Where is your country and what is the official language?
Spanish. South of the United States about the same latitude as Hawaii. It’s a tropical country in the South of Mexico same as the Hawaiian islands. Geography class is my best friend! It is between the Tropic of Cancer and the Equator. We are both from Mexico city (Hilda y Alejandra) and Ria is from Guerrero state “My parents are Mexican and they only speak spanish. I was born in California but I am Mexican American” (Ria).
What is a traditional food from your country?
“Oh wow there are a lot. For example there is one called chile relleno en nogada, which is green chili pepper with ground meat with fruit like grapes and it’s topped with walnuts with a cream. It’s a sweet dish you put pomegranate and sugar. This is very popular in Mexico because it has the colors of the flag. It’s only in September that you make this dish because it is the time of our independance. Also posole, and mole. For example also each state has their own typical food. Mole is from Puebla.” (Hilda y Alejandra)
What was the biggest culture shock you’ve experienced at Kalani?
“Geographical knowledge, jaja (haha in Spanish!) just kidding! The naked people. It’s different kind of people, for some it’s common (in Mexico) to be nude but not for others. For me it wasn’t common.” (Hilda y Alejandra)
What do you like most about your culture?
“Ancient cultures and the Indigenous culture. Shamans, meaning wise people, they are not just spiritual people, others sometimes identify them as nomads but they give knowledge of nature and they are not chosen people. We call them grandfathers (abuelos) even though they are not related to us. Shamans are good but the misunderstanding is that people think they are magically chosen. They aren’t a God, they are just wise people who are there to give us knowledge or advice. We are (also) very family oriented. It is perfectly acceptable to live with your family until you are married, no matter when that is.” (Hilda y Alejandra) “Sometimes for me we are always trying to be independant but like for my mom she says she wants to call me every day or wants me to live with her until I get married, but I’m like why marriage? But I guess that to them, when I get married will be when I’m taken care of.” (Ria) How often do you talk to your mom? “I’m messaging her now, jajaj” (Alejandra)
How do you say ‘hello’ and ‘I love you’ in Spanish?
Hola is hello, ‘te amo’ is I love you for lovers, ‘te quiero’ is for family and friends
What is the national dance?
Each state has their own dance. Folkloric dancing is typical in the south of Mexico, in Tabasco or in Veracruz and the Yucatan. Each state also has their own dress, style of dress and colors. Mariachi play often La cucaracha
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