Mexico

Well, Mexico... it was beautiful, it was a culture shock, the food was yummy, the resort was amazing, but the "relaxing" was just not our style. Don't get me wrong. We had a great time! We very much enjoyed getting away, experiencing a new culture and seeing new things; however, we are not at all lay on the beach people we have learned. We spent only part of our time on the beach. We also spent time in the downtown area of Puerto Vallarta shopping and being harassed by every shop employee we saw which was part of the charm. We spent a day in the mountains on a tour which included an open extended jeep tour on the back roads (which would compare to our field trails), a stop in a small village with an explanation of the Mexican courting rituals, a stop at a shack to have some authentic home made tortillas with salsa, peppers, beans and guacamole, a nature hike in the jungle that is not called a jungle because it is an "old forest", and an authentic Mexican lunch at a small village 15 minutes straight down the side of a mountain with a gorgeous, clean beach. Everyone in the villages were very friendly and welcomed questions. We also went on "Rhythms of the Night" which consisted of a boat trip to a remote area (where only boats can go but it's not an island) where we were greeted by a path lit by torches and ate another authentic Mexican meal by candlelight. After dinner we went to a stage show (comparable to our Lion King production minus the technology but plus live snakes!). It was an amazing adventure we are both thankful for. We made many great memories and took many great pictures to help us remember... which will be posted at a later date. Adios!