Happy Mexican Mommy !
Name: Lety Silva
Age: 30 years
Partner: Jorge Rodela
Born: in Monterrey (northern Mexico). Lived in Poland, UK for 2 years, Spain where her 2 girls were born.
Children: Paulina (2.5 years) and Monica (10 months).
Favorite song: Amazed by Lonestar. This is the song we danced at our wedding. At my gradiuaton party, Jorge sang this song to me while we danced and i said this is the song i want for my wedding with him.
Y&N: How did you react when you learn Jorge was accepted to IMD ?
LS: First of all, it was a surprise. He got the call on his birthday, it was his best present ever! I was really happy and proud because it's not easy to get in. At the same time, I was also nervous. I didn't know what to expect of Lausanne. How will it be with 2 children, almost on my own? I was a little bit afraid, but today I'm relieved.
Y&N: Do you feel European after living in Poland, UK, Spain and now Switzerland?
LS: No, I'm REALLY Mexican !!! and I'm really proud of it. I really like the lifestyle here in Europe. The views, the chance to walk everywhere. In Mexico, you go everywhere in the car. You spend a lot of time in the car, but here you can walk everywhere.The public transportation is amazing.
Y&N: Is it better to raise the girls in Madrid or here in Lausanne ?
LS: Maybe it was easier in Madrid, because we speak Spanish. I had a car and they were younger. Now, here with the weather, at the begining it was a problem. Paulina always said « Oh it's too cold, it's too cold, i don't want to go outside ! » But now she loves the snow, she loves going outside.
Paulina and her bicycle
Y&N: Where do you see yourself next year ? In five years..
LS: I have no idea. I would like to definitely go back to Mexico, but maybe we'll spend 3 or 4 more years in Europe. Anything can happen.
Y&N: What do you miss the most about Mexico ?
Well, my family, my friends. I talk with my mom and dad everyday on Skype. They like talking with the girls, seeing them. But also the food, the tortillas, elote, the tacos. I usually find stores that sell Mexican food, but I haven't found one yet!
Her favorite food and drink
Y&N: Favorite food or drink ?
LS: As an alcoholic, tequila. I love margaritas ! For me it's the best ! My favorite food is arrachera from Mexico. It is the meat you put on barbecue with guacamole and quesadillas!
Y&N: Where in Mexico do you recommend we visit?
LS: If you like the beach, the sun then Playa del Carmen. I haven't been myself but my friends were and told me it's amazing. The water is really crystal clear, the views are beautiful. You can have a great time there.
Vamos a la Playa... del Carmen!
Y&N: Do you plan to resume your job?
LS: Hopefully. We are planning to have another kid. After that, I hope I can start working again. I used to work in Mexico in a company called Danfoss. I was in the purchasing department and worked as a buyer and I really enjoyed. I got to be in contact with a lot of people and I like to talk with everybody. So it was the perfect job for me. I also like shopping!
Y&N: The best places to go shopping in Lausanne ?
LS: I don't have time to go shopping but I hope to find some good places soon.
Y&N: Can you tell us a place you like in Lausanne?
LS: Parc de Milan is amazing... The kids enjoy it a lot ! It's just 2 blocks from my house, so it's really convenient. And also for a coffee, I like the Hotel d'Angleterre with the big terrace you can see the lake and the Alps. I've been only once on a sunny day, having my coffee, looking at the lake, at the mountains. It was perfect !!!
Y&N: Something strange or unexpected about you...
LS: When people meet me, they think that I'm really serious. I don't know why, maybe my face. But I really like parties, really like to make friends, and I really love dancing! I learned belly dancing and hip hop when I was in the UK. I really like dancing a lot to Cumbias, Tex-Mex, I love dancing to this kind of music.
Y&N: How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
LS: Happy. Friendly. Responsible.
Y&N: If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would you choose?
LS: The Pope Jean-Paul II. I was planning to go to the Vatican just before he died. If i could have the chance to meet him, it would be great. When I see pictures of him, I just felt peace, calm.
I'm catholic. I really like to follow religion, especially in the season of Eastern.
Y&N: Can you tell us something in your native language?
LS: Estamos muy contentos de estar en Lausanne. Apoyando en Jorge en su MBA y esperamos tener un ano muy bueno con todos ustedes.
Y&N: And something in French...
LS: I've just started my French course this week. Je suis Mexicaine, bonjour, merci beaucoup.
The happy family!