Mexico

We had the opportunity to go to Mexico to get away from the gray days in WA. It turned out that the weather in Mexico was similar to ours only about 15-20 degrees warmer. Normally they only have blue skies and no rain this time of year. This year has been different, the week started with gray skies and continued all week. Sunday we had the most sun and laid out by the pool for a while. Even though it was cloudy it was a lot lighter than it is at home when it's cloudy. It rained a couple of days but only for a few minutes. Even though the weather wasn't perfect the trip was fabulous. We were able to go on some great excursions.
Saturday we did The City Tour: We were picked up at the hotel and our tour guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining. Besides touring the city we went to a Tequila distillery and learned how they make it and those who wanted could taste the different tequilas they make. Dad and I were the only ones in our group who didn't try it. The tour started about 9 and we didn't get back to the hotel until close to 5.
Monday was our day to swim with the dolphins. We were given life vest to wear since we were in deep water. (mine was too big, even though it was as tight as it would go) We were able to do the tricks with the dolphins. First they just swam around and we could rub them as they past by. They love people, were very eager to be around us. Then we were each given a chance to ride holding onto 2 dolphins. It was amazing how fast they swam. We then got to dance with them, feed them a fish and kiss them as well as being able to rub them. The dolphins took us each to the other side of the pool as we held onto their fins and they swam on their backs. It was such a fun experience. They are remarkable animals and very personable.
Tuesday we took the all-terrain tour of Mexico: We started the trip by taking a 30 min. boat ride to where we would get on the vehicles. There were 13 people in our group plus the tour guide and driver. We first stopped at some beautiful gardens where we had time to look around and enjoy the beauty. We then went to a small town. In Mexico a town has to have a town square where there is a gazebo, a church, a town hall for it to be considered a town. The Mexican people work 6/10 hr. days a week. Usually on Sunday they go to the town square and visit with others. It was also interesting to know that 40% of Mexico's income comes from USA, when family members come here to work and sends money home. (this is upsetting to me. Because I know that a lot of them are here illegally and are being paid under the table) Mexico also has no welfare. If you work you eat, if you don't work you don't eat. (I have to admit I think that's a pretty good idea) There's also no retirement. They have to save throughout their lives for retirement. Up until this year education to 9th grad was all that was mandatory. It is now mandatory through 12th. We were able to see they make homemade tortillas, and see a small cheese factory. They make the tortillas and cheese for they towns people. We visited another tequila distillery and had a yummy lunch at a small restaurant. We returned back to our hotel about 6p.m.
Wednesday night we went to The Rhythms of the Night: We took a 45 min. boat ride to an Islad where we had dinner and a show. The Island was lit completly by candlelight. It was really pretty. The show was mostly dancing deplicting their ancient history. We could really compare the Lamanite's history in the show. Then we were taken back by boat to our meeting place and a taxi to our hotel. We got back about 12:30 am.