GETTING REALLY HIGH IN ACAPULCO
Sep 04 '01
The Bottom Line OK the original title for this one was "A Bird's Eye View of Acapulco", but I just couldn't resist.
"Now remember to hold onto the harness and run toward the water when the boat starts up, and everything will be ok." The face of the fourteen-year-old strapped in the parachute harness and awaiting his turn betrayed his sudden reluctance to go on with this activity. The instructor continued on with his last minute advice, and the kid glanced up at the incoming parachute.
Peer pressure was going to win out. He'd never live it down if he chickened out now. The person in the descending harness was his older sister. Peer pressure works on all ages, if he could do it then I knew I'd have to. I was in the line behind him.
Acapulco the first and once Grande Dame of Mexican resorts has had to endure much in its effort to regain its position. There is fierce competition from Cancun and other resort areas boasting more beautiful beaches and newer and more elegant resorts and hotels. Even nature conspires against her as witnessed by the damage caused by El Nino.
Despite all this there is a determination to return to that grandeur of old. The beaches and streets are cleaned on a regular basis both literally and of the beggars. There is almost continual construction as hotels are upgraded and renovated and new structures built.
The numerous street vendors have almost all been relocated into designated market areas where their unique sales pitch can only be heard those who go looking for it, and not those who don't wish to be disturbed. There are even bilingual special tourist police, youthful and enthusiastic to help solve those small annoyances that sometimes can upset one's vacation.
When one thinks of Acapulco several image come to mind. Perhaps first are the famous death defying cliff divers of Quebrada. Then there are the exclusive and trendy shops and stores that line the Costera Miguel Aleman, the main boulevard, there for those whose idea of a vacation is "shop till you drop."
The numerous restaurants, Planet Hollywood, Hard Rock Cafe, Carlos and Charlies among others are the perfect place to take a break from shopping, or start an evening on the town. The hills are full of the enormous and world famous discos and clubs, like News, Palladium and Fantasy. There the party goes on all night and one can literally dance until the sun comes up or longer, every night of the week.
The dozens of beaches that surround Acapulco Bay, are a good place to recover from the previous nights fun and games and rest up for the upcoming night with the almost universal sport of just relaxing and people watching. For those with excess energy there is a variety of water sports and other activities available. Among the water sports available along the beach, is one that has become synonymous with Acapulco where it was first invented, para sailing.
This activity is one of the better value experiences one can indulge in on vacation. It is relatively inexpensive, averaging around $20.00 for an eight to a ten-minute ride around, or rather above the bay. Prices and trip times are fairly consistent among the numerous operators who line the water's edge on Condesa Beach. While it looks both dangerous and exhilarating, it is quite safe and the operators very professional.
The fourteen-year-old boy comes in for a landing near where I'm waiting. The look of terror has been replaced by one of sheer exhilaration and pleasure, just like that on his sister. It's my turn now.
The boat starts to move. I grab the harness and begin to run toward the surf, feeling the "chute" billow out behind me.
Just before I hit the water, and convinced I'm to never going to take off, there is a surge of power and lift. Tucking my knees up, I skim across the wave tops for a few breathtaking seconds, and then begin to slowly rise higher and faster. Within moments I'm high above the bay gently drifting and enjoying the view.
Time seems to slow down as you float suspended under the canopy, waving at seagulls and other para sails. Your hands are free now, so there's time to drag out the camera, secured with a strong safety cord, and take a few pictures, the skyline, your own happy face framed by the parachute, the speed boat, and the fishing boats far below. Mostly you just relax and enjoy the sensation, after all that's what vacations are for right.
All good things must eventually come to an end. All too soon the operator's whistle signals that the ride is over. A quick look down and you realize you're over the beach again and slowly descending.
The landing drills are simple and you make a soft pinpoint landing back on the beach, almost exactly where you started. Easy, and I didn't even get my feet wet.
One trip is all it takes and I'm hooked. Now every day for the rest of the week I'm down on the beach when the operators set up around 9:00 A.M. One quick trip to start my day off right, and sometimes a second to end it before they close down before dusk.
The vacation however, like the para sailing must end, and all too soon the week is over and I find myself checking out of the hotel. Bags packed, my bill settled and a taxi waiting, I make one last pilgrimage to the beach for a final flight. One final trip and a last chance to enjoy the view and feel like a bird until the next trip.
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Member: James Smith
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