Last Weekend

Friday: I went to Cristo Rey, which is the geographical center of Mexico (and conveniently located just outside of Guanajuato). I also went to the Bicentennial Park, which is a huge expo with tons of food stands, exhibits, etc for the Bicentenario. Actually, it reminded me a lot of a state fair. Unfortunately, it was very crowded, and while I only had a few hours in the park...I got a bit annoyed when people, particularly older women cut me in line!! So, I only went into an exhibit on the military history of Mexico (surprise, surprise, I know!). The other unfortunate part of the Expo was the fact that the exhibits had little to no descriptions or dates for the artifacts (some were replicas). While the exhibit wasn't what I was expecting, I had a lovely elote flavored ice cream (again!). Scarlette and Daniel had a pineapple flavored ice cream- both flavors were crazy delicious.

At Cristo Rey with Cara, Paula, Kyle, Jessica, Josh and Holly

Scarlette, Daniel and I eating our ice cream!

I had no idea what to do with myself, since Rose was off visiting family. So, I hung out with Kyle, Jessica, Josh, Kelly and Paula. Almost everyone liked something I had already bought, so I just showed them the stores I purchased things from- it was a pretty calm evening. I had a cappuchino at a cafe (but I am almost positive we would consider it a frappuchino back in the states).



Saturday: I got up super early to go to El Penon. I had no idea where El Penon was, but after a 2 hour bus ride, I figured out it was near San Felipe, Guanajuato. We got off of the bus...moved our stuff to a truck...and hopped in the back of another truck, which took us to a very green pasture (about 15 minutes away...after going approximately 70 mph). We got off of the truck and were told we would be taking a 2 hour hike, and that our bags might get wet. After everyone put on the required life jacket, we began the hike...

I'm not going to lie, the hike was 5 and a half hours long. I have no idea why the guides did not tell us, but I think people would have been okay with a long hike, had they been more aware. I'm alright with hiking and getting dirty, but I was not mentally prepared with going down waterfalls, scaling boulders, jumping into deep parts of rivers, etc. for 5 1/2 hours straight. All in all, it was an interesting experience- I didn't take that many pictures with my camera because we kept on jumping in and out of the river. (However, I am surprised no one in the group got sick) The area we hiked really reminded me of Jurassic Park.

After the hike, I showered and got ready to go on the ropes course and zip-lines. I had a blast zip-lining, and I even went upside down on the first half of the last zip-line...it was dark when I finished the zip-line, but I enjoyed every minute of it.

On the ropes course

We also had an animal show- I got to hold a python- and a bonfire. I thoroughly enjoyed the bonfire, the heat was greatly appreciated after the long walk and cold shower. :)

Sunday: I woke up around 9, after joining three beds and sharing heat with Cara, Scarlette and Holly 2 (it was really cold, and everyone was shivering- even though we had layers on). We had breakfast, left El Penon, and got back to Guanajuato. After Skyping my dad for three hours (I was trying to talk to my mom...but it is sooo hard getting a hold of her) I went out with Kyle, Kelly, Paula, Josh, Jessica, and a few other people to a cafe.