This was my 4th trip to Cancun, Mexico in the last 15 years or so. This trip was really unlike others I’ve taken. Cancun has changed so much. Here is a list of my observations:

1. The dollar is still strong in Mexico (about 12 pesos to the dollar), but things have gotten more expensive to purchase.

2. English, as a language, is widely adopted. I spoke very little Spanish on the trip.

3. Technology is huge. There were plenty if free wifi hotspots throughout the hotels, bars, malls, etc. This made staying connected really easy. It’s also the opposite of what you’d find in the U.S.; where we charge for everything.

4. The Mexicans I spoke with were pro-McCain. They indicated most of the country was.

5. Public transportation us cheap and runs 24 hours; it’s the lifeblood of the economy. Nearly everyone opts for a bus ride over a taxi.

6. The concept of green friendly hasn’t made its way down here yet, but I saw many products touting: organic, natural, or free from preservatives.

7. I still hate just laying on the beach; I need to be doing something all the time.

8. There is always one set of guests at the hotel who swear they are the life of the party and should be the center of attention. The group this year was easy to spot thanks to one girl’s leave nothing to the imagination bikini and cowboy hat.

9. It’s getting harder to find real authentic Mexican food. The food has really been Americanized. Really do we need 2 Chilis’ in Cancun?

10. Talking to the locals is always better than the guide books; yes, have a conversation and get more personal.

It was a good trip, but I’m torn between appreciating the advancements being made here (eg wifi) and continued commoditization of the city. At what point will Cancun just be a more southern version of California?