"When in Rome...do as the Mexicans do"
While treasure hunting for TALAVERICA in the interior Cities of Mexico, I often hear this plaintive wail..."So what do you wear down there? How do you dress?" That said, I'm sharing some of my experiences for not getting hassled (as much) as a female. Having wound my way through some exotic locales: Muslim countries...Caribbean islands...cross-country American trips, and numerous other locations, I picked a couple of self-preservation habits up along the way. Despite, as my dear old mum would put it, of "Tending to stick out a bit dear..." This has been a challenge for me. I'm tall, at times a bit loud, like to dress attractively and often put my 'foot in it' when I 'm trying to be friendly. So, for the sake of any aspiring fellow- traveling sisters out there, here we go!
"When in Rome" Priceless-as the advertisement goes. In this case "Do as the Mexicans do"
Remember that Mexico is a catholic country (we'll get to that below). A culture that is deeply respectful, hospitable and alive with a rich sense of humor. It is also a culture richly steeped in a machismo. Machismo? What's that? Well, most of the time it translates, to lots of polite, respectful and very friendly men....that just loooove women. Lovely right? (I am not attempting an historical, cultural history lesson-rather working with the nitty, gritty reality of a woman on her own). Phew
However, as ladies, we all know that a female lovin', friendly male can quickly become a pest...so what to do? I'll share my tips-take then or leave them...just putting it out there for anyone that wants 'em.
#1 CARRY A SHAWL: I always carry one. Always, always, always. Beside the fact I love the whole femine/romantic/zorro thing, it never fails to come in handy. If its hot and I want to wear a camisole, a lightweight shawl can quickly cover cleavage...you know what I mean ladies. When sightseeing, say in a local village, and I'm uncomfortable as a tall, ample-chested female 'gringa'... my shawl helps me out. Churches- I'm not Catholic, nor especially religious, but I like to show a little respect, so...you guessed it...my trusty shawl helps me out. Chilly evening, common in Mexico's mountainous Cities...shawl to the rescue. Doubles up as pillow on a bus. Protects my shoulders from the sun. Helps on a chilly plane flight...etc. etc. etc
#2 SHORTS: I'm not really into shorts but occasionally wear a pair for my husbands enjoyment...I know, I know. Once, while visiting Guanajuato, a city high up in the Highlands of Mexico, I wore a pair of shorts. Can't tell you how uncomfortable I felt all day. The only females wearing shorts were below the age of 12- or so it seemed. I haven't figured out why but it seems that women, at a certain point, stop wearing them. Of course some do. But most don't. Whenever I've worn them in the past, I felt like I had a Bulls Eye target strapped to my rear end...Who needs it? Women don't generally wear them. Don't know why, but they don't. Try it and let me know if I'm wrong! Just my humble un-scientific observation.
More to follow....
While treasure hunting for TALAVERICA in the interior Cities of Mexico, I often hear this plaintive wail..."So what do you wear down there? How do you dress?" That said, I'm sharing some of my experiences for not getting hassled (as much) as a female. Having wound my way through some exotic locales: Muslim countries...Caribbean islands...cross-country American trips, and numerous other locations, I picked a couple of self-preservation habits up along the way. Despite, as my dear old mum would put it, of "Tending to stick out a bit dear..." This has been a challenge for me. I'm tall, at times a bit loud, like to dress attractively and often put my 'foot in it' when I 'm trying to be friendly. So, for the sake of any aspiring fellow- traveling sisters out there, here we go!
"When in Rome" Priceless-as the advertisement goes. In this case "Do as the Mexicans do"
Remember that Mexico is a catholic country (we'll get to that below). A culture that is deeply respectful, hospitable and alive with a rich sense of humor. It is also a culture richly steeped in a machismo. Machismo? What's that? Well, most of the time it translates, to lots of polite, respectful and very friendly men....that just loooove women. Lovely right? (I am not attempting an historical, cultural history lesson-rather working with the nitty, gritty reality of a woman on her own). Phew
However, as ladies, we all know that a female lovin', friendly male can quickly become a pest...so what to do? I'll share my tips-take then or leave them...just putting it out there for anyone that wants 'em.
#1 CARRY A SHAWL: I always carry one. Always, always, always. Beside the fact I love the whole femine/romantic/zorro thing, it never fails to come in handy. If its hot and I want to wear a camisole, a lightweight shawl can quickly cover cleavage...you know what I mean ladies. When sightseeing, say in a local village, and I'm uncomfortable as a tall, ample-chested female 'gringa'... my shawl helps me out. Churches- I'm not Catholic, nor especially religious, but I like to show a little respect, so...you guessed it...my trusty shawl helps me out. Chilly evening, common in Mexico's mountainous Cities...shawl to the rescue. Doubles up as pillow on a bus. Protects my shoulders from the sun. Helps on a chilly plane flight...etc. etc. etc
#2 SHORTS: I'm not really into shorts but occasionally wear a pair for my husbands enjoyment...I know, I know. Once, while visiting Guanajuato, a city high up in the Highlands of Mexico, I wore a pair of shorts. Can't tell you how uncomfortable I felt all day. The only females wearing shorts were below the age of 12- or so it seemed. I haven't figured out why but it seems that women, at a certain point, stop wearing them. Of course some do. But most don't. Whenever I've worn them in the past, I felt like I had a Bulls Eye target strapped to my rear end...Who needs it? Women don't generally wear them. Don't know why, but they don't. Try it and let me know if I'm wrong! Just my humble un-scientific observation.
More to follow....
Source...