My Last Day in Mexico

Well, It was my last day in Mexico today, and what a day its been. Its going to be hard to come back to the cold, yet at the same time I'm feeling refreshed and rejuvenated and ready to get back to the real World. But in the spirit of the moment I think its only fitting to relive the day and share it with all of you! So here we go!

Today we were going horseback riding, followed by a nice little tear around the beach on some ATVs. That would pretty much take up the entire morning and afternoon leaving our last night in Mexico to do whatever we desired. The day started off with my mom, my cousin, and myself getting up bright and early at 7am to catch our shuttle to the ranch.

- My cousin Zoraida and I arriving at the ranch. We look pretty happy, but believe me when I say we are exhausted!

Once we arrived at the ranch we were greeted by Jorge. Jorge is from La Paz. But he studied and graduated in Mexico City to become a veterinarian. He actually spent 3 years living in Red Deer, Alberta raising and training horses for competition. He mentioned the stampede and how much he loved it, but also how much he hated the cold, which is why he ultimately moved back to Mexico.

- Jorge getting started up on my horse, Vodka. Yes thats right, his name was Vodka. Clearly we were meant for each other.

We went riding for almost a solid two hours. The first hour we rode through some desert paths and it got pretty hot. Eventually we hit the beach which made for an amazing view and experience. When we got to the beach there was an incredible and life saving ocean breeze blowing right towards us which helped cool me and Vodka down.

While at the beach we decided to stop get off and enjoy the view. We ate, drank, and just relaxed for a bit. Jorge told us a few stories, took a couple of pictures for us, but then quickly got us back on our horses and on the trail again. We headed down the coast another 15 minutes until we arrived to where they kept all their ATVs

                           * * * * *

Now don't get me wrong, until now I've been having a great time. Horse back riding was very cool. It was actually really relaxing, well other then when Vodka would start randomly galloping of course. (Yeah! He did that!) But the moment I was really looking had finally arrived. The All Terrain Vehicle portion of our tour. 

ATVing was a blast! But it didn't quite start exactly how I had planned. When we arrived they gave myself, my mom, and my cousin each a 1 seater ATV. These ATVS were manual, meaning you need to know how to shift gears just like you do on a motor bike. Unfortunately my mother did not feel comfortable enough to ride. They told us that if we traded in two of our one seaters they would give us 1 two seater
which are automatic.  I was pretty disappointed as I really wanted to go myself, but the look on my mothers face told me she clearly felt like she was letting me down. She said she would just sit out this bar, but there was no way I was going to let that happen. So I sucked it up and took the two seater with enthusiasm. And honestly, it was soooo much better! This thing was much faster and could really take a beating, which I proceeded to give it by ripping up and down dunes with way too much speed. Ironically I think that by the end of the trip my mom was wishing she would of just skipped out on the ATV after all.

                         * * * * *

By the end of the trip we were exhausted, 5 hours out in the sun really takes it out on you. Our plans for the evening were to go back to the hotel, get cleaned up and head out into town for one last night of shenanigans. We got into San Jose by around 7pm and walked around the streets for about an hour just taking in the city. We finally spotted a restaurant that peeked our interest called La Oisteria. This place was cool, nice, small, but with an open roof and live music. Let the drinking begin! Or so we thought.

After three shared appetizers and an entree each and we were bagged. The three of us managed to stay and watch the band for a set or two, but by 10pm we could barely keep our heads up let alone our eyes open. We kept chugging back these amazing caffinated drinks but to no avail. We decided that maybe it be best if we just head home, get a good nights sleep and not be total disasters for our flight tomorrow.

By the time we got back to the hotel it was round 1030, and we were treated to most beautiful sunset I have ever seen. It felt more like the sun was setting on our trip and not the day (yea yea corny I know!!). But truly it was gorgeous! I reflected on the 10 days I had just spent. Yes, the trip itself couldn't of been scheduled at a worst time for me, with school and all. But in those 10 days I was able to reconnect with my family that live across the ocean in Spain. But also with my family that live here in town with me. Family that I know I take for granted. This trip was exactly what I needed. Exactly what my family needed. And ill treasure the time spent there forever.

Adios Amigos.

-Chippy Chaps