SCALING ANCIENT ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE

                                             

Classic period (c. 250–900 AD) 

( marked the peak of large-scale construction)

Coba structures show influences from Teotihuacan architecture, 

Central Mexico. The 12 story leads to the top of the Nohoch Mul pyramid, and reaches 140 feet in height. This is the tallest temple pyramid on the Yucatan Peninsula.  

                                                                                          

     

A 'Get Away' for Two

Tucked away, on the outskirts of one of the Southern California's coastal cities is the enchanting .a cozy hillside Hacienda Inn.  It's a great Get Away for a brief stay for anyone looking for a change of scene.. The town is filled with Old World and Spanish charm.   From your doorstep, on foot, you can access all activities and attractions in town. Browse storefronts indoor and outdoor,  and stop to admire the colorful handmade art.  In the evening you might take in a little nightlife and great appetizers!  In daytime there is much culture and museums, and famous placita to stroll through. Listen and you may hear soothing sounds of Peruvian mountains.  Plan a day excursion to Baja Nuevo, a 30 minute drive across the border of Mexico. This is a traditional spot to indulge in a Lobster meal and beer.  The Lobster is fresh and caught by local fisherman and prepared at most of the restaurant establishments for market price.  It is still a bargain for the American dollar! A complete meal comes with homemade tortillas, beans, rice, salsa and guacamole.  You might get  stuffed before finishing your fourth lobster(8oz/each). After your meal, spend time shopping for a blanket or piece of rustic, decorative art for your home. And remember you can always bargain with the local merchants.  Some are more flexible than others.  Keep in mind this may be the only way they make their living.  US tourism is a boost to their economy.  Enjoy a complimentary shot of tequila. Abuelo's (secret recipe) homemade natural Agave plant extract.  @ $20/bottle. Another bargain for your US dollar!   Make it a memorable day on foreign soil.  After you return across the border, settle in and start your plans for the next day.  A local visit to Balboa Park.  Or  to the local Zoo. You'll be surprised, as the park is a world of its own. There are acres of cultural and botanical venues to discover.   You won't know where to begin!  So start at the Visitors Building and work your way along the stretch of architectural wonder and historic sightings. See one of the largest outdoor amphitheatres and pipe organ during a rehearsal. Venture over to a large water fountain.  Stop by the Carousel with wild animal shapes.  Go inside a Greenhouse and Botanical Indoor Garden filled with flora & fauna.  Some of the blooms are rare and exotic plants from all around the world.  Outside the structure is a giant coy fish pond and across from the Greenhouse is the longest landscaped garden pond, ever seen.  The architectural craftmanship of the building structures will take your imagination somewhere else. Somewhere far and away from your nation and perhaps time. There just is'nt enough time in one day to take it all in!

A tip:  If you plan to stay over night, in Mexico, be sure to get your fast pass at the hotel accomodation before you leave for return drive and border crossing. Most helpful after 6pm (peak traffic hour). 

 

                                                         

"Best Kept Secret"

Our arrival begins at Belize International Airport and shuttle to the Marina, where we enjoyed a domestic beer and rum drink as we wait for our transport to St. George Caye.  We embark on an exhilarating ride of hair blown breezes that changed from cool to tropical in minutes.  We approached the island surrounded by mangroves, arrived at a quiet dock, where we are greeted with big smiles by the charming hostess of St.George Resort. As we step up to the dock a young lady hands us a refreshing homemade island drinks.  The first hour, Teri (the resort hostess) personally guided us through the resort and  we arrived we were shuffled to the lodge for lunch and to meet the other guests that were staying at the resort.  We met fellow travelers from the US, Canada, New Zealand and a UCLA Professor and his family. I was most intrigued with the relaxed and friendly atmosphere.  The afternoon ended at our enchanted thatched roof cabana on the water taking photos. A truly romantic paradise or "Best Kept Secret".

Every morning we woke up to continental breakfast at the door of our lovely little hut. The next afternoon we explored the island by kayak.  That evening, before sunset, our hostess, Teri arrives at our door asking if we would join her in a photo shoot for the island resort. We felt flattered and happy to help out.  The photographer took us to the rooftop of the main lodge, where the view and sunset were our backdrop and we were the stars! Teri graciously, informed us we would receive complimentary massages during our stay for  time in the spotlight.  We scheduled our massage, back to back (pardon the pun) for the next day.  The Spa and Massage location was inside a quaint thatched roof cabana with the most tranquil ambiance. Most of the days on the island were sunny, skies blue with   intoxicating trade winds. Although the sun was strong on the caye,  it was not going to  waste as long as an island tan was happening. It was the best I'd seen.  One afternoon we scheduled a snorkeling and boat adventure.  On other days we spent time by the poolside sipping island punch with unlimited refills.  The afternoon and evenings meals were shared around the communal dining table inside the main Lodge. The interior of the lodge was made of mahogany which gave it a warm, rustic charm.    It turns out that we would be joining the professor from UCLA, on an excursion and tour to the Mayan Ruins of Lamanai. We left the island on a transport boat to the mainland and a shuttle to the river boat dock.  We met our guide who resembled the American actor, Don Cheadle only he had dreadlocks.  The riverboat ride was a blast!  We got caught in a storm along the way which made the adventure more exciting. Earlier on the drive through the suburbs we had  the opportunity to view some of the housing and living conditions.  Belize is a poor country and still undeveloped. The main source of revenue is tourism and attraction to the islands and resorts. Upon arriving to the dock at Lamanai which means Mouth of the Crocodile, our guides took us to a picnic area and served us an authentic Belizian chicken and rice meal for lunch.  It was so good we asked for the secret ingredient for the sauce to take home.  The storm moved in completely as we finished lunch and started our trek through the Mayan forrest. The ruins were phenominal!  The Mayan Empire dates back as far as 1800 years.  There were nine temples throughout the empire stretching as far as the tip of Mexico to the farthest end of the forrest in Belize.   There are four major temple ruins in the Lamanai forrest.  One of the structures had been partially re-surfaced from erosion.  The ancient sundial, which sits in front of the first temple is a calendar with the months named after a specific Mayan gods.  Mayans lived like royalty and survived off the natural vegetation and resources of the jungle surrounding them.  The poor were most resourceful.  They built the ruins out of soil, sand and limestone.  One of the tallest temples is 200ft and remains intact.  We were able to climb to the top overlooking all the forrest and the ocean. The Mayans invented a game similar to kick ball or soccer.  Unfortunatly, the losers lost more than a game and had to die.  Our guides were very thorough and kept a catalog with pictures of the original temple structures. This was the most educating and awesome excursion of our trip; one we will not forget.  The next day, we walked to the end of the island to visit one of the residents and their Aquarium museum.  A charming ten year old boy was our guide and . The entrance fee was $2/pp.  We were given a complete description and explanation about all the different types of sea animals inside each aquarium tank from a very knowledgeable young student of marine life.

The St. George Resort maintains a minimum booking for small groups.  Ideal for special occasions, romance, diving and retreats..  It is still an affordable vacation choice.  To find the best budget travel, go to https//www.mytravelhammock.com. 

Rhythms of the Night

One romantic evening at Sunset, we were whisked away to the enchanting Banderas Bay. The lights glimmering over the water shining for us the entire time. The sounds of the hotel hustle and bustle were behind us, at the resort. Off on our date and  journey to Las Caletas under a starlit sky.  It was less than an hour till we docked at the private cove off Las Caletas. We were escorted by our guide on a, torch-lit path to a romantically lit dinner table under a moonlight cabana. The only sound was the soothing splash of the ocean on the rocks. After dinner we were guided to our seats under the stars of a large amphitheatre. There we experienced a culturally unforgettable stage performance . But before the show we were photographed with two of the Mayan dancer/performers.

The entire evening was one of the highlights of our vacation.   And Banderas Bay is one adventure not to be missed.

Tip:  I highly recommend this excursion, especially to all art and cultural theatre lovers. It is well worth the time and trip.  Make sure you book this event upon arrival, your first day, as there is a waiting period.  Keep in mind that performances are only during certain seasons, generally, in the late Spring and Summer months.

Dia de los Madres

At the airport it occured to me time is valuable and to use it with one purpose in mind....to catch a shuttle to one of Cabo's finer resort destinations and Oh yah, for some time to bask in the sunny 85+ degree temperature. Let's not forget to order a Mojito to cool us off.  The only point of distress  was that we would be guests of the TimeShare and Vacation Club, this time.  Fortunatly, we did discover there was another side to the resort, run by Sheraton.  Hurray, we were in business!...Here We Come!!

Hacienda del Mar Golf and Spa Resort

Every day away from Los Angeles, was a refresh.  No set agenda.  Clearer thinking.  Better breathing. Our spacious suite overlooked the garden and ocean and included daily maid service.   Awesome sunsets, immaculate pools and landscape and grounds.  The lovely hacienda style builiding and Mexican architecture, tilework, fountains, scultures and paintings of the artisan. So??  How did you like your week away from home, chores, bills, tv, computer, and phone calls?  Did it make you anxious to be without the things you depend on daily or that depend on you? Call it life in the real world. One thing I found hard to part with was the technology that I depend on. Yet without it I didn't mind a little cold turkey.  All else made our experience and Mothers Day memorable. See photos below

 

 Mexico's Northern Pacific Coast.  In the Village of Bucerias

We met two children seen in this photo. We encountered these little strolling merchants along a venture-walk through town.  The oldest is wearing traditional Central American garments.  The youngest of entrepreneurs had a colorful bundle of woven hand made bands for sale. Of course we selected several to bring home. To this day I wear one as a reminder of the efforts and beauty we admired.

We stopped to have lunch and quench our thirst at a local beachside cafe.

After our lunch,  we discovered a local vendor, "Don Arturo". We spent some time listening as he shared a little history and story about his life.   He was a landscape worker and residence in California until business slowed down and he could no longer keep up with the cost of living.  Eventually he came back to his roots in Mexico. Now he minds his store with many interesting arts, crafts and souveniers for local and tourist attraction.  Come visit la tienda, "POSADA", soon.
Thank you, Arturo!