"Combis"

Today we moved to a new Hotel named Hotel Hostel...how creative right?!

It is the definition of tres B...300 pesos, clean, free internet and cable t.v., dry floors, non-smelly bed...haha! It's amazing what you learn is important after sleeping in some serious shit-holes!

It makes for some good memories...

We decided to make a trip to the zoo today. Tuesdays are free entrance at the zoo so we left the hotel with less than 40 pesos. It cost 18 pesos for the ride in the combi (more on that later).

We quickly learned that today is Wednesday NOT Tuesday...I was shocked when the woman told us it was Wednesday I started laughing uncontrollably.

Needless to say we did not have enough cash to actually enter the zoo so returned in the same way we came...the "combi" or colectivo.

Let me tell you about the "combi". You pay 4.5 pesos each to ride in the most obnoxious mini-van type contraption. Many people use it because it's much cheaper than a taxi...especially if you have a long way to go! They drive really slow when it is empty because they need more passengers! REALLY SLOW!

Then when it is full...away they go! REALLY FAST! and if you think the "combi" is full...you are sorely mistaken. We kept stopping and I kept thinking to myself...where on earth are they going to sit? Everyone just crunches together...crazy ride, stop, crunch, crazy ride, stop, crunch...continue like this until you are really sweaty and desperate for some water!

We made it to the Mirador de Tuxla...an overlook of the whole city...4 million people! Its huge!

Tomorrow hopefully we will actually get to enter the zoo!

I'm trying to take everything in and remember everything...it's so hard when everything is new!

Adios...Besitos...Nos Vemos Pronto!

Last day in Huatulco

My last day in Huatulco was one of the best i've had yet. Did you know that it is a constitutional right that all Mexicans are allowed access to all beaches? Many hotels claim to have "private" beaches only because access to them is limited to the hotel entrance. If you arrive by sea...you're set!
We snuck into a private beach of a hotel called Las Brisas...check it out...it's amazing! We climbed some trecherous rocks to get there and almost died but we made it!
We ordered drinks from our own private palapa and enjoyed the mellow ocean waves all day.
Pretty sweet!
La Crema, a small pizza place in the zocalo in Huatulco, is a must if you visit. They have awesome pizza!
I ate the most delicious mango covered in chili, lemon, and Valentina salsa (delicious)!
I miss my family and friends!
Adios...Besitos...nos vemos pronto!

Tuxla

10 hour bus ride from Huatulco to Tuxla.
Less than pleasant. I cannot sleep on those things. SOOOO uncomfortable!
Tuxla is much different than I imagined, it's a really big city.
Found a cheap hotel...once again lamenting our choice. The floor is constantly wet...not sure why? and the bed kind of smells again.
Looking for something new.
Not sure how long we'll stay here...kind of dull in comparison to the lovely beach scene!
I'm learning that complaining does nothing more than bring more problems...
Adios...Besitos...Nos Vemos Pronto!

Huatulco...popo!

We arrived in Huatulco on Thursday afternoon. I have been slowly sweating to death ever since. I cannot describe the heat...it's wet...meaning all day long you sweat. Sweat running down your face, sweat running down your chest, sweat running down your back. On the plus side you always have that sexy sweaty glow!
It is vacation time here now. Everything has doubled in price since I was here last in April. There are Mexicans everywhere (surprise, surprise!) Puerto had many more foreign travellers. Huatulco is the national vacation destination.
We found a nice little place to stay but quickly realized that we were going to sweat to death. It was completely enclosed...and added bonus there was a baby that cried ALL F&$#ing night!
We moved next door...it's much better!
We went out last night to a bar called El D'Pa. I was the only gringa there...ALL NIGHT...strangely comfortable. Everytime Lalo went to the bathroom guys asked me to dance!We drank too much!
We almost got the cops called on us at the hotel...Lalo had the hiccups and I slapped him on the back really hard...he screamed...the owner thought we were fighting. It was funny!
We straightened it out this morning.
I think we'll leave tomorrow. I feel like i'm at the Mexican version of Valley Fair...gross overpriced food, hot, sweaty, too many people...
Next stop is Tuxla in Chiapas...really long bus ride!
Adios...Besitos...Nos Vemos Pronto!

Ahh...Mexico time!

Never believe a Mexican when they tell you how much time something is going to take. In my experience...you should take the time they give you and at least double it!
We asked a lovely little woman for a quiet calm beach...she told us it was no more than a 25 minute walk along the beach. We opted for the walk rather than a cab since we could save some cash and take in some sun...let me tell you...I would have rather paid $100 dollars than walk the 1.5 hours it took through slippery wet rocks in flip flops. I swear I climbed no less than 1,000 steps! I almost started crying! I was sweating like you sweat in a sauna...my forearms were soaked!
Lalo was less than pleased with my whining...
The beach was quiet and nice...but we took a cab home (25 pesos)! Vale la pena!
We went out on Monday. Met lots of travellers. Met some really cool people! Lots of young travellers with similar stories. I was craving English so it was really nice to meet a few Americans and Australians. I had lots of fun!
I think we'll be moving on tomorrow. I'm feeling much better and my last injection will be tomorrow...Huatulco or maybe Mazunte...we're interested in the nude beach there :)
Adios....Besitos...Nos vemos pronto!

Lodging and Recommendations

Puerto Escondido
1. Hostel Edda (250 pesos):
Huge cockroach in the bathroom but otherwise friendly and clean. Stayed in the little more expensive room for more ammenities. Towels suck.
2. Hostel Mondala (200 pesos):
Do not return unless you like extreme dirt and smelly beds. Full of pot-smoking hippies and I'm sure that they don't change the sheets.
3. Hostel Pakololo (200 pesos):
Really great! Super clean, close to the beach and friendly people. Offer towels for 25 pesos. Would definately return. Well worth the 200 pesos!

Huatulco
1. Hotel Posada Something (300 pesos)
Clean, nice, but rooms are enclosed within the hotel. Makes for a steamy night sleep. Also beware of crying babies!
2. Hotel Posada del Carmen (300 pesos)
Tres B....bueno, bonito, barato! The owner is friendly and the rooms are clean.

Tuxtla Gutierrez
1. Hotel Roma (200 pesos)
Disgusting. Floor constantly wet and the best smell. Closed-in, dark, and no remote for the T.V
2. Hotel Hostal (300 pesos)
3 B but on the outside of the city. You need to take a taxi or combi to get into the city. Very clean and the staff is very friendly.

San Cristobal de Las Casas
1. Backpackers Hostal 4 person dorm (129 pesos) private room (306 pesos)
The perfect place to stay. Everything is clean and staff is friendly. It is centrally located and they offer nightly bonfires (just don´t leave your camera). Also have tours available.

Palenque
1.
2. El Panchan (200 pesos)
Stayed in Chato´s Cabañas but there is a variety of places to stay. It is a cool place if you want to stay in the jungle. Combis and taxis are expensive to arrive (10 each for combi and 50 for taxi) and combis only run until 6pm. The cabaña was nice and clean.

Villahermosa
1. Posada Don Luis (200 pesos)
2. Hotel Balboa (180 pesos)

This Sucks!

In the spirit of oversharing I'll let you in on my fabulous experiences over the last 2 days. I'll leave it with I have had my share of "feminine problems". The combination of dirty bathrooms, 7 hours on a hot suburban ride, and sweltering heat does not do well for your naughty parts. I was so miserable yesterday I decided I needed to see the doc. Just so happens there is a doctor of naughty parts just down the way from our hotel.

The idea of personal privacy I guess does not exist here. I had to strip down to nothing right there in front of the doctor and nurse. I guess they figure they're gonna see it all anyway!

It was REALLY uncomfortable. My insides were hastily removed and while I oooohhd and ooouchhed the doctor said SHHHHHHH!

I also was the proud recipient of a needle to my butt. I sat down in the chair thinking the nurse would just inject the antibiotics in my arm and she looked at me and quietly said...en tu nalga (in your butt).

I'm starting to feel better but not "normal" quite yet.

The best part is that I am to refrain from the ocean and alchohol for 2-3 days.

The doc says I need 3 more injections.

We'll see about that!

On a side note...we found a crab in Lalo's suitcase. Not a small one either. I think it crawled in there to get away from the dirty hostel we stayed in the second night.

Yes, I still want to stay!

Adios...Besitos....Nos Vemos Pronto!

Ready-or-not...Here I Go!

So much to tell and not a lot of time:
Left Oaxaca around 12.
Suburban ride for 7 hours...almost barfed.
Stopped midway...barely had enough pesos to pee.
Lalo let me go.
Starving and thirsty...NO PESOS.
Arrived in Puerto.
Hotter than an f*&$ing sauna.
Starving and ate at the bus stop.
Met 2 american teachers travelling for the summer.
Cab ride to a hostel.
Checked out the hostel...decided on the room for 150 pesos.
Huge cockroach in the bathroom.
Decided it was worth 250 pesos for a nicer room.
Switched rooms.
Wandered around Puerto.
A pair of beers.
Met another American surfer.
Slept til 10.
Schlepped our stuff to another hostel.
Brought way too much stuff.
Hostel full of hippies and the bed smells.
Went to the market for lunch.
Took a cab...20 pesos.
Ate at an awesome cafeteria...60 pesos for both.
Rode in the back of a truck....again.
Slept at the hostel for a few hours.
Hotter than a f*&$ing sauna.
Adios...Besitos...Nos Vemos Pronto!

¡Para Chuparse Sus Dedos! (Spanish version of fingerlicken´ good)

Kentucky Fried Chicken!
Today I welcomed the aweful American food known here as Kentooky Freed Cheeken. I really wanted to treat Lalo´s family to dinner as they have been so friendly and greeted me with open arms. Lalo suggested KFC because it has one of those obnoxious gymnasium contraptions for the kids to play in. I reluntantly agreed....However, it sure did taste good!
It was a hit with the whole family!
As of today I have felt a little bored. Strangely I´m missing a bit of the hectic life I left behind...I don´t really like just hanging out all day! I´m excited to get going on our trip. Tomorrow the plan is to go buy our tickets and pack all of our things. I think we´ll end up leaving Thursday morning. Mexican time has been a frustration for me. The literal translation of ahorita is (right now in this moment...but be careful never to take this seriously!) I have waited 2 hours with an ahorita ahorita ya vamos! AHHHHH super frustrating to an American used to now meaning now!
I miss my family and friends...I promise pictures will be uploaded soon...as soon as I can find a Cyber where I can use their wireless internet.
I´m hanging on....I will make it....respira profundo!
Adios...Besitos...Nos Vemos Pronto!

S´mores!

I spent the last two days at Lalo´s mom´s house in what I would call "rural" Mexico. I have to keep reminding myself that this is not a dream...literally there were chickens and cows meandering through the streets! I also got to take a ride in the back of a truck with Lalo´s entire family...I was laughing to whole time thinking to myself that I had seen this in the movies so many times!
I had one of the most fun experiences to date teaching all the kids (and adults) how to make s´mores. When I heard we were going to his mother´s house I wanted to bring something and remembered how fun it was to share this treat with the Italians we had at our cabin! I bought the necessary materials (or at least the Mexican equivalent) and we started a small fire right in their front yard. The kids were SUPER excited and they loved it! It was fun to try to teach them to say the word S´more...it came out something like ssssssnnnnnor.
I played lots of games with the kids...it is so amazing to me how similar children are in different cultures...curious, full of energy and life, and so so sweet! It´s really fun to spend time with children...also, they have no shame in correcting you when you completely fumble with the language.
I´m learning alot about how to control my feelings of anxiety in situations that are uncomfortable...not bad uncomfortable, just plain uncomfortable! Those who have travelled I´m sure can understand!
I think we´re leaving Wednesday for our adventures South of the Border! Can´t wait!
Adios...Besitos...Nos Vemos Pronto!

A Mexican Fiesta!

Yesterday I want with Lalo to a birthday party for Hugo's mother. Upon arriving I quickly realized that I had two options for how it was going to go. I cannot really explain how uncomfortable it feels to walk into a room and be the only "white" person in it. The party was authentically fabulous with a live band, people dancing, and amazing food. My first thought was RUN, RUN, GET OUT OF HERE! But...I took a few deep breaths realizing that if I want to fit in here for the better part of a year...i'm gonna need to suck it up and make the best of these situations. A few beers and a little mezcal certainly seemed to help the situation! It was actually really fun once I chilled out. Several men forced me to dance which was truly embarrassing given the fact that I can barely dance to American music...not to mention that all were curious to see the "guerra" dancing to mexican music!
"No eres de aqui, verdad?" (You are not from here, right?) Seems to be the phrase of the day here. It has been a bit frustrating for me to be asked this right off the bat by so many people. When you are somewhere hoping to fit in, it feels frustating for people to immediately point out your differences...as obvious as they may be. Maybe when I feel more comfortable with my spanish I can give a smart remark back but for now I'll just suck it up and reply NO!
Adios, Besitos....Nos Vemos Pronto!

Welcome to Mexico!

I managed to make it to Mexico without any problems. My bags arrived...in one piece! It has been really great to see Lalo and his family again! I had quickly forgotten how much I love the food here...Lalo's grandmother is an awesome cook! In true Veach fasion I am going to dive into a story that may be "Oversharing". On Thursday after dinner I quickly realized that I was going to need to "use the bathroom". When there is no running water in the toilets the thought of having to "use the bathroom" was quite frightening. I had to swallow my pride and tell Lalo that I needed to "use the bathroom" and politely asked him if he could show me how to do so. He thought this was quite funny telling me that I should just wear a diaper! I was mortified! But now we have gotten that out of the way...i'm sure it won't be the last time where shitting will be a problem! I will say that toilet paper is often missing from many bathrooms here. I am trying to remind myself to discreetly slip a napking in my pocket before I go...i'm gonna have to get used to that! I am having to remind myself constantly to get accustomed to things rather than try to change them. This is not my country and I should do my best to mold myself around their customs!
My brain has been a bit confused switching between English and Spanish. When I talked to my mom and dad my brain wanted to say things half in Spanish and half in English...it's really weird!
That's all for now!
Adios...Besitos...Nos Vemos Pronto eh!

I'm off!

Tonight is my last night in the U.S. for awhile! I do know that someday i'll return but when that is...I have no idea! I've packed my most important belongings into a large suitcase and duffle bag and am preparing for a life adventure. I promise to heed the phrase that has come out of most peoples' mouths: "BE CAREFUL!" But I also promise to throw caution to the wind and live without let or hindrance. My goal is to come back with a greater appreciation for myself, for another culture, and for life "without". As I embark on this life journey, I hope to take you all with me and share as many of my stories as is possible!
I'm really gonna miss most of you :)
Un chingo de besos y abrazos! Te amo mucho! Nos Vemos!

Preparing to leave!

Today marks 5 days until I arrive in Mexico.
I have shared the events of my life over the last year with most people I know. Most know that it hasn't exactly been an easy year. My choice to embark on this adventure is complex yet simple. I need a change! I'm super excited to experience life among another culture. My previous experiences in Mexico have sparked an interest in the unknown that is indescribable! I cannot convey how excited I am to simplify my life...packing the contents of my life into 2 suitcases...and journeying into a place that is frighteningly unfamiliar yet surprisingly comfortable. My plans at this point are somewhat undecided...I'm going to "fly by the seat of my pants" letting life lead me in directions that will certainly be scary at points but undeniably invaluable! This I do know: I plan to travel around Southern Mexico, Central America, and possibly even into South America if time and money permits. Once I tire of travelling or my money runs out (which is likely to come first) I am going to plant myself in the beautiful city of Oaxaca. I plan to get a job teaching English at one of the many schools and rent a furnished apartment. Although I am sure that my life will NOT be rich in pesos, it certainly will be rich in culture! With undefined plans or arrangements I am feeling a bit scared of the unknown...BUT...If I have learned anything in the last year it is that sometimes the the unknown and scary things can bring the most happiness in the end. Sometimes I wonder if I am making the right choice in leaving behind a great job, my family and friends, and the most permanent home I've ever known, but what I'm looking forward to is indepedence and adventure. I cannot wait to share my adventures, both fun and not-so-fun! Ready or not...HERE I GO!

Besos!