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Observations on Political Ads and Residency in A Foreign Country
Recently, political ads started popping up on YouTube here in Yucatán, México. I haven’t watched live TV since around 2006 and gave up on live radio when my CD collection topped 500 CDs back in the mid 90’s. Now, I solely rely on streaming services for my entertainment, and YouTube is the only place I encounter ads.
Interestingly, when I first moved to México in 2016, there were no ads on YouTube. However, since the pandemic, they’ve become quite prevalent. I actually enjoy watching ads in Spanish as it helps me learn more about the culture here.
Lately, I’ve been seeing a lot of ads from two men who are running for governor of Yucatán state. While their campaign strategies are similar to those in any election, it doesn’t really affect me personally.
As a resident of México, I cherish living here immensely. However, I don’t have the right to vote in the election, and I’m perfectly fine with that. My main focus is simply enjoying life in this beautiful country.
All the politics from my home country seem far away and the local politics are unchangeable by me so I just don’t get overwhelmed by politics at all. My neighbors are nice, my small village is expat friendly and the prices on most things are lower.
My quiet life is exactly what I want.
Travel News
- The Case Against Travel | The New Yorker – I’m a big proponent of travel but here are some thoughts on against it
- My Husband Flies First Class and Puts Me in Coach. Is That Fair? – The New York Times – The article explores a reader’s dilemma of feeling unfairly treated by her husband, who consistently flies first class while placing her and their children in coach.
- Brazil postponed visa requirements for US, Canadian and Australian tourists: What you should know – Brazil Reports – Brazil has postponed the implementation of new visa requirements for tourists from the United States, Canada, and Australia until April 10, 2024.
- Zero Jet Aircraft Crashes: 2023 Was One Of Aviation’s Safest Years On Record – 2023 was one of the safest years in the history of commercial aviation, with no large turbofan-powered aircraft involved in major fatal accidents.
- Business Class vs. First Class: What’s the Difference? | Condé Nast Traveler – While both options provide a premium flight experience, first class is seen as more prestigious and exclusive.
- New York Is Too Expensive to Even Visit – New York City is becoming increasingly hostile to tourists as the city cracks down on hotel construction and short-term rentals.
- Venice to ban large tourist groups and loudspeakers – BBC News – Venice will implement new rules starting in June to combat the impact of mass tourism on the city. The ban on loudspeakers is aimed at reducing confusion and disturbances, while tourist groups of more than 25 people will also be prohibited.
- Greenwashing In Tourism: How To Decode Sustainability Rating Systems In Travel – how to identify greenwashing
- Intense Backlash: Southwest Airlines Criticized For Redesigned Seats – Southwest Airlines has faced intense criticism after unveiling redesigned seats as part of a modernization of its brand elements. The airline hoped the changes would be received positively, but they have instead been met with backlash.
- Air Canada must honor refund policy invented by airline’s chatbot | Ars Technica – Air Canada was ordered by a Canadian court to give a partial refund to a passenger who was given inaccurate information by the airline’s chatbot regarding its bereavement travel policy.
- This Is How Delta Compensated Passengers Who Got Covered in Maggots Mid-Flight – The maggots were traced to a passenger’s bag, which contained a piece of rotting fish wrapped in newspaper. Passengers were inconvenienced when Delta returned to the Netherlands instead of continuing on to Michigan. Delta apologized for the interruption due to an improperly packed carry-on bag and awarded all passengers 8,000 air miles.
- Gratuities Gone Wild: You’re Now Expected To Tip When An Agent Rebooks Your Flight – View from the Wing – tipping has gotten out of control
Expat News
- Best countries for expats 2023 (according to expats) | Atlas & Boots – Mexico has been ranked as the best country for expats in 2023, followed by Spain and Panama.
- Cancún faces losses of 400 million dollars due to the absence of Brazilian tourists – The hotel sector in Cancún has been hit hard by the collapse of Brazilian tourism due to the cancellation of electronic visas, resulting in losses of 400 million dollars in 2023
- 7 Reasons Buying A Timeshare Is The Worst Decision You Can Make – The article outlines seven reasons why buying a timeshare is a bad decision.
- Costa Rica Pins Down 36 Crime “Hot Spots” Endangering Tourists :Â – Initiatives to curb crime rates and safeguard visitors from crime have been announced by the National Chamber of Tourism and the Public Security Ministry.
México
- Everything we thought we knew about the ancient Maya is being upended – National Geographic – The use of lidar technology is revolutionizing Maya archaeology by providing a big-picture view of the ancient landscape and guiding researchers to promising sites. Excellent article
- 36 Hours in Mérida, Mexico: Things to Do and See – The New York Times – great new article about places to see in Mérida Yucatán México
- Do Foreign Residents Really Need a Bank Account in Mexico? – no if you’re you’re. a full-time resident otherwise it depends
- Canada bringing back visa requirements for Mexican nationals to curb asylum seekers | CBC News – Canada is re-imposing visa requirements on Mexican nationals to curb the influx of asylum seekers.
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