Day 17 - Ixtapa to Alcapulco, Mexico
Trip Start
Sep 26, 2007
1
16
68
Trip End
Dec 21, 2007
It took us even longer to go fewer kms today. The towns are very close together and they all have these really pointy speed bumps called "topes". If we didn't slow down for them, we'd get bucked off our mules. The big trucks almost come to a stop to cross them and that keeps traffic moving real slow. The roads are getting a little worse as we go but are in constant repair. It's amazing how they actually accomplish such a task with mostly manual labor. Acapulco did not arrive unnoticed. The VW Beetle is alive and well in this city. They are used for taxis and are everywhere. They also drive them just like a bug moves. We got to experience the reality of what we've been reading on how crazy the city driving can be. They don't use their signal lights, red lights don't matter and if there is extra space anywhere, whether it's beside you, in front or behind, it will be utilized. Horns are used to let you know that you're going to be cut off. Somehow, it works. We were laughing as we were driving through this. They're not trying to hit you or anything, just want to get where they're going. An angel (English speaking) on a moped stopped at a red light with Leo. This incredibly nice man went out of his way to escort us to a hotel. It wasn't the nicest room, but it was clean, $37, had a fridge and freezer and a/c. Perfect. We were more impressed with this place than we were in the very expensive Ixtapa room the night before. In the evening, we hopped in a taxi (bug) to see the cliff divers.They first climb the 100' rock face, then jump off into the narrow ocean inlet below. They time their jump with the waves coming in for a successful dive. Everyone's a little crazy.
