Ted’s Excellent Adventure: Some questions answered

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Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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Some of you have been closely watching Ted’s adventures in the Chapala region of Mexico. He retired a month or so ago and decided to head south to check things out. Here’s some of what he’s experienced:

Danger
Yes. I had some concerns. I could play it very ‘Macho’ and say something like, “Danger is my middle name”. But, I’m not that way except as a joke.

Seriously, I think it’s a healthy, logical, normal, concern. I might add wise, as well. You should think through the worst case scenarios and have some kind of plan in mind of what to do in case of an emergency. Like, “OK, gringo, give me all your money!” Make a note of local emergency numbers, police, fire, etc. And, write down, in Spanish, your best phrase for, “Help me! I do not speak Spanish. I am located at …”

Then, ask if anyone there speaks English and try to get them any other details that are important to the situation. Think about where you are going and how to get there and back. Planning is everything. Take normal precautions, like not flashing a lot of money. Separate your money in different pockets or compartments of you carrying bags, so if one is taken you will still have a few bucks tucked away in your shoe or someplace.

Mostly it’s common sense. Oh yeah, you may want to ask the locals for some tips when you get there. They’re usually willing to tell you where not to go and who not to get to close to.

Motivation for the trip

As you’ve said before, it’s primarily money.

Attitude toward Americans

Mixed! We all can help by being better visitors. Learn about the culture you are visiting and respect their right to live the way they live. Don’t be an ugly American and wave money around and or make a comment about “how cheap” everything is in front of the locals. It’s kind of insulting, don’t you think?

Try the language, even if you are awful at it. It’s an old adage but the locals really do like it when they see you are trying. If they laugh at you, join in. Be a little humble, it’s worth it. The result is you get a lot of help.

Just walking around I have seen some looks and heard a couple of blah, blah, blah, Americano, but I like to think they are saying, “My, that’s a handsome American.” In fact I’m pretty sure a couple of them have been derogatory but they don’t all love us, that’s for sure.

If you are out and about walking the local streets you may get a boozed up tuff guy who speaks his mind. “Gringo go home.” It’s pretty rare but it does happen. Some of the Americans I have met
here have the perfect come back. “I am home. I live here.”

Photos by Ted. Looking good!

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

  • 1

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