Things I've learned in Mexico

1. Lime, salt, and chili belong on everything.
2. Air conditioning in 96 degree, 70% humidity weather isn’t a necessity
3. But it is possible to sweat 24/7
4. Vegetarians in Mexico are a joke.
5. But attempting to be vegetarian in Mexico will result in “queso” being the most dreaded word in your vocabulary.
6. And if you’re vegetarian, and don’t like extreme levels of sugar or white bread, you might starve.
7. It’s totally normal to cram 15 people into the bed of a truck.
8. If you do choose to ride in the bed of a truck on cobblestone roads, bring a pillow.
9. People in the United States may be more into extremely spicy Mexican food than people in Mexico are.
10. And big burritos...those aren't actually a Mexican thing.
11. Geckos in your house are good luck because they eat mosquitoes.
12. Elementary schools here get cool mascots, like volcanos.
13. Homeless shelters and aid for the homeless are much less common here. Always be generous. 
14. Encountering ranchers riding through the forest with a shotgun and a machete is a totally normal thing during field work. We probably look just as strange staring at what looks like a puddle with our pH meter.
15. If you thought that Pitbull was in too much music in the United States, just listen to popular Mexican radio for 15 minutes.
16. Mariachi music videos put every other sappy music video to shame.
17. Random old guys, like the juice vendor on the street or the cashier at the convenience store may be very quick to tell you you’re beautiful. OHH so beautiful. They’re really not trying to hit on you, just being nice. Smile, say “gracias,” and believe that they are sincere.Even if it feels creepy, life is a lot easier if you just accept the compliment.
18. The two most common questions from taxi drivers are "where are you from?" and "Do you like Mexican boys?"
19. I was warned about street harassment before I came here, and I’m bothered far less by it here than I am at home. Yes, girls get honked at and hollered at a lot here, but it is usually just a “hola” or a guy trying to show off his English to me. In Texas and Louisiana, street harassment feels far more threatening.
20.   College aged Mexican boys, though, are super respectful and a bit embarrassed by the behavior of some of the older men.
21. Women have a really high standard of beauty here. Everybody is gorgeous and puts a lot of work into their appearance. I have no idea how every other girl manages to look fabulous constantly while I'm just drenched in sweat.
22. A bottle of water and a cerveza may be the same price at a restaurant. Choose carefully.
23. Walmart is the place to go buy exotic foods, like broccoli and celery, but local produce is always better from the frutaria down the road.
24. Drink all the fresh squeezed juice you can, because that stuff is way too pricey in the States.
25. If you try to buy a glass bottle of coke and don't bring in an empty glass bottle to exchange, the cashier will pour it into a plastic bag and give you a straw. I believe it works the same way with beer.
26. Mexico gives off some vibes that remind me so much of New Orleans. I think it’s the friendly culture and the architecture.
27. At about 9:00 every night, a man walks by our house, screaming at the top of his lungs. We don't actually know what he is saying, but he is selling bread. We call him "Tortured Bread Man."
28. Always ask for no or only a little bit of sugar added to mixed drinks and smoothies. Mexico will go way overboard. 
29. Musicians will get on buses, sing or play guitar, walk through the aisle collecting money, and then get off. This is normal.
30. Be weary when ordering coffee. They may bring you a cup of hot water and a container of instant coffee. 
31. If Maestro XS asks to kiss your cheek, just know that he won't let go for an uncomfortable amount of time.  
32. All of the parks have free wifi!