The third-largest country in Latin America, Mexico is hugely diverse,
having both rural backwaters where time seems to have stood still and
manic urban centers like Mexico City, one of the most densely populated
and exciting cities in the world. This complex and fascinating country
is where European and American civilizations first clashed. The
repercussions of the meeting in 1519 between the Spanish conquistador
Hernán Cortés and the Aztec Emperor Montezuma II, and the subsequent
devastation wrought by the Spanish conquest, is still felt today.
Culture Smart! Mexico takes you to the heart of Mexican society and
introduces you to the proud, spiritual, dynamic, fatalistic, and
fun-loving people who call this country home. It describes how people
socialize, the dynamics of daily life, the importance of family, and the
annual cycle of feasts and fiestas. There's advice on how to negotiate a
Mexican menu, as well as information on traveling safely and
communicating, and provides you with the tools to make the most of your
time in Mexico.