Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Is This Mexico?

My friend on the island, Sue, talked about the new addition to the Mall of America in Cancun. It really is a jazzy, new modern place. I had the (mis)fortune of being over there one day last week. I coincendentally to Sue's post had taken a few pictures. Take a look.

This place is wide, bright and breezy. Although it does have a ceiling of sorts, the area between the panels is open to the outside. Nice except for like when I was there and it rains cats and dogs. That wide aisleway quickly became a treacherous, slippery place.




I do like the giant ceiling fans though.



It seems that quite a few of the American namebrand stores are represented here. And a few familiar restaurant names. Along with McDonald's and Starbucks, there is also a Chili's. Same great food, same great service. Same high prices.



You can even get your favorite ice cream at this kiosk.




I just thought it interesting that this country is such a land of contradictions and opposites. Mostly we on the blogs feature the quaint, the historic, the rustic, the poor and the colorful. But there is another side of Mexico.

Not sure how much I like it though.

8 comments:

lisa said...

Never thought I would see a picture like that, but I guess if you like to shop it is good. You have a good day.

Linda Dorton said...

I am with you on this one. I came here to get away from all the franchises, the fast foods, the sterile environments. Unfortunately I am learning more and more how many people come here to turn this into the same place they came from with a better climate. (Joni Mitchell said it in the early 70s, THEY PAVE PARADISE AND PUT UP A PARKING LOT) That is not the idea, people, this is crushing the culture and beauty of Mexico.

The open ceilings in a place with a three or four month rainy season is insane. Chock up another one to the "architects"....looked so good on paper!

Calypso said...

Looks a lot like the Liverpool Mall in Xico - very modern and sterile.

Jane said...

One more reason tourists are staying at home?

Anonymous said...

Could you possibly enlighten us gringos about some of what is entailed in purchasing property on Isla? Do you actually own the land...or does Mexico really hold the title? Tell me anything else you can that I'm not even aware of that I should know. I'm nearing retirement and there's no place like Isla to me.

Gloria
Roanoke, VA

One Small Voz said...

We have a Plaza America mall in Boca del Rio that is exactly the same. Not really my shopping scene.

comitan said...

Gloria

This site will be of help.

http://www.mexonline.com/propmex.htm

ByTheBay said...

I just wanted to let you know how much I've enjoyed your blog over the last few years. I'm a frequent visitor to Isla Mujeres and the rest of the Eastern Yucatan. Your blog helps keep me entertained and interested in my favorite little Island between trips. I just bought several acres of jungle down in Tulum and will be building a home there over the next year. Your blog was one of many factors that helped me decide to take this leap and I couldn't be happier about my decision. Thanks for the inspiration.