LEAP OF FAITH (SECOND OF 2 TODAY)

The most spectacular attraction in Acapulco is the La Quebrada Cliff Divers. ("La Quebrada" means "broken" in Spanish, and refers to the jagged rock formations.) It's a show dating back to 1934 when tourist attractions emphasized dangerous stunts. These days, the divers are often Mexican Olympic team members, or just plain professional showmen   ---- any women out there want to audition?

The night shows include floodlit dives with flaming torches, but we walked over in the heat of midday, 15 minutes from our humble hotel. Note the little blue shrines in the medium shot ---- that's the best image of the drop: about 35 meters or 110 feet.  Even more impressive than the way they get down is the way they get UP. The divers actually rock-climb up the vertical rough rocks. In bare feet and Speedo's!

The ritual starts with prayers and making-the-cross to ensure God is along for the ride down. Then some posing and waving, even some horse laughs among the 6 divers of the day. One guy goes from a flat spot. Two guys go in tandem. like synchronized swimmers without the makeup. For the finale, the last diver leaps from the highest spot possible. Ker-splash!

No one was taking the $3 admission, so we gave the pesos direct to the divers, who of course had already climbed up the rocks to say goodbye. Great show!