A Fraternity of Mexican Parrots Told Me a Thing or Two

Every year, around Spring Break when the cold in New York seems never ending, I’m glad to take a trip South of the Border to visit Mexico.  Usually, family and friends rent a beachfront house and sometimes we’ll hire a local chef. That gives us all a chance to reconnect and have time for excursions. One of our favorite outdoor activities for people young and old are the tropical theme parks. The adults especially love it not only because admittance, rides, food and drink are all inclusive!  

The Aquatic park is set in the Riviera Maya, plush in nature and home to marine life like dolphins and tortoises.  Between the thrill of zip lining over water and snorkeling, it was easy to make pit stops for Cervezas Frias (cold beer) and Tequila shots to celebrate the day’s adventure.  

There was a group of 15 of us ranging from 6 to 75 years old, so we used the buddy system. While we we’re rafting down a gentle river, the kids spotted a cliff that you could jump off of into water.  They young ones insisted on taking the plunge. My 6 and 7 year old niece and nephew needed supervision though. Another adult and I escorted them up to queue for the leap. As soon as we got there, without blinking an eye, or a second glance, my niece jumped.  Her buddy had to follow. My nephew and I were up next. Secretly, I was petrified. He chickened out at the last minute and couldn’t make the dive. I was soooooo relieved!

Over a big buffet lunch and a couple more Margaritas, we all got our fill of everything from burgers and tacos to soft serve ice cream and desserts.  Maybe I had overdone it or the heat was getting to me?

I told my family I needed a little break. I sat out the next ride and waited by the bar.  The bartender poured me a shot of his favorite tequila and it twisted up my face as I swigged down.  I don’t know what it was in that Tequila, but it didn’t mix with the heat. I started to feel like I was hallucinating and I needed to walk it off. So, I explored the lovely park grounds. 

I came across a magnificent parrot who I thought called me over.  He was making small talk , eerily bringing up my deceased Mother and how she never made it to Mexico.  He reminded me how much Lucilla enjoyed it when the family was all together. And how she let my sisters and I play hooky from school, one day, because she wanted us to bond. 

Just steps away, there was a second bird who I imagined to chimed in.  This parrot reminded me to live in the moment, life is short, kids grow quickly and big family vacations are rare.  Maybe it was my consciousness? What was I doing, drinking alone instead of connecting with my kin. I was missing an opportunity.  

Even though I was projecting, I saw the parrots as buzzkills. I even told one of them aloud to stop judging me.

In a hot sweat, I woke up in a beach lounge chair under a parasol with a tall pitcher of water.  I was parched. “How long had I napped?” My phone was in a locker, or at least I had hoped. Where was everyone and where would I meet up with them?

I got up, adjusted my sarong and was walking out of the beach area when my little nephew ran up to me. His younger cousins were making fun and taunting him for not jumping off the cliff. The boy was anxious to give it another try and he wanted me to do it with him.

If my 6 year niece could do it, I had no choice but brave it.  I had to save face after all. I couldn’t think of a better way to be in the moment.  Trying to hide my nerves, I was strong for him. I took his hand and on the count of three, we leapt. 

I shrieked the whole way down, squeezing tightly until we hit the water.  It was exhilarating. We both were proud of ourselves for overcoming our fear together.  And, what a fun way to bond with my nephew.