Psychomom'S pace: Travel

Blaxican and Donkey 7/31-8/1

Sun, 06 Aug 2006 19:42:17 GMT

We had to check in for the tour at 8:00am and the boys were not happy to be awake that early. They fed us a continental breakfast and we got on our boat. We picked up another bunch at the marina in PV and headed to Majahuitas. We passed Los Arcos and picked up a few more passengers. The crew introduced themselves, the tour guide was Giovani and he called himself the "Blaxican". The boys really enjoyed the entertainment the crew provided. When we got to Majahuitas we snorkeled in the clear waters. Luc started feeling ill once again and we found him laying down on the boat. They served us lunch and the bar was open. We ate on the ride to Yelapa and hiked up to a waterfall when we arrived. There were vendors along the way and when we got to the waterfall, I jumped in immediately, the water was nice and cool. One of the crew climbed up a few feet and jumped in and there were young boys with their iguanas. We hiked back down and went to the beach for drinks and snacks seaside. Vendors came by selling their goods and I found a pearl necklace. These are not perfect pearls they are miss shaped and different sizes but they are beautiful. I could almost visualize her hand picking the oysters. We got back on the boat and all craziness broke out. Everybody was drinking 40 oz Pacificos and doing shots of tequila. I did not fair too well after shots of tequila and the boys had to help their mom home after the ride back. We were leaving the next morning so after the boys ate their last club sandwich I headed down to walk the beach one more time.

I got up early and settled the bill and checked out. I let the boys sleep in and then made them get up and pack. We got to the airport early and had breakfast there. We picked up a video of the tour at a booth there at the airport and watched it while we waited. We caught our connection in Dallas after grabbing some sandwiches. Donkey (Andrew), one of Luc's team mates was one our flight so Luc was all happy to be going home. We got home to find everything all wet and green, seem it was raining almost every day we were gone. It was nice to be home I guess but I am ready to go back again next year. Adios Mexico.

Water Taxi 7/30

Sat, 05 Aug 2006 03:15:32 GMT

Sunday morning and we eat a late breakfast after sleeping in. I want to go somewhere and see the city and the boys agree to take a water taxi into downtown for shopping. We buy one way tickets and plan to take a regular taxi back. The ride accross Banderas Bay is quick and a great view of the city. Downtown has lots of shops and a flee market where we all found something to buy. Jake found some sunglasses to replace the ones he lost in the ocean the day before and a knife (he likes his weapons). I found a sarong (that did not get worn), a fan (because it was hot), and Luc bought a knock-off Rolex watch and somename sunglasses. Luc looked for a Ronaldo jersey but they didn't have the Yellow Brasil with his name and number. The dudes were like so bored after a couple of hours downtown (I am not a good guide) so insted of taking a regular taxi we hopped back on the water one. The driver took our cash and gave us a ride back even though we didn't have a ticket. I decided we were going to take a tour before we left so I booked us on the Majahuitas/Yelapa tour for the next morning. Luc started in with wanting a club sandwich but I said "hell no" and we went out to eat at an italian/seafood place by the pier. Luc and Jake had lobster/shrimp and I had a seafood stew that was very good. We had ice cream desert and went to bed because we had to get up early the next day.

Surfing 7/28-7/29

Sat, 05 Aug 2006 03:03:29 GMT

We were on vacation so we slept in late. We went downstairs and hit the breakfast buffet then we headed for the beach. We decided to try using the kayaks they had available. The boys headed out first and had no problem getting past the waves, I wasn't as skilled and was getting a beating trying to get the kayak past the waves. I gave up and started back to shore when a nice gentleman asked if I needed some help. He took the kayak out for me and then held it while I struggled to climb on. Yeah, I finally got on and rowed myself out into the calm ocean. It wasn't calm enough for Luc and he started feeling sick so he turned in the kayak and went to the room. Jake and I had a nice time rowing around and when it was time to go in I started to freak out because I was afraid of the waves dumping me. I did my best to time the waves but one got a hold of me and I was surfing on a kayak. What a ride, I thought for sure I was gonna flip and loose my glasses, but it took me all the way in and I jumped off like a pro. When we got to the room Luc was sleeping. My usually big, bad, tough guy was starting to wimp out. Jake and I went back out and rode some waves on the boogie boards. We had dinner at the mall which had a Dominos Pizza for Luc and Subway for Jake and I. Ice cream for desert and off to bed. Paradise Village is an early to bed, early to rise kind of place. Spa, tennis courts, lap pool, golf course, tourist kind of place.

Saturday 7/29 started with a room service breakfast (getting very spoiled here) and then a day at the beach. I came here to rest and relax and I am truely in love with the beach so I wanted to spend as much time as I could soaking up the sun and beauty. Luc and the ocean/beach did not mix, he was not enjoying the heat and the ocean water. I offered to take them on a tour but they were not healping pick one we all could enjoy. Lucky for him there was the mall nearby, the hotel had free internet for 30 min. a day, and a kiosk for a peso a minute. Was it truely ocean sickness or home sickness? Jake was a trooper, he was open for swimming in the ocean, walking on the beach, and playing in the pool. We played cards at night and he even shared the king size bed with mom, Luc slept on the pull out couch. Dinner was room service, another club sandwich for Luc. I decided to cook breakfast the next day so we went and bought some eggs and bacon and other breakfast fixings. I took a long walk out on the beach later that night before bedtime.

Club PV 7/26-7/27

Wed, 02 Aug 2006 18:44:48 GMT

Luc was able to go at the last minute so it was lucky that he was able to get on three of our flights. We started out early to catch Luc's 6:30 flight. Jake and I were to leave at 8:30 but the nice lady at the check in desk put us on stand by for 6:30 and we were able to travel together. We did have a wait in Dallas so we had breakfast and walked around the airport. When we arrived in Puerto Vallarta (PV) we were approched by someguy who was trying to sell us tours, I politely declined and headed for the taxis. It was raining when we got to Paradise Village in Nuevo Vallarta (tourist part of PV) and we checked in to our one bedroom suite (sweet). We walked around and then went for a swim before meeting with a lady from guest services to pick up our member cards. She offered us a free lunch the next day and a discount on two jet skis if we attended a member update meeting. I knew they were gonna try to sell me something but I figured it might be worth it. She also asked if we had set up a tour with the guy from the airport. He had gotten my name and want to set up a time to pick us up. I told her he tried to sell me but no, I did not sign up for anything. I am now going to warn you of the vultures who will attack you at the airport and try to sell you something. Do not listen to them, do not talk to them, they are smooth and will take advantage of you! I wish somebody had warned me. We ordered room service for dinner (big mistake). Luc and Jake ordered a club sandwich, I got a crab salad sandwich and Jake and I shared some guacamole. I say it was a mistake because that was what Luc wanted to order every night. Not just room service every night but a club sandwich every night. We went to the mall nearby and got some beer and snacks for the room then it the sack.

The next day after a coffee and donut breakfast we met for lunch with Mariska, a sales person. She ordered our lunch (Luc got a club) then went into her pitch. Ya, ya, ya I knew they wanted more money, more money, but I held strong and didn't buy. We got our free lunch and a good discount on two jet skis that we rented immediately. I rode with Jake 'cause I've seen how Luc drives. I was a little scared this being my first time on a jet ski and I was wearing my glasses and really didn't need to loose them in the huge ocean. I was holding on tight with my legs like I was horseback riding or something. Jake was very good about not scaring me too much so I was feeling brave and jumped on with Luc. Bad idea, now my legs were all wet and I could not hold on as well. Luc let me drive for a while and that calmed me down. After we used up our time and turned them in I noticed two big bruises on the inside of my thighs. Guess I was holding on a little too tight. We had some drinks on the beach and went to our room. I didn't have dinner (unless beer counts) but the boys ordered room service, clubs and guacamole again. Jake and I went down for another "Pink Dolphin" in the lobby and they charged us for one and gave us two. Later we went to the mall for some ice cream, and more snacks, and Luc bought some sunglasses.

Pooped out 7/11-7/12

Tue, 25 Jul 2006 04:34:32 GMT

Tuesday 7/11, I tried my best to get Mom to stay and rest at the hotel and forget touring. She refused to stay, so off we went to breakfast and then on the bus to San Miguel de Allende. The drive wasn't as nice as the other days. The landside was not as green and lush and there was more local housing. The houses were crowded, grey concret with water storage containers on the roof. Every once in a while you would see a brightly colored house that brought life to the surroundings. When we arrived they parked the bus next to a very nice hotel. We started our walk and got accross the street when Mom finally admitted that she couldn't walk anymore. I told the group to go on and that we would wait for them at the nice hotel. First we went out by the pool but it was hot out there. There was a nice airconditioned lobby with shops, a bar, restaurant and bathroom nearby. Only one shop was open and the selection was limited to snacks and drinks. Mom bought a couple of postcards of the church we did not see. I sat in a chair and Mom sat on a couch. I ordered a beer so they would let us stay for a while. I was reading and she laid down and fell asleep. I was afraid they were gonna kick us out when the manager came by and said she couldn't be sleeping in their lobby. I agreed and we explained that she wasn't feeling good and that we didn't have a room. He was very nice and told Mom it was okay for her to stay there. She did stay awake after that and we ordered some guacamole that was excellent. Mom ate some and I think it helped to give her some energy and she started looking better. It wasn't long before Father and another man from the group showed up at the hotel. They had gotten tired and taken a taxi back. It was comforting to know Mom was not the only one getting tired. We all were tired by this time and I know me and Ma fell asleep on the way to the room. One last dinner at the hotel and it was buffet style. They had a good selection of meats and one of them was lamb. Yum, it was good and I had it with vegetables over rice. Mom was eating which was a good sign. Off to bed and tomorrow we head home.

Wednesday 7/12 and Mom still wasn't 100% and she was looking a little dehydrated. She usually has huge veins popping out of her hands and there were none. She was still tired too. I told here we should get a late checkout and take a taxi to the airport. No, she wanted to go shopping with the group, she'd been looking for a lace head scarf but hadn't found any so this was the last chance. We went to a large mercado and shopped around. I didn't buy much, t-shirt, pins, ring, and a Lady of Guadalupe charm. Mom did not find her scarves and was sitting down ready to go after a short while. We went for one last visit to the Basilica but Mom stayed on the bus. I went to say some prayers for her and got her a gatorade. We stayed for a while then back on the bus. I gave Mom the gatorade but she didn't like it so I drank it. I felt dehydrated and like I had lost some weight. All I drank for the last few days was coffee and beer. I told Mom when we got the the airport I was putting her in a wheelchair so she didn't have to walk. She said okay. We tipped Luis and Goyo and got on the plane and headed home. I sat next to Father on the plane and enjoyed his stories of his youth and and travel as a priest. He is a funny man and very down to earth. I saw Father as a brother and a human being.

Mom stayed overnight with me and I took her home Thursday morning. She was finally feeling better but I was very tired. I headed home early because I had one last soccer game to play. When I got home I laid down to rest and fell asleep. Oops, missed the game. It took all weekend to recover and get rested. What a wimp I am but I am very happy I got to spend a week with my Mother.

There are more details that I hope to write down but tomorrow 7/26 the boys and I leave to Puerto Vallarta. There are computers at our hotel so I am going to try to write each day.

VWs and Volcanoes 7/10

Sun, 23 Jul 2006 15:49:00 GMT

Monday morning 7/10 and Mom is not getting better. I try to get her to eat a little and drink a lot of water. She now taking medicine to try to limit the need for a bathroom and she does not need to get dehydrated. I drink coffee and eat good, I'm hungry because I didn't eat dinner. We get on the bus and start the drive southeast to Puebla, home to the VW Bug factory and the Popocatepetl Volcano. Unfortunately the weather is feeling blue like Mom and it is overcast and we cannot see the volcanos but the drive was scenic and Puebla is quite beautiful. We stop at a small store/restaurant/coffee place with bathrooms on the way into Puebla. Mom stays on the bus and I get a coffee. We arrive in the town square and head to the Magnificent Cathedral. Now when they say Magnificent they really mean it. Everything covered in gold leaf, awesome carved wooden doors and beautiful ironwork. This was by far the most beautiful church ever. I only wish the lighting was better because without a flash it was not easy to get a good picture, I tried. After visiting the church we walked around the town square using the pedestrian walkway and shopping in the local shops. We visited a talavera tile shop and I bought a cross and a bottle of liquor. They had a tasting area where you could try the liquor or wine. We walked some more and saw a Santa Clara candy shop and a few steps down a Servicio Serrano. I think I might belong here. While walking in Puebla Mom was not doing good at all. She could barely walk and was very weak. I just wanted to get to lunch so she could use the bathroom and rest. We finally went to lunch and Mom didn't want to eat. I kept bugging her to drink water and she was not happy with me trying to tell her what to do. I ate the buffet, had a beer and enjoyed the Mariache players. They were very good, they had a flute player and the lead singers voice was deep and romantic. The lead guitar player was very good also but he keep quietly in the background. He was my favorite. After lunch it was back on the bus to another church. This one was built on top of a pyramid. They didn't realize there was a pyramid until they started building the church. My poor mother stayed on the bus again. I climbed to the top and wished for the clouds to lift so I could see my favorite volcano Po Po. I had to settle for a postcard with a picture of all three volcanoes and the church on the pyramid. Going home we were noting all the American chain stores and restaurants in Puebla and how pretty the city was. Mom was sleeping a lot and I was getting worried for her. I did not want her to end up in the hospital. She ate a little for dinner and went straight to bed. I read before falling asleep.

Viva Italia! 7/9

Sat, 22 Jul 2006 15:20:52 GMT

Sunday started an hour earlier so we could hit the road southwest to Cuernavaca. The drive was scenic and downhill. Mexico City's altitude is 7,000 feet or so and the weather had been cool (70's) and dry. Cuernavaca is at 5,000 ft and was warmer. We attended Mass and were fortunate enough to have a Mexican Bishop celebrate the Mass, which he did confidently. It was a beautiful church and there was standing room only. We managed to squeeze 10 into our pew. Mass was a long one and in spanish and it was warmer and I was wearing pants because shorts are not appropriate. But it was really beautiful. Afterwards as we were leaving the church we were approached by beggars. It is not easy to walk by without giving them something. The vendors were also there selling mostly jewery and they had some little ones with them that I had to buy from. A long necklace and bracelet (those earrings of Moms would go perfect). We went into the Cortez Palace which was historic and nice.

We went to lunch at a place called VIP's (the waitress' badge had Walmart on it). Mom wasn't feeling good and didn't want to eat too much. She ate a salad and I had flautas and a Dos XX. While we were eating I was in heaven because the WORLD CUP FINAL is on the TV at the restaurant! It was tied 1-1 and going into overtime when we left. I was cheering for Italy and Luis, the tour guide bet me a round France would win. When we returned to Mexico City we went to the Floating gardens of Xochimilco. Mom was not feeling any better and was in the bathroom on the bus when we got there and when we got off the bus it had started to rain. I took a nice slide getting on the boat and Father slipped and fell getting on. I asked around who had won the game and was thrilled to find that Italy won! Luis brought margaritas and there were buckets of drinks. Who cared if it was pouring rain and cold. Around halfway though the rain stopped and we were able to lift the tops to have a better view. There were mariaches singing and vendors selling food and goods and we had margaritas and beer and life was good. Que viva Italia!

Dinner was early because we were going to the Ballet Folklorico after. I did not feel like eating so Mom went down to try to eat something. She still didn't feel well. I went up to the bar by the pool and had a beer and tried to talk to the bartender Enrique who did not understand english very well. I met up with Mom and the rest of the group and we went to the ballet. We spent the first few minutes looking for a bathroom but had to wait until they opened the main doors before we could get to the bathrooms. Poor Mom, she was not getting better. The ceiling and the stage curtain were both made of stained glass and Lynn said they were Tiffany. The performance was the history of Mexico and the dances were entertaining. We headed back to the hotel and Mom went straight bed, I read and ordered a beer from room service.

Walk like a Mexican 7/8

Fri, 21 Jul 2006 03:40:43 GMT

Saturday July 8th we ate the breakfast buffet and drank our coffee. I also shoved some tortilla with ham and cheese in my backpack for later. I was not liking eating so early. Saturday the losing candidate in the recent election called for the people to demonstrate at the Zocalo. We were to tour the Presidential palace that morning and the National Palace at the Zocalo. We drove to the Presidential palace but were turned away by armed guards. We went to the Zocalo and the people were setting up grandstands and starting to organize. We walked to a model of the old city built on a lake and then saw the remains nearby that had been excavated. Cool and very awesome. We were not allowed into the National Palace either. We did enter the Cathedral Mayor for a short while then we got on the bus and got out of there.

We drove towards the pyramids at the Teotilihucan Archaeological Zone but stopped at a souvenir shop first. They showed us how they use the Agave plants to make rope, tequila, and other useful things. Mom snagged the needle and tread made from the tip of the plant and dyed with a flower. They showed us the native stones they mine and shape into various beautiful objects. After the demonstration we were allowed to shop and try some tequila and the 3 day old fermented agave used to make the tequila and they say is good for diabetes and a natural viagra. There were other uses but I took about four shots of tequila and lost all inhibitions and some memory. I bought a couple of items and then went outside where some of the workers made me a personalized tone and gave me some scraps of other types of stones. I went to the bus and showed Mom, she wanted a personalized stone too so back I went. Now the tequila had kicked in and when I gave them Mom's name I spelled it wrong. Woops. They semi-fixed it and I laughed all the way back to the bus. I am laughing right now 'cause I'm such a dork. We went off to the pyramids and the group was all together. Mom wanted to climb but I was scared for her and didn't want her to climb, so she went off with those who weren't gonna climb and I went with those who were. Now I regret not taking Mom with us. I know she probably couldn't have climbed but she could of at least went to the bottom. Oh well, sorry M. The archaeological site was overwhelming and the only thing that would have made it better would have been for all the vendors to be kick out of the zone. I can be a huge bitch but I usually do not enjoy treating others badly, so I tried to politely say "no gracias" when the vendors would try to sell me something but this did not work with the vendors here. I found it was best to ignore them rather then get all bitchy and mean. I had a great time climbing and from the top you could see all the other ruins that you miss at ground level. The climb down was equally pleasurable and a little dangerous in spots, no handrails and each step was unique in height and width. I met up with mom after our climb and we looked around at the vendor booths. Mom bought some cute hematite earrings that I wish I would have bought.

We headed to lunch and Mom and I had had enough of the buffet style lunch so we ordered off the menu and I ordered a beer, a Indio (recommended by another tour guide at the restaurant). It hit the spot even if I didn't finish my sang witch. We headed home the tour guide offered to take a group into town for dancing and a show, Ma and I declined. When we got back there were busses ant taxis everywhere from all the Obrador supporters. We finished dinner (don't remember it) and when we returned to our room we saw on CNN the hundreds of thousands of people who had showed up. It was like we were making history right along with them and I really wanted to grab a sign and help the cause.

Slug buggin' 7/7

Wed, 19 Jul 2006 01:10:47 GMT

We lost our game 3-13 (note: 10 run rule). Suprise! I played first and batted 1-2.

Back to Mexico. Friday after we left the Basilica we went to lunch at the Magestic Restaurant overlooking the Zocalo. The Zocalo is a large square with the Templo Mayor, National Palace and National Cathedral. It was a great view from the restraunt and it was a highlight of my trip. There weren't too many people in the square for a Friday afternoon. There were plenty of volkswagon bug taxis though. I think Mom's arm may have been sore 'cause I kept on slug bugging her all day (heh, heh). Now, the view was KILLER, but the food sucked. It was a carb overload. I don't know what they were thinking. Salad, ok, I had a beer, acceptable carb, (e)spegetti in cream sause with ham, nice and we should have went straight to dessert right then, but then they brought out some breaded meat that was tough, thin and large, with french fries and rice. It was just too much for lunch and can we get a real vegetable. So nibble, nibble trying to be polite. They offered three deserts, peaches, bananas w/cream, or something I was afraid to try. The peaches were canned. the bananas were good and the last one, Mom ate it and said it was good. I ordered the peaches and was not pleased. After dinner a vendor with his trained canaries (they were yellow?) came out and Mom fell in love with the birds. She just couldn't understand that they were just trained birds like all the other animals man has had to control. I thought they were cute but knew that the untimate goal was a tip. Yes, the tip, Mexico's way of bleading you dry. Everybody needs a tip. I need a few too.

After lunch it was off to the the National Museum of Anthropology. WOO HOO. I was just in awe of the history of Mexico. So immediately I got yelled at for using my flash. Woops, I'm and ignorant fool who don't go to museums much, but I learn quickly. Unfortunately my camera decided to freak out without a flash and I ended up with black blobs (not blogs) at the edges of my pictures (yes they are blurry too, I'm not a tripod). I think they look alright but someday I may crop. I thought it was the batteries but after charging it was still blobing. I was quite bummed seeing how this is a new camera, refurbished, but new to me. When we left there were these four guys at the top of a pole with there ankles tied to ropes. They then hung upsidedown while spinning from the pole until they unwound and reached the bottom. It was something I had never seen before but I must say I got a headache just watching them. We went back to the hotel and went to dinner, steak (mine was tough), then Mom went to bed and I went downstair to listen to the Mariaches that were playing. Others from the group were there so I stayed a while and enjoyed the music. I went up to bed and read the book I started reading on the plane. I read at night because the TV channels sucked and it was also nice just to read.

Trippin' in Mexico City 7/6-7/7

Tue, 18 Jul 2006 01:36:22 GMT

It may take my a while and I hope I don't forget everything before I finish, but here is my story of the trip to Mexico with Mom.

Mexico City is a huge city built on a lake. People have told me this before but I didn't hear them. It wasn't until I saw a model of the Ancient City that it actually sank in (pun intended). Mexico City was built on a lake thousands of years ago when there were no forklifts, cranes, or power tools. Then there are the Churches in Mexico. We were with a church group so we visited several churches, cathedrals and the Basilica. Magnificent old buildings with great stonework, wonderfully carved wooded doors, and gold leaf on everything.

Thursday after check in we went off to our room on the ninth floor. Room 904. The first night we had a get together on the top floor where the pool and a bar was located. They served margaritas and we met the rest of the group. Mom knew a few of the ladies, Father Santiallnes and the tour organizers. I knew Mom. I met a former classmate of my sister. Lynn is her name and she was with her mom Gloria. Lynn told us of the death of her 17 year old son last year in a car accident. He and his friends were driving around partying and the car flipped. Ronald was thrown from the car and killed (no seatbelt). This made me so sad and yet so thankful to have both my boys. I had a beer chaser then it was off to dinner. As we were gathering one of the ladies (Father's sister) tripped down the two stairs and sprain her ankle. Dinner was breaded fish that I didn't care for so I ate a little.

Friday breakfast was buffet style. I had some fruit (papaya/watermelon/canteloupe/pineapple/lime), yogurt, a pastry, and lots of coffee. We stopped for some flowers for our Virgencita on the way to the Basilica of Nuestro Senora De Guadalupe. Most of us pitched in for a large bouquet. There were 36 in the group and we had our own bus, driver and tour guide. Nice setup Garcia Tours! Luis was the guide, Goyo the driver. We arrived at the Basilica and Mom bought a rosewood rosary. I paid the vendor because I had cashed in some dollars for pesos. But of course, I started flippin' out too many pesos and almost got taken for 50 pesos. I walked a few steps and thought to myself, "that ain't right" so I turned around and told him, "that ain't right" and he's all "si, si" and hands me 50 pesos. Right in front of the Basilica! He better hope he doesn't go to hell.

The Basilica has other churches around a square with a clock. We entered the modern Basilica where we presented our flowers and viewed the Nuestro Senora De Guadalupe shrine. It was very moving and I felt blessed to be there with my Mom. We all went up a stairway with a stained glass wall to a private chapel and Father celebrated Mass for our group. Once again, feeling moved and teary eyed. It was quite beautiful and I felt honored to be there. After Mass it was through the beautiful garden and up the stairs to the Tepeyac Church. Mom wanted to walk up so we took our time and made it to the top, no problemo.

More tomorrow, off to my softball game.

Ready, set, GO!

Sat, 01 Jul 2006 01:59:35 GMT

Zip pa dee do dah.... vacation starts tonight! Two weeks off and a trip to Mexico City next week with Mom. I want to savor every moment and absorb every new sight when we get there. We are going on a pilgrimage with a church group from Pojaque and Mom said there are a lot of senior people in the group. This ought to be interesting and a change from hanging out with teenage boys. I really hope it all goes well and that I can come home with some good pictures of the places we will visit. We hit Mexico City, Cuernavaca, Puebla and San Miguel de Allende. Here is a link of the places we will visit. It all looks so old and historic and I love learning about other places.

http://www.knowmexico.com/citymap/

National Palace on the Zocalo
Photo Credit: Mexico Ministry of Tourism