M E X I C O.....OH....M E X I C O

North America's M E X I C O is an enchanting country full of wonders. There are archeological sites, beautiful beaches, desert landscapes, jungle settings, and mighty mountains not to mention mouth-watering cuisine and great tequila. This is the country that gets lots of college students during their spring break hanging out at the beach and honeymoon couples enjoying a romantic vacation. Whether you come here to explore the excitement of Mexico City or swing in a hammock at one of the popular beach resorts. MEXICO is synonymous with vacation.

So where do you head first? Well if the beach is on your mind "Cancun" is a very good choice. Here the waters are turquoise and the sun as warm as fresh made tortillas. Cancun is full of hotels and resorts that stand in front of the Caribbean Sea. Just be certain to wear lots of sunscreen because it's very easy to get sunburned the first few days (I can attest to this having gotten sunburned the day after I arrived in Cancun). The highlight in Cancun is the abundance of sports that revolve around water. There's swimming and snorkeling of course but not to be missed is a boat ride. Whether it's a small boat or a ferry there's something very soothing about gliding across the calm turquoise waters of Cancun's Caribbean Sea.

Cozumel a small island is one of Mexico's most famous destinations. Here's you'll find lighthouses, fantastic scuba diving and snorkeling. There's also Chankanaab National Park where you can swim with dolphins and witness a landlocked pool connected to the sea through an underwater tunnel. A good option in Cozumel is an "all inclusive vacation" which includes lodging, meals, and activities for a set price. Other popular beach resorts in Mexico are;  Ixtapa, Puerto Vallarta, Sayulita, and Tulum.

Mexico City one of the most populated cities in the world struggles with air pollution but it's a very exciting city that shouldn't be missed. With first rate public transportation getting around Mexico City is quite easy. If you have a few days in Mexico City visit 1) Casa de los Azulejos, 2) Basilica de Santa Maria de Guadalupe, 3) Bazar del Sabado (Saturday market), 4) Floating Gardens of Xochimilco, 5) Palacio Nacional and the Diego Rivera Murals and 6) Cathedral Metropolitana. After a relaxing siesta take advantage of Mexico City's performing arts scene and enjoy world class ballet, music concerts, opera and theater. The Pyramids of  San Juan Teotihuacan about 30 miles from Mexico City are one of the most important ruins in the world. Allow yourself a full day to explore the palaces & pyramids of San Juan Teotihuacan.

I love Mexican food and I thank the Mexican people for creating such delicious tasting food. When in Mexico be sure to try tacos, tamales, tortillas, and salsa. Mexico has plenty of fresh avocados, chilies, corn, papaya, and tomatoes. These foods are used daily in Mexican cooking. Another standout is the great beer, coffee and tequila. Incidentally the Mexicans are the highest consumers of the soda drink "Coke/Coco Cola."

So learn some Spanish, bring along some pesos and explore enchanting MEXICO!

For more information on the country of Mexico visit the website Mexico Tourism.

www.visitmexico.com


A d r i a n n a 's   F a v o r i t e   G u a c a m o l e

3 ripe avocados
1 ripe tomato, cut into small pieces
juice from 1 lime
2 Tablespoons chopped cilantro
1 minced chili (remove seeds and stem)

Scoop out three ripe avocados and mash with a fork, add lime juice, cilantro, chilies, and tomato. Mix gently in a medium size bowl. Serve guacamole with tortilla chips or use the guacamole as a quesadilla filling.