By Robin Thornley
Mexico is a study in contrasts. It is a country of young citizens with an ancient history. Mexico is also a place where turtles came to the
beaches long before the tourists. The country boasts a landscape where tropical fruits grow in the shadow of a snow-capped volcano, and where some old customs--fried grasshopper tacos and candy skeletons--are nourished, while others like the worm in a bottle of mezcal are discouraged by modern marketers.
Endless beaches
Mexico has 9,300 kilometers (about 5,500 miles) of coastline. Some beaches are for tourists and others are havens for nesting turtles. But sometimes, in places like Huatulco on the Pacific coast, the two share the beach.
Modern Mezcal
Tequila and mezcal are made from agave (only blue agave is used to make mezcal's classy cousin). Mexican authorities are trying to upgrade mezcal's image by discouraging distillers from putting a worm in the bottle.
Volcanic Mix
Mexico boasts the world's smallest volcano, the 43-foot tall Cuexcomate in Puebla. Nearby, in the tropical state of Veracruz, North America's largest volcano is Pico de Orizaba, whose 18,850 peak is snow-capped year-round.
Protein Packing
Mexican university nutritionists say entomophagy (bug-eating) is a good thing. High protein fried grasshoppers, an Aztec culinary delicacy, still are served by Mexico City street vendors.
Candy skulls
In early November, candy skulls and skeletons fill market stalls as Mexicans honor deceased family members with colorful altars and graveside feasts as part of Dia de los Muertos, Day of the Dead.
Young and Old
Mexico is a country with old history and young citizens (the median age is 26) and 60 percent of the population is mestizo, a mix of European and Amerindian ancestry.
About the Author:
Robin Thornley has been a successful writer for more than 25 years, penning articles for national magazines, newspapers and websites. She specializes in a variety of topics, including business, politics, lifestyle trends, travel and cuisine. She also is the author of two guidebooks.
