Today I woke up at 6 AM. From our stateroom window we could see land and buildings up ahead! We were coming into Acapulco. The scenery was lovely, as there were high cliffs jutting out of the semi-circular bright blue bay. The weather outside was hot and humid: 90 degrees F.
Breakfast was early today since it was a port day. There was no time to go to the gym. Today for breakfast I had a small portion of raisin and cinnamon French toast, a scrambled egg and a side dish of fresh mixed berries.
Barbara had arranged for me to go on a special tour that was for world cruise guests only. I was so fortunate to be able to go with her since my voyage was only a segment voyage. We all met in the ship’s Yacht Club and were transported by a tender to the shore. Once on shore, we were met by our tour leader who escorted us to an air-conditioned bus.
Acapulco is shifting dramatically from its status years ago as the symbol of a vacation oasis for idols of cinematic stardom. The center of life in Acapulco has shifted completely out of the town and into the hills beyond. The center city fanning out around seaport is shabby and beset with aggressive street vendors.
The tour guide commented on various attractions as we rode along. As we went through old town Acapulco we saw a busy street lined with blue and white Volkswagen Beetle taxicabs, open air restaurants serving Mexican food, run down stores, children helping parents sell goods as well as a variety of blankets, shirts, dresses, and jewelry for sale in open stalls. We were told that many children attend the public schools for the afternoon shift starting at 2PM so that they can help their parents in the mornings. School is required for all children just as it is in the US and the UK.
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We drove on and saw a Starbucks and McDonalds. The tour guide informed us that the only difference between the Big Mac in the States and the Big Mac here is that in Acapulco it comes with Jalapeño peppers!
As we traveled on, we saw a home owned by Elizabeth Taylor. It was on a high cliff overlooking the bay. There was a circular swimming pool beside the home with many levels, balconies, and windows. On top of the home was a regular roof covered by another thatched roof. She still owns the house today.
It was explained to us that the beaches in Acapulco are all public beaches and belong to the people of Mexico. The sand is white and absolutely beautiful. There is no such thing, our guide told us, as a private beach, not even one that fronts a private home.
Our bus moved into what was called the golden district. This is where large hotels were built along the beachfront. We drove past the Ritz and the Hilton where uniformed attendants opened the doors for visitors as they entered. This area of the city was much newer, and it appeared to be somewhat prosperous
As we started to climb up hills, we were told that we were entering the “Diamond District” of Acapulco. The views were amazing up here! We headed up to the Mirador Hotel, the first stop on our tour. It was here about 50 years ago that two high school age boys started a sport called cliff diving. They found the perfect cliff outside the hotel, climbed it and practiced diving into the bay. At first they dove in from 50 feet above the water, then 60 feet above and now, 137 feet up. Every day they perfected their skills and their dives started to attract a lot of people. Eventually the owner of the hotel decided that this was a good way to make some money. He added a bar in the lower part of the hotel and increased balcony space where guests could watch the divers. Hotel business increased greatly. Now it is part of the cruise tours. Diving became part of a family hobby and more and more divers were trained. Today their ages range from 14 years (a female diver) to age 37. Usually divers retire in their mid 30’s.
After a diver has climbed all the way to the top of the cliff, he or she will pause, face one or both of the religious shrines, pray, and then stand facing the water at the edge of the cliff. Next they will wave to all of us and check the position of the waves. Finally, the diver’s arms go into position and the dive takes place. Best Way To Get Around:
We drove on and saw a Starbucks and McDonalds. The tour guide informed us that the only difference between the Big Mac in the States and the Big Mac here is that in Acapulco it comes with Jalapeño peppers!
As we traveled on, we saw a home owned by Elizabeth Taylor. It was on a high cliff overlooking the bay. There was a circular swimming pool beside the home with many levels, balconies, and windows. On top of the home was a regular roof covered by another thatched roof. She still owns the house today.
It was explained to us that the beaches in Acapulco are all public beaches and belong to the people of Mexico. The sand is white and absolutely beautiful. There is no such thing, our guide told us, as a private beach, not even one that fronts a private home.
Our bus moved into what was called the golden district. This is where large hotels were built along the beachfront. We drove past the Ritz and the Hilton where uniformed attendants opened the doors for visitors as they entered. This area of the city was much newer, and it appeared to be somewhat prosperous
As we started to climb up hills, we were told that we were entering the “Diamond District” of Acapulco. The views were amazing up here! We headed up to the Mirador Hotel, the first stop on our tour. It was here about 50 years ago that two high school age boys started a sport called cliff diving. They found the perfect cliff outside the hotel, climbed it and practiced diving into the bay. At first they dove in from 50 feet above the water, then 60 feet above and now, 137 feet up. Every day they perfected their skills and their dives started to attract a lot of people. Eventually the owner of the hotel decided that this was a good way to make some money. He added a bar in the lower part of the hotel and increased balcony space where guests could watch the divers. Hotel business increased greatly. Now it is part of the cruise tours. Diving became part of a family hobby and more and more divers were trained. Today their ages range from 14 years (a female diver) to age 37. Usually divers retire in their mid 30’s.
After a diver has climbed all the way to the top of the cliff, he or she will pause, face one or both of the religious shrines, pray, and then stand facing the water at the edge of the cliff. Next they will wave to all of us and check the position of the waves. Finally, the diver’s arms go into position and the dive takes place.