My next post will take place in Hanoi, Vietnam. The weather is around 20 degrees, and a bit rainy. Hopefully, the rain will subside, but the temperature won't until we get a bit further south.
Saturday 29 December 2012
The Bags Are Packed
Yes, the bags are packed, new batteries in the camera, documents organized in a file folder, and the wait begins for our ride to Regina. We'll spend New Year's Eve with friends by having a delicious meal(2nd seating, 9:00 at the Fireside Bistro), then going to bed early to rest up as much as possible for the long trip over the Pacific Ocean...22 hours of travel. Sleep won't be an option for me, I need to be in the prone position to get some decent rest. So cat naps it will be! A movie here, a chapter there, and the occasional walk up and down the aisle to stretch the legs.
My next post will take place in Hanoi, Vietnam. The weather is around 20 degrees, and a bit rainy. Hopefully, the rain will subside, but the temperature won't until we get a bit further south.
A final Christmas gift arrived today... the beginning bloom of the Christmas cactus, I was worried that we might miss it!
My next post will take place in Hanoi, Vietnam. The weather is around 20 degrees, and a bit rainy. Hopefully, the rain will subside, but the temperature won't until we get a bit further south.
Friday 21 December 2012
A Winter Wonderland
People are always excited to get away from the frozen land that we endure for months on end to a warm and sunny destination. Summer clothes are washed and packed, sunscreen is located from the back of cupboards, bug spray rounded up and off we go with e-tickets and passports in hand. The get away is always enjoyed and reminisced about for months on end. But living in a northern climate has its wonders that no one can deny.
Our four seasons brings nature alive to its grandest and finest glory. My mother, who was an artist, taught me to appreciate the colours of mother nature. She pointed out the June green which has become an all time favourite for me. Every June, during the last two weeks, the foliage on the trees and bushes is a marvelous green. It is a light, fresh, beaming hue. This shade is short lived and eventually succumbs to the heavy dry green of July and August and gives way to golden colours of September.
Autumn radiates golds, and oranges, and reds that bring a sense of calm to every cell of your body. There is nothing like getting on your bike on a warm autumn day, the sun shining brilliantly, with only a slight breeze and heading down the road knowing the last days of an Indian summer are slipping away and allowing a pathway for a colder era to take control.
Winter... talked and complained about endlessly. It sends us scampering to the inner sanctity of our warm homes. The brave ones head out to outdoor rinks and play hockey until the witching hour(at least our two kids did). Others jump on their sleds and and carve up the fields enjoying a fresh new snow fall. Many dust off their skis and head to a variety of slopes. Nevertheless, it is a brilliant time of the year that makes you reach for your sunglasses faster than a sunny July morning.
Yes, we will be heading for warmer climates, getting away from the grip of winter. And yes, I do appreciate to climate we live in. The change of seasons, brings out the glories of nature. This past week has sent many Saskatchewan folk grabbing their cameras to capture the winter wonderland that was brought before our eyes. Those that live in a southern climate miss out on the changing seasons and can only appreciate it through visual displays in books, TV and internet. The pictures don't capture the scent of lilac bushes, the crunch of snow, or the chill on the cheeks. Only us hardy northerners have the privilege of these delights!
Our four seasons brings nature alive to its grandest and finest glory. My mother, who was an artist, taught me to appreciate the colours of mother nature. She pointed out the June green which has become an all time favourite for me. Every June, during the last two weeks, the foliage on the trees and bushes is a marvelous green. It is a light, fresh, beaming hue. This shade is short lived and eventually succumbs to the heavy dry green of July and August and gives way to golden colours of September.
Autumn radiates golds, and oranges, and reds that bring a sense of calm to every cell of your body. There is nothing like getting on your bike on a warm autumn day, the sun shining brilliantly, with only a slight breeze and heading down the road knowing the last days of an Indian summer are slipping away and allowing a pathway for a colder era to take control.
Winter... talked and complained about endlessly. It sends us scampering to the inner sanctity of our warm homes. The brave ones head out to outdoor rinks and play hockey until the witching hour(at least our two kids did). Others jump on their sleds and and carve up the fields enjoying a fresh new snow fall. Many dust off their skis and head to a variety of slopes. Nevertheless, it is a brilliant time of the year that makes you reach for your sunglasses faster than a sunny July morning.
Yes, we will be heading for warmer climates, getting away from the grip of winter. And yes, I do appreciate to climate we live in. The change of seasons, brings out the glories of nature. This past week has sent many Saskatchewan folk grabbing their cameras to capture the winter wonderland that was brought before our eyes. Those that live in a southern climate miss out on the changing seasons and can only appreciate it through visual displays in books, TV and internet. The pictures don't capture the scent of lilac bushes, the crunch of snow, or the chill on the cheeks. Only us hardy northerners have the privilege of these delights!
Friday 14 December 2012
Christmas Craaaaziness!!
Christmas is on the doorstep, and most of my buying, baking, wrapping, and decorating is done. I`ve always enjoyed Christmas, and it was a magical time of the year for me as a child. I enjoy the busyness, carols, singing, parties, spontaneous visits from friends, the sparkle of the season, and of course all the food.
This year, of course, was much more relaxing for me. Being retired has given me the opportunity to slow the Christmas season down. I fill my days cooking up a storm while watching sappy Christmas movies, and I absolutely love it!!! My son laughs at me, saying, "sitting around watching B rated movies again, hey Mom."
But with Christmas on my mind, I have also been busy with travel plans. Lonely Planet books needed to be bought, and internet searches began. Many people ask me where we are vacationing this year, but in my mind, we aren`t going on a vacation, we are traveling. To me, the two are very different. Independent travel isn`t for everyone. It takes a lot of work, no one does it for you, and any screw-ups are your own!! People ask, "Why?" Good question!! Cost is a biggy! The decision to be gone for three months has an impact on the pocketbook, and indy type travel provides the option for lower costs. Don't get me wrong, all inclusives are a great choice, and you can get some pretty awesome deals if you're on the hunt. They are also great if you are going for a week or two and just want to hang out and relax in a sunny destination. But for us, and especially now with being retired, indy is the way we like to go. Our choices give us a better understanding of a different culture, unique foods, fantastic geography, different people and their view of the world. We have always traveled this way, excluding one experience we had at an all inclusive in Mexico, in which we had an awesome time.
As of now, flights have been booked, visas granted, and a couple of accommodations planned. A turkey has to be cooked and a suitcase needs to be packed. The waiting is almost over, and I feel like a kid again, anticipating the joy of the unknown, and unexpected. Asia, here we come!!
This year, of course, was much more relaxing for me. Being retired has given me the opportunity to slow the Christmas season down. I fill my days cooking up a storm while watching sappy Christmas movies, and I absolutely love it!!! My son laughs at me, saying, "sitting around watching B rated movies again, hey Mom."
But with Christmas on my mind, I have also been busy with travel plans. Lonely Planet books needed to be bought, and internet searches began. Many people ask me where we are vacationing this year, but in my mind, we aren`t going on a vacation, we are traveling. To me, the two are very different. Independent travel isn`t for everyone. It takes a lot of work, no one does it for you, and any screw-ups are your own!! People ask, "Why?" Good question!! Cost is a biggy! The decision to be gone for three months has an impact on the pocketbook, and indy type travel provides the option for lower costs. Don't get me wrong, all inclusives are a great choice, and you can get some pretty awesome deals if you're on the hunt. They are also great if you are going for a week or two and just want to hang out and relax in a sunny destination. But for us, and especially now with being retired, indy is the way we like to go. Our choices give us a better understanding of a different culture, unique foods, fantastic geography, different people and their view of the world. We have always traveled this way, excluding one experience we had at an all inclusive in Mexico, in which we had an awesome time.
Thursday 23 February 2012
The End!!
Sadly, our journey has come to an end. Health issues have forced us to return home and take care of business. But, I have no intention of letting this blog go. The adventure continues and new places and situations will always be on the horizon just waiting to come alive. Hasta luego dear readers, until we meet again!! Stay tuned!!
Monday 20 February 2012
Calypso's
Beaching It Again!!
Grand Carib Real
Our Swimming Pool
Thursday 16 February 2012
Lunch at a Bistro
Isla Mujeres Graveyard
Isla Mujeres
Wednesday 15 February 2012
Isla Mujeres Boat Trip
Tuesday 14 February 2012
New Friends at Puerto Morelos
We spent another afternoon at Puerto Morelos because we really like the place and find it pretty cool. It's laid back, not busy like Playa Del Carmen, and has many neat little restaurants and stores. While on the beach we bumped into people who were from Saskatoon. We spent part of the afternoon visiting with them.
Anyone Going to Merida??
We had a cool, cloudy day so we zipped around all day in our car. But, unfortunately we got on a wrong, one way road going to Merida and had difficulty getting off. The road kept going on, and on, and on with no returno available. It seemed like we would have to go about 130km before being able to turn around, and our gas gauge was low! Mexico!! But, as we were driving down the highway we noticed places that others used to cross the ditch from one highway to the next. The two highways were blocked from view due to thick bushes. So we hunted for a pass we thought we could use. Some of them, a lot of them, were either to rough, too steep, or too narrow. We finally found one that looked not too bad. We rearranged some rocks ( Hoss was worried about ripping the oil pan off the car), planned a route and took out chances. We rearranged some more rocks, chose a different path and tried again. Hoss booted it, peeled off some rubber from the tires, and with one wheel off the ground finally made it to the highway. Good grief!! That's way out of my comfort zone!!
Playa Del Carmen
Sunday 12 February 2012
10 Reasons Why Our B&B is Freaky
Although the house in Cancun where we are staying looks very nice, it isn't all what it seems. So here are a few reasons that I find it a bit freaky!!
1. We have barely met the owner, Josephina, and when we did meet, she hardly gave us the time of day!!. We were greeted the first night by her teenage daughter, and shown our room.
2. The doors are never, ever locked, even when no one is home!! This is Mexico!!
3. The windows are always open. They are never locked either!!
4. Josephina has a housekeeper, and her name is Espenanza. Her quarters are attached to the house, but the entrance is from the outside. It consists of a very small room that holds a cot and small table. There is also a bathroom. Our shed back home is probably 3 times bigger!! Espenanza is a very nice lady and we get along well with her. She speaks no English, but google translator has been a huge help for communication.
5. We have no hot water!! The kitchen has hot water, but not our shower.
6. We had TV for the first couple of days, but now it is turned off.
7. The family consists of three people. Josephina, the mom, the teenage daughter, and a son of about 20 years of age. The other 3 children are grown and gone. We have no idea about the dad, but we do see family pictures of him. The family is never home. They seem to leave early in the morning, and I'm not sure when they return.
8. The house at first glance looks very nice, but upon further inspection you start noticing many, many flaws. There is rust everywhere... the fridge, mirrors, sinks, stove. It has been poorly finished. Back in Canada we would not put up with a shoddy job. The fridge is too tall and doesn't fit into its spot, so it is shoved up against the cupboards with a huge gap at the back. Cleanliness is also an issue. Stained white towels are laundered and replaced for us to use. I just throw them under the sink.
9. Lighting is almost non existent. At night the lights are so dim it is hard to read. During the day Hoss finds it hard to shave in the bathroom due to a lack of enough light.
10. And the best of all I left for last. Two days ago, Josephina and her son left for San Diego. We were told the daughter would be staying at her married sister's place. So it would be Espananza and us to hold down the fort. At about 4:15 AM we were all awakened by many loud voices in the house. We peeked out our bedroom door and there was the teenage daughter and 6 or 7 of her liquored up friends. They had been clubbing all night and came here for more. We got dressed and came out and met Espananza who did not like what was going on. I think the kids were looking for a place to crash for the night but all the bedrooms were locked. We chased the kids out. One of the boys who was the DD was very apologetic and seemed to be very sensible. Hopefully, he drove everyone home.
Next time I think I'll book a hotel!!!
1. We have barely met the owner, Josephina, and when we did meet, she hardly gave us the time of day!!. We were greeted the first night by her teenage daughter, and shown our room.
2. The doors are never, ever locked, even when no one is home!! This is Mexico!!
3. The windows are always open. They are never locked either!!
4. Josephina has a housekeeper, and her name is Espenanza. Her quarters are attached to the house, but the entrance is from the outside. It consists of a very small room that holds a cot and small table. There is also a bathroom. Our shed back home is probably 3 times bigger!! Espenanza is a very nice lady and we get along well with her. She speaks no English, but google translator has been a huge help for communication.
5. We have no hot water!! The kitchen has hot water, but not our shower.
6. We had TV for the first couple of days, but now it is turned off.
7. The family consists of three people. Josephina, the mom, the teenage daughter, and a son of about 20 years of age. The other 3 children are grown and gone. We have no idea about the dad, but we do see family pictures of him. The family is never home. They seem to leave early in the morning, and I'm not sure when they return.
8. The house at first glance looks very nice, but upon further inspection you start noticing many, many flaws. There is rust everywhere... the fridge, mirrors, sinks, stove. It has been poorly finished. Back in Canada we would not put up with a shoddy job. The fridge is too tall and doesn't fit into its spot, so it is shoved up against the cupboards with a huge gap at the back. Cleanliness is also an issue. Stained white towels are laundered and replaced for us to use. I just throw them under the sink.
9. Lighting is almost non existent. At night the lights are so dim it is hard to read. During the day Hoss finds it hard to shave in the bathroom due to a lack of enough light.
10. And the best of all I left for last. Two days ago, Josephina and her son left for San Diego. We were told the daughter would be staying at her married sister's place. So it would be Espananza and us to hold down the fort. At about 4:15 AM we were all awakened by many loud voices in the house. We peeked out our bedroom door and there was the teenage daughter and 6 or 7 of her liquored up friends. They had been clubbing all night and came here for more. We got dressed and came out and met Espananza who did not like what was going on. I think the kids were looking for a place to crash for the night but all the bedrooms were locked. We chased the kids out. One of the boys who was the DD was very apologetic and seemed to be very sensible. Hopefully, he drove everyone home.
Next time I think I'll book a hotel!!!
Saturday 11 February 2012
Cancun Beaches
Cancun has been great, and it's not too busy. You can get a seat in any restaurant, the traffic is not too bad, and the streets aren't cramped with people. It also has great shopping!!
Puerto Morelos
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