Field Notes

In Mexico, the Bag That Holds All the Other Bags

By David Feldt August 31, 2026
Mexican culture Why Mexico Smiles
In Mexico, the Bag That Holds All the Other Bags

"México es que una bolsa del mandado termine guardando de todo… menos mandado."

When a grocery bag ends up holding everything, except groceries.

Nothing gets thrown away if it still has another life.

Shopping bags become storage. Glass jars become drinking glasses. Ice cream containers become leftovers.

It's practical. It's resourceful.

And somehow, every Mexican knows exactly which bag contains the bags.

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From the book

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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