Just south of our border, Mexico is a land of beauty, and many exciting destinations for the traveler. From the Yucatan Peninsula in the east on the Caribbean, to the cliffs of Acapulco on the Pacific, to the Canyons and deserts of the north, and to the mountains and jungles of southern Mexico, there is something for everyone. Mayan traditions and history abound in the Yucatan. Mexico City was home to the mighty Aztecs, and is full of history and archeological wonders.

The Pacific coast offers many seaside resorts, beaches, deep-sea fishing, and some of the best seafood to be found anywhere. Puebla, Taxco, Cuernavaca, and San Miguel de Allende are just some of the colonial cities that ooze charm and history in every corner. The Mexican people are welcoming, friendly and eager to show off their beautiful country to tourists.

One of the best things about Mexico is the cuisine, one of the world’s most distinctive. From tortillas to the spicy salsas and native fruits, there is much to love about the food in Mexico. Different from the Tex-Mex and California-Mex food that is so popular in the U.S., true Mexican food has little to do with cheddar cheese and tortilla chips. Spicy cuisine, or picante as it is called in Mexico, is the favorite of most Mexicans. Chiles are added to just about everything. Mole, a sauce made from chocolate, cactus, and corn fungus, known as huitlacoche, is a favorite delicacy.

It would be a crime to travel to Mexico, and not taste many of the wonderful dishes that can be found in the colorful restaurants there. However, there are some precautions that need to be taken. Always drink bottled water while in Mexico. You should also only brush your teeth with bottled or properly filtered water even in the most exclusive resorts.

Food that is well cooked and served hot is generally considered safe. Tortillas, a Mexican staple, are safe to eat. Ice should always be avoided and that means no frozen Margaritas. Beans, rice, and soups are safe as they are boiled to be prepared and boiling will take care of the bacteria and viruses that freezing does not. Fresh fruit should be considered risky unless you can peel it yourself.

Mexico is famous for Montezuma’s revenge or turista, as it is also known. This is diarrhea that is caused by the lack of potable water in Mexico. Hepatitis A, a form of Hepatitis that is transmitted through food and water is highly endemic in Mexico. A very large number of the population in Mexico has had this disease. Typhoid, a disease caused by food and water contaminated with Salmonella Typhi bacteria, is also endemic. Both of these diseases can be prevented with vaccines.

The Hepatitis A vaccine is a 2 dose series (second dose given 6-12 months after first). Full protection is achieved with the first dose, and with the booster comes long term immunity of 15-20 years. A highly effective vaccine, Hepatitis A generally protects at 99.99%. Hepatitis A is acquired through contaminated irrigation water, a person handling your food who is currently infected and by coming into close contact with a person who is sick with Hepatitis A. It can be easily prevented through vaccination.

Typhoid vaccine can be given by an injectable (killed) vaccine or by a live oral vaccine. The live vaccine is a series of 4 pills that are taken every other day until completed. It must be refrigerated and taken on an empty stomach with a full glass of water. It is best tolerated if you eat a meal an hour after taking the pill. Protection lasts for 5 years. You must have a minimum of two full weeks before travel for this vaccine to be effective. Contraindications for taking the oral vaccine are if you have chronic bowel disease and if you are on antibiotics. The injectable vaccine can be given to anyone 2 years and older, is a single shot and is protective for 2 years. It can be given to people on antibiotics and those who have chronic bowel disease.

As with travel to any place, a current Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis booster is in order. Walking on the beach presents a lot of risk for stepping on something in the sand, or being cut by coral while snorkeling or diving.

A visit to your local Passport Health office can give you all the specific information and advice that you need to stay healthy for your trip to this wonderful country.

Tenga un viaje seguro!

History, wonderful beaches, deep sea fishing, scuba diving, whale watching, hunting, gorgeous scenery, mountains, deserts and jungles to name a few.

Mexico was long inhabited by native populations that established themselves in different parts of the country. The Mayans settled in the Yucatan Peninsula and southern Mexico, the Aztecs in the area of Mexico City, while the Olmecs emigrated south from Alaska to the center of the country. Many of the ruins of these ancient civilizations can still be visited today.

Those who love history would love to visit Mexico City. Here the Anthropological Museum is considered second only to the museum in Cairo. You can see many pre-Colombian artifacts including the Aztec Calendar. The Zocolo or town square is the second largest in the world after Red Square in Moscow. The Cathedral of Mexico, which is the largest and oldest in the Americas, is also located on the Zocolo. Built in 1573, it is a beautiful example of colonial architecture. Not too far away is the Palace of Fine Arts where, if you are lucky, the Ballet Folklorico may be in town performing a compilation of all the dances that are native to the different areas of Mexico. The curtain at the Palace is made entirely of stained glass. It is a sight not to be missed!

Also, in Mexico City is the beautiful Chapultepec Park. In the center is the “Castle,” built by Maximillian of Austria; a Hapsburg brought over to Mexico by Napoleon the Third to rule over the country as an Emperor. He was killed by Benito Juarez and his troops to regain control of the country. The castle is open for touring and has a really nice museum attached.

The Basilica of the Virgin of Guadalupe, where the Virgin Mary appeared to the peasant, Juan Diego, is also located in Mexico City. His tilma, where the image of the Virgin is imprinted, is on view in the Basilica daily. The original basilica is closed as it sinking at an alarming rate; however the original chapel that was built in her honor is still a short climb up the hill.

The outskirts of the city take you to the pyramids of the Sun and the Moon called Teotihuacan. As impressive as the Egyptian pyramids, it is a must see for anyone traveling to Mexico City.

Outside of Mexico City there are many lovely smaller colonial towns also full of history and beautiful buildings and churches. The silver capital of Mexico is Taxco. Built on top of a mountain, you definitely feel as though you are far from home. You can find plenty of beautiful silver goods here from jewelry to picture frames to all kinds of articles for entertaining. It’s well worth the trip. Cuernavaca with its perfect weather is also a treat! Puebla, San Miguel de Allende are just some of the places that merit a visit.

Tulum, Mexico

Are you more into sun and sand and beautiful water? Then a trip to the Caribbean may be more your style. Cancun is the place for soaking up the sun, water sports, and great night clubs. Cozumel is one of the best scuba destinations in the world. Pristine beaches and gorgeous reefs beckon any diver to this tiny island. Both Cancun and Cozumel are close to the Mayan jungles and ruins such as Tulum, Chichen Itza, Uxmal, and Mayapan. Deep sea fishing is also an option.

Move over to the West Coast of Mexico and you find many, many wonderful resorts on the Pacific Ocean. Not as diver friendly as the Caribbean, you can nonetheless bask in the sun on great beaches, swim, boat, participate in water sports, and the deep sea fishing here is some of the best in the world. Golfing is also available. The Baja Peninsula brings the opportunity to whale watch at certain times of the year as the Sea of Cortez is a major breeding ground for many species of whales.

If spectacular scenery is your kind of thing, then visit Mexico’s Copper Canyon located in Chihuahua. Copper Canyon is the largest Canyon in the world, dwarfing our Grand Canyon. Chihuahua is also home to some spectacular hunting venues.

There is so much to see and do in Mexico that one trip cannot do it justice! The warm, welcoming Mexican people, the music and the food all contribute to Mexico Lindo (beautiful Mexico) as being the perfect destination for your next vacation!

If you aren't able to make it to Mexico, here is a great dish you can make to bring a little of Mexico to your table! Unlike the usually tomato-based recipes, this chicken enchilada dish is cream based and will tempt your tastebuds and have you wanting more. Serves 6 and it's so easy to make!

• 12 corn tortillas
• 3 cooked chicken breast halves, no bones or skin, shredded
• ½ cup chopped green onions
• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• ¾ cup minced onion
• 12 oz shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 oz chopped green chilies
• ¼ cup butter
• ¼ cup all purpose flour
• Vegetable oil for frying

Preparation: Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large frying pan over a medium high heat, and then fry the tortillas individually for 5 seconds per side until they are pliable, add more oil as required. Drain tortillas on paper towels and keep them warm.

Divide the chicken, onion (not green onion) and 10 oz of the cheese between the tortillas. Roll them up and place in a greased baking pan, seam side down. Melt the butter in a pan over a medium heat. Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk until it begins to boil. Add the broth, stirring continuously.

Lower the heat, add the chilies and sour cream. Stir occasionally and do not let the mixture boil. Pour this mixture over the enchiladas when hot and thick. Bake the Mexican chicken enchiladas for 20 minutes then top with the rest of the cheese and bake for a further 5 minutes. Use the green onions and cilantro to garnish.

Both of my sons started to think internationally in 1996 when my then 11-year-old, Patrick, was invited to apply to Children’s International Summer Villages (CISV). Patrick went to Thailand for a month the following winter, and later to Norway and Canada. His brother, Nick, went to France at 11 and they were both involved in numerous local camps where we hosted youngsters from Denmark, France, Brazil, Costa Rica, Italy, Norway, Jordan, and Turkey in our home. (Not all at the same time.)

This peacemaking program was my sons’ entrée to an Earth populated by people much like their other friends. Patrick studied in El Salvador in college and led a Spring Break mission to Guatemala. They both went to Peru for a service trip. Now, as a college grad, Patrick is in Nicaragua for two years with Jesuit Volunteers International. Nick, as a freshman, will spend most of July in GlobeMed, Loyola’s medical clinic in Guatemala. All this is to say that we have learned a bit about international humanitarian travel.

Some “Be’s” to consider…

Be a good example of American kindness, but leave your patriotic flags at home. The The US of A is not always universally respected for her governmental policies so always be a good ambassador.

Be sure that the State Department knows your travel plans. Often a trip leader will take care of this detail, but as a traveler you want to be sure that has been done. In case of emergency you want them to know where you are. Americans typically consider terrorist activities, but natural disasters are also possible. Patrick and I have been shaken up by a few earthquakes while abroad.

Be aware of the local holidays and how they might impact your travels. A few examples from Nicaragua: -Patrick was stranded when he didn’t know that the buses into Managua would not run on Good Friday. -Fireworks in December could catch you off guard, especially on the 9th and final night of Purisima. On that eve of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception people wander the streets singing songs about Mary and receiving treats as they go and at midnight the whole country sets off fireworks. -If you didn’t know the custom of burning El Viejo (the old) as the New Year is rung in, you might be frightened to see your neighbors burning what only looks like a man, doused with alcohol, and stuffed with exploding firecrackers in the gutter.

Veracruz, Mexico

Be gentle with yourself. Children tend to be very forgiving of poor grammar if you are trying their language. Laughter is universally recognized, especially if you are laughing at yourself. And a lot can be communicated with smiles and tossing a ball.

Be open to the customs and habits of the people you are going to visit. You may be going to help them, but be open to receiving as well. You will learn a lot, make new friends, and enrich your life immensely with humanitarian travel.

Disparity between Poor and Rich in Mexico

        Not all mission trips are the same

• Leaders could have a lot of experience protecting their volunteers and providing a safe and meaningful experience, but some give inaccurate medical advice or minimize real risks.
• Groups and/or missionaries may have scraped together just enough money for the trip and trust their health to luck or God or both.
• Trips can be well controlled with minimal risk and others are more casual, where eating at roadside stands, exploring the local flora, fauna, and fireworks, and doing your own thing are encouraged.
• Travel health insurance, as vital as it is, can be required by the group or left to the individual traveler to find and purchase.

        Not all missionaries are the same

• Some missionaries might be cautious with their own health and safety while others will drink local water, drink after other people, forget sunscreen and/or repellent, gladly accept rides in the back of pick-up trucks, hike with abandon, etc.
• Different health conditions can present two travelers in the same group with different risks. For instance, H2-blockers (acid reducers) commonly prescribed for stomach ailments can increase your risk of traveler’s diarrhea.
• I’ve been told by some that they believe God invited them to serve this way and they won’t get sick if they are doing God’s work. Others believe that it is their responsibility to care for and protect their own bodies and spirits.

        Not all locales are the same

• China frowns on preachers and those who share their faith overtly. English teachers, however, are welcome.
• In El Salvador it is illegal to move someone involved in an accident, no matter how long it takes for the medics to arrive. Since riding in the back of pickup trucks or without seatbelts is common, these aren’t rare occurrences. There were over 1000 car accidents in January 2007 in this small country.
• In Thailand the head is considered sacred and the foot is dirty, so it is inappropriate there to pat someone on the head, or to point with your foot no matter how full your arms may be.
• In Nicaragua you must check that the taxi you are about to enter has red stripes on the license plate to signify that it is really a taxi and not, as Patrick put it, “just some crazy ladrones (thieves).”
• Peru can include a high altitude adventure in Machu Picchu or a hot, dry malarious desert in the northwest or a Yellow Fever infested jungle in the northeast. Where you plan to visit within the country is important information for your travel health specialist.