Los Cabos: Cabo San Lucas and Sonia

These were the images that flashed on the screen at the hotel, just prior to setting out for the day. You see, I can be a terrible optimist. After waking up reasonably early on the Sunday, we wandered out on the deck and then had breakfast. The clouds were heavy on the horizon and there was no promise of a beach day per se. Instead, I grinned over to my intrepid traveling pal and said something along the lines of "It rains, we get wet." Lunch was assembled and instead of wallowing in the hotel, we wandered down to the desk to see if our zip lining tour was going to go.

Those images flashed up and after about 30 minutes, we heard that zip lining was not happening due to the weather. From our point of view, there was a light mist and nothing much happening so, between us, we decided to catch a bus to Los Cabos. $20 for a taxi or 54 pesos for a bus ride. Having a healthy sense of adventure mixed in with a practical budget mind, the bus was appealing.

Yes, we had directions. Yes, we still missed the turn to the Mega and purple flower and so walked the long way around to the bus stop. Then, the clouds opened up and the rain poured down. Warm, windy and wet, our clothes were soon soaked and hair dripping. But, the bus pulled up and we ran for it.

The bus to Cabo San Lucas from San Jose takes about 30 minutes or so, depending on the stops. Plus, the adventure comes into play once you realize that you have no idea where you are, where you are going, or where the bus driver intends to go. The stops are just a guideline. Of course, we missed our stop and finally had the sense to get off when the other adventurous American pair got off the bus with new directions to take transport back the other way. JR were fun and just as lost as us.

The next bus took us back into town where we saw the stop we should have used. For the record, it is right across the street from the fire department.

The Fire Department has some interesting feature vehicles and is apparently a tourist stop complete with gift shop and coffee shop. Of course, we don't have a map and we don't have landmarks so we decided to try and find the beach. The beach in the rain...by now, you know I have no sense. 

Do we go this way?

So, off we went. All four of us were now traveling in a pack. We were in fact heading towards Medano Beach but due to the weather, and a very insistent pedicab driver that was vehement that we were going the wrong way, we never did get there. Instead, we were persuaded to get into his cab (all four of us) and let him pedal towards the Marina. The bike had an epic failure with the chain coming off and the pedicab was finished. So, his friend decided he would try and for the fun of it, we let him.

pedicab bike ride

So, we found ourselves deposited in front of the Hard Rock Cafe. We shopped and then JR decided to find a bar and we went exploring the Marina. We walked through and around soaking in the sights. We found the artisan market and spent the rest of our morning haggling for wares. I think the lack of people due to a closed waterfront meant that we got some better deals than usual. However, it was dry with bathrooms and that was all we needed. In fact, the rain had been on and off and so we ate our lunch perched on the steps of the market where it was dry. We shopped our way around the waterfront to get back and tried to dodge the worst of the rain. The rain circled in and out and was very unpredictable.

The rain was about to pour.

With the weather looming, we opted to try and get to Cabo Wabo to have a drink and relax for a bit. The sky laughed at us and the rain poured out of the sky, turning perfectly good roads into rivers.

A river ran through it.

The water was knee deep in the middle so we bounced our way along street corners and wound up at the Cabo Wabo as perfect contenders for a wet T-shirt contest. I think dripping on the floor actually cleaned it.

The funniest part was meeting up with JR again here. We spent the rest of the afternoon chilling out and drying out. More shopping ensued and then we decided to bus back to the hotel for dinner and drinks on our much appreciated DRY deck.

Lessons learned: Get a map. Get directions before setting out and it rains, you get wet. VERY wet. The weather forecast was pretty much accurate.

Hooliganting: Home Again...

Hooliganting: Home Again...: "So much for the sun, surf 'n' sand of Mexico. It was joyous while it lasted but we had to pack up the kit and caboodle and come home. Sounds..."

Sunshine and then Rain: Mexico

When traveling to Mexico, most of us are seeking sunshine. The warmth that heats your skin, and the bronzing that comes from languidly lounging on the beach or by the pool. The majority of us have books, beach toys and towels that are carelessly strewn across the shoreline. Excursions are planned with the sole purpose of being outdoors and fun. So what happens when the unexpected happens? What happens when it rains?

First rule of thumb is that when it rains, you get wet. You might think that you are inside somewhere dry but I would argue that if you are under the thatched rooflines, you may or may not stay dry. They drip. They leak. Water has nowhere to go but down. The stone paths pool the water and soak your feet. Some have prevailed with umbrellas but with the rain comes the wind that swirls the rain sideways anyway.

The rain smooths the sand from your face and dampens your hair. Those with curls have a free stylist in mother nature. The ringlets are all hers. The waves roll gently onto the shore while the clouds swiftly streak across the sky. The lightning flashes and the thunder rattles the windows. Most of the parents are getting soaked scrambling to get their children to kids club.

Now the funny side is that most people have been swimming in the ocean and swimming in the pool. These activities are designed with the inherent purpose of getting wet. It is hilarious to watch these folk scuttle to go under roof so to speak and to hear them grouse over getting wet.

I walked sedately from my perch to the restaurant and back with my face tiptilted to the sky to enjoy that sensation that I came here from. Warmth, water and the outdoor experience. The rain is just a simpler form of shower, and my clothes will dry just as well from rain water as it will from the pool water. Seriously? People need to have some imagination. From there I went back to the shady roost where I sat and read a book. The breeze still soothed and nature put on an amazing firework display. All in all, one rainy day in paradise is just that. An experience to be enjoyed...and you almost get the beach to yourself!

Mexico: Sian Ka'an

The Mayan Massage. That is the first thing that comes to mind when I reflect on yesterday as it was such an apt description by Alex the guide. But of course, I am already ahead of myself. After a couple of lazy days at the resort, I knew that I would be a little restless. So, before leaving, I had prowled a lot to tourist websites and found this tour to Sian Ka'an at a discounted price. Thinking that it was close to the resort, I booked it.

Yesterday was the day. In the lobby with my ticket at 645 am. Kids were munching on breakfast and I look across to a driver lollygagging by a vehicle. That is our vehicle and they were EARLY. Early in Mexico doesn't happen very often so I was already impressed. In we go, and do the usual drive through the other resorts to view them and pick up more people. Yes, the Wyndam looks nice but the Barelo might be worth a try as well. It is that much closer to Tulum, which really looked like it was worth a more detailed exploration.

However, after our group was organized into Italians and English speaking, a quick stop in Tulum to change money, have a technical stop (that is how our guide put it!) and grab some fluids for the 2 hour drive. The first part was smooth on asphalt, but the last hour or 40 kms, was the Mayan Massage. I wonder if it sounds as funny in Italian? But the roads there are made from sand and rock. The rain just craters the road, so the vans rock and roll, shimmy and shake, beeb and bop for miles. The guide (Alex) is conversing alternativatively in English and Italian as two Italians still wound up with us. Meanwhile, he is standing, moving around the vehicle and generally acting as though he is on smooth land.

On arrival through some dense junlge, we board fishing boats and are transported to this quaint village. Another technical stop where we lock away our belongings, pay the tax of 25 pesos, and eat a tortilla snack. Back to the boats and off through the shallow clear waters we zoom at top speed. First, there are osprey babies in the nest. Then, sea turtles trying to chew through lobster traps. Then across the water to watch dophins swimming. We were all excited trying to spot them and found a small pod. Then it was to the frigate bird colony before snorkelling near the lagoon.

I have to admit that I was disappointed in not being able to snorkel. Child the small decided that this was the perfect time to borrow a towel and curl up for a nap. I guess the rocking of the boat was too much for her. I did wake her up in time for the lagoon swim. A whole beach to ourselves. It was amazing. Child the elder complained that the water was too salty but I wasn't listening.

Back we went to the beach and ate lunch. Vegetables, rice, chicken, grilled fish, salad, tortillas and hibiscus tea. Delicious! Fed some maraudering dogs and collected a couple of ant farms. Then it was time to return. It was such a fabulous experience to see everything in a UNESCO world heritage site. The animals were free and it really thrilled us to find them in the wild.

So, now I am seriously questioning the sense of some of my compatriots that travel here. This tour is mainly booked by Italians and other European visitors. Our guide has only taken 30 North Americans since he started with the company in 2005. This is a World Heritage Site. It is not too far to go and it is very well worth it. It was cheaper than Xel-ha and Xcaret. My challenge to you is on your next visit to the Mayan Riviera, book this tour.http://www.playadelcarmentours.com/ or anything else. We had no problems and no hassle with this company.

Come and play! Next, Xplor tomorrow.

Mexico: Those hot summer nights...and days

Boarding delays and flights nothwithstanding, once you step off the plane into 28 degree weather, there is nothing like it. The moist air caresses your skin, and you breathe in a healthful mixture of warm air and taxi fumes. Around you is a gaggle of men, vieing for the priviledge of loading up your luggage and driving off with you down the highway, of course at top speed. The skies were clear and starlit. Nothing like it.

So, we arrive at the hotel: Sandos Caracol Eco Resort and Spa. Checked into the room, and immediately felt like we were back in luxury land. Lots of delicious food and an open bar that will just pour you whatever you wish. The pool is heavenly and the beach.

It has green waves and blue waves, little waves and tall. Ones you can jump over and ones you can dive through....(Just for you mom - I do remember some of the lessons that you taught me).

Anyway- it has been a delight to find Playa del Carmen much the same. The tours have been fantastic. Xel-ha and the dolphin swim was miraculous with the dancing, singing, jumps over our head and swimming with us. We have lounged on the beach and travelled into town to spend our funds in grand style. The sea is clear, the fish are friendly and the air filled with warm wind. This, I could do on a regular basis. But since the internet cafe has a 20 minute limit on the computer. I am going to go and do what I do best....curl up with a book under a canopied bed and listen to the waves roll  as my toes dig into the sand.