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Published: January 11th 2013
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El Potrero Chico
Gotta love the short hikes! El Potrero Chico, Acapulco, Mexico City
Growing up in Houston, Texas, I was a minority as a caucasian. I was mostly sheltered from much of the Mexicans in Texas by attending elementary and high school in private schools, though Middle school was spent in the public sector. I was surrounded by mostly Mexicans and African American people. Most of them were proud of their heritage (as I am mine), and as I've bever been one for cliques, we all embraced friendship from our different backgrounds. The most prevalent conversation on the news and among friends about Mexicans was the problem of illegal immigrants; how people would sneak over the borders, how to secure our borders, or make it easier and legal for them to come to the States. They typically took the lowest paying jobs, were involved with drugs or crimes, and as they had poor English, I would hear them whistle at me from construction sites. I'm not saying this is the norm, or the truth, I'm just saying this is my memory of the conversation at school and on the news. I'm so glad I went to Mexico to disrupt that viewpoint of Mexicans!
I
met some extraordinary men and women. I saw the poverty, and understood why so many would want to come to America, and got to see how friendly the men and women are. I first went to rock climb in El Potrero Chico. Having met my first disappointment of a rock climbing destination (ever), I fled to Acapulco for New Years Eve where it was warm and sunny, and then hopped back to Mexico City to see my friend Madeline and my family there (Yep, that's right! I got a big family in Mexico City!!)
Rock Climbing El Potrero Chico was a disappointment because the rock quality was poor, there were major rock falls (the size of cars), the rock was sharp in some places, or slick in others, and hard to read. I loved the multi-pitches, though the weather was dull, grey and cold. There was no streaming rivers or any water that I could see, save from the tap water, and it made the land and view desolate and barren. It made me miss the beautiful green pastures and sheep I would see in England, or the ocean I could see in Greece when I go to
picking up some Austin folk
We have several mutual friends!! the top of the climb. Even in Jordan, which is equally as desolate, you could at least look down and see a Bedouin releasing his camels, or the viewpoint of other beautiful mountains and towns. I have heard the rock quality is better in El Salto, which is an hour away - may I recommend trying that out to my climbing readers.
--> The people I met were amazing, so I don't want to discount that, and some of us went to a phenomenal hot spring, which was the highlight (after so many cold/dry days). It was enormous, and I might have been willing to stay there for days if other adventures were not calling to me. My next adventure being... Acapulco for New Years!
Acapulco Now... You all will have to understand that I live in Colorado, which is the thinnest/healthist state in the US of A. On my way to the airport, I heard that we have 1 in 5 people who are obese, and even that is unacceptable... the governing bodies are seeking ways to reduce that number to less than 20%! (MISSING)Mexico is the fattest country, I think, definitely the highest
obesity rate. So when I see the fattest bodies ever - and Krispy Kreme donuts on every corner, you better believe that was culture shock. Seriously, people. Check your lard at the door.
There were only two gringos other than me in the entire city of Acapulco other than me. They were travelers from Los Angeles (another place where people take care of themselves and are thin) and I enjoyed hanging out with these brothers, and would even go as far as to say that they were my saviors on my Acapulco adventure.
Fireworks on the beach at midnight... cliff diving.... and vavoom!! the next adventure awaits.
Mexico City I met Madeline in Mexico City. I met her five years ago on a train from Spain to France, and we have stayed in touch ever since. To spoil ourselves, we got a four-star hotel (May I recommend this as the best way to clean up after 9 days of camping and a quickie in Acapulco). The city and our hotel was practically empty because of the holidays, and we got the best room, with a gym/pool not three doors down
Madeline and Joni
It's been 5 years!! BUT... it will be less than a year till I see her again. <3 from our room. Slightly ill of Mexican food, we went to discover what Mexico City had to offer other than meat and guacamole (though I have not tired of either), and we found amazing seafood, sushi, and more. We enjoyed fresh fruit, and did a little shopping, and in less than 48 hours, we parted. I'll see her in London soon!!
I met with my cousin in Mexico City, though I didn't get to meet her kids, grandkids, or great-grand kid, I enjoyed my cousin, none-the-less.
Next, I might head to Belize, Europe, or beyond... stay tuned!!
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