Pat—the economic disparities matter. With our economy in Mexico picking up, all kinds of tensions emerge. Tje one that trouble a lot of folks these days is the gentrification in Mexico that mirrors gentrification throughout the world. Claudia seems to get that.
A little language/culture note (this surprised me): In Portugal--where I'm currently (legally) visiting--the word "gringo" is understood to refer to any "foreigner," not just a Norte Americano.
Hi Patrick—yes, it’s a funny word. It can include Canadians and I’ve heard some folks include Europeans in the gringo mix. And! I’ve heard it narrowed to just the US. How much longer are you in Portugal?
I'm visiting Portugal with my daughter and my six-year-old granddaughter, splitting the rest of July between stays in and around the Lisbon and Porto areas. (If I can convince my kids and their kids to move here...) I always thought the word "gringo" came from back in the day when good people of México were known to demand "Green Go!" of invading, uniformed U.S. soldiers.
Patrick—I used to think that too. I later learned it comes from griego (Greek) and predates the Mexican-American War. That it originated in Spain/Portugal! It had to do with language confusion (That’s Greek to me!). Later all kinds of cultural/historical layers get added.
Convincing our families to move someplace—a large agenda item! 😁. Abrazo.
Outstanding blog. Not only the speculation should the roles be reversed, but also the introduction of Jessica Greenbaum whose work I had not read before. Thank you for this. Will take the time to re-read the poems at my leisure.
That is an interesting thought experiment. As a long-time legal permanent resident of Mexico, I'd hate to be swept up in a raid, but I'm all for going into Condesa or Roma and or any other upscale neighborhood in Mexico City (or Oaxaca) and rounding up digital nomads overstaying their visas and driving up rent for locals. American citizens who overstay their visas are indeed scofflaws and would get no pity from me.
Mark,
Very interesting thoughts about the reversal of illegal immigration situations.
It seems to me that many Gringos come to México to enjoy a less expensive life while Mexicans go north to work to improve their lives.
Fortunately, Claudia keeps a cool head about it
Pat—the economic disparities matter. With our economy in Mexico picking up, all kinds of tensions emerge. Tje one that trouble a lot of folks these days is the gentrification in Mexico that mirrors gentrification throughout the world. Claudia seems to get that.
A little language/culture note (this surprised me): In Portugal--where I'm currently (legally) visiting--the word "gringo" is understood to refer to any "foreigner," not just a Norte Americano.
Hi Patrick—yes, it’s a funny word. It can include Canadians and I’ve heard some folks include Europeans in the gringo mix. And! I’ve heard it narrowed to just the US. How much longer are you in Portugal?
I'm visiting Portugal with my daughter and my six-year-old granddaughter, splitting the rest of July between stays in and around the Lisbon and Porto areas. (If I can convince my kids and their kids to move here...) I always thought the word "gringo" came from back in the day when good people of México were known to demand "Green Go!" of invading, uniformed U.S. soldiers.
Patrick—I used to think that too. I later learned it comes from griego (Greek) and predates the Mexican-American War. That it originated in Spain/Portugal! It had to do with language confusion (That’s Greek to me!). Later all kinds of cultural/historical layers get added.
Convincing our families to move someplace—a large agenda item! 😁. Abrazo.
Outstanding blog. Not only the speculation should the roles be reversed, but also the introduction of Jessica Greenbaum whose work I had not read before. Thank you for this. Will take the time to re-read the poems at my leisure.
Thank you, Michael. Very much appreciated. Yes, Jess is terrific!
That is an interesting thought experiment. As a long-time legal permanent resident of Mexico, I'd hate to be swept up in a raid, but I'm all for going into Condesa or Roma and or any other upscale neighborhood in Mexico City (or Oaxaca) and rounding up digital nomads overstaying their visas and driving up rent for locals. American citizens who overstay their visas are indeed scofflaws and would get no pity from me.
Hell hath no fury like Jay on scofflaws!