Historic Center of Zacatecas

The view of Zacatecas from the nearby silver mines.

Location: Zacatecas, Zacatecas, Mexico

Visited: August, 2009

Opinion and Background:
Towards foreigners, Mexicans seem united in their love for their country. However, amongst themselves, distinct (but friendly) battle lines are drawn showing off specific city pride, with everyone claiming that their city is the most beautiful and unique in Mexico. While its easy to brush this off as typical over aggrandizement of one’s hometown, it is actually quite remarkable how different Mexican cities can look compared to each other, and for once, the hype is justified.

Read more

While a National Park sounds like fun, many people don’t know what to do besides camping. While camping is a great experience, it doesn’t have to stop there. Thankfully, there are plenty things to do in northern California, where the Redwoods National and State Parks are located. Here are three things you can do if you visit the redwoods:

1) West Coast Game Park (Walk Thru Safari) [Outside Redwoods National Park]

Heading north, just past the Redwoods National Park is the West Coast Game Park Walk-Thru Safari. Many animals which have been on TV come here to retire. Because they are mostly docile, you can get a lot closer to them than you would in a regular zoo. In addition, they often feature baby animals which you can pet and even feed. When I went, there was a three month old black bear, a six week old lynx, and a baby white tiger named “Sultan.” Of course, that was a few years ago, so check out their website to see the current list of featured animals.

Read more

Sian Ka’an is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. If you haven’t seen my post, read that article first. However, now that you are in the area, what else should you do? Furthermore, inside of Sian Ka’an, what is there to do? Fortunately, these questions have very satisfying answers.

1) Track Dolphins and Sea Turtles (inside Sian Ka’an)

As you enter the town of Punta Allen, you might see some signs for “eco-tours.” Some of the town people have grown an appreciation for observing the wildlife, without harming it. In this spirit, they offer a boat ride to see some dolphins and sea turtles. The longer tours can also include viewing eagles in their nests, and crocodiles. The boat also navigates through rivers fenced by mangrove trees. It is quite a surreal experience.

Read more