Culture Shock: How My Mexican Vacation Made Me Appreciate My Home

As human beings, we are shaped by the environments in which we live. Our homes, our neighborhoods, and our communities all play a role in shaping our identities and influencing our behavior. And while we may not always be conscious of it, the privileges we enjoy in these environments can have a profound impact on our perspectives and attitudes.

Recently, I returned from a nine-day trip to Mexico, where I stayed at an AirBnb just minutes from the beach. It was a wonderful vacation to celebrate the completion of my Master's degree and turning thirty years old just last month. While the trip was fantastic with priceless memories to be cherished for years to come, I was also faced with culture shock and various instances that reminded me of the privileges I was so accustomed to back home.

These privileges that I did not have during my trip were glaring to me once I returned home. A quiet and dark bedroom to enjoy deep sleep. Several large sinks that did not require additional filters to purify tap water. The absence of tiny insects crawling and flying about, even indoors. The absence of sharp scents of trash invading your nose as you walk down the sidewalks. The ability to fully comprehend the language and be able to read the fine print on food and other product packaging. Being able to drive and navigate familiar streets.

For the longest time, I had my disgruntled view of my old 1950s bungalow house, with its detached garage and old rickety floors. But after this vacation, I was quite happy to return to my property and all of its imperfect quirks. After nearly six years of living in this house, I had not realized how much my life was accustomed to this place, and how I had grown to become comfortable with its layout, features, and surroundings.

Prior to my trip, there had been a few shootings near the shopping mall nearby to the neighbourhood. It worried me and made me want to move to the outskirts of my city, into the deep suburbs. However, I am happier now having returned from a trip that made me put things into perspective.

Perhaps if I had been more selective in choosing my AirBnb and had booked a better place, it would have made my trip better. In fact, I met a few new friends in Mexico who were also vacationing and had a much better place, also through AirBnb. But this experience at the worse AirBnb allowed me to realize that some people live in harsher conditions. While I knew that as fact before this trip, I had not lived it, and thus it was a hard lesson learned, so deep it reached the bones and my soul.

This makes me wonder if such trips and lessons are good for everyone who is privileged in any way. I have seen privileged college students at my university experiencing temporary homelessness to raise awareness and money for charities. There were supporters, but also critics that viewed this as financial voyeurism for the rich, who fetishized the poor lifestyle. While such criticisms may be true, it does not consider that true hard lessons can still be learned from such experiences, as I have experienced this time around. It has truly let me realize how fortunate I am to have such luxuries and to live in such privilege back home.

But at the same time, it is important to curate our environment and surround ourselves with positivity and inspiration. We need to choose to live in places that align with our values and aspirations, and that encourage growth and development. This means creating spaces that are comfortable, welcoming, and conducive to our personal and professional goals.

At the same time, we should not be afraid to step out of our comfort zones and experience different settings for reflection. Traveling to new places, meeting new people, and immersing ourselves in unfamiliar cultures can broaden our horizons. It is important to acknowledge that we are not all born into the same circumstances, and not everyone has access to the same resources and opportunities. However, we can all make the most of the resources we do have, and try to create an environment that is conducive to our growth and well-being.

Creating a positive environment doesn't necessarily mean having a luxurious home or fancy possessions. It can be as simple as cultivating meaningful relationships with the people around us, or engaging in hobbies and activities that bring us joy and fulfillment. It can also mean surrounding ourselves with positive influences and avoiding negative ones.

For example, if we want to improve our physical health, it might be helpful to surround ourselves with people who prioritize healthy habits and avoid environments that are conducive to unhealthy behaviors. Similarly, if we want to improve our mental health, we might benefit from spending time in nature, practicing mindfulness, or seeking out positive social interactions.

At the same time, it is also important to experience different settings and cultures in order to gain a broader perspective and expand our understanding of the world. Traveling to new places, volunteering in different communities, or even just trying new foods can help us step out of our comfort zones and gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity and richness of the human experience.

Ultimately, the key to curating a positive environment is to be intentional and mindful about the choices we make. We can't always control our external circumstances, but we can choose how we respond to them and what kind of environment we want to create for ourselves. By being grateful for the privileges we have, while also seeking out opportunities to learn and grow, we can create a more fulfilling and meaningful life for ourselves and those around us.

In conclusion, my recent trip to Mexico reminded me of the importance of curating our environment and experiencing different settings for reflection. By appreciating the privileges we have, while also seeking out new experiences and perspectives, we can create a more fulfilling and meaningful life for ourselves and those around us. Let us all strive to be intentional and mindful about the choices we make, and create an environment that is conducive to our growth and well-being.