Consider a Christmas like this for your kids!
Christmas Eve Day 2008
Chrismtas Day 2008
Angel said it was the "Best Christmas Ever!" and yet she got less than she had any other Christmas. It really was a wonderful Christmas, so simple and not all the commercials and stress that often happens before. It was just very simple, calm and peaceful! What more could you ask for!
This is the journey of a mother and her child who go on Adventurez In Mexico. They explore, learn and discover all they can about Mexican culture. #AdventurezInMexico @AdventurezinMexicoFB · Education website
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Life & Art In Zipolite
Turn on your speakers and watch full screen. Sit back and dream!!
Lifeguards & Real Rescue
Visit to Shambhala and with Gloria!
Zipolite Painting by Tina Winterlik
Lifeguards & Real Rescue
Visit to Shambhala and with Gloria!
Zipolite Painting by Tina Winterlik
Kids Get an Eco- Education
Tina's Travel Tips!
Here's just a few tips that I would like to share, there are tons more lists and articles on what to take and do, at Lonely Planet and other great sites like that, but this is just what I would tell someone, one mom to another if your considering big trip.
Good Shoes - Sandals and Runners - and not brand new, make sure they are broke in, you can't be dealing with blisters.
Jeans & Sweaters for buses that ALWAYS have super cold air-conditioning. The First Class buses always have very chilly air conditioning and you don't want to catch a cold at the beginning of your trip because you were freezing in the bus, trust me. (If you have a cold, becareful as the air conditioning can really make it worse)
If you get a cold, I LOVE lavender and eucalyptus, but if you don't have these, Halls- Lemon cough candies and Vicks Vapour Rub will really help. Also carry Dramimine or Gravol if you can get it, Bendryl for Sandflea bites and other stings that may cause an allergic reaction, Tylenol for kids or in Mexico Paraceptemol (I think, check the spelling), and you can get Pepto -Bismol tablets for pesos so pick up a few and if you have a funny tummy pop one, and I rub on some lavender. Works great!
Small Fleece Blanket (like those on the airplane) these are awesome, and /or a fleece jacket, they keep you nice and snuggly and are very all purpose. Check Mountain Equipment Co-op for great deals and choices or the second-hand stores to really keep your budget in check.
Comfort Toys- We collected so many gifts/toys while we were traveling. People are so generous and both years we came home with an extra bag, just toys. Of course we had Christmas there, so all that stuff had to come and then just lots of little souvenirs. Be prepared for this extra bag, instead of buying another suitcase we got a sugar sack and used that, it worked excellently.
ALWAYS CHECK FOR TOYS WHEN LEAVING YOUR ROOM! This was the worse mistake I made, and did it right at the start of the journey. When we left Cancun, I was frazzled, as I realized I had too much luggage(had stocked up for the journey) and I had forgotten our hats somewhere and had to go back and then it started raining...so in all the craziness of running around and getting the bus tickets and gathering everything...I looked at the bed, and thought of making it...then thought " why bother they have to make it anyway"
BIG MISTAKE!!
That's where Pink Wings -Angel's dragon was hiding, as she'd gone to sleep with him. So there, you've been warned, don't make my mistake.
I don't wear makeup so I don't have advice about that. Except if you get sunscreen in your eyes because your sweating profusely, and it makes your mascara run, ...well it's not pretty!
Basics - comb & brush and hairstuff (When traveling I usually don't use a curling iron or blow dryer) I do take them along though, especially in the mountains, so that you can dry your hair after the cold shower, to make sure you don't have wet hair in bed. I suggest a toque also, can help keep you warm at night in the mountains or just freak rainy days that are chilly to us Canadians because we take heating for granted.
Pack as light as possible. Lonely Planet says, pack and halve it, then halve again. I do this to and it's good advice but it's hard when your going 5 months or so, and you've got a kid in tow. Just remember you can get alot of stuff there...but can you afford it, as prices can be more
KEEP ONE HAND FREE FOR YOUR CHILD! You just don't know when your going to have to pull your child out of the way of something...so Always keep a free hand and be alert! Keep this in mind when you buy your pack/luggage/knapsack/purse.
Be sure to have some US cash! The first return trip from Mexico, our card did not work in the ATM machine and would not give us US cash. I always remember this as, Angel was tired & hungry, we were connecting flights and the machine wasn't working. I had asked the Security Guard if he knew of another machine, and he said "No!" I was about to try it again, and the Security Guard returned and gave his cookies to Angel. I almost started to cry! It was so sweet and we were so tired. The second year were more prepared. I have found when you travel, you will meet "lots of little angels like that!"
Food is outrageously expensive in airports. There should be a law against it. Seriously! :)
Be prepared that if your flight is later in the evening, even though it says "meal" on the airline website, they will only give you pretzels, make sure you buy something in the airport to take on the plane. This only works once your in the U.S. leaving for Canada because you leave your garbage on the plane. You can't take food from Canada to Mexico...because your clear 3 customs...
A Dvd player can really comfort a child after a long day travelling. They will definitely have Culture Shock to some degree, depending on what they have experienced before. Putting them in bed with a movie will help them relax and help them have the time they need to adjust to the new environment. Later on you'll have the beach and books and they will forget all about TV and Movies and you can just have the Dvd as a special treat!
Art Supplies are hard to find, especially watercolour paper. Best to bring your own if possible.
Good Shoes - Sandals and Runners - and not brand new, make sure they are broke in, you can't be dealing with blisters.
Jeans & Sweaters for buses that ALWAYS have super cold air-conditioning. The First Class buses always have very chilly air conditioning and you don't want to catch a cold at the beginning of your trip because you were freezing in the bus, trust me. (If you have a cold, becareful as the air conditioning can really make it worse)
If you get a cold, I LOVE lavender and eucalyptus, but if you don't have these, Halls- Lemon cough candies and Vicks Vapour Rub will really help. Also carry Dramimine or Gravol if you can get it, Bendryl for Sandflea bites and other stings that may cause an allergic reaction, Tylenol for kids or in Mexico Paraceptemol (I think, check the spelling), and you can get Pepto -Bismol tablets for pesos so pick up a few and if you have a funny tummy pop one, and I rub on some lavender. Works great!
Small Fleece Blanket (like those on the airplane) these are awesome, and /or a fleece jacket, they keep you nice and snuggly and are very all purpose. Check Mountain Equipment Co-op for great deals and choices or the second-hand stores to really keep your budget in check.
Comfort Toys- We collected so many gifts/toys while we were traveling. People are so generous and both years we came home with an extra bag, just toys. Of course we had Christmas there, so all that stuff had to come and then just lots of little souvenirs. Be prepared for this extra bag, instead of buying another suitcase we got a sugar sack and used that, it worked excellently.
ALWAYS CHECK FOR TOYS WHEN LEAVING YOUR ROOM! This was the worse mistake I made, and did it right at the start of the journey. When we left Cancun, I was frazzled, as I realized I had too much luggage(had stocked up for the journey) and I had forgotten our hats somewhere and had to go back and then it started raining...so in all the craziness of running around and getting the bus tickets and gathering everything...I looked at the bed, and thought of making it...then thought " why bother they have to make it anyway"
BIG MISTAKE!!
That's where Pink Wings -Angel's dragon was hiding, as she'd gone to sleep with him. So there, you've been warned, don't make my mistake.
I don't wear makeup so I don't have advice about that. Except if you get sunscreen in your eyes because your sweating profusely, and it makes your mascara run, ...well it's not pretty!
Basics - comb & brush and hairstuff (When traveling I usually don't use a curling iron or blow dryer) I do take them along though, especially in the mountains, so that you can dry your hair after the cold shower, to make sure you don't have wet hair in bed. I suggest a toque also, can help keep you warm at night in the mountains or just freak rainy days that are chilly to us Canadians because we take heating for granted.
Pack as light as possible. Lonely Planet says, pack and halve it, then halve again. I do this to and it's good advice but it's hard when your going 5 months or so, and you've got a kid in tow. Just remember you can get alot of stuff there...but can you afford it, as prices can be more
KEEP ONE HAND FREE FOR YOUR CHILD! You just don't know when your going to have to pull your child out of the way of something...so Always keep a free hand and be alert! Keep this in mind when you buy your pack/luggage/knapsack/purse.
Be sure to have some US cash! The first return trip from Mexico, our card did not work in the ATM machine and would not give us US cash. I always remember this as, Angel was tired & hungry, we were connecting flights and the machine wasn't working. I had asked the Security Guard if he knew of another machine, and he said "No!" I was about to try it again, and the Security Guard returned and gave his cookies to Angel. I almost started to cry! It was so sweet and we were so tired. The second year were more prepared. I have found when you travel, you will meet "lots of little angels like that!"
Food is outrageously expensive in airports. There should be a law against it. Seriously! :)
Be prepared that if your flight is later in the evening, even though it says "meal" on the airline website, they will only give you pretzels, make sure you buy something in the airport to take on the plane. This only works once your in the U.S. leaving for Canada because you leave your garbage on the plane. You can't take food from Canada to Mexico...because your clear 3 customs...
A Dvd player can really comfort a child after a long day travelling. They will definitely have Culture Shock to some degree, depending on what they have experienced before. Putting them in bed with a movie will help them relax and help them have the time they need to adjust to the new environment. Later on you'll have the beach and books and they will forget all about TV and Movies and you can just have the Dvd as a special treat!
Art Supplies are hard to find, especially watercolour paper. Best to bring your own if possible.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Kids Love Fresh O.J. Everyday
Our O.J. Story
We had very little money and I was spending a $2-5 everyday on cold cans of Jumex juice. My friend say "What are you doing?" Why not spend $1 - $10 pesos and get 10 oranges and squeeze them.
We had a few mishaps the year before and Angel had been turned off. So here are our tips.
Choose the oranges very carefully. One bad orange spoils the whole batch,
so as soon as you cut it, smell it carefully for freshness. If it has a winey smell, toss it.
After you've cut your orange in half, use a fork and poke it, then wiggle the fork back and forth, to get all the juice out. Kids love to help with this. Make sure everyone's hands are super clean and go for it. It's sticky but fun and just so healthy for you.
On 10 oranges a day, we would squeeze 2 or 3 for breakfast, 2 for lunch and 2-3 for dinner and then drink bottled water. It was wonderful. We got into a real routine with this and I really missed it when we came home...you can't get 10 oranges for a $1 here.
Don't Forget to Be sure to soak your oranges in Microdyn first
We had very little money and I was spending a $2-5 everyday on cold cans of Jumex juice. My friend say "What are you doing?" Why not spend $1 - $10 pesos and get 10 oranges and squeeze them.
We had a few mishaps the year before and Angel had been turned off. So here are our tips.
Choose the oranges very carefully. One bad orange spoils the whole batch,
so as soon as you cut it, smell it carefully for freshness. If it has a winey smell, toss it.
After you've cut your orange in half, use a fork and poke it, then wiggle the fork back and forth, to get all the juice out. Kids love to help with this. Make sure everyone's hands are super clean and go for it. It's sticky but fun and just so healthy for you.
On 10 oranges a day, we would squeeze 2 or 3 for breakfast, 2 for lunch and 2-3 for dinner and then drink bottled water. It was wonderful. We got into a real routine with this and I really missed it when we came home...you can't get 10 oranges for a $1 here.
Don't Forget to Be sure to soak your oranges in Microdyn first
Eating Well and Sticking to the Budget
Food Issues with Kids when Traveling in Mexico.
Different Foods can be a real challenge.
Luckily cereal can help bridge the gap as you introduce new food groups.
Our diet consisted of Fresh O.J. (10 for about $10 pesos)
*See O.J. story bottom
Bottled Water
Cereal/w/milk and fruit
Ham Sandwiches(mayo/ mustard ) on Whole Wheat -Pan Intergral
French Toast
Quesidillias w/ Oaxacan Cheese (salsa/tomato)
Fish-Prawns-Crab
Peanut Butter, Jam Sandwich on Pan Intergral
Chicken, Rice, Macroni Salad, Tortillias and Green Salsa (I Love it! but Not Angel-too hot!)
Pizza
Melon, Watermelon, Bananas, Strawberries, Plums, Mandarins, Oranges
Chocolate Milk(Cold) this was a special treat from the store because you have no fridge
What? How do I survive with out a fridge?
With a cooler and ice!
Ice can add up though and you do have food waste, so it takes diligence, if you can make a deal to use someones fridge then you will have it made. Or if you can fill a couple of the metal Jumex juice cans and then put the in the friends freezer and switch them every day, this can work really well.
Cooking- the first year we bought a little stove top with 2 burners and juicer and blender, but this used a lot of electricity and the owner where we stayed didn't like it. So the second year we made different arrangements. We tried to eat only one hot meal a day using our friends kitchen, that way we were not in their space to much and kept our costs down by not eating out.
Different Foods can be a real challenge.
Luckily cereal can help bridge the gap as you introduce new food groups.
Our diet consisted of Fresh O.J. (10 for about $10 pesos)
*See O.J. story bottom
Bottled Water
Cereal/w/milk and fruit
Ham Sandwiches(mayo/ mustard ) on Whole Wheat -Pan Intergral
French Toast
Quesidillias w/ Oaxacan Cheese (salsa/tomato)
Fish-Prawns-Crab
Peanut Butter, Jam Sandwich on Pan Intergral
Chicken, Rice, Macroni Salad, Tortillias and Green Salsa (I Love it! but Not Angel-too hot!)
Pizza
Melon, Watermelon, Bananas, Strawberries, Plums, Mandarins, Oranges
Chocolate Milk(Cold) this was a special treat from the store because you have no fridge
What? How do I survive with out a fridge?
With a cooler and ice!
Ice can add up though and you do have food waste, so it takes diligence, if you can make a deal to use someones fridge then you will have it made. Or if you can fill a couple of the metal Jumex juice cans and then put the in the friends freezer and switch them every day, this can work really well.
Cooking- the first year we bought a little stove top with 2 burners and juicer and blender, but this used a lot of electricity and the owner where we stayed didn't like it. So the second year we made different arrangements. We tried to eat only one hot meal a day using our friends kitchen, that way we were not in their space to much and kept our costs down by not eating out.
Budgeting - Shared Bath or Not!
When you travel with children, it's my opinion it's wise not to make a long term rent agreement anywhere that you have to share the bathroom. While it definitely cuts the costs there are two things you should consider:
1) Often small children are very particular about the toilet they will use and will even refuse to go -thinking it's dirty (even if it's just sand on the floor) and this can cause big problems (we watched another family deal with this and it was highly stressful for everyone.)
2) Safety- you don't want to be leaving your room in the middle of the night or hangin outside the bathroom - everytime your child has to go- We always get a room with a bano (toilet and shower).
1) Often small children are very particular about the toilet they will use and will even refuse to go -thinking it's dirty (even if it's just sand on the floor) and this can cause big problems (we watched another family deal with this and it was highly stressful for everyone.)
2) Safety- you don't want to be leaving your room in the middle of the night or hangin outside the bathroom - everytime your child has to go- We always get a room with a bano (toilet and shower).
Thursday, September 2, 2010
A Visit to the Mazunte Turtle Museum
We did this back in 2008. Last year they were working so hard on the Museum and all of Mazunte, they were putting in new sidewalks and working on Punta Cometa so big changes coming here...more tourists...but if they try to be green ...then that's cool and good for everyone. Educating children and adults (everyone) about turtles is super important. I have a great turtle story I will share later...right now check out this little video.
Things to Consider when Travelling Long-term with a Child!
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.
Life's Focus is on Nature, Environment, Eating, Exercise, People, Family, Friends, Reading, Learning, Language-Spanish, Photography, Art, Painting, Daily Survival- laundry, food, water, & lessons.
Cultural Differences :
Throwing toilet paper in a basket and not down the toilet
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
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.
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
-at the beginning put a tiny amount of hydrocortizone on it
-then Almond oil in her bath (that's where the dishtub came in)
-sunblock(Personally I don't like it, I think it has a lot of chemicals, so we used it in moderation)
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 horribly expensive $12- $14 a bottle and when your there 6 months, this can really eat up your budget.
Okay, that's it for now. Check back I have more advice I will share later.
This lady doesn't have kids, but she makes some really great points about making the Great Escape! Reasons I Had to Escape
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.
Life's Focus is on Nature, Environment, Eating, Exercise, People, Family, Friends, Reading, Learning, Language-Spanish, Photography, Art, Painting, Daily Survival- laundry, food, water, & lessons.
Cultural Differences :
Throwing toilet paper in a basket and not down the toilet
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
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.
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
-at the beginning put a tiny amount of hydrocortizone on it
-then Almond oil in her bath (that's where the dishtub came in)
-sunblock(Personally I don't like it, I think it has a lot of chemicals, so we used it in moderation)
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 horribly expensive $12- $14 a bottle and when your there 6 months, this can really eat up your budget.
Okay, that's it for now. Check back I have more advice I will share later.
This lady doesn't have kids, but she makes some really great points about making the Great Escape! Reasons I Had to Escape
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Learning Spanish
http://www.rosettastone.com/homeschool-spanish
I would love to take this course. I was really disappointed when I discovered the two Spanish DS programs that Nintendo offers had "terrible " reviews. I can get by on my Spanish but I miss so much. Especially the jokes, subtle things when family and friends speaks with one another.
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.
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.
I would love to take this course. I was really disappointed when I discovered the two Spanish DS programs that Nintendo offers had "terrible " reviews. I can get by on my Spanish but I miss so much. Especially the jokes, subtle things when family and friends speaks with one another.
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.
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.
Responsible Travel
Many of these Tips came from Lonely Planet Suggestions and I added to them.
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.
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.
Other Recommended Website Links are:
http://www.eco-indextourism.org/
http://www.ecotourism.org/
http://www.planet.org/
http://www.tourismconcern.org.uk/
http://www.transitionsabroad.com/
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.
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.
Other Recommended Website Links are:
http://www.eco-indextourism.org/
http://www.ecotourism.org/
http://www.planet.org/
http://www.tourismconcern.org.uk/
http://www.transitionsabroad.com/
The Educational Value of Long Term Travel with Kids
http://matadorabroad.com/the-educational-value-of-long-term-travel-with-kids/
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.
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/
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.
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/
Yay! We Are Here! Zipolite, Oaxaca, Mexico
Zipolite is located in Oaxaca Mexico. Known for it's crashing surf and laid-back atmosphere, it's a great place to mellow out and chill for a bit. It's a very international scene with people from all over the world dropping in for a few days, few week or few months. The locals are lovely people and many people find they always have something to do but don't do very much. Be sure to visit Shambhala for something to eat and check out the view and don't miss the Meditation Loma for sunset.
Accomodations, Shopping, Entertainment in San Cristobal
San Cristobal has gotten a lot pricier since 1990 or even 2000, but it's still very reasonable. We stayed at Le Gite de Sol http://www.legitedelsol.com/ which is a Posada/B&B/Hostel
Since there were 2 of us (and one was child) we stayed in the Hostel dorm rooms. I believe they keep the main location for quiet couples and you get a room with a bathroom.
At first I wasn't to impressed and it felt a bit like a jail cell, but it had really nice warm blankets, was very clean and we could use the internet. The people working there just accepted us like family and so it made all the difference. The owners are Quebecois-Mexican and speak French, English & Spanish so that is handy as my Spanish was pretty rusty. We didn't see much of the owners, but the staff in the dorm were excellent!!
The markets are fantastic in San Cristobal. This is wear to buy all those beautiful hand embroidered blouses, dresses and bags. This is the place to buy all the wonderful keepsakes and souvenirs for friends and family. That said, your pack may be a lot fuller and so you may want to make this, one your last destinations.
I budgeted a $100 Cdn for clothes and souvenirs and it went a long way. It was wonderful. Wonderful because you get such great stuff but your actually helping the people that made it. I always made a point of buying from a mother and child.
The Zocalo is a wonderful place to treat yourself to a cappochino and treat. It's great place to people watch and soak up the beautiful atmosphere just listening to the music and relaxing after a great day exploring the markets and shops.
Since there were 2 of us (and one was child) we stayed in the Hostel dorm rooms. I believe they keep the main location for quiet couples and you get a room with a bathroom.
At first I wasn't to impressed and it felt a bit like a jail cell, but it had really nice warm blankets, was very clean and we could use the internet. The people working there just accepted us like family and so it made all the difference. The owners are Quebecois-Mexican and speak French, English & Spanish so that is handy as my Spanish was pretty rusty. We didn't see much of the owners, but the staff in the dorm were excellent!!
The markets are fantastic in San Cristobal. This is wear to buy all those beautiful hand embroidered blouses, dresses and bags. This is the place to buy all the wonderful keepsakes and souvenirs for friends and family. That said, your pack may be a lot fuller and so you may want to make this, one your last destinations.
I budgeted a $100 Cdn for clothes and souvenirs and it went a long way. It was wonderful. Wonderful because you get such great stuff but your actually helping the people that made it. I always made a point of buying from a mother and child.
The Zocalo is a wonderful place to treat yourself to a cappochino and treat. It's great place to people watch and soak up the beautiful atmosphere just listening to the music and relaxing after a great day exploring the markets and shops.
San Cristobal Las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico
Some cool places to check out are Na Bolom http://www.nabolom.org/ I didn't get a chance to take Angel there, but I did visit back in 1990 and was fortunate to meet Gertrude Duby-Blom (Trudy Blom 1901-1993) and was able to explore the home. Trudy was married to Danish Archaeologist Frans Blom (1893-1963). Trudy Blom studied & documented the lives of the Lacandon people in Eastern Chiapas thru photographs and fought to protect them, while her husband explored and surveyed the Mayan Ruins in Chiapas such as Palenque, Tonina & Chinkuitic. When her husband passed away Trudy started a museum and research center. Nabolom means "Jaguar House" in Tzotzil language.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Agua Azul & Agua Clara
Agua Clara is pretty turquoise blue lake near Agua Azul, it's like going back in time as it's not developed and makes you wonder what Agua Azul was like before all the tourists. I heard that they have stopped taking tours there, I don't know if that's true. We enjoyed the short time we visited. The kids there were trying to sell us sugary treats but we gave them pretty pictures of fairies and mermaids instead.
Misol-ha
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