Last weekend, we visited the Lake Chapala area of Mexico. The focus of our trip was to assist with a family matter and since we were only in the country for four days, our general plan was to hang out with family while the kids played in the pool. We knew that we’d have a long drive from Ajijic to Colima, but we hadn’t even researched the route we’d be taking. We absolutely did not expect the spectacular sights we saw along Highway 54.
In the first half of the three-hour drive, as you drive through the dry lake beds of Laguna Sayula and Laguna San Marco, the dust devils are amazing. For my children, this became a competition in who could spot the best, biggest, devil. As we drove along, I commented on the reflection of the mountains in what seemed to be some shallow water on the horizon.
We very quickly realized that there wasn’t any water at all and that we were actually seeing a mirage. The boys were transfixed. I was stunned and not really sure that it really was a mirage. But, sure enough, as we drove closer, the “water” receded. If you look closely at the photo above, it appears that the lower ridge of trees and shrubs is reflected in the water. It’s not. I had never really appreciated how authentic a mirage could be. My children, of course, would never have been able to see this in a classroom.
We have a family habit of playing tourist in our own city the day after we return from a trip to let ourselves down gently from the fun of traveling together. This wasn’t an option after this trip: we didn’t play tourist today, in fact, we’re self-quarantining in our house for a few days because we’re not sure whether or not we’ve been exposed to Swine Flu.
Being in Mexico as this situation developed was a fascinating experience especially as a mom who writes about traveling with children. I’ll be writing more about this experience next week once I know we’re all safe and healthy.
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