The three things that I think of when I think of Mexico are:  digging latrines, tropical storms (one was actually a hurricane on the way), and relaxing under a palapa while lounging on the warm sand with a fruity alcoholic beverage close by.

I have been very fortunate to have visited Mexico more than half a dozen times. We generally try to chose a different site to visit each time, but I still have many more sites that I intend to see.  I associate digging latrines to Mexico because I was lucky enough to be included in a trip with my senior class where we camped on a beach in Baja for a week.  This place was very remote and not only did we dig latrines, but we fished for our dinner and studied the oceans and stars each and every day.  I loved that trip.

The first tropical storm I remember brings to mind the time some girl friends and I travelled to Puerto Vallarta (were searching for a certain type of beverage) and had to wade through knee high water that was completely covering the cobble stone streets. The second tropical storm was actually a hurricane that set to shore the day after we had to leave.  We were staying right outside of Playa del Carmen and had chosen that day to visit the ancient Mayan site of Tulum.  Standing on a crest overlooking the ocean with the ancient city behind us and staring into these omniscient black clouds while hearing the roar of the gigantic waves is an experience I and my family will never forget.

And finally, the reason Mexico reminds me of  relaxing under a palapa while lounging on the warm sand with my fruity beverage close by is because that is what I want to do when I am in Mexico when I am not exploring ancient sites, zip lining, horseback riding, body surfing, snorkelling or building sand castles.

I love Mexico and cannot wait to visit again.