Let me, I want to take the fresh air
I’ve been wobbling for a long time.
Let me, I want to go out for a bit
I’ve been locked up here for a long time.”
Letter of take the coolsong by Café Tacuba
In the southeast of the country, it is a fact that time passes without so much haste, allowing you to savor life more slowly. And an example of the above is the activity known as taking the fresh air, very common among the inhabitants of the Yucatan Peninsula.
What does it consist of? Basically, at dusk, the inhabitants of a house take out their chairs on the sidewalk and sit down to enjoy the fresh air while they talk among themselves or with the neighbors.
It seems that this activity originated in Europe, although there they call it to take the fresh air; because in the Spanish towns it continues to be practiced, especially by the elderly.
Taking the cool prolongs life
Socializing with other people has many health benefits, and can even combat depression and prolong life; as recently published in a study by Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health (Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health).
In addition, chatting with relatives or neighbors while having a drink allows you to listen and be heard, form bonds and generate community. Undoubtedly, this activity symbolizes coexistence and good neighborliness.
goodbye sweltering heat
In cities like Mérida, Chetumal and Campeche, where the high temperatures are suffocating and air conditioning is not affordable, taking the fresh air is the best way to escape the heat that is locked inside the houses, cooling off with the wind that blows on the streets.
Do you want to take the fresh air like a real Yucatecan??
If you want to achieve mastery in the art of taking the fresh air, these are the steps to follow:
- Forget about television and cell phones.
- Willingness to share the anecdotes of the day with family and neighbors.
- Be informed of current issues.
- Prepare the favorite chair and take it out to the sidewalk.
- Play background music and watch people go by.