December 2007: After last year's disasterous trip to Mexico, this particular trip was considered my "Take Two." The 2006 trip got off to bad start because I spoke zero Spanish which made me feel helpless - not a feeling I'm used to as I already speak three languages fluently and rarely find myself in a situation where I'm unable to communicate. Secondly, the previous year I was six months pregnant and therefore unable to full-fill my life-long dream of swimming with dolphins. Pregnant woman are not allowed in the water with these mamals as a growing embryo throws dolphins off balance and they will not listen to any commands.
The moment I came home from that first trip, I started prepping for the "re-take" by finding myself a private Spanish tutor. I spent twelve months taking weekly Spanish lessons so I would be prepared to navigate the terrain for this particular trip. That was the first step in making things much smoother.
My not-so-humble abode had various wild iguanas and bearded dragons on the property. After having spent a night with an iguana back in college (that's whole other story) and falling in love with it (no, not that way - get your mind out of the gutter!) I felt right at home with these beautiful creatures.
Seizing the moment, I decided I was not only going to swim with dolphins, but I would do the whole kit & caboodle, no matter what it cost, and swim with the sea lions and manatees as well.Continue reading this story...
