Shows like 'Survivorman' and 'Man vs. Wild' are becoming explosively popular in the U.S. and Great Britain; among the TV-watching public in both countries, individuals who haven't heard of or don't regularly watch at least one of these shows are becoming difficult to locate indeed. Survivalist hosts such as Les Stroud and Bear Grylls thrill viewers by pitting their wits, skills, and constitutions against pristine wilderness far removed from any signs of civilization. Some tune in for the stunning natural landscapes; some to take notes; some just to see what disgusting thing the host might resort to eating next in order to survive. Whatever the reason, the global popularity of survivalism as a sport is rocketing upwards at an astonishing rate.
Now, it seems even President Felipe Calderon of Mexico wants to jump on the survivalist bandwagon. A land rich with natural treasures, Mexico will be the subject of a new PBS television series that explores its hidden jungles, caves, and recesses - hosted by the President himself! With co-host Peter Greenberg, President Calderon leads TV viewers on 30-minute tours of Mexico as it's never been seen before, starting with a 1,000 foot descent into the Golondrinas cavern.
Mysterious Undersea Caves
In a subsequent episode, President Calderon and Mr. Greenberg venture to the Big Blue Hole, one of Mexico's most stunning natural features. An ancient undersea cave whose roof collapsed millions of years ago, the Big Hole is exactly that, a round entrance to a 400-foot deep series of caves that sits in otherwise shallow, crystal-clear water. Many supporters of the project were delighted to learn that the President himself would have the opportunity to showcase this rare and amazing natural jewel to the world's viewing public.
A Boost to the Flagging Tourism Industry
President Calderon's political backers claim the series is just what the Tourism Ministry needs to help jump-start the waning tourist industry; significant sums have already been spent to rehabilitate the country's image to international tourists after the recent spate of cartel-related violence made headlines. By showing off the best of what its natural landscape has to offer, the country can cash in on the rising popularity of adventure tourism, and the people of Mexico can feel proud at the international acclaim being heaped on Mexico's unique and lush natural environments.
However, his opponents criticize the show on the grounds that it's a superfluous expense, which, far from being vital to the tourist trade, wastes valuable currency at a time when national problems are on the rise, and does little to benefit anything except the President's personal image on the world stage.
Mexico's Democratic Revolution Party, for example, has denounced the series as futile and ill-conceived pet project that should be canceled. The Labor Party, echoing the sympathies of many on Mexico's left, demanded the release of financial data and expense reports related to the production of the show. The feeling that the show is essentially a waste or even misappropriation of funds is widely held among poll respondents, with many espousing the opinion that the President was simply using the show as a way to get a nice free vacation at the taxpayers' expense!
Backers of the President counter that the Mexican taxpayer isn't bearing the burden of making the show, as the majority of the tab is being picked up by the U.S. government. Many remain skeptical, though, observing as anyone can the severe financial woes of the USA's federal government, and eagle-eyed observers have also noted that Mexico is clearly on the hook - when the President and his co-host are shuttled around the country from one destination to the next, whose helicopter should they be flying on but the Mexican government's!
Now, it seems even President Felipe Calderon of Mexico wants to jump on the survivalist bandwagon. A land rich with natural treasures, Mexico will be the subject of a new PBS television series that explores its hidden jungles, caves, and recesses - hosted by the President himself! With co-host Peter Greenberg, President Calderon leads TV viewers on 30-minute tours of Mexico as it's never been seen before, starting with a 1,000 foot descent into the Golondrinas cavern.
Mysterious Undersea Caves
In a subsequent episode, President Calderon and Mr. Greenberg venture to the Big Blue Hole, one of Mexico's most stunning natural features. An ancient undersea cave whose roof collapsed millions of years ago, the Big Hole is exactly that, a round entrance to a 400-foot deep series of caves that sits in otherwise shallow, crystal-clear water. Many supporters of the project were delighted to learn that the President himself would have the opportunity to showcase this rare and amazing natural jewel to the world's viewing public.
A Boost to the Flagging Tourism Industry
President Calderon's political backers claim the series is just what the Tourism Ministry needs to help jump-start the waning tourist industry; significant sums have already been spent to rehabilitate the country's image to international tourists after the recent spate of cartel-related violence made headlines. By showing off the best of what its natural landscape has to offer, the country can cash in on the rising popularity of adventure tourism, and the people of Mexico can feel proud at the international acclaim being heaped on Mexico's unique and lush natural environments.
However, his opponents criticize the show on the grounds that it's a superfluous expense, which, far from being vital to the tourist trade, wastes valuable currency at a time when national problems are on the rise, and does little to benefit anything except the President's personal image on the world stage.
Mexico's Democratic Revolution Party, for example, has denounced the series as futile and ill-conceived pet project that should be canceled. The Labor Party, echoing the sympathies of many on Mexico's left, demanded the release of financial data and expense reports related to the production of the show. The feeling that the show is essentially a waste or even misappropriation of funds is widely held among poll respondents, with many espousing the opinion that the President was simply using the show as a way to get a nice free vacation at the taxpayers' expense!
Backers of the President counter that the Mexican taxpayer isn't bearing the burden of making the show, as the majority of the tab is being picked up by the U.S. government. Many remain skeptical, though, observing as anyone can the severe financial woes of the USA's federal government, and eagle-eyed observers have also noted that Mexico is clearly on the hook - when the President and his co-host are shuttled around the country from one destination to the next, whose helicopter should they be flying on but the Mexican government's!
About the Author:
The Onejungle Travel Community is a place where travel stories and adventure blogs are shared. For more information on the travel to the Mayans in Tikal see Guatemalan Travel: Tikal National Park.
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