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Published: September 5th 2011
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Imagine like you are standing at the end of the world. Crisp air blows in your face as your toes dangle over the edge of a cliff. Civilization is miles below where you stand. There are no guard rails, no security measures, nothing stopping you from plummeting to your death….
Welcome to Hierve el Agua; literally translated to Boil the Water when, in fact, there are no boiling waters there. It is what they call a petrified waterfall but is, in fact, not a waterfall either. Hierve el Agua is a collection of natural structures called “Cascadas de Sal” or “Salt Cascades” and is formed by natural springs that run over cliffs. Since the water is saturated with calcium carbonate it crystallizes, like that of large stalactites found in caves, and creates the appearance of large waterfalls frozen in time. It is terrifying and beautiful; intimidating and breathe-taking.
On the last Sunday of May, Jess and I had an opportunity to take the kids to visit the spectacular site. The last Sunday of every month is normally reserved for parents to visit their children that live at the home. As much of a good thing this is for the
children, it can also be a very sad day for those who did not receive a visit from family members. So, Jess and I thought it would be a good day to get these kids away from the mission. With the help of Ian Croft, who was willing to drive the treacherous mountain roads, we made the one hour drive out to Hierve el Agua with 10 kids.
The day could not have been more perfect. We all brought our swim suits because not only do the springs create the brilliant petrified waterfalls, but there were also a bunch of natural pools that we could swim in. The kids were less then interested in looking at the petrified waterfalls; all they wanted to do was swim! Due to the amount of salt in the water, the pools retain a turquoise green colour like in the Caribbean Sea. It was like being in a natural infinity pool, where the edge drops off the horizon and all you see are mountains in the distance - a million dollar view. Because the kids aren’t too comfortable with swimming in waters over their heads, they would make Jess or I swim them back
and forth to the wall so they could play. Tulio and I even ran into a turtle while trying to swim to the wall. Before we would get close enough for a better look, the turtle dived down into the murky waters and out of sight. The turtle became our little secret.
There were two pools that we could swim in. The one that I was talking about which was quite deep and another which was more shallow and less occupied. The shallower one is where the kids wanted to spend most of their time. Jess taught the kids how to float on their backs like a star fish while Veronica and I watched from the side. Well, she tried to teach them to float – Jenny kept sinking like a rock; that girl just couldn’t get the concept of floating. In all, it was a very good day filled with a lot of memories for us and for the kids. The place definitely deserves a visit if you are ever in Oaxaca – just as long as you are not afraid of heights.
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Amber Grobbelaar
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That is crazy beautiful, Leah! Thank you for sharing pictures, :)