I left Mexico City 20 years ago, when my husband was transferred to work in London. We decided from the beginning to make the most of our British experience and did not make any effort to meet any other Mexican people. We were happy in London: we travelled and met marvellous people from all over the world, including our now-best friends. Nine years later our son was born, and almost immediately we moved to Amsterdam.
Eleven years have gone by, and we have lived in five different European cities. My son has never viewed himself as a Mexican, and although we speak in Spanish at home, he always replied in English.
Last year the two of us went to Mexico City: he had been there on many other occasions, but this time was different. I was worried about what you read in the papers – always focusing on the problems, insecurity and violence. I was also overwhelmed with the traffic and the amount of people. My son, on the other hand, was delighted from the moment he set foot in Mexico. It didn’t take me long to start seeing Mexico through his eyes.
“Have you noticed, Mum? All the people are so friendly and happy, they smile at you. Everything is bright and colourful – Mexico is beautiful, there is so much to see and discover, this is the best adventure!” And just like that, he fell in love with Mexico. Once the (former) Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond said: “Imagine waking up and remembering you’re Mexican.” Well ... I’m very proud of being one.
Of course, it is impossible to feel proud about our corrupted government and its horrendous implications that shape the everyday life of all Mexicans. My heart breaks every time I read about “missing” journalists, students, women ... To see how our natural resources are sold to the best bidder for their personal benefit; the unfairness and uneven distribution of wealth and education. On top of that, it’s so exhausting to fight non-stop against reckless stereotypes and prejudices.
But, there is a bright side. It’s not only my love for our pop culture, traditions, folklore, food and Mexico’s natural beauty. I love the people – the importance we give to family, the good care we take of our elderly, the support we give to each other when natural disasters strike. We are resilient and hard working. We smile and joke even at the darkest moment.
I learned many things during our 20 years in Europe. One of them is that there is no such thing as a perfect place. They all have good and bad things – you just have to make the most out of them.
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