Youth Exchange Program
My Rotary Exchange
Sebastián Alejandro Soto Beltrán
Who Am I?
Sebastián Alejandro Soto Beltrán
I come from Mexico, my hometown is Reynosa, Tamaulipas.
I'm 17 years old. My religion is Catholic.
My mother's name is Monica, and my father's name is Daniel.
I have a younger brother named Fernando.
Who Am I?
ME
Obvious when I was a child
My Brother
My Family
Who Am I?
At my high school graduation
My Mom
My parents
My Dad
Many Years ago
My grandfather
My grandmother
Who Am I?
My father and my Grandfather Gonzalo, teach me, that we have only one thing, that’s is truly ours is our Word.
And he also taught me how to catch river toads
About my Country
Mexico is actually not called Mexico. It is officially called the United Mexican States, although it is clear that we all know it as Mexico.
About my Country
My mexican roots come from long ago. In the past, from 2,500 AC onwards great cultures flourished from the first groups of hunters in the mesoamerican region, such as: Olmecs, Teotihuacans, Mayas, and Aztecs, among many others.
Olmecs
Teotihuacans
Mayas
Aztecs
Known as the “Mother Culture” as their practices in science, economy, and religion influenced other cultures.
Known for their Olmec heads.
Mainly known for their Sun and Moon Pyramids. It was a powerful political and military culture. Its name means “place where gods were made”, or “City of the gods”.
Also known as “Mexicas”. Founded Tenochtitlan on what now is Mexico’s capital. Dominated Mesoamerica for some period and introduced “Chinampas”, an agriculture method.
Their strong social, cultural and political organization influenced other cultures. Known for Chichén Itza, one of the 7 wonders of the modern world. Made progress in stars and constellations observation and introduced the 365 day solar calendar.
About my Country
Mexican culture is a mosaic of cultures, a mixture of elements from different periods in time, such as pre-hispanic, colonial and modern times, merging all our ancestors, spanish conquerors and modern culture into one.
About my Country
Mexico´s flag is considered the most beautiful one in the world!
Color’s meanings:
Hope
Unity
The blood of our heroes
Our emblem represents the tale of when Aztecs were still nomadic and looking for a place to settle. It is said that their god, Huitzilopochtli, described to them the signal that would indicate the right place to settle and commanded to found their city there. That signal was an eagle, standing on top of a prickly pear while devouring a snake. They found it on what now is Mexico’s City, the country’s capital.
About my Country
Mexico´s cuisine is considered delicious around the world!
You like chocolate? Who doesn’t? 😉 Well, we have to thank Mexico for having shared this exquisite delicacy with the rest of human beings. In fact, many other foods originate in Mexico, such as corn or chili.
And speaking of chili… Mexicans are not afraid of spicy food. In fact, they love it. Personally, not so much for me, but for my father and brother, food without spices is not food.
About my Country
Some other Mexican traditional dishes. Try not to get hungry looking at them!
About my Country
Touristic places
Mexico has a bit of everything. From beautiful beaches, paradisiacal places, to cities rich in historical, archeological and cultural legacy.
Mexican beaches like Cancún and Mazatlán are prime examples of a paradisiacal place you’d love to be in!
“Magic Towns” of San Miguel de Allende and Bernal are towns with lots of history and cultural legacy.
About my Country
Good news for nature lovers: Mexico not only has cities with a magnificent historical and cultural legacy, but it is also the land of more than 200,000 species of animals and plants, such as cempasúchil and poinsettia flowers, the monarch butterfly and the axolotl.
Mexico is one of the world’s most biodiverse countries!
About my Country
Music
Mexican most traditional and symbolic music is Mariachi, a very jolly and cheerful music genre!
One of the best known and most loved Mexican songs is Cielito Lindo, which has almost become a national anthem, especially when Mexicans get together abroad. It's very beautiful, really.
Have a listen!
“Cielito Lindo”
“El Son de la Negra”
Video:
Luis Miguel – México en la piel
About my Country
About my Country
Customs
Despite Mexico having many customs and festivities, one of our most heartfelt celebrations, The Day of the Dead, was made popular worldwide by Disney’s movie "Coco“!
It is undoubtedly one of the most curious customs in my country were we celebrate death, in a way that we remember all the loved ones who have passed away.
This is an altar, we leave food , drinks and things that our dead liked in life.
The day of the dead is November 1st. It is also my birthday.
Mexican Fun Facts
After a trip to Mexico, Salvador Dalí said that he would never go back there, since he couldn't bear to be in a country more surreal than his own paintings. (1971)
He kept his word not to return to Mexico.
Mexican Fun Facts
The Mayans were one of the most impressive civilizations in history and are surrounded by mysteries, legends and curiosities.
One of the data that shocked us the most is that, according to the beauty canons of that time, sharp teeth and strabismus were the most.
There is a movie that talks about the Mayans, although it is not entirely true.
Mexican Fun Facts
Surely you know that the largest barrier reef in the world is in Australia. But did you know that the second is in Mexico? It is located in the Riviera Maya, specifically in front of the coast of Mahahual.
Mexican Fun Facts
The best known Mexican beer in the world is Corona.
In Mexico they say when friends are going to meet, and they are going to buy beers, we go for some chelas.
And how can we forget the concept of “right now”? If a Mexican friend tells you that he will arrive right now, he may arrive in five minutes or five hours. It is one of the most used Mexican taglines.
Conclusion
Mexico is a land of contrasts, but a land full of opportunities where one can make their Mexican dream come true. A rich land full of goodness, flavor and rich in traditions. Where you shelter children from other countries. Country of successful entrepreneurs. Sometimes in Mexico not very good things happen, and that hurts us as Mexicans
I love you my beautiful and dear Mexico.
What is Finland for me?
It is a beautiful country where people are kind and good. I love my Finnish family.
I appreciate the opportunity you gave me to be here with you.
I think of it as being in Disneyland, but better.
In my country we hear about Finland and many people dream of being here, but I am here.
Youth Exchange Program
THANK YOU