5 Things to do at a Mexican Stoplight

Ah, stoplights in Mexico. You never know what you'll find at one. When the light turns red, the vendors come out and the fun begins. Here are five things you can do at a red light here.

1. Buy a newspaper. This is the place to get the morning paper. Here's how to do it: roll down your window, flag the vendor over, dig around for the money while he puts the paper on your dashboard, pay him, and then go. It's best to get this done before the light turns green, but if it doesn't. don't worry. The guy behind you is probably getting a paper too.

2. Watch a juggler (like the one above) or other performer. "Other performers" include guys rolling around in broken glass with no shirt on, men swallowing fire, and people with painted faces acting as clowns. When they finish their act, they walk by the cars. If you've enjoyed the show, you can give them a few pesos.

3. Support local causes. Kids often walk up and down the line of cars holding jars. You can donate a peso or two to your favorite organization. We've seen just about every non-profit, from the Red Cross to government programs and even cancer research.

4. Have your car dusted off. Young men at almost every major light in town offer this service. For a peso, they'll wipe down your car with a rag while the light is red.

5. Buy just about anything. Water, fruits, donuts, toys, roses, maps...you name it, they sell it. I've done some shopping at red lights, and have to say it's a convenient place to pick up inexpensive toys, grab some bottled water, or get a map of Mexico (we liked the first map we got so much that we actually bought a second one). I've never tried the donuts, though. It seems like they'd taste a little, um, exhausty. But that's just me.