Most people don't know this ...

Most people don't know that back in 1912, Hellmann's mayonnaise was manufactured in England.

In fact, the Titanic was carrying 12,000 jars of the condiment scheduled for delivery in Vera Cruz, Mexico, which was to be the next port of call for the great ship after its stop in New York. This would have been the largest single shipment of mayonnaise ever delivered to Mexico.

But as we know, the great ship did not make it to New York. The ship hit an iceberg and sank, and the cargo was forever lost. The people of Mexico, who were crazy about mayonnaise, and were eagerly awaiting its delivery, were disconsolate at the loss. Their anguish was so great, that they declared a National Day of Mourning, which they still observe to this day. The National Day of Mourning occurs each year on May 5th and is known, of course, as "Sinko de Mayo".

Kate Black was one of our April 14 thru 20, 2007 Focus Program Group participants and is the recipient of the first ever "Full Of Mirth" award and was the laugh leader for the group.

To see pictures of the things this group experienced and the memories they made, click here...

Mike and MiMi Bratu’s Thoughts

Mike and MiMi Bratu came on our March 20 program, and I think they fell in love with everything immediately. We usually ask (pretty please!) our guests to write us a blog, and they wrote us a wonderful one about their feelings while they were here. We're pleased to share it with you.

Getting off the plane, my first thought was "oh no, this really is another country!" I was starting to concern myself with what could go wrong and so forth...then we saw Ana and Manuel. The Focus sign was easy to spot and Ana greeted us with a warm smile and a big hug. I was able to start practicing what little Spanish I knew. Manuel was patient and amiable, even though it was
probably difficult to understand my meaning.

Our first day was just great! The hotel is like a resort...well, I guess it is a resort, in fact! Our room has the best view of the extremely well-manicured grounds (and our room didn't even face the lake!), which made for such a relaxing, tranquil morning to rise to each day. We loved
hearing the birds sing (what felt like) our own private symphony at the start of each day.

The first speaker (Dr. Carlos Garcia) was a very informative man. He not only told us in words, but showed us in slides about what it takes to get into Mexico's health system. He was also able to tell us first-hand about what to expect when (God forbid) something happens. After all, he works at the clinic in Lakeside every day!

I was also very impressed with Julie! She had all the answers to every question about immigration, plus she made time to meet with us (and anyone else) about questions specific to our own individual situation. Things like fees, getting our car here, our pets, as well as the things we want to bring down with us in our new life here.

Through it all, of course, the best answers to all general questions came from Marie, Ray, Karen and Bill! Being that they live here, they knew everything from where to buy the best tequila to how much is enough to tip the street musicians. I never felt on my own, but I also never felt smothered! How did they do it?!?

I can't say enough about Ana! She would have been fabulous if she just watched out for us and maybe two other people!! But watching over 15 people the way she did was nothing short of amazing!! We had some special needs people on our tour and even though she attended to their needs in a very personal way, none of the rest of us were neglected or short-changed in the slightest. She is worth double her weight in gold!

Driving in Jalisco would intimidate even the most confident driver (I drive for a living and I am not looking forward to it!!). Manuel drove a full-sized bus around those hair-pin turns, down streets filled with cars, all in the way, so proficiently, we all burst into spontaneous applause many times. He was also so friendly and thoughtful!! He knew all of our names by the second day, and I know this because he always greeted each of us by name every morning, and said "Buenos Noches" as he helped each of us off the bus every night.

The only complaint I have would be the ten extra pounds I am taking back to the states with me!! Who knew the food in Mexico would be so irresistible! I have always heard of French cuisine and Italian chefs, but the restaurants we went to must be among the best I have been to in my entire life!

Thank you so much for this wonderful, wonderful experience!! We have surely made life-long friends in these ten short days and will never forget our fabulous introduction to this beautiful country!!

Muchas gracias siempre!!

No, thank you! You've made our day, Mike and MiMi.

The see pictures of the group and the memories, click here...