fun

Informative

Mexico is one of the best vacation on can take. Benito Juárez, which is one of the largest residential areas in Mexico City is a fantastic place to stay. There are many resorts that all of the rooms are in walking distance from the beach, the pool, the restaurants, the clubs and  the work out center. This makes it easy to spend a lot of time at the pool and the beach. But, there is always excursions close by that are well worth the time spent away from the resort. I stayed at Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera, which is a great option.

One excursion that is fun is snorkeling. The boat rides are beautiful. While we were there we took a snorkeling excursion. You start off by getting on the boat, and are surrounded by gorgeous blue water  that feels like it goes on forever. You boat around for awhile until finding an open spot where then they let you swim and  jump off the boat. They also bring paddle boards along with you so that is an option as well. After swimming and paddle boarding for about 30 minutes they have you get back onto the boat to find a good place to snorkel. This is one of the best parts of the whole trip. You see so many cute little fish, and then also got to see some turtles which are one of my favorite animals. The water was so clear that you could see everything. The beautiful corals, the fish and all of the beautiful features of the ocean. As you are on the way back to the drop off location they gave us food, and many yummy drinks. They give you a platter of four different foods, which were fruit, chips and guacamole, a salad and chicken.

This picture is of the boat and then also the blue water for as far as you can see.
This picture is of the boat and then also the blue water for as far as you can see.
This picture is of me doing a backflip off of the boat. You can also see in this image the blue water and some other people who were in the water.
This picture is of me doing a backflip off of the boat.
This picture is of us paddle boarding. You can see the blue water again and also another boat in the background.
This picture is of us paddle boarding.

When going to Mexico one of the excursions I highly recommend is going zip lining. There is a location called Xei Ha Hidden Wonder. There are spots to take pictures with beautiful parrots, float down a river, zip line, go hiking and swimming in these magnificent caves, go cliff jumping and go down water slides. One of the best parts of this excursion is the caves. There were so many of them and each one of them had its own original look to it. The zip lining is extremely fun, and a great time for all ages. It was surrounded by beautiful trees, and the water was so clear underneath you.

This is a picture of one of the caves. You can see how beautiful the colors are and how each of the rocks almost have their own personality.
This is a picture of one of the caves. You can see how beautiful the colors are and how each of the rocks almost have their own personality.
In this picture we are cliff jumping. Each of the spots that had cliff jumping had these fun rocks to jump off of.
In this picture we are cliff jumping. Each of the spots that had cliff jumping had these fun rocks to jump off of.
This is a picture of me and the parrots. They had the most beautiful colors and were so friendly.
This is a picture of me and the parrots. They had the most beautiful colors and were so friendly.
This is a picture of me zip lining. You can see how clear the water is underneath me and how green everything is around me.
This is a picture of me zip lining. You can see how clear the water is underneath me and how green everything is around me.

Overall, Mexico was one of the most beautiful and fun places to visit. I would highly recommend anyone who is looking for a fun and relaxing vacation to go here. There are so many different options for places to stay, excursions to go on and the best part is it is all up to you. If someone wants to sit and relax by the pool or beach all day they can do that, or if somebody wants to go on adventures and see so many beautiful places and things they can do that as well.

Listicle

For many New Mexicans, fall is the most awaited season. Although summer break is nice, temperatures nearing 100 degrees are not fun. When the air becomes cool, and the air is filled with the smell of roasted green chiles, we know it’s time for fall. So whether you’re a local, or in town for the weekend, here are a few things you can do in New Mexico during the fall. 

Burning of Zozobra (Burning of el Kookooe):

In the South Valley of Albuquerque, the burning of el Cucuy signals the beginning of fall. In Mexican tradition, el Cucuy is the equivalent to the boogeyman. Many parents use el Cucuy as a way to scare their children into behaving. At this event, people write their troubles and worries on a piece of paper and they place it inside of the monster. Then, when everyone’s fear is in, the Cucuy is then burned and everyone watches their worries burn. Although it’s always fun to watch the burning live, this year the burning was televised live on September 4th due to the pandemic. (event-information)

“Gloom of 2020” by Event information Artist, Michael E. Martinez

 

The International Balloon Fiesta:

The International Balloon Fiesta is probably the biggest event in New Mexico, and it happens in the fall. For nine days in October, Albuquerque’s sky is filled with thousands of hot air balloons. The cool fall mornings and the beautiful New Mexico sunrises are the perfect setting for the most popular event, the mass ascension of the balloons. Any New Mexican can tell you how gorgeous the skies look during the Balloon Fiesta. Sadly, the Balloon Fiesta was canceled this year, but many local balloon owners are still ascending and flying their balloons around the city skies. Although it’s not the same, it’s good to see New Mexicans keeping their traditions alive even during a pandemic.

The New Mexico Balloon and others. Photo by Alex Kiska

 

The New Mexico State Fair:

Picture credit: https://www.reliablenissan.com/blog/2017/september/5/new-mexico-state-fair-returns-to-albuquerque-on-thursday-sept-7.htm

In September, fall kicks off with the State Fair. Every year, the state fair happens to land on the rainiest week of the year. This makes the cool evenings perfect to walk around the fair. Even if you’re not into the wild rides, the food available there is delicious! From funnel cake, deep-fried pickles, and giant turkey legs, the fair has something for everyone! There’s guaranteed fun for all ages! Although this year the fair was canceled due to the pandemic, the state fair has moved online, you can check out all their online activities at https://statefair.exponm.com/p/2020-virtual-fair.

 

 

McCalls Pumpkin Patch:

There’s no better way to get into the fall spirit than a good old fashioned pumpkin patch. McCalls is a family-owned farm, and during the fall they open their doors to visitors. Their most popular attraction is the corn maze, which takes you into the pumpkin patch, but with over 35 activities such as the cow train, a rope course, pig races, and the pumpkin cannon, fun is guaranteed! Due to the pandemic, McCall’s pumpkin patch is will only be selling a limited number of tickets online each day. If you want to make sure you have a spot reserved, buy your tickets early!

Picture credit: Matt Dahsleid for The New Mexican

 

 

McCalls Haunted Farm:

Run by the same family and in the same location, McCalls Haunted Farm is for the brave members of the family. This haunted house tells the story of a farmer who is rumored to have killed his family after losing his farm. No one in the town has seen the man or his family in years. Now, it is up to visitors of the farm to solve the mystery surrounding their disappearance. Enter at your own risk, and don’t let the farmer get you! Currently, the McCall family plans to open the Haunted House in October, however, they are working closely with the New Mexico Department of Health to make sure they’re ready to go for the 2020 season!

Picture credit: https://www.mccallshauntedfarm.com

 

 

Take a hike down the Rio Grande:

There’s nothing more beautiful and captivating than New Mexico sunsets. Now, combine that with the captivating leaves falling from the Alameda trees. This hike is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy a cool evening and see beautiful sights. And, it is perfect for beginners or expert hikers. Plus, hikers can expect to meet some cute friends along the way, since the Rio is a favorite for ducks and geese. Make sure to take a mask, and keep 6 feet apart from other hikers on the trail.

Picture credit: https://www.cabq.gov/city-photos