This week I had the opportunity to step back in time. My bastion of help lives in the center of Mexico, and I decided to visit to undertake several necessary media tasks to help people understand why we are in business and what is in it for them.

Aguascalientes, as my travel agent said, where the hell is that? It is located basically where today’s world has much passed by. There are small tiendas (local wee shops) everywhere, endless cafes and eateries, and a completely relaxed atmosphere is pervasive! People are overarchingly helpful, and I am assured there is no drug issue or pervasive crime. I am skeptical, as everyone’s home is locked and barricaded!)

That said, modern times have not entirely passed by. You can see 3 pictures to portray this: Kids waiting for Mom to finish her merchant activities. My friends waiting in a lobby to meet me (I sat for 5 minutes to see if they even noticed my attendance), and my hosts here in Aguas! The interesting observation that besets one is in all instances there is no dialogue of communication at that moment. Taken a step further it is likely that each person was in their own world, which in turn leads to what we see and have as a constant drumbeat, we are living in silos.

I believe that this is not how we aspire to be. Give a kid the chance to be interactive in play, the interactive is likely to be chosen. This evening, we sat after dinner and decided to play UNO. Children 11, 12 and elders 30+ and 70+. It was so pleasant to see the 11-year-old, stripped of his lifeline (phone), suddenly enjoy the cut and thrust of doing the next player down by gaining in a good play. The interactive emotions had the table willing to play several rounds, and not that keen to stop. Simple pleasures!

A shift in time. Coming to Mexico reminded me of how relevant “old sayings” are. My schedule is get up early, Enjoy a contemplative hour sitting, sipping my coffee and organize the tasks ahead. Get into my day and eat a quick lunch and then an early dinner.

Here, breakfast time is about 10.00 a.m. Lunch meanders in at around 3.00 p.m. and dinner decides to show up at 9 – 10 p.m.

“When in Rome do as the Romans do” Was our lesson at home. My host asked if I would like to eat earlier etc. I related to her this old ditty. In adapting to the local customs, I am offered the opportunity to observe their pace of existence. I immediately eliminated the stress of confrontation about differences and was granted the luxury of observing nuances of daily routine and appreciating the pendulum of a new time setting.