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+---
+title: "Mexico Series Part 1: Standing Out"
+date: 2026-06-21T00:00:00Z
+tags: ['mexico']
+draft: false
+---
+Being a white blond-haired blue-eyed American man living in Mexico, I call attention to myself everywhere I go that isn't a popular tourist destination. I frequently get looks that linger on a bit too long. I don't mind it though. Sometimes people stare, which is uncomfortable.
+
+Being the only foreigner in a space doesn't bother me. It does make me more cautious though. Since I draw a lot of attention, I take precautions such as not going places where I shouldn't be and avoiding giving out personal info.
+
+Most people I meet seem curious and have many questions for me, such as:
+
+* "What's your name?"
+* "Where are you from?"
+* "What brings you here?"
+* "How long have you been here?"
+* "Do you like the food?"
+* "How did you learn Spanish?"
+* "What do you do for work?"
+
+Because I'm a white American, people automatically assume I'm wealthy and/or unfamiliar with local currency. Wherever I go, prices magically inflate. Street vendors, shopkeepers, taxis, and government officials have tried to overcharge me. My packages get stolen because people see my name on them and think something valuable might be inside.
+
+But I get privileges others don't as well. People are excited to talk to me. They've loaned me fairly valuable items upon meeting me, offered to take me on tours, and even given me gifts they probably wouldn't have given to their fellow citizen. Strangers are very willing to lend me a hand any time I need one.
+
+I also get attention from the opposite sex, and sometimes the same sex. This can be good or bad, depending on the individual's motive. Women have ogled over me in restaurants. I once witnessed an older female worker push a younger cashier out of the way so she could attend me. A taxi once tried to cheat on her husband with me. Another time, a gay hot dog vendor (puns aside) said he was going to "corrupt" me.
+
+All in all, standing out is a mixed bag that depends on who I'm dealing with. Most are curious about me, some treat me like royalty, many try to take advantage, and a few are contemptuous.