Dreams do come true--and just in time for Christmas!

I've been in Puerto Vallarta for a week and keep seeing signs for swimming with dolphins. So I investigate with Ramon, the hotel's tour agent, and am informed there is a program that will not only let me swim with dolphins, but will let me play with the sea lions. This is the moment when I about come out of my skin. I'm related to all things oceanic--and sea lions are among my very favorite. Dolphins of course are in a category all by themselves and cannot be compared to anyone, but sea lions? I know I've played with them on other shores and had a whole family of them keep me company. Like dogs, they were my constant companions.

I wear a sea lion bracelet on my arm that I've never taken off since it first slid onto my wrist in California 1999. I think of it as a token of our bond. I'm bound to return to them when I finally cast off my human form. But for now feet, land.

But not today! I cast off my feet for a pair of flippers and jump in water. For a mere 275.00 you can be a "trainer for the day" at the Dolphin Research Center in PV. This will entitle you to a nifty tshirt and cap that proudly announce your status as "trainer", juice for breakfast, salad and sandwiches for lunch, a trip to the wild parrots cage and two whole hours with the dolphins and sea lions. You get to feed them (briefly), play with them, pet them, ride them. And then go home and dream with them, the waters of the ocean and pool still lapping up against your legs, turning them to fin.

I know our Christmas will be quiet this year, but still--a girl couldn't ask for anything more. Dolphin smiles and sea lion kisses. Santa's been good.