Beware of the gringo traps!

Everyone, this is a called a gringo trap.  When the city was founded these canals were used as a form of irrigation, however today they simply serve to injure and trap unsuspecting gringos who drunkenly stumble through the streets or are trying to get out of a taxi.  Lesson number one for the gringos: don’t try to keep up with the Mendocinos.  Here, drinking is a marathon; in the states, drinking is a sprint.  It’s better for your health if you accept this fact now and not let pride lead you to challenge a Mendocino to a drinking contest.  You will lose.  Lesson number two for the gringos: always look down when you’re walking on the sidewalk intoxicated so you don’t end up in the bottom of a gringo trap for your friends to find in the morning. 

Gringo trap outside Graciela's house - most are deeper than this