The real deal.

The first time my feet hit foreign soil (I can hardly count Canada) was in 2003.... we flew through the night, I was groggy and tired. It felt surreal, the humidity, the big flowers, the colorful houses, spanish everywhere, brick and stucco, taxis and food stands...
Welcome to Cancun, Mexico. The city that stole my heart for the latin culture forever.
I don't exactly know what it was that got me, perhaps the connection with a new and different place, perhaps the warm generosity of the people...but whatever the case, I am glad I got to experience the "real" Cancun. And now...three times over.
The Tacos are the best...you've got to try Tacos al Pastor...dripping with fresh pineapple, topped with cilantro and onions. Oh yum. It was Cancun that introduced me to my ridiculous love of Mexican food. These people can COOK!
They also know how to have a good time. The first trip down there Melissa, myself and a couple of the other girls slept on an upstairs deck and every night we fell asleep to the rhythm of some sort of fiesta. I was going to tell you a story about a baby shower but then I remembered that took place in Mexico City so I will have to save it for another time.
The parks are full of families, skate parks full of kids, the churches are vibrant, and Mercado 28...well, why don't you ask my pal Andy about that place? I think he spent more time there than anywhere else.
One extremely rainy afternoon we got ushered out of a theatre because the ceiling was falling in. (we got our money back) Another time I went to church in that same theatre. (I think it was the same one anyway).
There is nothing better than having the locals show you the ropes, point out the best places to get the best treats, show you how to not get ripped off while bargaining, and experiencing a few taxi rides- I recommend brushing up on your spanish, I love talking to the taxi drivers..they are a captive audience to chat with about Jesus..
The American zone? Well, the beaches down there are pretty beautiful, but I highly recommend that you get out and experience the true city.
That my friends is...this weeks challenge # 31: A city I am thankful to have visited.