My Q&A Twitter Interview with TravelDudes
Posted by admin in Mexico, TravelDesigned, TravelDudes on February 25th, 2010
interview partner. First, let us explain what we are doing. It's simple! We are having a Twitterview… the twitter way. Short & informative! To be a part of it, just follow us or follow/search for "#Q&A" (Question & Answer). Easy as that.
So I'm sure you've got a special insider tip for us?People in Mexico are very kind & many enjoy working in hospitality industry. I don't know where you can get better service than in Mexico. The hotels are gorgeous, the food is very good & not usually spicy — though some is…
There's lots of fresh seafood & TEQUILA TOO
) There are many historical sites as well as soft adventure and lots of beautiful nature to see in & out of the water. I find the culture and people fascinating!! For ideas on where to travel, what to see & do in Mexico follow us on #MexMonday & www.visitmexico.com/wb2www.traveldudes.org/north-america/mexico For Travelers, By Travelers!
Mexico – A Diver’s Paradise
Posted by admin in MexMonday Blog Winners, Plantetd on February 21st, 2010
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#MexMonday Blog Contest Winner
Mexico has been getting a lot of bad press here in Canada lately. Crime, violence, fear. It is all over the news. But we found it to be very safe and friendly. We aren’t huge par-tiers, so we weren’t at the nightclubs every night, but we did start our trip on a package tour so we could have been targets, but we found everyone to be friendly and welcoming. People are the same all over the world, most are good and true while only a small few cause problems. The media has certainly latched onto talking about crime in Mexico lately, are any of you in Mexico now and what is the situation like regarding crime against tourists?
When we took our trip to Central America, it was to dive. We were certified rescue divers and we wanted to go to Honduras to do our dive masters. But our trip started in The Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico.
There are 40 dive sites with popular areas being the horseshoe, caves and the gardens. We had several swim throughs at deep depths and the colours were bursting in the shallow waters.
It was a week of solid diving and when it finally came to an end, we were ready for a break. It was great diving, but we were happy to see the 25 other people we were vacationing with leave and be on our way to our Central American adventure. However, we didn’t have the need to move on quite yet.
I just loved the vibe of the street at night. Music, food, tons of tourist. At times, I really love a crowd. It had changed a lot since we had been there in 1999. Then, Playa Del Carmen had a Senor Frogs, the pier and a few streets and dirt roads with vendors and markets. Now it has been built up almost to the point of Cancun, although it doesn’t have the high rises.
We went back a second night to watch a band and we noticed that they were down a member at the beginning of their set. Everyone had jostled around playing different instruments from the night before, and when their final band member arrived, they just switched back to playing their other instruments. They are truly talented.
We weren’t blown away by the ruins themselves though. It was over run with tour groups and we just didn’t find them as spectacular as Chichen Itza and not even close to the Most Amazing Ruins of Tikal, but the location made up for everything. Besides, you can’t go through travels comparing sites to every other place you have been you will end up not liking anything. We just simply didn’t like Tulum for the plain fact that we didn’t like it.
Puerto Vallarta
Posted by admin in MexMonday Blog Winners, Mexico, StayAdventurous on February 21st, 2010
Destination Spotlight: Muy Romantico, Mexico – Puerto Vallarta
by Craig Zabransky
There is certain sense of romance one experiences when crossing the border.
To explore colorful culture, taste savory cuisine, and soak in the sun are all
reasons to visit Mexico. But the romance comes from the people’s way of
life and its ‘manana mantra.’ Whether you find it at the fiestas or on a
secluded vista, Mexico vacations can be spicier than salsa verde.
It was a famous and fiery romance that transformed the sleepy pacific fishing village of Puerto
Vallarta to a desired international destination. A passionate chapter of the Richard Burton and
Elizabeth Taylor love affair ignited the town during the filming the movie "The Night of the
Iguana,” in 1963. Afterwards, their decision to live in Mexico kept the coastal treasure on the
map.
When your flight to Puerto Vallarta (PVR) lands, you'll be in a newer, modern version of the city -
- a stark contrast from the 1960s village portrayed in the movie. But one thing that hasn’t changed
is the ability to get lost in the town’s romantic charm.
Situated along a 28-mile curve, the picturesque bay provides plenty beautiful beaches for all to
enjoy. The town center continues to keep its colonial-era charisma while the oceanfront Malecon
Promenade serves as an outdoor art gallery of sculptu
res. There the iconic Seahorse sculpture
battles the baroque crown of ‘Our Lady of Guadalupe’ as the top photographed landmark.
But the romance really begins when you cross the river and head to the south part of town. Walk
along the beach “playa los muertos” and enter the streets of the "zona romantica" — the name says
it all. The neighborhood blends enchanting inns, beachfront bars, cafes, and top-notch mariachi
bands to set the mood. After a splendid sunset, walk the cozy cobble stone streets and follow your
way to candle lit dinner tables to enjoy the fresh seafood and Mexican fare. Que Rico!
The zone also houses the Sala Elizabeth Taylor theater, but to revisit their legendary romance, you
must head back into town and visit their original home, Casa Kimberley. There you can visit the
Museum or even stay in the B&B that offers a glimpse into the golden age of their Hollywood
careers.
In the movie that created the sensation, Burton’s character speaks of the realistic and the fantastic.
And for those that make the journey, you will definitely find something fantastic in Puerto Vallarta.
Traveler's Tip: Try a Michelada to cool off from your time under the hot sun. The classic
michelada is a bottle of Mexican beer poured into a frosted glass filled with ice cubes, 1-2 ounces
of freshly squeezed limejuice and a salted rim. A beer-gahrita. Delicious. Also, some variations
include spices so be aware.
Puerto Vallarta Hotels: In the north side of town, known as Marina Vallarta, you can find the
major resorts chains, including the Westin Resort & Spa and the CasaMagna Marriot. On the south
side, below the river you can locate a number of quality and reasonably priced inns and hostels
such as Oasis for those on a backpacker’s budget.
Puerto Vallarta Flights: Many direct flights to Puerto Vallarta from the United States are
available. Flights from New York start as low as $284 and $297 from Los Angles.
© Cheapflights Ltd Craig Zabransky Reprinted with permission
Birria – Culinary Delight
Posted by admin in BarradeNavidad, MexMonday Blog Winners, Mexico on February 21st, 2010
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Birria – Traditional Mexican Food
Birrieria Don Pancho as the name says is a restaurant where you can eat birria (goat stew). In this case traditional goat birria (tatemada) from Jalisco.
In Birrieria Don Pancho they prepare the birria "en horno, a las brasas" putting the meat previously prepared with an adobo sauce and spices in clay pots, slowly baked in the oven using charcoal for 7 to 8 hours from 2:00 a.m. to be ready for early brunch around 8:00 a.m. in the morning. The final plate is a goat stew with broth.
They also serve jocoque and desserts. Copper Canyon
Posted by admin in MexMonday Blog Winners, Mexico, TransAmericas on February 21st, 2010
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With that in mind we added local guide Gustavo Lozano and local pony man Pepe to our motley crew and hit the trail bound for the Urique River at the bottom of the Urique Canyon, nearly 4,300 feet below us.
Unlike other canyon hikes that we’ve done–including twice into the Grand Canyon (once from the South Rim and once from the North Rim) and, more recently, to Havasu Falls–this time we had the luxury of a mule to drag our camping gear down and back up.
Initially we had reservations about this. Over almost two decades of hiking and trekking around the world we have always carried our own packs–partly out of pride, partly out of an uneasiness about forcing an animal to do our work for us and partly out of sheer cheapness. The mule wasn’t our idea but since it was there we added our packs to its load with an apologetic little nod and took off with just day packs on our backs.
Pepe from Cabañas Diaz and Dave Hensleigh of Authentic Copper Canyon (in the back) traveled on horses. We opted to use our legs but we did ultimately let the mule carry our camping supplies.
The first hour of the hike and two miles or so of trail took us up-and-down into the canyon past sparely populated Tarahumara/Raramuri villages surrounded by steep fields until we reached a saddle in the ridge with a huge mesa in the middle of the canyon visible to our left. This, we learned is a stop on a massive new gondola (teléferico) being built.
When it’s done next year it will be take people in 60 person gondola cars more than a mile from a station on the rim near Divisadero to the mesa top in the midst of the canyon. Besides 360 degree views of the colorful rock, lush vegetation and awesome depths in this section of canyon, there are also rumors of a restaurant on the mesa.
Even more incredibly, there appear to be plans to ultimately extend the gondola from the mesa all the way down to the river at the canyon floor taking people down and back up in smaller 10-person gondola cars. Time will tell.
For now, the only way down is on foot or horseback so we pressed on.
Looking down into Urique Canyon with the mesa and gondola tower on the left and Dave Hensleigh of Authentic Copper Canyon and his trusty steed on the right.
Any reservations we may have had about not carrying our own bags disappeared as soon as we left the saddle and continued descending past the mesa. That’s when trail conditions went from “steep canyon hike” to “treacherous rock-strewn vertical obstacle course.”
Honestly, this trail was one of the hardest we’ve ever done, not because it was any steeper or any longer than other canyon hikes. Actually, it was much shorter than the Grand Canyon. What wore us out was the quality of the trail. Much of the hike required total focus just to stay balanced and upright as we hiked down steep inclines that were covered with 4″ of sliding round rocks and gravel then strewn with ankle-twisting mini-boulders. At times it was like walking down a slide covered with ball bearings and volleyballs.
Did we mention the giant swarming wasps and often sheer and substantial drop-offs along the trail?
Suffice to say we were glad for our boots and poles and our point6 wool socks as we slowly picked our way down, down, down–ultimately losing almost a mile in elevation over the course of about five miles from rim to river.
A full moon rose over the canyon making it almost bright enough to read.
Our comfortable camp on a sand bar by the Urique River under a full moon that was so bright it actually made it hard to sleep.
After a great night of grilled chicken and a nice bonfire and no run-ins with scorpions we awoke knowing only half the job was done. We’d managed to walk into the canyon, now we had to manage to walk out. Despite our best intentions to get a bright and early start to avoid as much heat on the mostly-exposed trail, we still didn’t get packed up an on our way until after nine.
Walking up the trail proved easier than walking down since the risk of sliding was reduced so we were able to make fairly decent time, ultimately returning to the rim–hot and tired–in about five and a half hours. The mule, with our bags, made it in less than three.
Ensenada
Posted by admin in DonNadeau, MexMonday Blog Winners, Mexico on February 21st, 2010
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My Trip to Ensenada
By @DonNadeau
Rosarito Beach, Fox Studios Baja (Baja Studios), Tijuana
What’s it like traveling to Mexico’s border areas these days?
Super curious to experience how Mexico, a country I love, has been doing since my last visit in early 2008, I decided to visit the sole resort towns in the much maligned border zone, Ensenada, a popular cruise ship stop, and Rosarito Beach, a spring break destination, as well as the border town of Tijuana.
This is not a decision made lightly, with 843 people murdered in Tijuana alone last year. Without official approval, even U.S. Marines are banned from visiting Tijuana. As USA Today said, “Baghdad si, Tijuana no.”
In fairness though, the U.S. has its own crime problems. For instance, New Orleans had 179 murders in 2008, with just some 20 percent of Tijuana’s population. Although it’s been hard to estimate NOLA’s reduced population since Katrina, that’s a higher per capita rate than Tijuana.
Choosing how to go
Obtaining Mexican insurance and driving across in your own vehicle presents no problems, but I didn’t have mine on this trip. And, as you can imagine, although it can be done, renting a car to take across the border can present problems.
As one alternative, I could have taken the San Diego trolley to the border and used frequent bus services like Mexicoach to access downtown Tijuana and beyond, but decided on an escorted bus tour instead.
That decision turned into one of the most interesting and fun travel days I have ever experienced.
Gray Line San Diego
Gray Line San Diego offers three tours to Mexico:
Tijuana only,
Tijuana plus Rosarito Beach, or (my choice) these plus
Ensenada, which takes some 12 to 13 and one-half hours depending on your pick up point.
Most travelers opt to tour Tijuana only, a shame.
With a pick up point in La Jolla farthest from the downtown San Diego waterfront tour office, the bus came for me at 7:00 a.m., with drop off at 8:30 p.m.
Mexico immersion
With this tour, Mexico began not at the border but when Abel Rojas, the incredibly friendly and good-humored shuttle driver, pulled up in La Jolla, and didn’t end until I was dropped off that evening.
Abel actually lives in Tijuana for the affordability of family homes compared to the horrific prices in San Diego. That means leaving home at around 4:00 a.m. to beat the border crossing crowds and not getting back until very late evening.
Early rising did not impact Abel’s enthusiasm and desire to make the ride as comfortable and interesting as possible, including an offer to grab a coffee along the way, when he found that I had not had breakfast.
Until other people joined us, we enjoyed an in-depth conversation about Mexico vis-à-vis the U.S. I was very disappointed to find that Abel was merely the shuttle driver for this trip, and was assigned to another tour later that morning.
Brandy Blackburn
No offense to Abel Rojas, who was awesome, but disappointment ended quickly when Brandy Blackburn bounded onto our bus at the last shuttle stop, in order to steer Ensenada and Rosarito passengers onto her bus.
Born in Colorado, but now living in Tijuana with her family, Brandy is quite remarkable. She is simply the best guide I have ever experienced.
“I don’t do Gray Line’s tour to Ensenada; I do mine,” she warned.
Believe me, you’ll love it.
The border
Brandy prepared us well for the seriousness of the crossing. Heavily armed Mexican troops greet you at the border. Not a fun bunch.
While U.S. concerns about the Mexican border are well known, Mexico has its own, for example, how easily weapons can be obtained in the U.S. in order to try and smuggle these into Mexico for the drug cartels. Mexico also battles to stop illegally gained wealth from the U.S. from passing into Mexico to fuel even more criminal activity.
The border situation has deteriorated since the increase in crystal meth manufacturing in places like Tijuana and since the diversion of crack and cocaine traveling to the U.S. from Columbia by small boats and planes to land routes via Mexico. When mixed with the huge volume of legitimate goods that cross the border each day, traffickers face less risk.
This is a very complicated subject. The United States demands that Mexico stop drug traffic, while Mexico asks the U.S. to do far more to control consumption.
Yet, actions can have unintended consequences. When various American states cracked down on the sale of crystal meth ingredients, manufacturing moved in mass to Mexico, which has been able to produce a purer and more addictive product in higher volume to import into the U.S.
Crank up the machismo
Interestingly, Mexican officials and solders are simply not used to women bus drivers such as Brandy. In fact, some have never seen one.
This is not a country like India, Pakistan, or the UK that has had a female head of government. Of course, neither has the U.S., in spite of the steps America has taken toward equality.
From experience, Bandy has adopted a very macho and businesslike stance when dealing with the guards. She would not allow herself to be placed in an inferior position.
Perhaps not surprisingly this smoothed our way through each armed checkpoint, this border one plus six more combo toll booths/checkpoints by the time we made it back to the border. At one stop, perhaps sensing trouble, Brandy spoke only in her unaccented American English, instead of the seemingly perfect Mexican Spanish she used elsewhere.
At this first crossing, with no checks of passengers or of the cargo hold, we were waved through within several minutes, as we were at every stop within Mexico.
Nevertheless, I found the experience of crossing the border at Tijuana a far cry from when I last crossed by strolling across a stress free bridge over the Rio Grande to dine in Piedras Negras a few years ago.
Border fence
Within a few minutes, we were driving on a divided express highway along the actual border on the Mexican side. This was quite fascinating.
You have the true border with the remains of earlier boundary markers, an arid vacant space on the U.S. side that I dubbed “no person land,” and then that humongous new wall that seems impossible to cross.
Nevertheless, there were small groups of men sitting in the American “no person zone” and on the hillsides to the south starring at that fence.
Coastal highway
The same limited access divided highway travels along the coast from the outskirts of Tijuana to Ensenada. This offers fine views of the coast.
Because this is a toll road, a lot of traffic stays on parallel two-lane roads that are free. This helps smooth the trip.
Although beaches in Mexico are public and the government has set aside a few coastal parks, overdevelopment mars much of this shoreline, with seemingly endless fine homes and condos adjoining the ocean.
Happily, the coastal highway sits above much of the construction, which preserves many of the views.
Rosarito Beach Hotel
We reached the Rosarito Beach Hotel on the main street of Rosarito, a popular spring break destination, for our first sightseeing stop. This hotel, one of the nicest in town, fronts a rather nice long beach.
As with Southern California beaches, the water remains quite cool all year, and you really need the warmth of a hot day to enjoy swimming, which we did not have in mid November.
Those of us going to Ensenada had 90 minutes either to hang at the hotel and enjoy the beach and hotel pool or to explore the town.
Rosarito
If you take the tour only as far as Rosarito, not recommended in my opinion unless you can enjoy the beach on a warm day, you will have six hours in Rosarito.
That Rosarito is laid back (at least outside of spring break) is an understatement, but there are quite a few shops and restaurants near the Rosarito Beach Hotel to liven things up a bit, as well as Mexican branches of Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Applebee’s, and the like further up the main street, in case you are already homesick.
Based on an informal survey of sidewalk demographics, this has become quite a retirement area for Americans.
Speaking of Rosarito sidewalks, a number of intersections are meticulously engineered for wheelchair ease, but some sections between intersections maintained by merchants are incredibly rough, with changes in elevation that approach six inches. Watch your step when walking in this town!
Baja Studios – Fox Studios Baja
Just south of Rosarito, we stopped overlooking extensive Baja Studios, the former Fox Studios Baja.
Baja Studios was closed to tours, but from our viewpoint above it, we could clearly see the studio layout, including the infamous tank used for filming the drowning scenes in Titanic.
James Cameron, Titanic’s director, certainly did not have to overexert himself coaching his actors to look miserable in that water. You really feel the cold after a short time.
Other films shot here include Pearl Harbor, Deep Blue Sea, Master & Commander: The Far Side of the World, Ghost of the Abyss (again with James Cameron), In Dreams, and Weight of the Water, as well as the Tremors television show and various others.
Ready for filming, a tall ship used in Masters & Commander sits docked near the Titanic tank.
Just south of Baja Studios, Brandy showed us the exclusive condos and homes that house movie production staffs and actors, including the one in whose penthouse Leonardo DiCaprio stayed. He enjoyed a pleasant view.
Lobster Town Puerto Nuevo
My mouth watered as Brandy drove past—drove past!–the village of Puerto Nuevo, with seemingly every building devoted to a lobster restaurant. Lobster boats dock nearby.
A lobster dinner by the sea with a drink adds up to around $15.
Brandy, #fail. (Just kidding. I realize that it was a bit early for lunch, especially per Mexican custom, and that the cuisine in these restaurants might not have been appropriate for some tour members.)
Ensenada
Curiously, Ensenada fronts a harbor, not a grand beach or a grand beach with a small harbor, unlike other oceanfront resorts in Mexico.
If it had a rail connection, Ensenada would be one of the great ports on the Pacific coast. Nevertheless, it’s a busy port, and an extremely progressive and attractive city that is fun to visit.
Ensenada shines
In contrast to the slightly (or more) gone to seed appearance of so many American and Mexican cities, Ensenada shines.
Sidewalks in good repair sparkle, you do not notice trash, and the most modern plaza I have ever seen directly adjoins the downtown, with free wireless reception.
Overlooking all this flies the most humongous Mexican flag imaginable. They ought to haul that thing over for World Cup 2010.
In spite of its clean and orderly nature, Ensenada does not seem dull in any way. I really enjoyed it.
Viagra capital of the world
Overwhelmingly, this must be the Viagra capital of the world.
Pharmacies—and, you’ve never seen so many pharmacies in such a small area—blanket the downtown. Invariably, these display large signs advertising Viagra or Super Viagra, as well as often ones promoting “best prices here” for other sexual enhancement drugs, along with price lists for regular prescription medicines.
This is obviously where many Americans head to save on pharmaceutical costs.
Lunch in Ensenada
Included in the tour cost comes a complete lunch at a rather good Mexican restaurant with excellent service.
Along with salad and dessert and, if you wish, a margarita, choices include Mexican-style chicken, cubed steak, and two fish dishes plus a vegetarian meal by request. (Mexicans do not eat snack or home-style foods like tacos and burritos when they go out to “better” restaurants. Best not to ask for these in a formal place with “class.”)
I liked that tour members could dine at a restaurant “approved” by Gray Line that gives comfort to those worried about dining in Mexico, but did not like that the food was significantly less spiced than normal even for this type of Mexican cooking. Apparently, no one wants to disturb Americans who are perceived as wanting blander food.
After our meal, we were free to wander around on our own. Most shopped; I explored.
Because Gray Line deliberately parks at the tallest building in town, you’ll find it easy to make your way back after exploring on your own.
Ensenada waterfront
From the plaza, just up the street from the restaurant, I walked across to an adjacent park that overlooks the waterfront. This is a pleasant place to people watch and to enjoy the view. There’s also a very clean public washroom that you can use during your explorations.
From the waterfront park a boardwalk takes you along the harbor.
I continued north along the harbor beyond the boardwalk to the commercial section, with an eye on another tall ship in the distance. Its shipyard was securely fenced off from the public, but I could get an excellent view from across the street.
This shipyard seemingly had every conceivable small ship (usually very old) that could be used for film production. For some reason, I had my eye on a large old tugboat to start my collection.
Gray whales
Sadly, my tour departed too early in November to see the many gray whales that teem along this coast in winter (peaking in February). Nor did we have time to venture out of Ensenada to nearby attractions, such as to “La Bufadora,” a blowhole that spouts seawater 70 feet into the air.
In my opinion, winter and especially early spring would be excellent times to visit this area for the whales and for the green countryside that comes with winter rains.
Tijuana
Except for the periodic checkpoints (in this direction they were apparently looking more for drugs than guns–these were more serious in nature, with armed troops at one lining both sides of the roadway), the drive back up was quite relaxing, with the views of the ocean even better as dusk approached.
After a short tour of Tijuana, we parked on Avenida Revolucion, the main drag.
Again, nearly everyone shopped as I walked around. Leather and silver items plus discounted alcohol were most popular with our group.
Although infamous for the raunchiness of some of its entertainment venues, the mood on Avenida Revolucion was upbeat, with people of all ages enjoying a warm and pleasant evening. The street did not have the seediness that ones expects from its reputation. As in Ensenada and Rosarito, the streets and sidewalks in this area were very clean, with no homelessness or panhandlers visible.
However, far more so than in Ensenada, lounge and shop barkers approach you and try to entice you in. However, smile, quickly look away, and continue walking without pausing. It helps immensely not to walk too close to doorways.
Brandy’s family
Returning to the bus, I found Brandy enjoying a visit with part of her family, including her mother, a daughter, and several grandchildren. They spend time with her at this stop.
Knowing the long hours that she’s away from home, this was heart-warming to see.
Returning to the border
Also at this stop, on hopped a singer with a guitar that soon had the group—tired as we were—enthusiastically and loudly (and rather professionally, I might add) singing cliché but fun Mexican standards, and we weren’t even drunk. Seriously.
Until our mariachi, as we called him, left us at the border, this was a joyous way to end our time in Mexico, and I thank Brandy for this. Both Abel and Brandy imparted the spirit of Mexico just as if we were honored guests in the country.
Just prior to crossing, Brandy let a Mexican pastry vendor she knew sell to us and that helped alleviate the rather long time we waited for clearance to go into the U.S. customs and immigration office.
Regarding the pastries, I should mention that Brandy did not spend the day steering us into various shops for commissions, a habit of some guides that has so irritated me at times in the past.
Crossing into the U.S.
Crossing back into the United States by coach was considerably more complicated than entering Mexico.
Even the buses lined up differently. With so many, there had to be a space left between some, so that the U.S. guards could tell that no one was sneaking past on foot.
Brandy clearly spelled out what we needed to know in order to have a smooth process, as she could not to accompany us into the immigration office and then to a new location of our bus that we hadn’t seen. In this situation, we watched out for each other, making sure everyone cleared customs before leaving the office and finding the bus.
In spite of the crowds, the customs and immigration officers remained pleasant and professional.
Gray Line’s business decline
Since the “troubles” started–the H1N1 flu outbreak in Mexico, the ongoing drug war publicity, and the U.S. economic downturn–Gray Line has lost half of its customers to Mexico. Our tour had 18. Some days none show up.
Gray Line operates a tour with as little as one reservation, not wanting to cancel on anyone, but because of the licensing arrangements, it has to use big buses into Mexico, not an economical situation.
This decline in passengers impacts not only Gray Line but also the people in Mexico who depend on tourism, such as the restaurant we visited, and even the incomes of tour guides from tips.
Who travels on this tour?
Nearly our entire group consisted of very up-for-it Australians, Canadians, New Zealanders, as well as several other internationals, including a very fun honeymoon couple from Cornwall with whom I enjoyed lunch.
I am proud of the several older American couples that joined this tour. They had fun!
In general Americans tend to be very travel risk-adverse when it comes to travel.
I am not advocating that anyone take crazy chances, but too many forget the dangers of merely staying home in a country with one of the world’s highest crime rates. As mentioned above, Tijuana in the heart of the drug war zone has a lower murder rate than the popular tourist city of New Orleans.
And, after all, you can be a target if you become drunk in any country, a physiological state all too frequently found in Americans who travel to Mexico.
Some also tend to forget that much of the fresh food Americans enjoy, such as salad greens, comes from Mexico. In Mexico, as in other countries, it’s not so much what you eat as where you eat that determines your well being.
Comfort level
I found the comfort level on this tour very high. That means people were happy and comfortable throughout. Except for several joking remarks about the length of time it took to re-enter the States, I never heard a complaint.
Five concerns you may have
You must have a valid passport or approved alternative document to take this trip. If appropriate for your nationality, you must have a visa valid for reentry into the United States.
Baja is very used to tourists and nearly everyone speaks some English, often excellent English.
Public washrooms have attendants and all that I used were quite clean. Gray Line buses used in Mexico also have facilities.
There is no need to exchange money. Dollars are accepted everywhere. You’ll need some small change for washroom attendants. Fifty cents seems customary. If you give a dollar bill, you may get pesos back, which you can use at your next stop.
Except for those optional sidewalks in Rosarito, walking is easy throughout the tour. You are remarkably free to determine how much walking you want to do. Just one vista point (not at Baja Studios) has many steps, which you do not have to climb.
Go for it
Will I recommend this tour and this part of Mexico to others? Absolutely.
Brandy was awesome but so were all six people I talked with at Gray Line San Diego, a company that has much to teach about travel industry hiring and tour operation and planning.
Republished with permission
Name the Suite: Los Portales of Hacienda Tres Rios
Posted by admin in Mexico, TravelDesigned, sustainable travel on February 18th, 2010
Hacienda Tres Rios is having a contest to name their new suite. They have chosen select travel professionals and travel bloggers to help them name their new connecting Ceiba Junior Suites. I am one of the lucky chosen ones! My mission is to get all my friends and followers to first FAN Hacienda Tres Rios then vote/Like my suite on their Facebook page. If my suite receives the most LIKES/votes, I will win a 3 night stay!
So go to this link on Facebook, become a fan, click on the tab Suite Contest and look for my logo and Like it. 
Here is a bit about my suite name and the resort:
The tagline of the Hacienda Tres Rios, an all-inclusive luxury resort in the
P.S.S. Global Bloggers Network , bloggers everywhere and Matadors too– I am trying–I know I need more work, please fan and vote for me so I will have something to blog!
P.S.S.S. Terry–my very own personal luggage handler and love of my life –outside of social media–Thanks you too!
He is already packed-please don't disappoint him 
Falling for the Waterfalls
Posted by admin in Mexico, My Travelin' Tweeps, Paola Santos on February 17th, 2010
Culinary Mexico Mezcal and Mole
Posted by admin in Adventures, Gap Adventures of the Week, Mexico Adventures, My Travelin' Tweeps, sustainable travel on February 13th, 2010
Culinary Mexico: Mezcal & Mole
Limited Dates & Space Available
Day 1 Arrive Mexico City (D)
Arrive in Mexico City at any time. Enjoy your first of many group meals exploring the tantalizing flavours of Mexican cuisine.
Day 2-3 Oaxaca (2B, L)
The colourful and lively markets and impressive Zapotec ruins of Monte Alban are just two of many reasons to visit wonderful Oaxaca. Enjoy an included cooking class to get the most out of the Mexican cuisine experience. Also visit mezcal factory which produces the fiery "other tequila" that is this region's specialty. Careful of the worm! Famed for its local handicrafts, Oaxaca is also an excellent spot to pick up souvenirs.
Day 4-5 Puebla (2B, D)
Head to Puebla, famous for its hand-painted tiles, unique handicrafts, mouth-watering Mole Poblano and rich colonial history. Visit the market here and learn how to make the famous mole sauce. Enjoy a meal at the famous Fonda de Santa Clara, where you'll be able to sample Puebla's unique seasonal specialties ranging from "chiles en nogada" (stuffed chilies covered with a creamy walnut sauce and sprinkled with pomegranate seeds) to "escamoles" or ant larvae sautéed in butter.
Day 6-7 Veracruz (2B, D)
No Mexican menu would be complete without the phrase "a la Veracruzana" somewhere on it; hit an ocean-side local restaurant while you're here to sample it. Don't forget to try the seafood – straight from the water!
Day 8 Mexico City (B)
This multi-layered megalopolis is home to an endless list of cultural wonders, including the best anthropology museum in the country, filled with Mexican archaeology, the largest plaza (the Zocalo), Aztec historical sites and a vibrant street life.
Day 9 Depart Mexico City (B)
Land Only Price: $1299 per person
Prices subject to change and availability
Contact me TODAY to reserve YOUR Gap Adventures!
Sabah Fest ‘09
Posted by admin in Alan McBride, Asia, Malaysia, My Travelin' Tweeps on February 7th, 2010
Please follow Alan on Twitter : @alanmcbride
Photo-journo, writer, traveller, aspiring eccentric, music lover, Francophile, walker and chef!
Sabah Fest 09
A Celebration of Sabah’s Natural Charms
You may remember harvest festivals from your schooldays, local children bringing in fruits and vegetables to celebrate the bounty the seasons bring. They were usually joyous occasions with hymns being sung in assembly, at special church festivals or after school.
In Sabah, Borneo, the harvest festival takes on a whole new meaning as the various tribes of Sabah descend on the capital, Kota Kinabalu every year. Over 30 ethnic groups speaking over 100 local dialects perform over two or three days at the magnificent Sutera Village Resort while the entire festival proceeds over the whole month. Principally the Kadazandusun and Murut communities come together each May to offer thanksgiving to the bambaazon (rice spirit) for a bountiful harvest.
An array of traditional sports: arm wrestling, blow pipe skills, racing on bamboo stilts and a type of clog-less, clog dance over rapidly snapping, potentially ankle breaking, bamboo poles performed by the Murut head-hunting warriors, this and many other cultural dancing exhibitions, provide a tremendous buzz over the several hours of the main show. The mesmerising dance of the Suluk Sandakan people of the east coast for example, called the Pangalay Agung, is a skilful dance usually presented as a royal welcome, it has been passed from generation to generation and is yet another highlight in a night of highlights.
One feature of the shows is the stunning beauty of the costumes and peoples. How Malaysia doesn’t win Miss World every year is beyond this writer's comprehension and is shown to the best extent in the Unduk Ngadau beauty pageant.
Sabah Fest features many and varied events over the course of the month with separate events all over the state: the main event though is undoubtedly the Cultural Extravaganza held on the opening two days. The whole month is a spectacular presentation of song, dance, music – a total cultural blast with many food, handicraft stalls and booths on display.
As part of SabahFest a visit to Sabah Museum’s Heritage Village to learn about age-old rituals and intricate beliefs of the local ethnic groups will surely include traditional games and more exciting exhibitions.
The various stalls and events at the show and at selected venues in Sabah afterwards, extend the whole month of SabahFest. The official program lists these and many more, which include:
Sales of Local Handicraft
Crafts Exotica
Patterns and Colours of Sabah Art Exhibition
Kota Kinabalu Harvest Festival Carnival
Kadazan Wedding Ceremony Display
Harvest Festival Celebrations in Sandakan
Bamboo Orchestra Musical Show
Kaamatan Beauty Pageant
Wisma Merdeka Unduk Ngadau Beauty Contest
Handicrafts Exhibition
Traditional Murut Wedding Carnival Show
Kadazan Songs Singing Competition
Sabah World Museum Day 2009
Kaamatan Festival Fair
Handicraft Exhibition
Colors of Sabah Junior Beauty Pageant Contest
Rhythm of Sabah Musical Showcase
Kaamatan Singing Competition (Sugandoi)
The final week ends with more spectacular showpiece events but one of the most interesting in this far off land is the annual Malaysia National Harley (Davidson) Owners' Group (HOG) Rally 2009, Sabah. Incongruous but… get ready for some serious cruisin! Join the Harley Davidson parade as they wend their way through the hills and valleys, farms and rain forests of Sabah. The riders begin their journey from Tawau town and soak in the sights with a trip to Mabul island included. They continue to Sandakan and Kota Belud and end in the capital, Kota Kinabalu.
Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better:
SabahFest09 finished with Stayin’ Alive – a Charity Dinner & Concert 2009 for The Palliative Care Association (PCA) of Kota Kinabalu; who together with Sutera Harbour Resort put on a tribute to the legendary Bee Gees.
Thanks to Saba Tourism who organised my trip!
I flew with Air AsiaX and Air Asia from Australia to Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu, stayed as a guest of the following properties:
Nexus Resort,Kurambanai
Eco Gayana Resort
Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu
Hyatt Regency, Kota Kinabalu
Borrneo Rainforest Lodge, Dannum Valley
Tune Hotels, LCCT Kuala Lumpur
Thank you, Alan for sharing another amazing article with us about Malaysia. A friend of mine sent me a magnet for my collection from Sabah. Now I know more about this magical destination! Thanks again! — Stephanie aka TravelDesigned
Fiji – My Wish Come True
Posted by admin in Cruise, IsabellesTravel, My Travelin' Tweeps, South Pacific on January 13th, 2010
Please follow Isabelle on Twitter : @IsabellesTravel
I'm a passionate traveler who wants to help others make a memorable vacation!
Fiji- My Wish ComeTrue
What better time to think back on travel memories of a warm and lovely destination than during the cold winter.
Everybody has a wish list when it comes to travel. A certain destination or multiple ones, they just have to see! That choice can be based on stories you've heard by other travelers who have been there, or maybe through pictures you saw. I can't even remember why it was so high on my list. I think it was some sort of documentary I saw about it. My god, the beaches they showed and the crystal blue waters. Well, I knew one thing, I wanted to see Fiji!
To be honest, I’ve always thought it would be my honeymoon destination, but when my thirtieth birthday was around the corner, I decided to go ahead and plan a trip. And was I glad I did
The Fiji Islands are located in the heart of the South Pacific. They consist of over 300 islands with the two largest islands being Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. I flew into Nadi, the international airport at Viti Levu.
Bula! Welcome to Fiji! I remember landing in Fiji and it was pouring rain and me thinking: “You got to be kidding me, I flew all this way for rain!” Luckily by the next morning, the rain stopped. 
My trip consisted of a three day cruise to do some island-hopping and a few days at a luxurious resort. In this story I'll focus on the 3 day cruise I went on. I did think this cruise was an excellent way to see multiple islands, even if it's sometimes just from a distance.
Meeting the other 10 passengers (yes, that's all, it felt like a private cruise was the first thing on the agenda. This wasn't hard, as we could talk over lunch, that was served while our cruise set sail to the Yasawa Islands. After a delicious meal and exploring the ship for a bit (it's not that big), we made our first stop: visiting a Fijian Village. We attended an ancient `Yagona` ceremony. Yagona or kava is the traditional drink of Fiji. It's a drink made in a wooden bowl, called Tanoa during a ceremony with music and clapping. Lovely to experience. A little tip, if you go visit a Fijian village, bring something for the children. We just took some candy and they loved it.
Back on board, we got ready for dinner. It was a special "Captain's Welcome" dinner. The crew also provided entertainment by singing and making music. And it was a nice chance to get to know my fellow passengers. They came from all countries: Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Canada and Germany.
Day 2 brought us to an amazing privately owned island which was gorgeous. It's my number 1 in my Top 5 of Most Beautiful Beaches You could relax in a hammock, sunbath, but also see some colorful underwater spectacles while snorkeling. I just loved it! And on top of that, there was a BBQ served on the beach, for a beach lover like me, this was heaven on earth!
In the evening, we were in for a surprise. The crew set up our dinner on shore in a traditional Fijian way. They prepared our food in a "lovo" which is an earth oven. Really cool to see! It was an amazing evening, we did a little quiz/show and we had to tell something about our own country. At the end, the crew treated us to some more music and dancing. A magical night under the stars.
Already the last day, too bad this was such a short trip… still I think it's a great way to see a bit more of the Fijian Islands. There are longer cruises too, but because I was only in Fiji for a week I decided on the short cruise and a beach stay for a couple of days. After another tasty breakfast ~ the food was marvellous on this boat! ~ our last stop, another Fijian Island. You could go for a beach walk, snorkeling or just relax on yet another beautiful beach.
Later we headed back to the port, but not before enjoying lunch and afternoon tea. To top of this lovely experience, the crew sang their farewell song "Isa Lei" to say goodbye.
I have to say, this cruise was amazing, the food was suburb, the crew outstanding and the travel companions delightful. It's one of my most fantastic travel memories. You know, the Fijian Islands aren't called the "Friendly Islands" for no reason. They make you feel so welcome with their "Bula" and music & dance. Fiji was everything I expected and more. I'll definitely go back one day!
Isabelle was one of the first tweeps I followed when I started on Twitter. She always brings a smile to my face when I see her in my Twitter stream. It makes my day when she interacts with me or retweets me. Now, we are friends and check up on each other outside of twitter.
Thank you, Isabelle for contributing one of your dreams come true.
I sincerely wish all your hopes and dreams come true!!–Stephanie
Resolutions: Never, Not Me.. Well, Just This One!
Posted by admin in Blood Donors, My Travelin' Tweeps, TravelDesigned, Uncategorized on January 9th, 2010
Resolutions: Never, Not Me.. Well, Just This One!
Follow me on twitter: @TravelDesigned
I'm all about travel. Adding Service, Value & Experience to your Travel. Love gardening and photography too!
Resolutions: Never, Not Me… Well, Just This One!
I have never been a fan of New Year’s resolutions. I don’t like to make promises I know I am not going to keep, not even to myself. This year though, I have made a resolution and it’s one I can keep!
It all started on January 2nd when on Twitter I received a tweet from my tweep DiffWorldMexico asking me to reach out to my twitter friends with a link to a Facebook page. The page had a plea for blood needed for Phil Pain, a young British student studying in Mexico, who fell from a 7th story balcony on New Year’s Day in Mazatlan. He was in desperate need of a substantial amount of O negative blood before the doctors could even begin to operate.
This really got me thinking about people who travel that experience accidents and about the need for blood everyday in general. I started doing some research on the websites of the American Red Cross and the Canadian Blood Service. What I learned absolutely shocked me! I am sure worldwide the statistics are just as staggering, if not more so.
• Every minute someone in Canada needs blood and every 2 seconds In the United States
• More than 5 million patients a year need blood in the US
• Less than 38% of the population in the US can even give blood and only 8% actually do
• O-negative blood is needed in emergencies before the patient's blood type is known and with newborns who need blood.
• Only 7% of people in the US have the Universal donor blood type, O negative
• Patients from car accidents often require 100 pints
• Cancer patients often need blood during chemotherapy treatments, sometimes daily
• Platelets critical for cancer patients only have a shelf life of 5 days
The good news is: just one donation can save up to 3 lives!
It only takes a little over an hour of your time.
So, my first ever New Year’s resolution is to give blood 6 times this year. I know it will make me feel good to know I am helping save lives.
It costs nothing and cookies and juice are involved
How about you? Will you join me in my first New Year's resolution? Please let me know on twitter or facebook if you are joining me in my resolution, I would love to hear from you!
Give the gift of life,
and if you can't give… will you please encourage your friends, family, co-workers to become donors?
–heck, encourage your enemies too!
If you have traveled to the following countries… please check with your blood bank to see if you are eligible to be a donor.
The following information is from http://www.giveblood.org/index.php?page=faqs
No deferral means –you should be eleigilbe to give blood:
| Location |
|---|
| Comments | |
|---|---|
| Mexico |
Acapulco – No deferral |
| Caribbean |
Bahamas – No deferral, except for travel to Great Exuma Island which would make donor ineligible to donate for one year after return. |
| Belize |
Belize City – No deferral |
| Costa Rica |
Provinces of San Jose, Cartago, Puntarenas and Limon City (Jaco Beach, Quepos, Manuel Antonio Park) -no deferral |
| El Salvador |
Cities of San Salvador, San Miguel, San Vincente, Sonsonate, and Chalatenango- no deferral. |
| Guatemala |
Large cities including Antigua, Lake Atitlan and Guatemala City – no deferral |
| India |
Not eligible for 12 months after return. |
| Panama |
Panama City and Canal area are acceptable. |
| Venezuela |
Large cities along coast (Caracas, Maracaibo, Valencia) are acceptable. |
| Ecuador |
Large cities in central highlands acceptable (Quito, Guayaquil, Cuenca) and Galapagos Islands – no deferral |
| Peru |
Large cities south of Lima, Cusco, Machupicchu – no deferral |
| Azerbaijan |
Risk in all areas except no risk in Baku |
| Africa |
Algeria – No deferral unless travel to Ihrir or Illizi province |
| Saudi Arabia |
No deferral for cities along East Coast, Jeddah, Mecca, Medina, Taif, Riyadh, risk in Al Bahah, Al Madinah, Asir, Jizan, Makkah, Najran an Tabuk provinces. |
| China |
Large cities and typical tourist areas including Yangtze River cruise – no deferral. |
| United Kingdom |
No deferral unless stayed for more than 3 months between 1980 and 1996 |
| Europe |
|
|
No deferral unless stayed for more than 6 months associated with the military between 1980 and 1996 or stayed for more than 5 years from 1980 to the present |
PS
I made my first blood donation at the Rock River Valley Blood Center on Thursday, January 14!! It was a BREEZE!! I now have to wait until March 11 to make my next one. I will keep you posted.
PSS:
I am so committed to this, I have challeged Bruce Poon Tip and Gap Adventures to a blood drive. If they will conduct a blood drive, I will give $5 per donor (up to $500, HEY! I am just a one woman operation) to Planeterra in March. Of course, Bruce has accepted! So the challenge is ON!!
I hope I have a couple of REALLY good months… now that I have laid down the gauntlet! 
For more information about blood donation and to make your appointment, check the links below or contact your local blood bank:
Americans: Make your appointment here
Follow the American Red Cross on Twitter
Follow the Canadian Blood Service on Twitter
Follow Gap Adventures on Twitter
Follow Bruce Poon Tip on Twitter
3 Quirky Christmas Days
Posted by admin in Africa, Asia, Christmas Travel Tales, Middle East, My Travelin' Tweeps, Quirky Traveler, South Africa, South Pacific, Uncategorized on December 21st, 2009
Please follow Zoe on Twitter: @quirkytraveller
Looking at life from a quirky point of view. Leadership Coach, Speaker, Travel Writer and Happy Mum.
3 Quirky Christmas Days
Aswan, Egypt
In the early 80s a group of us spent one Christmas and New Year in Egypt. On Christmas Day so we left our VERY basic hostel to find a cheap restaurant open which served festive fare and a drink. As you can imagine, in a predominantly Muslim country on a Saturday, that was not so easy … Eventually we found a little place by the Camel Market (not on that day), with a big table outside. We were offered Roast chicken and chips with local beer… Perfect.
Whilst we waited (for hours!) for the chicken, we drank warm beer and relished the hot sun, safe in the knowledge that back home in the UK it was probably raining and definitely cold. The chicken was the toughest, ropiest old bird you could imagine – but we enjoyed it anyway as we reminisced about our favourite Christmas holidays, exchanged REALLY cheap and fun gifts, toasted absent friends and congratulated ourselves on having a very unChristmassy Christmas Day.
Pattaya, Thailand
In 1990, a friend and I escaped from Hong Kong to stay at a luxury hotel in Pattaya, which looked absolutely dreamy. What we didn’t know was that during the Vietnam War, Pattaya had been a favourite place for soldiers to chill out and ‘relax’ and their legacy lived on …
Having arrived on Christmas Eve we decided to eat out in Pattaya the next day, so after a relaxing day by the pool we wandered into the town. What a shock that was! It was late afternoon and still daylight but all the bars were busy and it was obvious what delights were on offer for Christmas here! We wandered up and down Soi 6 barely able to contain our amazement. Some of the bars and clubs had festive decorations amidst the neon – I’ll never forget one sign which read ‘A Merry Christmas to all our Customers’ above a lap-dancing club offering some very exotic acts …
Eventually we found a vaguely respectable bar where we had Pad Thai noodles and fended off the attentions of some very drunk Australian guys who’d clearly partaken of a fair bit of Christmas cheer. As their propositions got more extreme we decided return to our hotel and leave Pattaya red light district to its own unique Christmas festivities!
Queenstown, South Africa
“We’re having a Braai on Christmas Day – just family and a few mates …” and so I was introduced to Christmas Dinner, South African style. I was staying with my boyfriend’s family on their farm just outside Queenstown. The weather was fantastic, warm, sunny and fresh. On Christmas morning we exchanged presents and drank sparkling wine, opened cards showing Santas and snow-covered carol singers outside typical English churches; all very incongruous with the African veldt outside the back door.
A Braai is a BBQ, SA style. On the biggest grill I’ve ever seen was every kind of meat imaginable, including ostrich and Boerewors, a spicy sausage. Big buckets were filled with ice and beer, boxes of red wine stood outside the kitchen door next to a big fridge full of white wine, soft drinks & mixers. Two trestle tables were loaded up with all manner of salads, dips, breads and fruit, with a smaller table for the kids – and not a turkey or Brussel sprout in sight.
By 4pm the party was in full swing and it was time for carols and the Christmas pudding. The farm workers joined us and as ‘Hark The Herald Angels Sing’ rang out from over 50 voices, it seemed the best way to celebrate this wonderful season.
Travelling More
Posted by admin in AndrewgHayes, Australia, Canada, Edinburgh, Europe, France, Lille, Montreal, My Travelin' Tweeps, New Zealand, Scotland on December 16th, 2009
Please follw Andy on Twitter: andrewghayes
I'm that travel guy. Here to help travellers & small businesses in travel with online tech. What can I do for you?
Travelling More
I’m not talking about how often you travel – I’m asking, do you immerse yourself while on the road and take advantage of the opportunity to make it a rich, authentic travel experience? From tasting local food and drink to adventure touring or simple walks along the beach, I’ve travelled a lot and am always making a concerted effort to make the most of the destination. There have been few places that I haven’t liked, but I’d like to share with you a few of my true favourite gems. Places where travelling more is alive and well. Places that you should add to your bucket list if you haven’t been already.
Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand
Everyone who me even remotely well knows that New Zealand is my favourite country and I get there every chance I can get. My most memorable Kiwi experience was walking in the Abel Tasman National Park. An incredible place full of blue waters, green forests, and few people, it is the perfect place for a digital detox or to and get yourself grounded, both mentally and physically. Absolutely wonderful. The South Island is non-stop beauty, so give yourself plenty of time to get around and soak it up.
Lille, France
Lille is one of those places that should be crazy popular, but isn’t. It was a tiny spec on the map until it became a transit terminal for high speed trains between London, Brussels, and Paris. It now has a chic, modern railway station just minutes from the gorgeous old world town. Don’t get me wrong – tourism has increased – but you’ll still find yourself enjoying a crowd-free environment in the old streets of Vieux Lille, the world class museums, or the expansive park of the Citadel. Next best thing to Paris.
Edinburgh, Scotland
I suppose I’m biased on this one because I live here (and wrote a book about the place). But it’s a true gem and so many folk, when they think of the UK, think “London.” Jokes aside, Scotland is so different than life down south, and the Edinburgh experience is second to none. Splash the cash and come for the Edinburgh Festival, or go off-season and enjoy hill walks – it is very easy to get out of town – cozy pubs, and of course our iconic architecture.
Melbourne, Australia
If I were in love with a city, it would be Melbourne. From the gorgeous, glistening skyline that rises from the Australian bush, to the gorgeous locals hanging out at the beach, what’s not to like? Good food, great shopping, amazing weather (albeit a touch too hot and too dry lately), and a European/cosmopolitan charm, Melbourne is my pop star icon. May I always worship her.
Montreal, Quebec
I do love cities and Montreal is just one of those places that pulls at your heartstrings. Even their “chain” coffeehouse, Second Cup, is an experience not to be missed, but of course their Japanese gardens and inner-city “mountain” are world class must-sees. Montreal is in Quebec, which they will be quick to point out isn’t exactly Canada, and you should also know that it gets damn freezing here in all but the summer. But you know – some places just look great with a dusting of snow, and as a result of short days and long nights there’s all the more reason to pop into the many restaurants and curl up with a glass of wine surrounded by candlelit ambience. Like I said – travel more.
Andy is the Managing Editor of Sharing Travel Experiences , a website offering resources to help you travel more. He is also the Managing Director of Travel Online Partners , the go-to resource for small businesses in travel and tourism for help with online technology.
Andy, thank you so much for sharing some of your favorite places (yes, favOrite-I am American and refuse to spell with u-hehe!). Thanks to you my bucket list is getting longer and longer.
Watch your back- you know, I am stalking you on twitter! –Stephanie aka TravelDesigned
Follow Me: It’s My First Time at Sea
Posted by admin in A Road Retraveled, Caribbean, Caribbean Cruise, Cruise, Mexico, My Travelin' Tweeps on December 10th, 2009
Please follow Simone di Santi on twitter: ARoadRetraveled
Traveling Girl + loaded camcorder on adventures= travel shows! Producer & host of A Road Retraveled & Traveling Tidbits.
Follow Me: It's My First Time at Sea
I'm not a travel writer, I let my video camera show you what words can never accurately describe. But I am taking this opportunity to share with you some thoughts about my recent cruise aboard The Crown Princess, on a twitter press hosted by Princess Cruises. I won't tell you all about the cruise since that will be (or currently is, depending on when you are reading this) on the A Road Retraveled and Traveling Tidibits travel shows, but I'd like to tell you what I learned about taking a cruise as opposed to traveling independently (which is what I normally do).
I never took a cruise before because my impression was cruising is for people too old to travel the old fashioned way, it would be too restrictive, limiting, boring, unlimited bad food, lack of on-land adventures, and an entire litany of what seemed like legitimate reasons. But after a week at sea, I abandoned my skepticism and became a convert!
1. Cruise ships are resorts at sea, with every imaginable amenity: pools, gyms, spas, cafe, dining rooms, art galleries, game rooms, sports, casinos, bars, night clubs, shopping, theater, movie screens, you name it, they will probably have it, and much more you never imagined!! I lacked for nothing my entire week at sea.
2. You don't have to sacrifice on-land adventures. Day excursions at ports of call provided an exciting 4×4 caravan tour of Grand Cayman and a thrilling Harley Davidson Safari in Cozumel Mexico. I've had more excitement in one action packed week cruising through Western Caribbean on Crown Princess than a month on traveling on land!! And if you book day excursions through the cruise line, like Princess Cruises, you not only secure your spot on a tour, but deal with legitimate tour operators and agencies who meet the required criteria by the cruise line. Although great experiences are not guaranteed, at least you know you won't get scammed by unknown operators on land.
And if you're on a budget or organized tours don't rock your boat, you can do your homework ahead of time, and find out what's fun and exciting to do on land. Or, just play it by ear and explore it yourself. Whatever you choose, be sure you don't miss the boat. It WILL sail without you! Another reason why I like organized tours at ports of call is they get you back to the ship on time and you don't have to worry about arriving late.
3. Sometimes even adventurous travelers need a vacation. As we hopped from one country to another through the Caribbean, not once did I have to pack, unpack, catch a train, miss the bus, get on a plane, check in and out of hotels — all of which are my least favorite parts about traveling. On a cruise ship, your "hotel" travels with you!!
4. You don't have a food budget on a cruise. One of my anxieties when traveling independently is finding a place to eat that doesn't have a tourist menu, it's not over priced and over rated, and it's not too far out of my way that makes getting back to my hotel a hassle. Then there are other issues like not knowing who cooks your food, if the food is fresh and clean, or if the kitchen is up to par with the health department standards so you won't go home with a bad case of food poisoning.
On Crown Princess not only did we meet the ship's Executive Chef Giuseppe Pollara, but we went on a tour of the galley where our food stored and prepared, and visits from the health department are public knowledge since if the ship fails inspections, it will be immediately docked. And it a huge bonus that the Executive Chef is Italian too…I love Italian food!!
5. Anyone with health issues, worried about adequate medical facilities abroad, or qualified and English speaking doctors would be happy to know that cruise ships like Crown Princess have state of the art medical facilities prepared to handle any kind of emergency that doesn't require surgery, and are run by qualified English speaking medical staff. If you loose your medication, they carry most prescriptions on ship. Let's hope the worst health issues you'd ever experience on a cruise is a mild case of sea sickness!!
6. When we set sail, Tropical Storm Idea threatened the Caribbean, and we were scheduled to follow its path. If I was traveling by land and found myself in the middle of an approaching tropical storm or hurricane, I'd have to either cancel my trip and be at the mercy of cancellation fees or travel insurance, evacuate, or spend my entire time there in horrible weather. All of that was avoided (except, for one rainy day in Roatan, Honduras) when Princess changed course and itinerary and avoided the path of Ida. When I previously wondered how would a cruise ship fare in the middle of a tropical storm hurricane, I realized it's easy: it just changes course to keep the passengers safe and in better weather to enjoy their time at sea.
7. I'm not fond of the idea of going to a night club when on vacation, drink one too many, and then make your way back to your hotel. A lot of bad things can and have happened that way. On a cruise ship, you can party till wee hours in nightclubs such as Crown Princess' Skywalker Nightclub, drink to your heart's desire, and NOT worry about how you'll get to your hotel because the most you'll have to do is take the elevator to your stateroom. And with so many crew members on board, you know you're safe 24/7. Another bonus: You don't have to worry about drinking and driving on a cruise either!
8. Unless I'm in NY, I don't have the opportunity to see a Broadway style theater performance after dinner….either there aren't any theater performances available in the area, or they're so out of the way that trying to make it on time after dinner was never a possibility. And there's the whole transportation issue of getting from point A to point B, taxi, traffic, parking, etc. I was thrilled to enjoy two theater performances on Crown Princess right after fine dining downstairs. How much simpler can it get?
9. I was previously also under the impression that being on a cruise ship I'd be denied international companionship like I enjoy when traveling on land. One of my favorite things to do when traveling is getting to know people from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds. I was pleasantly surprised to have met wonderful crew members from all over the world, and although time was limited because they were on duty, I'm very happy to have had the time to meet and talk to them. They were transformed from crew members, to international friends.
10. Just because you're at sea, it doesn't mean you're out of touch with family and friends. Not only Princess provides a telephone number if someone on land needs to reach you during the cruise, but with a 24 hour a day Internet Cafe and wi-fi for your laptop or smart phones, you can stay in touch with the whole world even. It's important to keep in mind that internet on cruise ships is a recent technology, and it's still very expensive and the internet via satellite is slow – so uploading videos or chatting via skype is not possible at this time.
Travel is not just about opening your mind to different destinations, but to different modes of travel as well. By limiting yourself to one way of traveling, or the way you've always traveled, you're eliminating vast possibilities for unique opportunities. You may not like every every mode of travel, just like you may not like every destination you've traveled to…but in the process, you might discover something unexpectedly fabulous!
Until next time,
Ciao for now!
Who would have thought #followmeatsea would have brought us together? I am so thankful to Princess Cruises for our new friendship!!
I appreciate you for indulging my begging and pleading to put your fingers to the keyboard and share your insights to why cruising can be a fun way to travel for everyone. Thanks so much, Simone! —Stephanie aka TravelDesigned
If you happen to be in the neighborhood…
Posted by admin in BuyCruises, Europe, Florence, Italy, My Travelin' Tweeps on December 3rd, 2009
Please follow Jill Love on twitter : buycruises
The daily best deal (or two) plus cruise news. Consultant for Travel + Leisure Industry with a specialty in cruising. Need a vacation?
If You Happen To Be In The Neighborhood…
“If you happen to be in the neighborhood I know of a great place for lunch.” That’s what I was told. I had been asking for local recommendations for our trip to Florence. I didn’t want to listen to guide books: this time I wanted small trattorias with wonderful homemade food. Nothing fancy; just simple Tuscan home cooking.
The directions were scribbled down on a piece of paper and I was hoping that we would find the place (My handwriting- I can’t even read it though no need to analyze it now) South of the Pitti Palace seemed to be the key clue along with the name La Mangiatoia. I was told the front of the restaurant says: Trattoria Tavola Calda and below in script will be a small sign: La Mangiatoia. This was intriguing me (and maybe it wasn’t unusual in Florence) but I found it rather odd that the restaurant had two signs when there was only one restaurant. Like Alice in Wonderland: “It would be nice if something made sense for a change.” But we were in Italy and it probably made perfect sense. And so we gleefully sang out in unison: “It’s Italian!”
After a nice stroll and being side tracked and photos every two steps; we were there. As you walked in was a display case with all the foods that were available for the day (and take-out). Each one looking tastier than the other and so fresh. Decisions were going to be painful (my first response to myself: maybe we’ll have one of each) We were led up a narrow staircase to a very noisy and lively dining room. No English was detected. A local trattoria, a treat. Yes, we were in for a treat. We started looking at all the dishes on the tables, hoping to get a glimpse of everyone’s lunch.
The menu was full of delicious grilled meats, fresh vegetables, pasta dishes (hot and cold) and wonderful crispy pizzas. We had to try the pasta, the pizza, the vegetables and some wine. We ordered our meal. And then it all arrived; the fragrance of the food: it had to be wonderful. I took my first bite and Bob (waiting for my response) looked very relieved when I gave out a sigh. It was incredible. (I make assorted food noises- when I really appreciate something) He knew I loved it. He loved it too. (by then there was not a morsel left on the table) And how could you describe flavor so perfect. It was a concerto; everything just came together. It was the simple Tuscan dining experience we were looking for.
Fresh and Simple!
We were pretty happy that afternoon. We found the restaurant with two signs and we had a most satisfying meal.
La Mangiatoia: Via Romana 8r Tuesday – Sunday; Lunch and dinner
On the other hand we were really saddened by a change in one of our longtime favorites: Caffe Giocosa; a venerable institution founded in 1815 (Via della Spada 10) close to Via Tornabuoni. All roads always led to Giacosa where we grabbed a quick expresso, cappuccino, biscotti and were on our way.
Roberto Cavalli now owns this landmark and it has changed. Much to our dismay the original charm is gone and so were the morning, mid morning and afternoon crowds that came for that quick snack at the bar. Actually Caffe Giocosa had changed so much we walked right past it a dozen times. We had to go into the Robert Cavalli store next door to be personally escorted there.
Jill- Bella! Grazie, mille grazie!! Your adventure in Firenze (Florence- to my non Italian speaking friends) is delightful, thanks for sharing with us! I hope you will take us on more of your escapades again real soon. –Stephanie aka TravelDesigned
Experience Adventure in Africa As You Help Sustain Local Communities
Posted by admin in Africa, Hills of Africa, My Travelin' Tweeps, South Africa, sustainable travel on November 30th, 2009
Please follow Sandy on Twitter: Hills of Africa
Zimbabwean, changing lives one journey at a time through customized African safari vacations, 2 kiddies & lovely hubby.
Experience Adventure in Africa As You Help Sustain Local Communities
Emerging as a key influencer in sustainable tourism efforts, South Africa is taking great strides to promote a sustainable economy and community through eco-tourism companies. When the proceeds from eco-tourism companies are given to employees—who are locals—the money then goes directly back into the local economy. This means that schools can be rebuilt, education programs restored, homes built, families fed, and locals employed. When you participate in eco-tourism companies, you are not only helping to sustain the local economy, you are also bringing joy to a community that has been struck by the devastating effects of poverty, and giving the environment the chance to thrive and live on.
With an array of accommodations and touring companies that pride themselves on sustainable tourism efforts, you can choose to take part in this incredible movement to bring happiness, education, and jobs back into local communities, while experiencing a luxurious and adventurous South African family vacation or honeymoon.
The official certification for eco-tourism companies is the Fair Trade in Tourism (FTTSA) certificate. Several accommodations throughout South Africa that bear this prestigious certificate include:
Cape Grace in Cape Town, South Africa: Radiating elegance from every intricate detail, Cape Grace is nothing short of exceptional. Its location in Cape Town’s famous Victoria and Alfred Waterfront make it a close walk to some of Cape Town’s most celebrated shopping hubs, restaurants, and hot-spots.
Designed with elegant, comfortable, and sophisticated décor, each of Cape Grace’s 121 rooms is individually designed with subtle reflections of Cape Town’s bright spirit and accents of authentic Cape culture.
In addition to its luxurious décor and prime location, Cape Grace prides itself on its personalized and exclusive services and amenities, including its private yacht charters and the Spa at Cape Grace.
Djuma Vuyatela in Kruger, South Africa: With privacy, intimacy, and eclectic style as the main characteristics of this lodge, you’re sure to find complete relaxation in Djuma Vuyatela. Located on the private Djuma Reserve, the Djuma Vuyatela offers panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness and its magnificent wildlife. Each of the lodge’s eight chalets feature king sized beds, and a private plunge pool and teak deck that overlooks the sprawling Savannah.
Adding to its luxurious appeal and African spirit, Djuma Vuyatela features an exceptional dining and socializing experience as well as a deck equipped with a fireplace to sip a cocktail as you peer over the African bush.
Buffalo Ridge in Madikwe, South Africa: For the ultimate wilderness retreat, Buffalo Ridge is the place to go. Sitting atop the Tweedepoort Ridge, Buffalo Ridge overlooks the vast plains of Madikwe Game Reserve, one of Africa’s most wildlife-abundant reserves. With a variety of safari tours to choose from, Buffalo Ridge’s experienced guides take you deep within Madikwe Game Reserve to observe some of Africa’s most mesmerizing wildlife, including the black and white rhino, leopard, elephant, cheetah, lion, and more.
Aside from its exceptional safari tours and magnificent views overlooking the Madikwe, Buffalo Ridge features eight thatched suites decorated with earth tones and materials that inspire complete relaxation. Inside each of the lodge’s suites you’ll find your very own outdoor patio, luxurious interior décor, and the finest bed linens.
In addition to South Africa’s many FTTSA certified accommodations, the country is also home to a handful of FTTSA certified touring companies. Sustainable touring companies in Cape Town include AWOL, Uthando, Marine Dynamics, and Anduela. AWOL is primarily famous for its bicycle tours throughout local townships, Marina Dynamics is renowned for its shark diving tours, and Anduela is known for its cooking tours in Cape Malay.
To learn more about the FTTSA certification, visit their website
Sandy Salle is CEO and co-owner of Hills of Africa Travel. A native of Zimbabwe, Sandy was born and raised in southern Africa. She believes that the next best thing to living in Africa is sharing it with others.
Hills of Africa Travel specializes in providing customized African safari tours. They offer spectacular adventures with personalized and customized service, guaranteed to provide you with the experience of a lifetime.
Sandy, my China, (friend) I really do appreciate you sharing with us about sustainable travel. I have arranged several safari and adventures to Africa but now I am so excited to be able to work with you knowing the travel we plan will not only benefit our clients but the local communities as well! Thank you so much for sharing with us about a new way to travel. – Stephanie aka TravelDesigned
Birding in Borneo
Posted by admin in Alan McBride, Malaysia, My Travelin' Tweeps on November 24th, 2009
Please follow Alan on twitter: @AlanMcBride
Photo-journo, writer, traveller, aspiring eccentric, music lover, Francophile, walker, hunter gatherer and chef! Oh and I trade things too!
Let’s Go Bird Watching in Borneo!
Borneo. The very name sends chills down the spine. Exotic jungles, wild men, head-hunters and the like. Tales of dark jungles and enticing moments, exotic birds and animals, all abound in Borneo.
What it doesn’t tell you is the sheer vibrancy and excitement of the people and the place that is Sabah, Borneo. The stunning food, beaches, resorts, markets from a time gone by; all are to be found in this tropical paradise. A visit to Sabah, Borneo for bird watching is a real thrill and you don’t need to be a full on twitcher to see or get a feel of some excellent oriental birds. Some splendid endemic birds and mammals call this island home too, not least of which is Bornean Bristlehead in the bird department and the endemic and very cute, Proboscis Monkey.
If you’re not into all day bird walks and simply want to see a few of the Asian specialities of the region then a walk around the grounds of the resort hotels can offer exceptional birding for a first time visitor and occasional bird watcher. With Oriental Magpie Robin, White-breasted Waterhen, Pink-necked Green Pigeons and Bar-winged Flycatcher Shrike all seen around the hotel in the first half hour of daylight it makes for an interesting pre-breakfast walk.
In the capital of Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, international brands such as Le Meriden in the centre of the city and opposite the fabulous Philippine Night Market
(great for dinner or just exploring the colours, sights, sounds and smells) or the Hyatt Regency offer excellent value for money and the chance to be right in the hub of this vibrant city. For our first night though we opted to be a little out of town, some 28 km away, at Kurambanai and the stunning Nexus Resort & Spa in fact. With glorious beaches, a golf course, spa, superb restaurants and bars you may think this is not the place for a bird watching holiday? However, a walk along the jungle fringed perimeter of the golf course, the many lagoons or around the beach and estuarine area bordering the resort can provide some splendid bird watching before breakfast. Nexus happily provided a local bird “expert” when we asked, as well as a bird information sheet on the birds to be found around the resort. All very useful too if you’re not an expert.
Off Kota Kinabalu lies Gaya Island; one of five islands in the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park. These coral reef fringed islands are perfect for a lazy holiday and offer superb snorkelling and diving, some shorter jungle treks complete with a chance of maybe sighting a Proboscis Monkey family or the option of loafing around the luxurious pool and beach.
Gaya Island is home to Eco Gayana Lodge a totally self sustaining eco-resort with the remarkable Marine Ecology Research Centre on site. The idea of putting back into the environment is core philosophy at Eco Gayana with established MERC programmes covering Giant Clam conversation and re-introduction, seahorse & fish breeding and coral planting, all aimed at restoring these reefs to their former glory. A visit in the evening by “Joe” the Bearded Pig is an experience not to be missed. What a splendid beast Joe is.
The great thing about bird watching around Kota Kinabalu and the resorts is that during the heat of the day you can easily complete your other sightseeing or retire to the spa, beach, pool or other amenities of your hotel. A late afternoon bird walk prepares your appetite for dinner.
The famous wild men of Borneo (the endearing Orang-utan often seen with Clint Eastwood and other not so famous people) can be seen at Sepilok: a short flight from the capital to Sandakan and on to the Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre will have you face to face with this near relative of yours: the sort of family member we would all love to have! Wild Orang-utan also visit the centre for the food frenzy served each morning to the animals under care.
If you want a real Borneo bird watching trip though, a trip to Borneo Rainforest Lodge at Dannum Valley is in order as well as a two or three night excursion to the slopes of Mount Kinabalu. These two venues offer a great selection of Bornean endemic birds and mammals in magical settings: a guide will make for a truly unforgettable trip.
Some of the birds seen on the trip were: White-fronted Falconet; Bornean Ground Cuckoo; Bornean Brown Barbet; Bornean Banded Pitta, Blue-headed Pitta; Blue-banded Pitta; Black & crimson Pitta; Bornean Blue Flycatcher; White-crowned Sharma; Black-throated Wren-Babbler; Bold-striped Tit-Babbler; Yellow-rumped Flowerpecker; Bornean Bristlehead and Dusky Munia. Mammals included Orang-utan; Proboscis Monkey; Bornean Gibbon; Red Leaf Monkey, Long-tailed Macaque; Pig-tailed Macaque; Greater Mouse Deer; Bearded Pig; Wild Boar; Sunda Shrew; Prevost’s Squirrel, Plain Pygmy Squirrel and Black Giant Flying Squirrel and many more!
Sabah Tourism Bureau organised my trip and will recommend bird guides if you want to hire one for a day or a whole trip. Recommended if visiting Mount Kinabalu or Dannum Valley.
Better still for a complete wildlife experience; Borneo Nature Tours can organise a trip cen-tred on Dannum Valley:
I flew with Air AsiaX and Air Asia from Australia to Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu, and stayed as a guest of the following properties:
Nexus Resort, Kurambanai,
Tune Hotels, LCCT Kuala Lumpur
Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Dannum Valley
Alan, thank you so much for taking us birding with you! I had no idea about the beauty of nature that is found in Borneo. I really appreciate you opening my eyes and broadening my horizons!! Also, thank you for sharing your personal contacts and "travel secrets" with me so that I am now prepared to arrange travel to this destination.
I can hardly wait to see where you take us next 
–Stephanie aka TravelDesigned
Carnival Mexican Riviera Cruise
Posted by admin in Cruise, Cruise Bart, Mexican Riviera, Mexico, My Travelin' Tweeps, San Diego, United States on November 21st, 2009
Please follow CruiseBart on Twitter: CruiseBart
Cruising the internet looking for the best cruise deals, finding the best cruise-related websites and passing it on to the World of Twitter
Cruise Bart Cruisin’ on Carnival’s Spirit 
I didn't tweet much on the boat (at .55 a minute) but sent out a couple and read a few. The holiday was great! We had so much fun with the kids on board (save one small incident where my daughter went missing for a half hour in a friend's cabin).
We got into San Diego at around 2:00 on Friday afternoon and got over to the hotel using the hotel shuttle. The Holiday Inn at the Bay is really nice, I had zero complaints. Free internet, rooms seemed very clean, front desk staff were all nice, I really like it. Proof again that you should discount the worst 20% and best 20% of the reviews you read. Super close to the terminal and for the price (I think it was $129 for the bay view), couldn't beat it. Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas and the Carnival Elation were in port so we got to watch them pull out that night. The kids thought that was pretty neat, watching the ships pull away from the dock with the foghorns blowing. We walked down the boardwalk a ways, then went back to the pool and had dinner. Everyone sacked out early so I took my laptop and sat in the lobby for a while Tweeting.
Next morning, we got up and had breakfast. Dropped our luggage with the concierge and headed over to the USS MIdway. My son and I had a great time looking at all the different exhibits. My wife and daughter were very unimpressed and in reflection, I should have put them in a cab and sent them to the mall. Anyways, we got off the Midway around 4:00 and saw the Spirit just pulling into harbor. We were supposed to be able to start boarding at 2:00 but they were very late getting in from Hawaii. We grabbed our bags from the hotel and went through embarkation which was a bit of a nightmare. Due to the lateness, they couldn't get us boarded until about 5:30. The San Diego cruise terminal is really just a metal building and with no air conditioning, the San Diego sun made it a bit unbearable. Our kids were pretty good but I felt really bad for some of the seniors who had to endure that. Anyway, we got on and ran up to the Lido for some supper and refreshments. We went to bed at about 10:00 and apparently the ship pulled out at midnight. The kids got ripped off, in that we didn't get to see either the ship pulling out or coming back in. Guess that's reason to go on another cruise.
Sunday we woke up to find ourselves floating south in the Pacific Ocean. We could barely make out the coast but we were still close enough to see it. Got a couple pictures as we passed Cabo but it was pretty hazy. Had a light rain in the afternoon for about a half hour but it was so warm, it was like standing in my shower at home. We took the kids to Camp Carnival at 10:00 AM and after lunch they went back for a couple more hours. Lots of good activities to keep them busy.
Monday was a second day at sea and we spent it relaxing, reading, shopping onboard. Kids were in and out of Camp Carnival, hanging out with some new friends they had met. Had our first formal night which was a hoot, delicious lobster. Still have yet to be disappointed with a meal on Carnival.
The kids learned to make towel animals in the Camp Carnival
Tuesday we arrived in Manzanillo at 9:00. We took an excursion called Beach and Shop arranged through Carnival. Hopped off the boat on to a bus, headed down to the main square. They took us around to a couple small shops. Then we hopped back in the bus and went up in the hills above the bay to take some pictures.
Manzanillo is beautiful, seems very unspoiled although there is a lot of construction going on with new condos being built. Reminds of what Acapulco or Cancun were probably like years ago, before they got all built up. Jumped back on the bus and went to a beach club where we had lunch. Yummy nachos with refried beans and cheese melted over it. My kids just wanted hamburgers, yeesh, why do I take them anywhere I wonder? A couple hours, a couple Dos Equis and back on the bus to the ship. Got some good pictures of the kids in the sand and I think we agreed that Manzanillo had the best beach of the three places we visited.
Wednesday we arrived in Ixtapa. We took a bus through town and hopped on these little 8 person fishing boats out to Ixtapa Island. Had a great spot on the beach with umbrella-covered tables and lounge chairs. Spent four hours lounging, eating, drink Dos Equis (I think you will see a trend here). Kids spent the whole time playing in the water and we dragged them back to the table for a huge plate of nachos (again, another trend).
Into the little fishing boats and back to the ship for supper. Kids were in bed and we crashed out after all the sun, sand & Dos Equis.
Thursday we woke up to find ourselves in Acapulco.
We started off by heading to see the cliff divers. That was very impressive. Kicked myself for not buying a little handheld video camera prior to the trip. Got some good stills of them diving but a video would have been good. Across the street to a silver store for shopping and free margaritas (so glad my wife doesn't like tequila). Back on the bus and then a bit of a long ride to a beach resort. Short lunch (yup, a couple Dos Equis), sat by the pool for a half hour, took some pictures of the surf and then back on the bus. The ship was only in Acapulco for 6 hours so we should have taken an excursion with just one stop (either beach, cliff diving or shopping). Too much of the day was spent in the bus running from place to place.
Friday was a ship day, spent it relaxing and catching up on some sleep. Spent a bit of time in the casino, won $60 (which I promptly gave back the next day along with another $60). Enjoyed our second formal night, the waiters sang for us. Fun was had by all!
.
Saturday was our last ship day and our last day. Spent most of the day relaxing, reading and then some packing in the afternoon. Enjoyed chatting with all the dining room staff we had met over the week as we enjoyed our "Last Supper". One of the waiters taught my son how to fold a napkin into a candle complete with a little flame that pops up. Now every time we go to a restaurant, he's folding napkins. I told him if he kept it up, I was going to put him to work on a cruise ship to help pay for his trip.
Sunday morning we woke up as we were pulling into San Diego. We had to be up to meet US Customs at 6:45 before they would let anyone off the ship (damn Canadians!!). We finally got off about 10:00 and jumped in a taxi.
We headed over to Paradise Point Resort in the Mission Area. I booked it the night before we left for $89. What a beautiful resort, my wife couldn't believe I got it for so cheap. We even managed to get checked in so we could drop our suitcases and then we walked around taking pictures, the kids fed the ducks and my wife walked the beach looking for seashells. In the afternoon, the kids played in the pool and I slept under an umbrella. Afterwards, we ate dinner at a little beach bar/cafe on the resort right on the dock. It was an amazing place. If you are looking for a good place away from downtown, I recommend it. It’s about 5 minutes from SeaWorld. Only complaint was the rooms smelled a little bit musty. There weren't any windows in the room that could be left open so I suspect the smell gets locked up in it. We left the door open for an hour or so before we went to bed and it seemed fine after that, maybe I was just used to it. Monday morning we got up, hopped on the plane and we were back in Calgary.
Hope you didn't have to duck out to get a bite to eat in the middle of my story. I was just so excited about our holiday it was hard to stop typing.
Thanks, Bart for sharing your family's cruise vacation with us. Looks like I have some ammunition when you tease me about tequila now–I get the impression not only do you enjoy cruising, you are quite fond of Dos Equis!! –Your Pal, Stephanie aka TravelDesigned
Denver-My Hometown
Posted by admin in Denver, JasonsTravels, My Travelin' Tweeps, United States on November 17th, 2009
Please follow Jason on Twitter: JasonsTravel
I'm a Denver based journalist who loves to travel and blog about it.
Denver, a front range gateway to the Rocky Mountains, offers so many opportunities for days out that it's difficult to take advantage of all of them even in a single year as a resident. I've certainly done my best over the last several months, but each day I learn of a few more things to add to my list that keeps me falling farther and farther behind. It's a joy though living here trying to experience it all though; I certainly won't complain one bit.
Nature is one of the main enjoyments for people that live in the area. From hiking, to biking, running, hitting the slopes, and more, most Denverites have a passion for the outdoors. It seems we continually rate near the top of so many lists for the healthiest places to live in the country, and this is a big reason as to why. Three hundred days of sunshine annually certainly doesn't hurt the cause either.
One of the best places in the Denver area to get out and enjoy a beautiful day is Roxborough State Park. The park is located a short drive southwest of downtown Denver in Douglas County. In 1903 a man by the name of Henry S. Persse built a stone house at the northern edge of the park with the intention of making it a resort, but thankfully that opportunity never materialized. Now the 3,339 acre park is a National Natural Landmark and a great place to enjoy hiking in the summer, snowshoeing in the winter, and wildlife viewing year round.
I took the beautiful three-mile-long South Rim Trail from the visitor's center making sure to watch for rattlesnakes sunning themselves along the trail. This is definitely their country and a ranger warned me to be careful of them as I hiked. The paranoia had a firm grip on me throughout my hike, but not enough to distract me from the spectacular views that are on display.
The same red rocks that offer such spectacular scenery in the park stretch along the front range from the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs to the Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison. While both spots are easily within driving distance from Denver, the best place to view wildlife is at Roxborough. Despite the homes that sit on the west side of the park, animals are in an abundance in the park. Mountain lions and bears are common visitors, but on my day out I was fortunate to have a close encounter with a beautiful deer.
I came around a corner as I approached the end of the trail and was greeted by a grazing deer. It stood on the trail just on the other side of a small creek. I couldn't have considered my fortune to be any better as I snapped photo after photo only to come to one realization: it was a long way back on the trail if I decided not to disturb the animal so I could get to my car. I knew this wasn't exactly plausible so I cautiously approached with the hopes of my presence causing it to move along.
I made my way across the small bridge that spanned the creek but still the animal wouldn't move. I was now within five feet of it snapping away and it paid me no attention. Finally, as I used my camera phone, the deer was spooked by the digital noise of a photo being taken. It quickly bounded up on a small ridge along the trail and continued to graze.
I made it through and had an excellent wildlife encounter. It's true that I would've preferred seeing a mountain lion or a bear, instead of the deer, but certainly not in as close of proximity as I had this one. There was no reason to complain as well since I enjoyed another gorgeous Colorado morning as so many Denverites like to do.
When I finished I made my way back into downtown for lunch at a favorite local restaurant. The Wynkoop Brewing Company is named for the first sheriff of the area, Edward W. Wynkoop, who in turn later suggested the city be named after the same man that gave him his appointment: Kansas Territorial Governor James Denver. Unfortunately though, Wynkoop also had a hand in the Sand Creek Massacre on the eastern plains of Colorado under Colonel Chivington, a hero of the Civil War Battle of Glorietta Pass.
The Wynkoop was founded in 1988 and once owned by Mayor John Hickenlooper. It offers a house brew suggestion next to each menu item, which is pretty spot on. All of the brews, which can also be enjoyed as a great night cap at the bar, are made right there and have great flavor. And for a state like Colorado, which ranks fifth in the breweries per capita category in the country, this is pretty important.
After a filling lunch I knew I needed a bit more exercise so I decided to stroll my way across downtown along the 16th Street Mall. The mall is the focal point of downtown Denver and offers a ton of great shopping, restaurants and sites – like Skyline Park. Parades also commonly cross the street throughout the year as people lounge and enjoy one of those sun filled days playing chess or people watching.
Enjoying the mall wasn't my destination at this point though. I was inspired to learn more about Colorado history from eating lunch at the Wynkoop, so I made my way to the historic Byers-Evans House Museum. 
The house is just a short walk south on Bannock Street from the mall and a few blocks west of the state capitol building in the cultural district of Denver. And while such places as the Denver Art Museum and the Colorado History Museum are great stops, I was intent on seeing the house; this was something that kept appearing on my growing list.
Two of the most famous families in Colorado history once lived in this house. One was the family of William Byers, the founder of the now defunct Rocky Mountain News newspaper; a paper that lasted nearly 150 years in the town but recently succumbed to economic woes. The house was built for his family in 1883 in an effort to escape an upset mistress in the Capitol Hill district of town. One room in the house, the tea parlor, is restored to how the Byers family had furnished it, but the rest of the house represents the Evans family, circa 1920.
The family of businessman William Evans, son of the second Colorado Territorial governor – John Evans – purchased the home in 1889. Governor Evans, who spent some time in the home, was appointed by President Lincoln and governed during the time of the Sand Creek Massacre. He is quoted as telling the residents of what would later be known as the Centennial State to, "go in pursuit, kill and destroy all hostile Indians that infest the Plains."
Unfortunately for Evans, these Indians were not hostile and he was removed from power. When he passed away his wife and daughter, Margaret and Anne, moved in with William and his family. Anne was an artist at heart and painted several pictures. She was a member of the predecessor to the Denver Art Museum, the Denver Art Society, which is a building that now sits in their backyard.
The family flourished in the home and lived there until they donated it to the Colorado Historical Society in 1981. It is now open for guided tours and different special group events. And while they say it's not haunted, known through paranormal testing, it has many fantastic stories that are worth taking the tour to hear.
So, with nature and history down, it was time for me to get cleaned up and enjoy a bit of the great Denver culture. I for one never knew Denver and culture ever really went together, but after living here for so long it's a misconception that I've been cleansed of; during the mining hay days an Opera House was opened in Central City that still holds summer performances
My night out wouldn't involve the opera or Denver's great performing arts complex though; I had tickets to a VIP premiere evening at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.The museum, more than 100 years old, sits on the east edge of the huge City Park right next to the beautiful Denver Zoo. It is a grand building that has as much as anyone could want in a natural history museum.
Traveling exhibits, which draw large if not sellout crowds, consistently find their way through the museum. The free cultural days that are offered by the city of Denver at all of its facilities, like the museums and the zoo, certainly don't hurt the cause either. An excellent planetarium and a spectacular IMAX theater are also great attractions for the museum and help keep visitors coming back for more.
After spending three hours at the museum though, and after a busy day, it was time to look into some of Denver's fine dining. Again, these words aren't necessarily believed to fit together, but the Denver area, particularly downtown, has some spectacular restaurants that won't break the bank. As we drove back towards downtown my lovely date made a quick call and was able to get us into the fabulous Vesta Dipping Grill on Blake Street, blocks away from the Wynkoop.
With an array of entrees from vegetarian to venison, this place has something to suit any palate. The food is melt-in-your-mouth good, and that's without the wide selection of unbelievably delicious dipping sauces.
We couldn't have been happier with our meal as we enjoyed the atmosphere and shared some excellent conversation; easily done since cell phones aren't allowed.
Unfortunately now, with so little seen of my great city, my day had come to an end. It was a spectacular day out and one that can easily be done again, albeit it not in the same manner, since there are so many great opportunities in Denver for every taste, sports definitely included. I mean heck, I'm a guy, and not once in the day was I even able to catch a game. But rest assured, there are plenty of opportunities for that too with so many great sports teams, college and professional, in the area. More on that another time though perhaps.
Thank you, Jason for sharing with us about your hometown adventure. You know I how much I love to follow you and I hope you will let us live and learn through your eyes again soon! — Stephanie aka TravelDesigned
Roxborough State Park
National Natural Landmark
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Garden of the Gods
Byers-Evans House
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Vesta Dipping Grill
Wynkoop Brewery
Sand Creek Massacre
Battle of Glorietta Pass
16th Street Mall
Denver Art Museum
Colorado History Museum
Rocky Mountain News
Denver Center for the Performing Arts
Denver Zoo
Travel Tips
Posted by admin in Travel Information, packing list on August 16th, 2009
Please email me if you have some of your own great tips for traveling!
