1. Wholesome acceptance of the past. Unlike many other cultures, Mexican culture strikes me as one radically accepting everything that has happened – without exaggerated pride or shame for the (mis)doings of the past. In fact, it seems like there is little difference whether certain things were in the past or are in the present. During the colonization era there was a conscious attempt to overwrite the indigenous culture via building catholic cathedrals on top of the old temples and pyramids. I have a feeling that ironically enough the action backfired (or misfired – like an expansive bullet): the new traditions and religions got literally routed in the basis (and basements) of the old ones. Old gods and new saints, old myths and new laws, old rituals and new traditions – everything became so tightly entangled that it is hard to tell where one ends and the other one starts. Accordingly, now not only you see churches next to pyramids and scientific centers, but also meet people practicing an avid combination of catholic religion which seamlessly goes into shamanism. Don’t they see a contradiction, you might ask? No, because for them there is none, it is all part of the same time-space construct, which has anything but a linear shape – and boy, is it refreshing! Speaking of time: a lot has been said on the difference of the time concept in Mexico as compared to Europe. If you have a spare minute, try googling “ahorita” and have a good laugh at the explanatory memes. In my perception, this cultural entanglement plays a big role in it.

2. Relentless optimism and lust for life. Mexicans seem to find humor in the darkest places, any inconvenient situation will have an angle from which it becomes actually funny and the heaviest clouds on the horizon will be oozing silver linings. It could be that the reason for that is a very peculiar role death played in the pre-Hispanic – and modern – culture: this is not the end, but a new beginning and altogether a part of an eternal cycle. If you are contemplating going on vacation in November this year, take visiting the Dia de los Muertes into your bucket list.

3. The importance of being Ernest human. Mexico is practically a living illustration and a reminder of how little everything, but one thing matters: being and acting like a human being. Whatever you need – from ingredients for a particular dish to a small miracle – providing more context and telling a good story has proven to be a real game-changer: everything comes into motion and the most creative solutions will be tested out. Even if the issue remains unsolved, you are sure of one thing: this was not for the lack of trying. As a consolation prize, people here will help you find humor, irony or beauty in the way things are – just go with the flow and laugh, even and especially if at yourself. Speaking of laughter: the sternest faces get divinely illuminated when you make eye-contact and smile. This helps melting ice instantaneously (too bad for the Margaritas), opening doors where you didn’t even hope to find one and, like Moses and the Red Sea, parting oil-thick traffic when you must cross the street or merge onto a highway.

With that, I wish you some Mexican magic in your everyday life this year. If you are planning a trip to Mexico – do give me a shout, I shall be happy to share a couple of tips on where to get the best cóctel de camarón in almost any town of this vast county.

¡Que le vaya muy bien y un feliz año nuevo!