Rollin Down The River

As I reflect back on the required reading for Mrs. Patrick’s grade 7 English literature assignment, Tom Sawyer comes to mind. While reading about Tom and Huck Finn’s adventures by Mark Twain along the Mississippi, somehow my vision of the river got lost in the translation. My interpretation of Tom and Huck fishing along the banks of the sleepy Mississippi didn’t quite measure up to the reality of how grand a major river it is and how vital a role it plays in the economy of the south and mid west.  The paddle wheelers kindle thoughts of bygone eras when river gamblers and the dance halls flourished while transportation of cotton was at the forefront of the economy. Today the river is just as grand but transportation of petroleum products and corn in addition to all the other commodities required to fuel a thirsty economy, is even more apparent. It becomes abundantly clear that when flooding occurs, because of the low river banks, it does present a major challenge. While sailing down the Mississippi, in my ignorance, I did not realize that New Orleans is actually about 100 miles inland from the Gulf of Mexico. Passing huge ocean vessels and barges heading upstream really does underline the importance of this major world waterway.

Why would they bring in seven ships into Cozumel today? For the ship owned duty free shopping of course. Not for this traveler though. To see the throngs of people buying trinkets and t shirts for the sake of buying I guess is good for the local economy but what are they going to do with all that junk when you get home after having to pay excess baggage fees on top of it. I mean, what do you do with that Sombrero once your friends greeting you at the airport see you? Perhaps the jewelry is a good buy but how many rings can one put on eight fingers and two thumbs or bracelets on two arms? I’ll spend my money on a local taxi and cheap margaritas and head across the island and up the coast to a nice little hideaway on a lovely sandy beach for a swim, margaritas and polo fajitas. My principle objective is to avoid the loud arrogant crowds and interact with the locals. Of course that will be far more interesting and entertaining. Hola!!