Apr 1, 2013 - Dead Cuban heroes

As mentioned in an earlier entry Cuba sure does have a lot of billboards, however unlike all the other countries we've visited, Cuba's are all about the glory of the Revolution with images and slogans of deceased heroes, current heroes (held prisoner in the US) and anti US propaganda. There was very little graffiti anywhere and most of it was pro government and socialism. I suppose the work camp prisons would be a deterrent. Most people have heard of Ernesto 'Che' Guevara, the Argentinian born revolutionary who masterminded a successful...

Nov 17, 2012 - Beach time, group and Mexican food

One must eat at McDonald's in every place if only to check out the differences so this morning I went there for break fast. There were some interesting variations in the menu so I ordered Mexican burritos. They tasted much like Canadian McD burritos. Oh well. Same great coffee! I made a conscious decision to relax today and checked out the pool. It appears the sun only hits it at noon so I thought I'd try the shuttle to the beach. It's free. Sure, but once you get there you've got to pay 100 pesos for a chair. Oh well. I got half a book...

Nov 16, 2012 - Lizards, ruins and beaches

Friday, November 16 After an awesome night's sleep I was starving so decided to enjoy the hotel's breakfast buffet which I figured should fuel me more most of the day. With nothing on the agenda I set out to explore. I happened to be near a bus stop when I saw "Rt 1 Hotel Zona" pull up so decided to jump on. Since I haven't figured out the coins yet I just showed the driver my handful and he picked out what was needed. I got off near the Ruinas Del Rey after being informed by the driver on which bus to take back. The ruins aren't all that...

Nov 15, 2012 - Cancun, Mexico

This new adventure involves travelling all by myself. It's kind of scary but I've learned that facing my fears helps me grow and become a stronger person. I guess we'll see how much I like my own company! For future reference, it stresses me out a lot less to leave for the airport far too early. Mike dropped me off at 4:15 am for my 6:10 am flight. Cutting it that close gives me an ulcer so if you're going with me next time, we're going early :) One must go through US customs if stopping in the US which adds an hour or so to the time...

Oct 22, 2012 - Made it!

We made it... Finally arrived in Cancun Sat 21 Oct after 12 hrs breathing the recycled air and smells from 200 passengers after 2 German flight meals mostly consisting of wurst. So after an easy bus ride from the airport to downtown Cancun to our convenient but less than fancy hostel we decided to hit the town. In true diligent traveller style, taking note of all the guide advice, fuelled by fatigue and hunger we chucked all our bags and electricals guarded only by a balsa wood door one of brads sneezes could knock down, cello taped our...

Aug 31, 2012 - CANCUN!!!!!

So we arrived in downtown Cancun and it was a bit of a far cry from what we were expecting compared to all the spring break shots of it we saw on tv in the way it looked like any other big Mexican city... I.e. a bit rough around the ages!  Anyway we walked to our 18usd meals included hostel thanks to the recommendation of some clongowes lads we met in Belize which turned out to be really nice!  After that it was straight out to the hotel district to see the 'real' Cancun! This is basically a bar of land filled to the brim with 5star all...

Mar 11, 2012 - morning in mexico

Early morning is the prettiest. Each tide brings in and takes away treasures. Aling with shells and rocks, cone every sort of plastic garbage you could imagine. Yet, nature has its filter. The seaweed drys, waves wash over, snag the trash and beach cleaners haul away to some undisclosed location. I checked weather on michigan. Only 10-15 degrees warmer. VERY strange for sure. Hardly met any americans. Not even a lot if students on spring break. Mostly canadians. Lots of american folks have retirement homes along the shore line. Tourism is...

Mar 10, 2012 - cancun and isla mujeres

Arrived iat marriott. Most beautiful. Recommend priceline for sure. Had to experience walmart. City buses 8.5 pesos. Great way to see. Real city. Ate queso empanada at local foid stall. Argentinaian, got receipe fir mist amaxing pesto, by using spanish dictionary and digb language. Cancun.... Self indulgent day, baked in sun, abd ordered chaise lounge servuce. Beer abd hot dig. Hot dog, stuffed w swuss cheese, wrapped in bacon, with avocate. Dragged my very relaxed self to city bus to try to find way to puerto juarez, at rush hour. Not a...

Mar 10, 2012 - sunset over Isla Mujeres

Ola, life today is easy and good. How to vacation on a budget in mexico? Check in as the next door fol are chcking out, graciously gave me enough groceries to last til monday. Wandered thru lical village to tiny mercado and found beans n rice, yogurt to ward off any tourista issues, and queso fresco to top ioff beans and rice. Girl scout camping one-pot.meals experience comes in handy. Watched the sun set and these are the photis i added tonight. Am pondering posdibilites for work and life ince i get him. Realizing hiw much i miss...

Dec 14, 2011 - Back In Southern California

Hello Everyone, Well, this concludes my travel journal for 2011. I truly thank all of you who mentally travel with me. I am back at home safe and sound. My luggage even arrived home the same time I did. As I almost missed my connecting flight from Miami to L.A., I have to remember to allow at least 2.5-3 hours layover time between connecting flights when re-entering the states. This is because you have to do a passport check, reclaim your luggage, go through customs, recheck your luggage, and a lot of times catch the airport train and go to...

Dec 12, 2011 - Isla Mujueres Day

Hola Everyone, Today I went to the Isla Mujueres with the Cathy, one of the owners of the place where I am staying. She invited 3 other nice ladies, who are from Chicago, who are also renting one of her other units. We all had a great time. Prior to heading to the island she took me to breakfast. It was very good. Cathy is a very friendly,lovely lady, she has a great spirit about her. I wore jeans but it got too warm so I bought a pair of shorts and flip flops and changed into them there. Isla Mujueres is an island off of Cancun. Sort of...

Dec 11, 2011 - Boredom is starting to set in...

Hola Everyone, As the title reads...boredom is starting to set in,...and the holiday blues are to. I have a few more days here, but in all actuality, I'm ready to go now. There is nothing else that I want to do, or to see. I am scheduled to take a short boat tour today, but I think I am going to cancel that. I don't feel like being too tourist like today. I hung around the resort yesterday, probably will be more of the same thing today. Tomorrow I am scheduled to go to Isla Majueres with the owner of the spot that I am renting. She is...