Field Notes

In Mexico, You Come for Coffee and Leave Three Hours Later

By David Feldt September 21, 2026
Mexican culture Why Mexico Smiles
In Mexico, You Come for Coffee and Leave Three Hours Later

"México es llegar por un café… y salir tres horas después."

Coming for a coffee, and leaving three hours later.

Coffee is rarely the reason. Conversation is.

One thing I've learned living in Mexico: people aren't interruptions to your schedule.

Sometimes, they are the schedule.

That's why a quick coffee becomes lunch, then dessert, then making plans for next week.

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Why Mexico Smiles

A Foreigner's Education in Warmth, Humor, and Survival

A foreigner comes to Mexico to learn a language and instead learns why Mexicans are the way they are. Read Chapter 1 free, or take home the whole thing.

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