Mexicans look at time somewhat differently than other North Americans (yes Mexico is in North America just like the USA and Canada). The common stereotype is that Mexicans just show up for appointments and social engagements “whenever”. Often being late for important events. This is a bit untrue. If you have a medical, dental, haircut, carpool, other business appointment etc. you are expected to show up on time.
On time means no more than five minutes early. Early arrivals are resented by some Mexican business people since a lot of time between appointments is used for other important tasks, e.g. preparing for the next appointment, breaks (including bathroom breaks!) personal time. Since Mexicans are a gracious and considerate people, they will give up their “between appointment time” as much as they can and serve as your host. Show up 20 minutes early, they might hand you a mop and ask if you are here early so you could mop the floor! (not kidding, being excessively early is considered very rude by Mexican business people).
On time also means arriving no later than the time of your appointment. This is not very different than the USA. A missed appointment normally means a monetary loss to the business person so don't be late.
Social occasions are different. In the USA, time is money while in Mexico time is life – or so it is said. Quite rightly for the most part. So Mexican businesses will open late/close early if an event (such as a child's soccer event or concert) would interfere with the shop being open, well the shop will be closed.
Most Americans, except for the ones that think Taco Bell makes “Mexican” food, are familiar with the Spanish word “mañana”. It means tomorrow, right?
Well yeah, if you believe your Spanish-English dictionary. Buuuuut. In practice Mañana means “sometime in the hazy not so clear future” NOT “during the 24 hours of the day following today.”
This is one thing every American/Canadian needs to learn before moving to Mexico. Mañana means “not today.” I've read numerous stories on “Gringo” Facebook Discussion Groups where someone complains that their landlord or worker has promised the part will be in “Mañana” or the work will be started or done “Mañana”. Sadly too often the stories devolve into angry personal insults about the Mexican worker involved or Mexico in general. This is sad because Mexicans are eager to please and hate to disappoint others. And due to the USAer's lack of language/culture skills, the worker is faced with an angry/disappointed client.
So lets wrap this up today with a photo of a not-at-all-uncommon view just outside our gate. Horses!
I'll resume my writing Mañana lol.
😎
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