Hello! I am Beth and I booked a trip to Mexico for a whole week. What made this experience so vivid was being able to engage with the local life, see where most people shop for groceries, the plazas where we can hang out, and a few hidden gems hiding around the cities / towns (you have to book them to know them). Above all, I got the opportunity to engage with sweet and helpful people. Berenice, a girl around my age, guided me around the best parts of the city. So many photoscenic places and beautiful areas to help me expand my travel portfolio. Bere also took me to the most authentic and hella delicious place in her town, it was so exquisite, the flavors bursted in your mouth and the owners gave me so many samples of the typical dishes they eat. Later in the evening, we took a small boat through a beautiful canal, where we planned a day together for my last day of my trip to some beautiful waterfalls.
You will always take a piece with you.
I lived through many moments in one single week, Of course, more good than bad. However I didn’t feel alone for either of them. For every “problem” we encountered a creative solution came through. After a while I learned that for some people, creative solutions is what carries them to the next step. Not only did I capture beautiful sceneries, and delicious food through my camera, but the kindness and hospitality the locals showed me was an opning gate for characteristics I dont have. Even though I wasnt part of their family. Even if they didn’t know me for more than a year. Their hearts always showed something close to a bond that you share with your loved ones.
After my trip, I had to let my body take a breather, and let it feel all the sensations I experienced that week. Overall I felt like I changed for the better. Not only was my body full of adrenaline from remembering all of the crazy adventures, but I felt a particular sensation that made it feel new. New place, new people, new culture, new food, new dances. All in a week. I mean, it was pretty overwhelming feeling all at once. then later I noticed that I felt temperatures differently. Every conversation I had with my family launched me back, to those friends I made who treated me like their own. I am now making sure I expand my cuisine, and making sure all my guests that come over, to feel like a part of my family. Caring for them, watching over them, and offering all the help I can give.
Integrating into a new culture is mostly about showing respect, staying curious, and being willing to feel a little “out of place” at first. The fastest way to start feeling at home is to learn the everyday habits—how people greet each other, what’s considered polite, how time is treated, and then practice those habits consistently while building real relationships (not just “tourist interactions”). You don’t have to lose who you are; you’re just learning how to move smoothly in a different social rhythm.
Learn the “daily language,” not just class language: greetings, ordering food, small talk, apologies, and polite phrases.
Copy local routines: when people eat, how they dress for school/work, how they socialize, how they use public spaces.
Make local friends on purpose: join clubs, sports, language exchanges, volunteering, or student events—repeat contact matters.
Ask, don’t assume: “Is it normal to…?” “What’s the polite way to…?” People usually appreciate the respect.
Observe social rules: personal space, tone of voice, punctuality expectations, how direct people are, tipping norms, etc.
Try cultural “gateways”: local markets, neighborhood cafés, festivals, museums, public lectures, community events.
Be humble about mistakes: apologize lightly, laugh it off, and learn—confidence + humility goes a long way.
Avoid comparing constantly: instead of “back home we…,” try “I’m still learning how it works here.”
Build a comfort + challenge balance: keep one or two familiar habits for stability, but push yourself daily to try something local.
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