por tu honistad. (a little gift for your honesty)". His face lit up and, with an undercurrent of conviction that said more than his remark, shouted "andale!" and took WG's hand.

No, Mexico isn't perfect. But its people are trying all they can to make it better.

And to that, we say andale!

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