Monterrey: Livin' la Vida Mexicana

On Monday, July 31, 2006, I arrived to a humid and extremely hot Monterrey. Upon stepping outside of the airport, I was greeted by temperatures hovering around 105º Fahrenheit and a spectacular view of the mountains.

I do not know which struck me harder – the heat or the inability to communicate. Nonetheless, I fell in love with this exotic, culturally rich land called Mexico. I was instantly enveloped by a paradisiacal, euphoric sensation.

A fellow schoolmate provided me transportation to the campus of the university. Thereafter, I dined with some of the approximate 650 international students at a nearby restaurant, which offered a smorgasbord.

In the late evening, after ten o’clock, a couple emerged from the darkness as they entered the lobby of the student center. They were my host parents, Julio and Martha. Though neither they nor I were provided photographs, we each new that we were family.

I nervously uttered a few Spanish greetings and phrases, but failed to comprehend any of their responses. Moments later, I was joined in the car by one of the other two international students living in our home.

Two nights later, I celebrated at a couple discotheques in Monterrey and San Pedro Garza Garcia, Mexico’s answer to Hollywood. During the next 24 hours, I traveled about 11 hours south to the artsy city of Guanajuato.

The severity of culture shock has been minimum, because Monterrey is heavily Americanized. However, I accurately predicted that communication would be difficult and awkward. The host family speaks no English. Fortunately, the other two international students, both from southern California, have occasionally assisted me as translators. I need to be careful not to use them as a crutch.

I have a year to delve into the culture and learn the language, but precious time has already evaded me. To truly experience all the sights, tastes, and sounds of Mexico, an individual would need to devote a lifetime to the effort.