Sarah DeVries shares some quick tips, including giving yourself permission to simply observe Spanish in use, like infants learn.
Opinion
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Not every expat came to Mexico lured by a romantic image
For many expats, a move to Mexico is a successful life rebirth planned out years in advance. Read on if your move has been less idyllic.
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AMLO once decried making soldiers our police; what happened?
For most of his political career, was against heavy militarization of Mexico, but as president, he’s embraced it with an unexpected fervor.
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Girls in pants, boys in skirts, blue hair; seriously, what’s the fuss?
With school starting again, student dress and hairstyles are suddenly popular topics again in Mexico. But should they be, Sarah DeVries asks?
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Why were these priests murdered in the Sierra Tarahumara?
Saying these Jesuits who were dedicated to the indigenous Raramuri were killed by a sick criminal is the easy answer but not a complete one.
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It’s time for all of us to admit that our love for animals is selective
Two recent acts of violence toward animals that sparked Mexicans’ outrage got Sarah DeVries thinking about how we define animal cruelty.
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What can a Satanic church in Veracruz teach us about standing our ground?
The followers of Satan building a place of worship in Catemaco, Veracruz, has Sarah DeVries thinking about the value of subversion.
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‘Sorry’ just won’t cut it, folks
Until organized crime groups stop looking for new and better ways to prey on Mexicans, their recent ‘apologies’ for violence are meaningless.
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How did gorditas become part of Mexico’s culture wars?
Language use matters, but the more brainpower devoted to debates over words means the less we have to tackle other important issues.
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For this long-term expat, visiting ‘home’ means some culture shock
Writing from Texas, 20-year Mexico resident Sarah DeVries shares what’s been tough to get used to this time around about life in the U.S.
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After 20 years in Mexico, I love my life more than ever before
Just as her mother warned her, Sarah DeVries came to Cuernavaca as a student two decades ago and fell in love — but it was with Mexico.
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Why, when it comes to reproductive rights, Mexico gives me hope
Some powerful people in this country support women’s humanity and autonomy, including Mexico’s Supreme Court Chief Justice Arturo Zaldívar.
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Prepare for the worst: corn supplies may have serious repercussions for Mexico
Those Mexicans living below the poverty line are totally unaware of the global realities regarding corn supplies and their possible effects.
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Taxis, Uber, and the search for an affordable ride home
In Xalapa, taxis still reign supreme, and use apps to reach clients. But with Uber gaining ground, taxi drivers face a tough future.
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What to expect when you’re moving in Mexico
Relocating within Mexico can be exhilarating and exhausting, but a few tips can make house-hunting and signing contracts go more smoothly.
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Dress fancy and avoid the clowns: a primer on attending parties in Mexico
Sarah DeVries’ humorous guide explains what to expect at a wedding, birthday or other celebration with your Mexican neighbors.
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AMLO’s position on Americas Summit cements LatAm solidarity against US influence
The general mood in Latin America is that the U.S. should not waste its time interfering south of its border.
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Who’s really in charge here?
Sarah DeVries reflects on how humans would rather believe someone is pulling all the strings in their lives than know that no one is at all.
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When verdant Xalapa is rationing, it’s time to think about water planning
After watching Xalapa turn shockingly dry and dusty this spring, Sarah DeVries wonders how much Mexico is preparing for droughts.
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Everyone deserves to live in a place that’s safe, functional and pleasing
But not everyone does, and it’s not for governments’ lack of trying. But they need to ask people what they want — and then actually listen.
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Expats moving to Mexico: Is it really that bad?
Greg Custer reflects on a recent MND poll in which many respondents said that Mexico’s growing expat population is not good for the country.
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Three basic steps Mexico must take to start building an honest police force
AMLO’s government never managed to build an incorruptible corp of officers because it never eliminated fundamental incentives for corruption.
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My biggest regret in moving to Mexico
It’s hard to find the right time to make a big change and pursue a dream but if you wait too long, you might never get the chance to try.
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Row over Summit of Americas guest list underlines Washington’s waning influence
Three weeks before its opening, the Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles threatens to expose Washington’s weakness in the region.
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Masks are off and things feel normal again, but we’re not out of the woods
It’s tempting to feel done with COVID-19, but with kids left to vaccinate and 600,000 dead, maybe we don’t want to let down our guard yet.
