For many, the thought of a trip to Mexico conjures up images of crashing surf, giant sombreros and cold margaritas. But on the East Coast, in the cities along the coastline of the Gulf of Mexico, there is another side to America's southern neighbor. Altamira, Mexico native and drifter legend, Estefania Garcia Mendoza, takes us on a tour there, and introduces us to a part of real, every day Tampico life that only a few travelers have explored. Growing up in a place surrounded by water has been an incredible blessing. When coming back home from an adventure abroad, as my plane lands in beautiful Tampico, I absolutely love to see from the air the rivers, lagoons and ocean that surround our city. Although I live in a small town called “Altamira”, I am pretty close to other towns, such as Madero and Tampico, and the history behind the name of this last city has a lot to do with the fact that we are surrounded by water. The indigenous people named the place Tampico because of one of the creatures that were abundant in the lagoons in those days; tam, meaning “place” in the Huasteco language and pico meaning “dogs.” Wait, place of dogs? As funny as that sounds, apparently the indigenous people used the name “water dogs” to refer to those very interesting river otters, pretty little creatures that were once commonly seen in our lagoons. Sadly, because of the modern day industrial growth of the city, the number of river otter specimens started to decrease.
Right there, in the 'Heart of Tampico', there’s a beautiful lagoon called “Laguna del Carpintero” which contains one of the most popular attractions of the city. These attractions are so popular that even the famous Steve Irwin came to visit there. Any guesses? Yes, you guessed right! There are crocodiles in the lagoon! Sunbathing with City Reptiles The “Laguna del Carpintero” is next to a mangrove swamp. It’s connected to the Panuco River, which is no deeper than 6 meters (19.6 ft). My favorite part of coming here is that, even though it is right there in the city, you can still see all kinds of wild animals such as seagulls, turtles, diving ducks, pelicans, iguanas and of course the friendly dinosaurs a.k.a. crocs! It’s almost like going on a safari but close to home. Bringing your camera is a great idea! All year round you can see families with their kids jumping and running around since the place has a lot of space to just have fun. People come here bright and early to jog or even just to sit down on the benches and eat their lunch. A Typical Visit on Friendly Neighbors Okay, so maybe I'm exaggerating a little bit by referring to them as “friendly”, but the truth is that these crocodiles aren’t as aggressive as their relatives in other parts of the world. Their breed is known as moreletti. The moreletti crocs are considered to be the most “pacific” of all the crocodiles. The biggest and oldest one is around 3.5 meters (11.4ft long), and the local people lovingly call him “Juancho”. I remember growing up and visiting friends that lived near the lagoon, there were always new stories about the crocodiles coming out from the water and ending up in one of their backyards! But now the lagoon is surrounded by a fence so they aren’t able to come out as easily. Still, from time to time, some of them manage to get out somehow. But don't worry, when Steve Irwin came to check them out, he said these were some of the mildest crocodiles in the world! So don’t be shy! Go ahead and snap a picture! Just don’t get dangerously close. Although they are mild, they are still crocodiles. The Grass is Greener This Side of Home![]() As I got old enough to start traveling alone, I found myself starting to feel annoyed whenever I was at home in between travels. Yes, it's true, traveling is highly addictive! I would constantly complain about how everywhere else was way more fun and far more interesting than it was at home. But, the truth is that sometimes we get so excited about how green the grass is on the other side that we forget to take the time to see how green our own grass is! So take your time, explore your surroundings, and you might realize, as I finally did, that there are a lot of hidden touristy gems in your very own hometown, you just have to go out there and dig them up. Contributing Blogger: Estefania Garcia Mendoza
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18 Comments
Kalei
3/4/2013 06:03:38 am
Hmmm... mild crocodile? Sounds like a contradiction, I'll just wait till the new system. Another good article. =)
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3/5/2013 02:37:57 am
You're so right! I'm not so sure I'd be comfortable myself getting up close, but if they're as mild as Estefania says they are, then it may not be as scary as it sounds.
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Mom Molokai
3/16/2013 02:46:52 am
Oh.......NO..........you DON"T!!!!!! I want you walking into the paradise with ALL your limbs intact. Ten fingers......ten toes.......and, everything else!!!!! :) 3/6/2013 04:43:33 am
Kalei, I know right? sounds contradictory...I do keep my distance tho, I've heard about drunkards that fell in the lagoon and were attacked, I havent heard of any fatal stories tho. the cool thing about this place is that you are able to see them in the wild from a relatively close distance.
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3/11/2013 02:49:19 am
Attacked by giant crocodiles but not fatal! Them are some fortunate drunks!
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3/11/2013 12:43:15 am
My friend... You rocks! You're such a great writter. I really enjoy reading your article and I would not be able to put that emotion on describing our beautiful lagoon. I'll be wating for your next contribution to the blog, and by the way, i have an idea of what that one could be about ;)
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3/11/2013 02:44:08 am
awww thanks less :) I try ;) JR is such a good editor lol. he helps me so my posts dont sound like they were written by a 5 year old hahah, and you know I was looking at the pictures I took from our early service day by the other lagoon. pelicans are another interesting topic...oh and we should totally go to the baby turtle release! we need to investigate bout that.
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3/11/2013 02:54:23 am
Actually, I barely have to do any editing, honestly. Just some minor adjustments and moving phrases around, but otherwise, you usually send me a clean manuscript! 3/11/2013 02:51:33 am
I agree, Estefania is a great writer and contributor! I'm waiting for her next submission as well.
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3/11/2013 03:52:00 am
You both guys are so humble. You certainly did a exceptional job here. Keep on doing that! And Stephanie, that's exactly what I was thinking of, the baby turtles release. But I was researching and there is not much info on internet, maybe we should go directly to the beach and ask. I don't think our friends would have a problem on taking us there one of this weekends ;)
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3/11/2013 04:13:59 am
Sounds like a great idea for a post. Let me know when you guys get it compiled. Take a ton of pictures and lots of notes!
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Estefanía García
3/11/2013 04:21:34 am
hahah Yikes! better get to work on it! :) I'll call today to find out about it!
Mom Molokai
3/16/2013 02:29:02 am
Yes, you're right! There is ALOT of green grass in our own backyards.
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Estefanía García
3/19/2013 03:21:12 am
Thank you so very much Mom :) I get so very happy when I hear somebody enjoyed something I write. I don't do it much but whenever I do its a true delight, and yes! Traveling often is hard and expensive so being able to hear about other's people's travels and explore our own surroundings is a great way to enjoy our loving creator's designs. :)
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Estefania García
3/19/2013 03:19:37 pm
Is Mom a name? Im confused... Or is it Mom cuz its JR's mom... Not trying to be rude... This is just very confusing lol
I was laughing through your first comment after you called my mom Mom, and almost spat out my coffee laughing hysterically after I read this comment where you caught yourself!
Estefania Garcia
3/20/2013 01:28:54 am
Hahahhahah im such a dork! Oh Well know i know better. Anyways... That was a good laugh :p
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SUBSCRIBEABOUT MEI'm JR. I come from a long line of adventurers, some were nomadic explorers of the sea and others wandering cultivators of the earth. Ultimately, this legacy of drifters has deeply affected my view of travel. Read more...
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