Backpacking Trip Through Central, Southern and Eastern Mexico (4 weeks, Oct/Nov 2004)
My boyfriend (Eric) and I decided to take on a trip to Mexico so we can finally see the Day of the Dead celebrations, that I had learnt about in my first trip to Mexico. In addition to the big festival, we also decided to take on some ocean and cavern (cenotes) scuba diving, wander through ancient ruins, explore some of the key towns across the country and try the traditional Oaxacan chocolate (which Eric raved about -- he had discovered it on his last trip to Mexico seven yrs prior).
CITIES/PLACES VISITED IN MEXICO : Mexico City, Taxco, Teotihuacan, Morelia/Patzcuaro, Playa de Carmen/Cozumel, Palenque, San Cristobal de las Casas. Oaxaca City.
Family Vacation (2 weeks, Feb. 2000)
Mexico is a great place to party and to spoil yourself -- hot sun year round, nice beaches, colourful buildings and clothing, and pina coladas seem to be Mexico's national drink especially in the resort areas!
CITIES/PLACES VISITED IN MEXICO : Puerto Vallarta.
TOP THINGS TO DO/SEE IN MEXICO
Day of the Dead Festival -- Evening of Nov 1st (Patzcuaro area is most famous for it, but you can find it celebrated across Mexico on this same day)
Visit the National Anthropology Museum in Mexico City
Visiting the ruins will be memorable -- and each one I saw was so different from the other.
Sumidero Canyon near San Cristobal -- It will leave you breathless!
I guess one of the "things to see in Mexico" are the bull fights, which I went to see. But, boy, they are really cruel and unfair to the bulls. Now that I've seen it though, I won't rush back to see it again next time I am in Mexico.
In resorts or even just resort towns, you can usually rent dune buggies to drive around on the beach, go snorkeling/scuba diving, swim with dolphins, etc.
Puerto Vallarta's main beach is populated with beautiful and strange statues all along the trail. Great for an afternoon stroll. Definitely, a must see!
BEST MEMORIES FROM MEXICO
Seeing the cemeteries on the Day of the Dead lit up with candles and decorated with flowers and offerings.
Exploring and Diving in the cenotes -- a unique experience either way!
Seeing real pelicans for the first time ! They are so funny looking. ;c)
Going to Sr. Frog -- a crazy chain with a popular character (this drunk little frog) -- they've got more merchandise for him than Disney has for Mickey ! (Ok, so I'm exagerating again, but I think I've made my point). Plus, the bar restaurant itself is a great place to eat at.
Trucks with an open back (not sure what they are called) are very popular in Mexico because you can just have all 20 of your friends jump in the back without seatbelts!
FAVOURITE FOODS / DRINKS IN MEXICO
Tacos! But they don't have a crunchy shell in Mexico!
Quesadillas (Only Tortillas and Cheese in Mexico!)
Chili Soup -- Very nice flavour, and sometimes, it has cheese in it!
Oaxacan Cheese -- Just as stringy as the stringiest Mozerella!
Getting tortillas with every meal, except for fancier places where they give you bread.
"Hot Nuts" Peanuts -- Branded snack food, peanuts covered in a crunchy coating with a spicy lime and chili flavour.
Soggy nachos for breakfast (Chilaquiles) - soggy nachos in omelettes are also good !
Senor Frog's tasty alcoholic drinks served in a 2-3 feet tall plastic cup with a really long straw.
REALLY WEIRD FOOD / DRINKS (SOME EVEN I COULDN'T GATHER THE COURAGE TO TRY!)
Oaxacan Chocolate might be strange to some people as it is sweet, granular, and has a little more than a hint of cinnamon. I loved it!
Fried Grasshoppers covered in a chili sauce (didn't try it, alas)
WARNING for some : Some of the food (ie. salsas) was REALLY spicy!
