From Campeche, Mexico Special Guest Dori Rangel…
I run an internet Café in Mexico; a humble job but one that gives me what I need. On one occasion, I bought a box of candy and gave away a few pieces to each customer as they entered my shop. My first customers that day were European tourists. I wanted to give them some candy, but they looked at me with a puzzling stare, not willing to accept. They seemed to believe accepting the candy would come with some kind of condition and refused. After several attempts, a large smile always upon my face, they agreed, but seemed to do so unwillingly. I assigned them their computers and continued working, not thinking much of it. Soon enough I received other customers and gave them their candy, a warm smile still on my face. I noticed how my first clients were watching me and both appeared surprised.
When they finished using their computers, they came to me with a shy smile of their own and told me they were sorry for being suspicious. They said they didn’t expect to find such kind people here and without finishing their sentence, gave me a big smile and a hug.
When you hear the name of Mexico, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Narcotics? Kidnappings? Violence? Unfortunately, this is how the international news media most often portrays my country these days.
Certainly, drug trafficking and violence have invaded northern and central Mexico as of late. With that said, we constantly struggle to overcome them. The eradication of this evil starts with education, and education begins in our homes. The death, violence and abductions are huge footprints upon our hearts that are hard to erase. Every day we struggle to get by, have better opportunities, better employment, better education, and to raise the name of Mexico to a higher place. People have taken to the streets in protest of all that has been happening recently; walking together, dressed in white, calling for peace. If we put our struggles in the balance, there are far more Mexicans whose love of Mexico will defeat the drug trade. We are proud to be Mexican, love our home and in the end, this will make life better for all of us.
More than anything, I want to tell you Mexico is far more than what you read in the headlines. It’s a country full of traditions, culture, flavors, colors and wonderful people. Even before the Spanish conquest, Mexico was alive with amazing culture. The country was made up of more than 30 ethnic groups, all using different dialects, and the Mexican landscape was a priceless treasure of silver, exotic animals and of course cocoa, which was eventually taken to the old continent by the Spanish.
I live in Campeche, a city full of magic and of Mayan descent. It was conquered by the Spanish and became a walled city to prevent pirate attacks. A city with mixed cultures, Spanish castles and Mayan ruins, a few years ago Campeche was proclaimed a World Heritage Site and we are all very proud of this accomplishment. My home is one of the oldest cities in the country and the people are always warm and friendly. We enjoy receiving visitors and sharing our stories, our history and of course our cuisine with all those who travel from far away to see us. We simply love to watch people feel the warmth and enjoyment of the vast amount of sights, colors and sound, along with the inviting smell of the sea that surrounds my beautiful city.
In Mexico, family values are important and the respect for tradition is part of our heritage. It has taught us all to respect each person and most of all, to win back the pride of our country, to rescue our peace and tranquility from those who are working so hard to take it away. My country is surrounded by the magic of its legends, history, and people and if something lifts up Mexicans and preserves our love of life and country more than anything else it’s art. In Mexico, art is essential part of life. In fact, everything is art in Mexico.
Perhaps a smile is a form of art as well and if a friendly smile won the trust of those tourists, I am convinced, no matter how idealistic it may be, that something as simple as a smile can make a big difference. In fact, if more if us simply smiled at on another… the world as we know it could change.
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You certainly present a refreshing take on Mexico. Its nice to read something other than drug war news!And keep on smiling:-)
You are so right. Kindness and a smile cab do so much more than people realize. If more people smiled the world would surely be a better place. Cheers!
Dear Dori, Nice to read something of yours. I understand your need for something other than congratulations, so I will give you criticism: first the initial story surrounding your work and the gift of sweets was a great ‘hook’, but you failed to get to the bottom of the problem and to exploit the story properly. Then you took flight in broad general brushstrokes about the clichéd (but real) problems of Mexico, but which don’t really concern your region. The was too much self-congratulatory travelogue. Not what we outsiders need to hear. So I think in general you need to control your matter better, and to concentrate on deeper more original analysis. Hope this helps!
It’s nice to read something nice about Mexico for a change. I agree with Dori. Mexicans have always been warm and welcoming to visitors, and a smile will defeat anything. Not too sure about how to defeat a bullet with a smile, but it’s a good attitude and part of the Mexican character. I hope visitors keep flowing into Mexico as there are so many wonderful things to see!
Mexico is a wonderful country, especially because there are so many wonderful people like you Dori
What you just said is nothing but the truth, people outside Mexico, you may not be able to have a real idea of the problems with which we live thousands of Mexicans do not need us to certify that U.S. combat drugs, but also is not a fight we can win alone.
Mi querida prima-sobrina. Hermoso ensayo de donde resalto tres puntos que me impactaron: 1. Desafortundamente, estan ustedes viviendo elmismo estigma que vivimos los colombianos. 2. Tienes toda la razon de que con una sonrisa se logran muchas cosas asi nos piensen como idealistas. Deberiamos hacerlo mas seguido. 3. Confirmame si esa cara tan lida que adorna este bello ensayo, es de Danielita…
Recibe un gran abrazo, un gran beso y el sentimiento de orgullo no solo mio. Me imagino el de mi querido hermano, tu padre.
You’re so right, mexico is a nice, kind and warm country and yes, the international community have a wrong idea about not only mexico, latinamerican community too and it’s very sad, mexico have a big historical heritage, tipical food, nice beaches, towns and very very warm people.
Keep Smiling =D
What a refreshing writing from Dori Rangel. I am from the U.S. and have traveled to Mexico a couple of times and have found everyone most friendly and filled with culture and so much history. Every country has difficulties and should not be judged by them alone. I now must plan another trip and visit Campeche. A smile and a touch of kindness means so much.
The warm flavours and colours that Mexico has to offer are made alluring by Dori Rangel. I long to embrace this passionate, loving country.
A smile is a form of art; this piece is a form of art!
OH MISS DORI!! HOW WONDERFUL! I would so love to come to your place and see that wonderful warm inviting smile of yours!! I LOVE MEXICO AND I LOVE YOU TOO MISS DORI! THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING FOR YOU! GOD IS SO GOOD!
thanks for make known that our country has many wonderful things and not just political and social issues is what the international media have broadcast.
In Mexico there are honest people, friendly and willing to give smiles no matter the nationality.
I am very proud of you. kisses
never stop smiling.
Excelente trabajo Dori…solo puedo decir…”Ese es Campeche Señores!!!!” Lo voy a piblicar como nota en is Face…gracias por el detalle…
Its beautiful what you wrote, and thank you for sharing!!
I see here, in Portugal, your special smile!! You are very special, a person with an amazing heart and with a great sense of reality.
You have many values and that is your greatest treasure!!!
It was a pleasure to read your thoughts and feel once again your great smile and love for others.
I have much respect for the cultures of other countries, and I am a passionate about the Mayan culture, and despite what the press publishes, when I think of Mexico, this is what I remember, and about the beauty that your country has.
Hi
Too bad that the world news only mentioned about the problems of his country, when in reality you shows that there is much beauty in Mexico, and how important it is for you to preserve their traditions. I think it’s important to care for their culture and continue to show the world that Mexico is a country full of wonders. Congratulations on your contribution to the world about Mexico
Con mucha sincerida y emocion me atrevo a decir que al momento de leer este articulo publicado por ti dori..me lleno de tanta alegria .. pero sobre todo de orgullo por la tierra que pisamos hoy en dia.
asi es mucho medios .. y la fuerza que ellos tienen sobre la comunidad que se atienen de ellos para estar informado sobre los diferentes temas a tcar en la vida diaria de todo ser humano, han hecho que Mexico .. y con siendo mas especifico Campeche ..tenagan una imagen oscura e insegura a los ojos de la comunidad extranjera que nos visita o que nos quiere visitar .. y lamentablemente es triste.
triste por que Mexico .. como lo menciona Dori Rangel en etse articulo .. es un pais con mucho colores, tradiciones y sobre todo de ricas costumbres ..que solo son deleitables ..cuando se visita nuestro pais … Mexico es hermoso .. y mas hermosa es su gente que dia con dia trabaja para salir adelante … y crecer .. y darle a los ojos de la gente que nos visita de otros lado una experiencia inolvidable .. y sobre todo algo muy importante .. nosotros como anfitriones .. primero regalamos una sonrisa y una mano amiga ..antes que la espalda .. a todo aquello que nos visita ..felicidades por este articulo Dori Rangel … que puedo decir .. quien mejor que tu ..para plasmar este pais como lo que es … en hora buena .. estaremos esperando mas articulos como este ..de tus manos ..
Well said Dori. My answer to your question on what is the first thing that will come to mind…it would be ‘a country with colorful culture’. Whenever I saw a movie about Mexico, I see a country that value its culture and its importance to every Mexican and it is something to be proud of. Yes, I do hear stories on drug trafficking and all but for me it would be unfair to judge a country by only the negative news spread by the media. Even in my country, there are a lot to be proud of rather than the crimes that is happening. I love your choice of words and the way you describe your hometown. Makes me feel like visiting it one day. Very best wish for you dear and do write often. Take care.
It really would be wonderful, people to see another side of Mexico, and not just him, maybe we can live without fear of changing the world. This work is an example of the desire that Mexicans have the world see that it has its own light, it has magic and many legends, is a very important country and a great platform for art, music, theater, dance, people is very warm, I have visited Mexico 4 times and each time I was pleasantly surprised, people actually smile at you
Beautiful…I loved reading it. Definitely put a big smile on my face. A visit is on my “to do” list.
Dorita, pienso que es muy bella la manera en que ves nuestro Pais,desgraciadamente la problematica que se està viviendo como tu dices, es real y tu trabajo es una manera de hacernos ver que Mexico y su gente, son mas, y mas fuertes y grandes que los menos que han dañado al pais. Te felicito.
I thought a lot before writing my own commentary, but I hope to thank everyone for their views and comments … This was my first experience to write and was nervous about getting it wrong, but we must overcome fear and nothing to stop us.
My country is beautiful, but the current situation makes the eyes turn to the other part, by the fear of ongoing violence in Mexico, but all is not so, there are people who study, work and prepare. I am privileged to live in a city like Campeche, who just turned 471 years of being founded by the Spanish, and Campeche is part of Mexico. Thanks for all.