Observations: Supplemental

This will be an ongoing list of observations regarding the differences between our experience in the United States and in Yucatán, México.

Things we observe in Yucatán which we don't observe in the United States:

1. Diversity of imported cars.  Cars from the normal suspects:  United States, Germany, Japan, and Korea, but also France, Spain, China and Italy.  Interestingly, according to my research, most of them made here in México.  I would say that about half the cars seem to be Nissans.  And from within those countries different manufacturers and products.  I don't recognize most of the Chevrolet's and the Volkswagens are all different, too;
2. Men socializing.  Just two guys, out for ice cream or out for a stroll at 9pm;
3. Millions of tiny buses.  This is new, they didn't have that in Ecuador.  Many, the size of slightly larger than normal mini-vans;
4. Full service gasoline stations (seemingly mandatory full service);
5. Little step into the bathroom.  Little step into the kitchen.  Its like a tiny, tiny obstacle course;
6. Walking on the beach (including going into the surf) wearing jeans;
7. Swimming, either in the sea or in a cenote, wearing jeans;
8. A high school named after Karl Marx;
9. Wild peacocks, just roaming around the hotel grounds;
10. Wild flamingos, capable of flight (before this, the only flamingo's I had seen were in a zoo);
11. Restaurants with swimming pools just in the middle of them;

Karl Marx High School

Wild flamingo taking off.

Things we observe in the United States which we don't observe in the Yucatán:

1. Overt displays of patriotism/Mexican flag;
2. Bumper stickers;
3. Coffee shops.  There are a few, but really not many, compared to the United States;
4. Rice;
5. Used car dealers;
6. Stairways with handrails;