THe village that I'm in was established when the Spaniards (conquistadors ) came over from Spain (1400's to 1500's) then it was a small village based on fishing and sea salt inhabited by the local natives (Maya).

The Mayan people are looked down upon by the Mexican people and Mayans are subserviate to them...there is a great class destinction between groups.

The original people where, and still are, Mayans, their temples where torn down and made into churches...no they do not have potable water, they buy their water (Crystal...brand name) from the corner store.

Every year they suffer from bouts of dengue fever, which is dabillitating and can be fatal!

Some of the poorer people live in tar paper shacks and sleep in hammocks.. the average wage is about $ 5.00 per day.

The area is known for it's hurricanes (Gilberto and Isadora) being the last two.

When I say that I act as Santa Claus there is a group of about 25-30 people (Canadians and Americans)besides me, I only do the Ho..Ho..Ho and Felice Navidad.

Thanks for asking,

Dennis