Some years ago I recall that T-shirts emblazoned with the slogan “I’m on Mexico Time” became a hot commodity among lakeside expats.

The were worn as a proud symbol or badge of courage of adaptation to the unhurried, laid back South-of-the-border lifestyle.

Not all immigrant newbies easily slip into the realities of living on Mexico Time. They may be frustrated upon discovering that the true definition of mañana is not today. Or when they are told that something will happen ahorita, it may not mean right away, but rather at another unspecified point in time that may be a few minutes, several hours or even longer in the future.

Some Anglos accustomed to strict punctuality are aghast when Mexican events don’t begin at the announced hour. This week social media were loaded with questions about what time the Ajijic Carnaval parade was supposed to start and when it would end. Seasoned gringos know that the answers to that were 1: at any given time after but not before 10 a.m. and 2. God only knows. Whenever it’s over. Reality check. It got underway around 10:30 and ended at one-ish, not sharp.

Please login or subscribe to view the complete article.