Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Travel Tip # 5- Adventurez in Mexico


Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2011

http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
Temple of Inscriptions- Palenque, Chiapas Mexico
http://goo.gl/novYC Click this, Lots of Google Images of Palenque. It's cool!
Travel Tip # 5

The Educational Value of Long Term Travel with Kids
http://goo.gl/7JKG

If you've ever considered pulling your kids out of school and travelling for a few months then you should definitely read this article on Matador Abroad by author Karen Banes

You may also find these links helpful as well.
Rescued Turtle from Road/Taxi -Palenque


Why Travel as a Teenager is the Best Education. http://goo.gl/WOhNq


http://goo.gl/jBvw6 Youth Travel Programs are Vital to Our Security


http://goo.gl/EgWox How to Raise Successful Kids While Living Overseas.

Soultravelers3  http://goo.gl/DTLgS

Shamblala- Zipolite, Oaxaca,

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Travel Tip #4 Adventurez in Mexico


Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2011

http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com 

Travel Tips # 4
Things to Consider when Travelling Long-term with a Child!

Long-term Green Travel with Kids- Adventurez in Mexico Photo by Tina Winterlik © 2011

So you want to run away for the winter, or just take your kid somewhere and expose them to a different culture, well here are some things to consider :

No TV- I LOVE THIS! I hate commercials, the brain rot that children are exposed to these days makes me crazy...Buy this or you'll stink, Buy this or you'll be ugly, Buy this or you'll be stupid, Buy this or you won't be COOL ...the list goes on and on.... I just love going 5 months with pretty much no TV, I mean you probably can't avoid it completely but you can try. And for adults I believe it's so healthy not beening bombarded everyday with some horrible thing that's happening in your town...or in the world...Yes it's good to be aware, but sometimes it's just so overwhelming you just become numb and/or depressed. That's not to say you won't see News in Mexico and other places but at least you'll get a bit of a break.

Limited Internet- When we travelled we probably spent 3 hours a week on the web...sometimes less, and these days we are all so connected to the web, when the computer breaks in our house, withdrawl sets in...pretty sad...but I think it's a reality in some many homes these days.

Karma Cleansing- Long-term Green Travel with Kids- Adventurez in Mexico Photo by Tina Winterlik © 2011


Life's Focus is on Nature, Environment, Eating, Exercise, People, Family, Friends, Reading, Learning, Language.
Spanish, Culture, Photography, Art, Painting, Daily Survival- laundry, food, water, & lessons.



Monday, May 23, 2011

Travel Tip #3 Adventurez in Mexico


Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2011

http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com 

Travel Tip #3
Rosetta Stone- Learning Spanish


Learning Spanish Rosetta Stone
http://www.rosettastone.com/learn-spanish



I would love to take this course.

I would love to improve my Spanish. My daughter actually got mad at me when we first arrived in Mexico and I was speaking Spanish to her. "Stop speaking Spanish to me she shouted!" she was frustrated, but in no time at all, she was playing with the kids and picking up tons of Spanish, and her pronouciation on many words is much better than mine.

Agua Azul, Chiapas, Mexico


They do forget quickly though, 6 months is a long time for a 6 or 7 year old so I think the best way to educate your child and self is total immersion and for 5 or so months helps...some place where you really have to speak it to get by.



That's easier said than done because we always seem to hangout with English speakers. A good verb book really helps, and dictionary, but we travelled with neither and did fine most of the time...my Spanish is rusty but I can get by and most Mexican people are so kind and patient, so that really helps.

I have found that taking long bus rides often improved my Spanish as I was forced to communicate and that helped push thru that shyness of speaking a new language, and the fear of making mistakes and a fool of oneself. It's much easier for kids, so if you have the opportunity to immerse your child in a situation like that, I believe it will benefit them immensely later in life.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Travel Tip # 2 Adventurez in Mexico


Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2011

http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com 

Travel Tip # 2
Responsible Travel
Many of these Tips came from Lonely Planet Suggestions and I added to them. 

Photo by Tina Winterlik © 2011


Go Overland - Ride Buses or local transportation whenever possible, opposed to planes. Buses in Mexico are Excellent. Their service is much better than Canadian Greyhound. Their ticketing service is excellent and Greyhound would do well to adapt it. Also their security. I love taking the buses in Mexico.

Give Right - I always made an attempt to buy from small stores and spread the wealth around. Lonely Planet recommends you donate to schools, and clinics and avoid giving hand-outs to children in order not to encourage begging. We used to give the children pretty photos.

Photo by Tina Winterlik © 2011

Photo by Tina Winterlik © 2011

El Mercado - San cristobal Las Casas- Photo by Tina Winterlik © 2011


Buy Local-Eat in Local Restaurants, buy from local small stores.
Use cold showers - avoid hot showers that use wood heat.

Pick up your litter, and if you pack it in, pack it out!

Be Respectful! Especially of local traditions and customs.

Use appropriate attire when visiting churches and local villages

Ask Questions! Learn the customs and ask how not to make mistakes the other tourists do.
Santa Domingo, Oaxaca Mexico


Other Recommended Website Links are:
http://www.eco-indextourism.org/
http://www.ecotourism.org/
http://www.planet.org/

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Travel Tip # 1- Adventurez in Mexico


Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2011

http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com 

Religious Handmade Ornaments for the Altars during Semana Santa-Oaxaca, Mexico-Adventurez in Mexico Photo by Tina Winterlik © 2011
 Cultural Differences :
  • No drinking water from taps- this includes brushing your teeth
  • Use Bottled water
  • Washing dishes, make sure they are completely dry before use.
  • Use microdyn to wash all fruits and veggies
  • No baths
  • Basically your camping for 5 or 6 months
  • Cold Showers
  • Throwing toilet paper in a basket and not down the toilet


Here are some tips to help with the above:
* Kids hate cold showers - a trick we worked out was to fill a couple of water bottles with water and then put them in the sun for a few hours, buy a small dish tub(or the biggest you can find) and pour the water in and viola, you have a mini warm bath for your child.

*You must rinse the salt water off. We ended up a with a nasty rash from the heat and the salt and all the tan from the back of Angel's leg left and was all pink and raw and exposed to the sun.

View of Zipolite Beach from Shambhala- Adventurez in Mexico Photo by Tina Winterlik © 2011
 This happened for 2 reasons-
1) We forgot to shower off after visiting a beach an hour from home
2) She didn't like wearing cream, she hated the feeling

People actually thought she had El Hongos which translates to fungi
But a Oaxacan doctor told us she was allergic to the sun and his advice was
  1. at the beginning put a tiny amount of hydrocortizone on it
  2. then Almond oil in her bath (that's where the dishtub came in)
  3. sunblock(Personally I don't like it, I think it has a lot of chemicals, so we used it in moderation)

Sunset-Zipolite, Oaxaca, Mexico- Adventurez in Mexico Photo by Tina Winterlik © 2011


The second year she was accustomed to the heat, and I was more prepared and we had less issues.

For little babies, my friend recommended corn starch...she used it for her little boy and it worked great.
She recommended to a very earthy mom but she didn't want to use it, because of breathing issues it might cause. We couldn't figure that one out, as the baby had a terrible heat rash and had been playing in dusty sand...so go figure.

On that note...travelling with very young children ...I wasn't able to return to Mexico until Angel was 6. I believe everything happens for a reason. I just don't know how I would have managed the diapers, putting things in mouth, buggies/strollers, all that with a little baby...those things are challenging enough in Canada...so please keep this in mind. It's different if your Mexican and this is your culture, but as an outsider it's something your going to want to consider very seriously.

Mosquitos
- Angel does much better with mosquitos than I do...I am allergic and must use Off Crema -which they charge a fortune for $6-8 a bottle

Sunblock is also very expensive $12- $14 a bottle and when your there 6 months, this can really eat up your budget.


Long-term Green Travel with Kids- Adventurez in Mexico Photo by Tina Winterlik © 2011

Protests in Puerto Vallarta over Malecon


Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2011

http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com 
Oh this is so sad. Look what happened to the Malecon. I loved the Malecon. What a shame. And people got hurt, how awful. I hope this can all be resolved. Poor people of Puerto Vallarta.

Read More about it here on the Bandera News
 http://www.banderasnews.com/1105/nb-cityhallprotest.htm
http://www.banderasnews.com/1105/nb-malecon16.htm




Puerto Vallarta's Malecon - March 2009 by Tina Winterlik © 2011

Puerto Vallarta's Malecon - March 2009 by Tina Winterlik © 2011

Puerto Vallarta's Malecon - March 2009 by Tina Winterlik © 2011

Puerto Vallarta's Malecon - March 2009 by Tina Winterlik © 2011

Puerto Vallarta's Malecon - March 2009 by Tina Winterlik © 2011

Puerto Vallarta's Malecon - March 2009 by Tina Winterlik © 2011

Puerto Vallarta's Malecon - March 2009 by Tina Winterlik © 2011

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Benefits of Long Term Travel With Kids


Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2011


http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com

If you've ever considered pulling your kids out of school and travelling for a few months then you should definitely read this article on Matador Abroad by author Karen Banes  

Matador- the Educational Value of Long Term Travel



"Responsible parenting usually involves a stable home, a permanent job for one or both parents and a conventional education for the kids…or does it?
Travel can be hugely beneficial for kids. 

Taking your kids traveling, even for a few weeks at a time, can expose them to a whole different culture and be a fantastic learning experience.



Read More Here  http://matadorabroad.com/the-educational-value-of-long-term-travel-with-kids/



You may also find these links helpful as well.

http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2008/02/26/found-in-translation-why-travel-as-a-teenager-is-the-best-education/

http://matadorabroad.com/youth-travel-programs-are-vital-to-our-security/

http://matadorabroad.com/how-to-raise-successful-kids-while-living-overseas/

http://soultravelers3.com/

Thursday, May 12, 2011

My Possible Future


Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2011

http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com 


My film is up!! 

I am so thrilled to participate and learn and be inspired by these films. This contest is so SPECIAL. Prepare yourself to be amazed. Great and wonderful things are about to happen. I CAN feel it. I am so EXCITED

I was having a bit of a blue day. I decided we need some fresh air and we went for a long walk in the cold rain and had come in to snuggle in with hot chocolate, and I was watching these other great videos from a blogpost I did the other day, when I remembered they were posting the videos for the Possible Futures Contest. I am so thrilled to see my film here. I hope you'll check it out and the other great films there. Good luck everyone.


Click here to see my entry
http://goo.gl/nIyuy

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

RALLY at First Majestic AGM May 19th


Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2011

http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com



SAVE WIRIKUTA!
Respect Mother Earth!
RALLY at First Majestic AGM
Thursday, May 19th
Meet at Waterfront Station at 9:00 am
STOP CANADA'S FIRST MAJESTIC

from mining Real de Catorce, and the Sacred
Pilgrimage Route of the Wixaritari (Huicholes)


Links: 

Email:  

Facebook: 
Salvemos, Wirikuta

Info. 604- 278-8108

Get Informed! Get Involved! Yes we CAN stop it!

Monday, May 9, 2011

Mexicans Peacefully Protest- STOP the War on Drugs


Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2011

http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com 

Mexican Peace Protest-
"STOP THE WAR ON DRUGS"

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20110509/wl_nm/us_mexico_march

"No more deaths, no more hate. We've come out to walk these streets with dignity and peace ... violence will only bring us more violence," he added.(Javier Sicilia,)

http://www.nationalpost.com/news/world/Thousands+Mexicans+join+protest+against+drug/4747838/story.html 
Noe Torres, Reuters · May 8, 2011 | Last Updated: May 8, 2011 4:01 PM ET
We’ve come from San Juan Copala (in Oaxaca state), seeking peace, because we’re also suffering violence and injustice,” said Mariana, a 21-year-old from the Triqui tribe, wearing indigenous clothing.

The march started Thursday about 45 miles from the capital in the tourist city of Cuernavaca, which has been rocked by drug-related violence and where in March suspected hitmen killed the son of writer Javier Sicilia, who is heading the march. Read More Here

“We’ve had it with this terrible government that goes unpunished. We want peace,” said Araceli Vazquez, 60 years old, as he held up an improvised placard with his demands.

April was the most violent month yet in Calderon’s fight, with 1,402 deaths, Milenio newspaper reported. Read More Here
© Thomson Reuters 2011


Leader Post- Thousands of Mexicans March to Protest Drug War
 A man painted with fake blood gestures in Mexico City on Sunday during the last of a four-day silent march to protest drug violence Photograph by: Getty Images, Reuters


Helped by friends, 49-year-old Carlos Castro held up a large blanket with photos of his wife and two daughters. They disappeared one January night in Xalapa, in the east of the country, and he has not heard anything of them since.

"I've not found any other way to protest, nobody has spoken to me and the authorities know nothing about them," he said. "The idea of coming here with this blanket is to send a message to the people that have them. So they give them back to me."

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Save the Huicholes - Vanc Rally- May 19


Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2011

http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com

If you have been to Puerto Vallarta or Bucerias, you have seen the beautiful artwork & handicrafts created the Huicholes. 
Their sacred land is threatened by a Vancouver Mining Company. There is Rally at the Vancouver Waterfront on Thurs May 19th, 9am-12 Bring your Drums & Posters. Please Come Out and Show Your Support! Info 604-278-8108 Please share and tweet this!!
 #SavetheHuicholes
SAVE WIRIKUTA!
Respect Mother Earth!
Pray for the Water!

Stop mining in Real de Catorce!
Rally at First Majestic-AGM

Waterfront Station
Thursday, May 19th; time: 9:00 am

Defend International Indigenous Rights regarding use of their water, aquafiers and land, protect the sacred pilgrimage route of the Wixarika-Huicholes in Mexico, from the destruction of First Majestic, mining company based in Vancouver.

Bring your drums, posters and blessings!

Would you like to learn more about the Wirrarika-Huichol culture?

Please come and join us!

Meet at Waterfront Station (Cordova exit), at 9:00 am. March to First Majestic AGM at 837 West Hastings for 9:30 am.

Info. 604-278-8108

Learn More Here 
http://frenteendefensadewirikuta.org/wirikuta-en/?p=816
http://adventurezinmexico.blogspot.com/2011/01/help-huichol-people-save-their-sacred.html


Where are All the Butterflies?


Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2011

http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com 

Angel is very upset because we can never find caterpillars of butterflies, it's so sad.

Photos by Tina Winterlik © 2011

When I was a kid and we lived near Hope BC and there was a field full of broom plant, there were tons of Swallowtail butterflies and we were always playing with caterpillars. Sometimes we'd see great big moths, and the evening was filled with the sound of  June bugs.

Photos by Tina Winterlik © 2011

We found a lot of butterflies in Zipolite, the first winter on the road that runs from the back road to Shambhala, but the second year was so dry, there were hardly any.
Photos by Tina Winterlik © 2011

Photos by Tina Winterlik © 2011


I pray we can turn things around and we can have lots of butterflies again.

Friday, May 6, 2011

Quiet Cinco de Mayo


Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2011

http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com

We celebrated a very quiet little Cinco de Mayo.

We had a lovely dinner, sole with lots of lemon, carrots, taco chips, salsa, and to drink Orange Juice.(I wanted a Cerveza but it just didn't happen)

For dessert we melted left over Chocolate Easter eggs, and added a little milk, then we ate a whole container of Strawberries dipped in the Chocolate!! Yum!!

That was it, we were tired, we've been doing a lot of walking.

This video is from a few years back, I need to turn it the right way, but to busy at the moment, it will have to do. Angel wore her dress out yesterday, with black pants underneath and a coat, because it's been darn cold. We had so much fun with the cherry blossoms, they are just about to fall, so we we standing under the branches, making snow with the petals.

I love this time of year, but as I said, it's much colder than normal. Happy Friday Everyone, enjoy those blossoms, they'll be gone soon if we get alot of rain and wind. :(




Hope you all enjoyed your Cinco De Mayo!

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Feliz Cinco de Mayo


Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2011

http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com 

Happy Cinco de Mayo Everyone!!





 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinco_de_Mayo

Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for "fifth of May") is a holiday held on May 5. It is celebrated nationwide in the United States and regionally in Mexico, primarily in the state of Puebla.[1][2][3][4]

The date is observed in the United States as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride,[5] and to commemorate the cause of freedom and democracy during the first years of the American Civil War.[6]

In the state of Puebla, the date is observed to commemorate the Mexican army's unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín.[7][8]

Contrary to widespread popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico's Independence Day,[9][10] the most important national patriotic holiday in Mexico, which occurs on September 16th.







I just LOVE the Sesame Street Video! Really touched me! Captured time!


I've made lots of pinatas, but they never break right! There's an art to pinatas!
We loved the traditional pinatas in Mexico



Pinata Song








This looks like fun!! Crazy!

Monday, May 2, 2011

Don't Do This on Your Mexican Vacation


Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2011

http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com 

What Not to Do on Your Next Mexican Vacation

http://www.yucatan-holidays.com/guidebook/what-not-to-do-on-your-next-mexican-vacation/

Yucatan Holidays

@YucatanHolidays Cancun, Mexico
We are a Green & Fun option for travelers dreaming of a Cancun, Riviera Maya & Yucatan Peninsula vacation. Jorge is online! Say HOLA!
Facebook



Click Here for Details on these Points!
1) Don’t blame the ice for your, eh-hem, stomach issues. 
2) Don’t yell “Alto!” at the bus driver when you want him to stop just because that’s what it says on the stop signs. 
3) Don’t fall asleep on the beach when you are lying in the sun. 
4) Don’t go swimming, especially in the ocean, when you are intoxicated. 
5) Don’t be frustrated if someone doesn’t understand you or speak English.
6) Don’t pay the first quoted price for souvenirs in the flea market.
7) Don’t buy drugs.
8)Don’t get so drunk that you don’t know what’s going on.      



Kristin Busse is an American expat who has been living in Cancun, Mexico since 2001. A wife, mother, singer, salsa dancer and now writer, she has worked in many different industries but is currently enjoying exploring the Yucatan Peninsula and sharing her expertise and experience with readers around the world. Follow Kristin on Twitter.

Kristin Busse

@KCSarduy Cancun, Mexico
I left Chicago to live in Cancun for one year. That was 10 years ago. Suddenly I find I am a personal and professional blogger. How did that happen?