Fort Simpson (Apr 23/04) - After $26,000 worth of fund-raising, 12 Thomas Simpson students and two teachers jetted off to Mexico earlier this month.

The group spent a week at a resort in Cancun on the Yucatan peninsula. As most tourists do, they spent some time on the white-sand beaches and in the turquoise waters. Some of them went snorkeling, sped around on jet-skis and kayaked in the mangrove-lined lagoons.

The sun wasn't friendly to everyone, however. Student Carter O'Neill somewhat proudly displayed the varying degrees of sunburn on his peeling, blistered back.

The contingent also went to Chichen Itza to see the Mayan ruins. Among the temples where humans were sacrificed were other ancient buildings where sports were played and one of the stone structures served as a calendar.

"It was awesome," Sara Simons said. "It was very cool."

But it was not quite as the Mayans had left it. There was lots of garbage on site, the students remarked.

Getting around on the buses was an adventure in itself.

"They're crazy. We saw an accident," Simons noted.

"And we almost got in one," O'Neill added.

Also disconcerting was the sight of armed guards in front of jewelry stores.

The students described the Mexican people as "hard working" and "really nice," but nearly everyone wanted to sell something.

Jarret Hardisty, who has been labelled the master bargainer, said he takes an "easy, laid-back approach" to haggling. He brought back necklaces, pottery and a few sculptures.

Justin Byatt shelled out a some pesos for an obsidian statue.

Steve Nicoll purchased eight bottles of hot sauce.

Overall, the cuisine drew mixed reviews.

"They can't cook. It's disgusting food," said Janel McKee.

T.J. Bradbury didn't give the Italian restaurant they visited a glowing review.

"It all tasted like Chef Boy-ar-dee," he said.

Chocolate-covered chicken

However, others said they enjoyed calamari and chocolate-covered chicken.

During the evening, the teens said they played many games of pool at the resort, went to karaoke night and saw a Michael Jackson impersonator perform.

They also observed local critters -- newts, geckos, cockroaches, iguanas and crabs -- sometimes up close and personal in and around their motel rooms.

All in all, everyone said they would go back again... under certain conditions. Amanda Ocko suggested, "without the chaperons."