The U.S. comes to Zacatecas

Sunday July 24, 2011

Today I took a trip through any typical American town there was a Starbucks, McDonalds, Subway, Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club.  Only the town was Zacatecas. My aunt who happens to have a mini van called early in the morning to invite me in to the city.  She was planning on taking her two boys (9 and 13) to the movies and doing some grocery shopping at a larger supermarket in the big city.  Of course I agreed to go and before I knew it our one hour ride by bus was only 40 minutes by car.  As we drove into the city I was amazed at how many American restaurants and stores there were.  We went to the movie theater which had a regular admittance price of $5 USD and inside was a coffee shop, a full restaurant and snack bar.  Price of 2 large drinks and two small bags of M&M’s $4 USD, unfortunately the only bad part of the day was coming all the way to Zacatecas to see Mr. Poppers Penguins (Los Pingunios de Papa/ Father’s Penguins).  Jim Carey is bad in Spanish too, in case you were wondering. 

After the movie, we stopped to get Subway for my cousin, drove through Starbuck to get caramel frapuccinos for everyone! Then it was time to visit the new Carl’s Junior in town which everyone in the car was super excited about.  My cousins had visited a Burger King and McDonalds before in another state but were anxious about the new drive-thru.  Everyone ordered burgers and fries and I had a turkey burger.  They couldn’t stop raving about how great they were and in the mean time I couldn’t believe I came to Mexico to watch a dumb movie and have fast food I have at home, but when in Rome.  We ended the day with a trip to a British department store called Liverpool which is an equivalent to our Macy’s.  Everything was so expensive that I was afraid to even look at things inside that store. 

Just like back home, people love the name brands here too.  Tommy Hilfiger, Nautica, GAP, Guess, Hollister and Areopostle are just a few of the brands on display today.  My aunt was so willing to pay $40 for a Nautica umbrella that she thought it was a steal and $260 for a men’s watch.  At that point I figured all the people in the store must be rich.  My aunt explained that although the cost of living was very low there and food cost pennies on the dollar there were other goods like clothing and electronics that are considered luxury items and therefore cost a great deal more.  I couldn’t fathom paying $120 USD for a Nine West purse I can but at Ross for under $20, then again they couldn’t imagine paying $4 for a little box of strawberries here it would be considered highway robbery and the government would launch a full investigation.  As a matter of fact right now the government is investigating why the price of avocado has gone up so much in the past few months.  The price of food is a serious business around here and growing things locally should afford you better prices so the government makes sure that prices on food stay at reasonable levels according to the cost of living.  After my sticker shock it was time to head back to Ojocaliente for much needed rest and relaxation.

I am reminded that a month from today will be my next immigration appointment and I hope to be successful and head back home shortly after that.  Wish me luck and pray chant, whatever you do to help me out and get me home soon.  Although I was luckier than most to get an appointment so quickly I still run the risk of being denied or my paperwork be delayed and they can request further evidence.  I could be stuck here many more months, years or a life time.  I am trying to think positive and remind myself that I am not a criminal.  I am a good standing member of my community; I contribute to the betterment of it and the people I work with.  I hope that’s enough.