I love this story. I lived in Mexico City teaching English for about 18 months in 1981-82. I lived with a Mexican woman and her son. I learned Spanish and a lot about the culture, but I never understood the system of el patron. Amazing! I know that having a housemaid or gardener if you could afford it was expected of you, but the kind of system you describe is woven very deeply into the fabric of the community.
When we owned our hotel in Costa Rica, the staff called us Jefe/Jefa. We had one employee who was the oldest-and older than us, who called my husband, Patrón. He was the only one. Interesting.
Fascinating
Fascinating to read about your experience moving to Oaxaca. So excited to read more.
Fascinating glimpse into aspects of Mexican culture and life there that I wasn’t aware of. Thanks!
I love this story. I lived in Mexico City teaching English for about 18 months in 1981-82. I lived with a Mexican woman and her son. I learned Spanish and a lot about the culture, but I never understood the system of el patron. Amazing! I know that having a housemaid or gardener if you could afford it was expected of you, but the kind of system you describe is woven very deeply into the fabric of the community.
When we owned our hotel in Costa Rica, the staff called us Jefe/Jefa. We had one employee who was the oldest-and older than us, who called my husband, Patrón. He was the only one. Interesting.