The day started at 3:30am when the St. Peter delegation that is traveling to Petatlán left St. Peter and headed to the St. Paul International Airport. Having safely arrived at the airport thanks to the Gustavus Community Service Center’s very own Vince Miller, we embarked on our next challenge: surviving the 10 hour plane/airport day that we had ahead of us. After dealing with multiple gate changes, an entire airline change, a few pretty rough patches of turbulence, and a rather rushed lunch, I can safely say that the painfully slow line to get through Mexican Customs was not all that exciting. Until…out of nowhere we were pulled to the side and expedited to the front of the line. We discovered this to be the first of many surprises provided by our hosts in Peatalán.
Immediately after clearing customs we were greeted by an army of Sister City Initiative supporters. With news cameras flashing, giant welcome banners waving, flower bouquets being placed in our arms, and dozens of smiling faces staring in our general direction, our delegation was (to say the least ) blown away by the welcome we received. The municipality president, Jose Lacunza, and his wife personally greeted us and immediately escorted us from the airport to a very intimate dinner with the heads of all of the areas of coordination for their Sister City Committee.
Being seated at a long table overlooking “La Barrita” beach with a band that was cued upon our exact arrival, we spent the next few hours with President Lacunza, his wife and the rest of the local government officials and area coordinators for the Sister City Initiative. It was an occasion of introducing everyone to their counterparts of the opposite city, and a way for us to relax after having spent the majority of our Saturday traveling.
Below you will find some of the photos of the above-mentioned events.
The St. Peter delegation waiting at the St. Paul International Airport
Mayor Strand and President Lacunza meeting for the first time
Bienvenidos Hermanos de St. Peter - Welcome Brothers/Sisters from St. Peter
Karla and Chaz receive a bouquet of roses from President Lacunza's wife
Dinner to get to know the area coordinators
Mayor Strand speaking at the dinner
The delegation on "La Barrita" Beach
"La Barrita" Beach
So great to hear of such a wonderful reception from the Petatlan side. Excellent! please keep us informed of how everything evolves.
I can’t imagine a more thoughtful, warm welcome. Thanks for the great post – I’m looking forward to reading more.
Hey Mr.Lanas bring period 1 back some souvenirs!!
Wow ! What a great welcome! It’s so nice to be able to see photos as they happen.
Hey, what a great way to keep us informed. Looks like you are all having fun. Can not wait to read and see more. Thanks
Great pictures. Wow! It is great to see such interest.
Hola chicos y chicas, que vule! como estan ustedes? Yo estoy desesperado de ver a mis clases pronto y nos vamos a ver mas pronto que nada, ojala que esten bien! es precioso aqui en donde estoy, hablamos pronto.. adios y suerte en las clases…
Lanas
Hey Mr.Lanas looks like your having fun!!!I bet your happy that your down there its supposed to snow on Saturday and its been cold, windy and rainy this whole week!!!!
Love the Girls in your period 1 class!!
Lots of souvenirs.. for sure ( pictures ) :)~
ttys.. Sr. Lanas
[…] Office to identify and develop the sister city relationship between St. Peter and Petatlán, Mexico (here’s my blog from the trip I took to Petatlán with a delegation from St. Peter). I also run the weekly Spanish table at the Caf as the assistant to the Spanish profs. […]