Day 9: Veracruz to US - Adios a Mexico

Fruit market in Veracruz
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This morning we met incredibly early in the lobby of our hotel at 4:00 a.m. We had all our luggage and gear ready to go. There was no time for breakfast. We handed in our evaluation sheets to Anna before we left for the airport. Both Anna and Katie drove us there.

Anna talked to each of us about how we did and gave us some stickers. She stayed until we were checked in for our flights. Mandy, Carol and I sat around in the airport and talked until it was time for our flights.

I feel my kayaking has improved from what I learned on this trip and I am considering taking the Intermediate level trip next winter.

Flight home
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Unfortunately by the time we all boarded the plane it got very foggy out and we were stuck on the tarmac for an hour and a half before being cleared for take off. Ofcourse this meant that I missed my connecting flight in Houston and had to wait around the Houston airport for two and a half hours until the next flight to Philadelphia.

I walked around and got something to eat and drink, watched the news on tv, bought some souvenirs and a book to read. Finally I was able to get on the plane to Philly. That flight went smoothly and the shuttle to the parking lot came rather quickly.

I loaded my luggage into my Blazer and settled in for the two hour ride home. Ofcourse it started to snow and then I got stuck in traffic for 45 minutes waiting for an accident scene to clear. It was about 10:00 p.m. til I finally made it home. It was exhausting.

I thoroughly enjoyed my trip. Ofcourse I went for the kayak instruction but I feel that I learned as much off the river as I did on. The extra activities like tortilla making, the temazcal, and the mole sauce demonstration showed us a cultural side of Mexico that we may have had the chance to see. The zip line tour, massage and daily yoga sessions added to the trip and made it feel like you were doing something besides just kayaking.

The local were very friendly and as curious about us as we were about them, a simple "hola" always elicited smiles. The food was outstanding, the village was charming and our instructors were kind and very patient. All the ladies on the trip were very nice and supportive of each other.

I feel my kayaking has improved from what I learned on this trip and I am considering taking the Intermediate level trip next winter.