Mel Gibson directing on Apocalypto Movie Set
Editor's Note: Lost Planet Media's Mexico correspondent and travel writer, Tex Rainbolt, who pens his articles with the name TEX MEXICO, is at it again, this time rubbing shoulders with the big dogs. Is Tex about to wind up in a Mel Gibson movie?

Having made scores of trips down through the years to the sultry port of Vera Cruz, I never really put my finger on just what it was that kept drawing me back to this old historic city. Was it the history, the coffee houses along the beach front boulevard (Malecon), the excellent seafood restaurants, the Marimba music in the plaza?

Though all these provide a unique and exciting experience for an old Texas cowboy, I think the most recent visit gave me the elusive answer to my long-standing question.

It's the people you meet. And not just the local inhabitants - but those who travel to Vera Cruz from all around the world. Being in Mexico's largest port, I've had the opportunity to sit and have a few drinks with many groups, including Russian sailors. I have enjoyed a Cuban-style meal of chicken and black beans with a group of Havana musicians playing in one of the many beach front clubs; enjoyed Margaritas on the Zocalo (Veracruz's main plaza) with two couples visiting from Australia---and danced the night away in, believe it or not, a country music night club with a group of British girls.

This trip, however, was perhaps the most exciting. While enjoying a Mexican cerveza with my friend Spencer from Dekalb, Texas, a young couple sat next to us at one of the many little sidewalk cafes that line the Zocalo.

Always intrigued as to where tourists come from to visit Veracruz, I asked them the inevitable question. Simon and Lynn turned out to be from Ireland. Lynn is in Veracruz working, while Simon is along for a short vacation.

So the next obvious question was: "Lynn, what kind of work do you do?"

I got a totally unexpected answer. "I'm working on Mel Gibson's new film "Apocalypto" which is being being filmed in Catemaco."she said.

"Catamaco!" I said. "How amazing. I have a small piece of property on that lake, and will be retiring there someday soon!"

So Lynn says, " Wow! Why don't you come down to the set and I'll introduce you to Mel."

It seems the award winning director Mel Gibson is set to take on the glorious history and tragic demise of the Mayan Civilization in his upcoming blockbuster movie, Apocalypto.

The story line follows the life and fight for survival of one particular young Mayan man who is taken by a hostile invading force. It immediately becomes clear to him that he will sacrificed in a most brutal manner to appease the Gods. The drama begins when he decides to escape his captors and return to the woman he loves, knowing that not only are their lives in danger, but the very way of life for the Maya is at stake.

You can take a look at the official movie site and get up-to-date information on filming and Mayan mythology, and check out an impressive teaser trailer for the film.  Apocalypto will be released Dec. 8, 2006, and if Gibson brings to this film the genius visionary talent he did for his other films like Braveheart and The Passion of the Christ, it's sure to be a masterpiece.

He couldn't have found a better location for filming by the way. Catemaco has a mystery, beauty and unique history that could be a film in and of itself. While many locations in Mexico have been used in the film industry, none could be as mesmerizing as Catemaco and the surrounding area. Hopefully more well deserved attention and tourist dollars will come into the region after the release of the film.

In the meantime, looks like I'm on my way to meet "Mel" -- just because of another chance encounter with interesting people in the magical city of Veracruz.

To Be Continued...