La Paz and Madison WI--Sister Cities?

Here are some of the similarities between the two cities:

• La Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur, while Madison is capital of Wisconsin.
• Population of La Paz is 189,000, while Madison's is 232,000.
• Both cities have beautiful waterfront settings.
• Both are university towns.

Some differences.  In La Paz...

• The waterfront--on the Sea of Cortez--is mostly public.
• More Mexican restaurants and sidewalk taco stands.
• Climate.  More palm trees.
• You don't pump your own gas.
• More and better waterfront sculpture.
• More people know where Wisconsin is, whereas in Madison, few know where La Paz is.
• The murder rate is lower than in Madison

The waterfront in La Paz is public.

She pumps your gas in La Paz.

Better public sculpture in La Paz.

Some Americans think of Mexico is a backward country.  But don't be so sure.  As our own infrastructure crumbles and our politics begin to resemble a banana republic, old stereotypes won't provide much comfort.  Mexico has a vibrant culture.