Learning to travel! My first visit to Mexico was the Baja of California in the mid-1980s. It was a bit rough going then but, I fell in love with the people! My first major backpacking trip took place several later. With a bulky and overloaded backpack, too much clothing, and much of it not good for travel, frightened and unsure, I got on a plane to Cancun and 2 1/2 months of travel. I did NOT know what I was doing. BUT…I was certain that if I didn’t start, I would never learn. And boy have I!
Wrapping up my final days in Mexico I’m in Puebla now for one more day. WiFi has been poor so I haven’t written, downloaded photo’s, uploaded videos or any of those blog related things. Here, it is a bit faster but it still has taken me several hours just to move and edit images, work […]
Final days: Great Trip Highlights and Insights! Read More »
Mezcal, The slow, patient, and traditional way! Travel can be so enlightening. Taking what I’ve read and heard, combining that with the actual and authentic experience, and words can’t really describe the artisian dedication some people have! So far on this trip, I’ve been able to experience several old traditional ways of processing coffee, mezcal,
Tradition, gems and the adventure finding them! Read More »
What can I possibly say!?!? It’s been several years since I was in Oaxaca. Looking forward to the experience here, I was eager to see a new area that is rapidly growing and gaining popularity! This morning, I took a walk in that direction! And around seemingly every corner, there was mural art on the
Amazing Oaxaca Murals…From my morning walk! Read More »
Travel secret!! OK, I’m not going to reveal all of the secret for obvious reasons. But here is part of it! Plan less, listen more! There are clearly details that are beneficial to plan in advance. Basics! Flight, insurance, first night hotel, transportation from airport, general idea of my travel path…so forth. It takes time
Spontaneous! Awesome unplanned off the beaten Path Adventures!! Read More »
Flowing to Puebla Sometimes an Uber to the bus station has taken 20 minutes or more. This time, they arrived within minutes. The rest of my trip flowed just as nicely! The bus left a few minutes late but…we made it to Puebla in 4 hours rather than the 5 plus hours I had been
Puebla Magic! Mole and More… Read More »
Good Timing in San Miguel de Allende I enjoy San Miguel de Allende very much. As many people I meet that tell me it’s the best place in the world to live, I’ve never felt that draw. But it is a really special place to visit! So many things to explore and enjoy from foods
San Miguel de Allende Read More »
Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel Travel Transition I’ve moved on from Guanajuato to San Miguel de Allende. The energy here is very different for me. More upscale, lots of English spoken, some tourist ignore me, all the locals smile and say hello when I do. There are places to go here that are more “Mexico”.
San Miguel and simple pleasures Read More »
Slow moving, lots of sitting evening! Foot a bit sore today. Had plans, dropped those, adjusted! Needed to get to the bank for some money. First time I’ve ever experienced this!! ATM ate my card, no way to recover it, had to order a new one. Minimum, with customs, of two weeks to get a
Walking slow, Travel Magic! Read More »
Pun Intended….new travel challenge! I woke early, got ready and went to the hotel lobby to get breakfast. I had plenty of time until they told me the food service didn’t begin until 8:00…it was 7:15 and I needed to be leaving for the bus station at 8:00. I went back to my room, packed
Long day! Very surreal being finished with all the projects to complete before traveling. This morning, no more projects, simply sitting on the patio one more time in the morning warmth with breakfast and a coffee! Flowing day! Intentional travel! Before going on a trip, I imagine things unfolding as I would like. Friends express
Mexico City, the beginning! Read More »
Teotihuican near Mexico City. Inspiration for “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz. It’s been several years since I traveled to Mexico to wander! In June, I found room still available in Oaxaca for Dia de Los Muertos. It was a bit challenging receiving confirmation, lodging places still reeling from the effects of Covid! With
Finally! Re-learning how to plan a “wandering” trip to Mexico! Read More »
This is not normally what people think of first about the Yucatan. More tha likely, people think of beaches. However, this is the precise reason I came here, to the village of Valladolid. When I returned from Costa Rica, I felt a little disappointed and disconnected. Once home, I realized it is a “tourist” culture
Yucatan Photo Editing Read More »
Templo y Convento de la Santa Cruz Two months have flown by. As I near the day of my return flight, different thoughts and focus move in. For example, I won’t wonder which dial in the shower to turn for hot water and if there is really “hot” water! No more wastebaskets by the toilet
Time flies! My trip is nearly over! Read More »
Sunset view. After about 12 days in Oaxaca following dozens of processions, street music and dancing and cemetery visits, I was ready for a break! And, feeling better after the bout with dengue, my taste buds returned and my energy grew, I was ready for travel! Before leaving Oaxaca Once more, what an amazing experience
Warmth and WiFi, an update from Oaxaca Read More »
First, it was the small neighborhood processions. Music, giant Alebrije’s, mezcal, dancing, more music and, of course, fireworks! This local parade went right below the terraza outside my room! It was the first sign that festivities were kicking off! Fast Forward! Fast forward to the three nights around Dis de Los Muertos. Crowds everywhere. Packed,
Oaxaca Progression and Final Day! Read More »
Artist putting finishing touches on wall mural in Xoxocotlan. Amazing wall art everywhere! Music! Procession! Dancing! Families in the cemetery all night talking, eating, drinking and remembering. What an awesome experience! Suddenly, it dawned on me how much I experienced since yesterday morning?!?! A few photo’s of Dia de Muertos activities here! The sun is
Dia de Los Muertos Update from Oaxaca Read More »
What a great weekend in Guanajuato! There are a lot of tourist here but they are mostly Mexican. People are friendly. There is a lot going on. Lovely food everywhere. Easy walking wherever I want to go. Comfortable large bed. Hot water for shower. And really good coffee. What more could I ask for. Oh,
Right place, right tine and magic happens. Travel is full of unpredictable experiences! For example, until you visit the Museo Nacional de Anthropologia in Mexico City, you have NO idea how overwhelming it can be! So you have to adjust! And often that comes in the experience itself! Similarly, travel planning requires an overview for
Serendipity and Nature while traveling! Read More »
Listening! So important in every moment of life. I had at least three or four people tell me about La Gruta and that I should visit there. Advice was different from each but, I listened, went early and had a lovely morning soaking in the hot springs! There is a SPA there! And a temazcal!
San Miguel de Allende Travel day: La Gruta Hot Springs! Read More »
Short story as I’m packing, it’s late and I leave in the morning. Absolutely stunning morning here! Perfect! Not hot and not cold. No wind. Not raining! And very few people at the hot springs when I arrived. Travel options There have been times when I have had to follow a budget and go as
Bon Voyage San Miguel de Allende! Read More »