tipping

While I appreciate the sentiment, my behaviour is different. I consider it appropriate as a guest to adopt the practices of those whom I visit. If I am staying at a friend’s home, I eat when they eat and eat what they eat. When travelling I try to replicate local practices, including tipping.

Initially, I struggled with this and was somewhat afraid of insulting the locals. "Pinche Gringo is looking down on us! Who does he think he is?" At first, I justified it by telling myself that my culture tips 20% to 25% so I should, too. In fact, I will tip 20% to 25% of what the price would be in the U.S.

However, upon seeing the faces of some individuals which just beamed gratitude, I was hooked. I tip generously when I travel to Mexico. One hotel contacted me afterward and said that the maid wanted to thank me for the tip. She used it to buy some school clothes for her child. You just don't know how you will help a person.

Apologies to any who believe this is a bad practice.