What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

San Pedro Garza Garcia

Did you receive any cross-cultural training for your move abroad? If yes, was it before or after the move?

Not for Mexico.

If they speak another language in your new country, do you speak the language? If yes, did you learn the language before you moved or while abroad? If no, are you planning to learn the language?

I do speak spanish (castellano) well enough to get by. I learned it when I went to Argentina on vacation and ended up staying 6 years. I always talk about taking Spanish lessons, but haven't yet.

Were you worried or concerned about culture shock before you moved abroad?

No

How significant was the culture shock you experienced when you moved abroad?

There was none; they should call this little America; the clubs, restaurant, everything is very upscale and trendy.

Expats often talk about going through the "stages of culture shock." Examples include the honeymoon phase, the irritation-to-anger stage, the rejection of the culture stage, and the cultural adjustment phase. Do you feel like you went through these or any other stages as you settled into the new culture?

Not yet. The people have been very nice and friendly, though I haven't really attempted to do too much outside the normal things a traveler would; I'm sharing an apartment with a friend, and everything here is set up in his name, so I haven't had to deal with any of that setup stuff.

What, if any, were some of the changes you noticed in yourself that might have been caused by culture shock? These might include things such as anger, depression, anxiety, increased eating or drinking, frustration, homesickness, etc.

I've been pretty relaxed really. The only draw back is the danger of Monterrey right now, so I have not been able to explore there yet.

What are some things you appreciate most about the new culture?

Too early to say

What are the most challenging aspects of the new culture?

Too early to say; haven't been challenged yet.

Did you "commit" any embarrassing or humorous cultural blunders? If you did and you'd like to share them, please do tell!

Not per se. But its a very conservative place, and I'm an old bohemian writer from NYC, so I sort of stand out wherever i go.

Do you have any advice or thoughts about culture shock you would like to share?

Not yet