Travel Escapades



	Mexico

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	General:			My husband talked me into going to Mexico. We spent one week there and we were both glad to come home. For the most part we had a good time, until we both got sick. Whenever we ordered sodas they were not refrigerated. It was so hot we drank the sodas with ice and we ate salads and other things they tell you not to. Be sure to check out what you can and can not eat and drink, stick with bottled water if you want to be safe. Also check on the medicines you can take with you just in case. I was able to buy some pills there and they are very cheap, but if you take them before hand, perhaps you can keep from getting sick.

				I came back to the states very thankful for all we have. The variety of household goods available where we visited in 1983 were extremely limited and expensive. We visited a shop with a washer and dryer that looked like they were made twenty-thirty years earlier and they wanted a lot for them. (I don't recall the prices.) We saw a few beggars and some children that were being used to get money from the tourists.

				We had problems with flys a lot in different areas, they were very annoying. When we visited the markets I saw meat out in the heat with flies all around. No matter what type of problem may arise, many of the people would tell us "no problem" and they did not appear to let anything bother them. Most seemed to never be in a hurry, maybe because it is too hot most of the time.

	Back to top:			Travel Tips: Don't travel during the rainy season, take medicine with you, drink bottled water, take the taxi it's not that expensive, be prepared to see some people living in extremely poor conditions. You can access a map at this site: http://www.tourbymexico.com/Pprisel/pprisel.htm

	Puerto Vallarta			This is one of Mexico's main tourist destinations. It is located in the state of Jalisco. The town is situated on the coast and they do have some nice beaches. There is a line of shops, restaurants, and drinking holes that line the main strip of town. We did visit one restaurant/saloon establishment that was quite fun even for tea tottlers like us. It was called Carlos O'Brien's. Some of the people I talked to that were really enjoying themselves liked to go bar hoping at night. The people that live here seem to put up with tourists as a necessary evil. Puerto Vallarta.

				Some areas of the beaches have parasailing. My husband wanted to do this before he got sick. I have heard some horror stories from misadventures in parasailing. If you decide to do it be sure you check for a reputable business. Make sure they use safety gear and that the gear is in good condition.

				There appears to be some control of vendors that cater to tourists. At the airport the price was the same regardless who you asked. We did hook up for a ride that would cost a little less, but we wound up on a long ride out of our way (without air conditioning) dropping off a load of people in all different directions.
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				On the beaches you are pestered by vendors trying to sell you hats, towels, and tee shirts (they did not leave us alone, even when we were trying to sleep or read.) I saw a few of the vendors checking with someone at the hotel who logged off their names in a book. I imagine the vendors probably have to pay part of their profits to the hotel, to be able to sell on their strip of beach, but I'm not sure.

				When we first arrived at our hotel we were in for quite a shock. We opened the door to our room and it was the biggest mess I had ever seen. It looked like someone had either had a big party that got out of control or a fight. The bedding and stuff littered the floor, the lamp was lying on the floor and the lamp shade all crinkled up in a ball. We went back to the lobby to tell them. They said no problem, we'll fix it. Come back in a couple hours. We came back a few hours later and checked the room.

				They had cleaned it up, straightened and made the bed. And to our surprise, the lamp had been put back in it's place and the crinkled lampshade had been pulled out and was back on top the lamp. We both laughed that this place couldn't even replace the lampshade after giving us this startling reception. The shower was the smallest shower I have ever seen, except perhaps on the cruise ship. There was no tub. I don't recall the name of this place, but I suggest you stay within walking distance of downtown unless you like paying for a taxi to go into town everyday.

				Our hotel was a ways out from the main part of town. We were too cheap (dumb) to pay for a taxi so we walked. The buses were always very crowded. Once we got caught in a monsoon type rain and it was too hard for a taxi to see us (it had gotten dark). We slipped and slid back to the hotel and I just barely managed to keep my contacts in with the water pouring off my head. We laughed at first, but it got scary when it started to lightning. You may want to check when their rainy season is and avoid it if you can. We also saw garbage floating down into the ocean from the city streets because of the rains.

				We did see some shanty type shacks at the edge of town near the water. Most were made up of pieces of salvaged wood. I liked the beaches here, but I enjoyed the people, site-seeing, and shopping much more in Guadalajara. Both cities have beautiful churches. When I went in to take pictures in the church, I was told we could not stay because we were wearing shorts.

	Guadalajara			We picked up a travel brochure on a tour to Guadalajara and it sounded like fun. We decided to go there on our own, but do some of the same things as in the tour. We only spent the day and then flew back to Puerto Vallarta. I don't how long the flight was but it wasn't long. We took a city bus to some of the areas and rode taxis back and forth between the airport.

				Guadalajara is the capital city of the State of Jalisco. It is approximately 580 kms (360 mi) from Mexico City and 340 kms (211 mi) east of Puerto Vallarta.

	Back to top:			On one bus we met and talked with some school kids (around 12-13 yrs old). They wanted to know where we were from and what we were doing there. They were very eager to know about us and we tried to communicate as best we could. I don't know Spanish and my husband could remember just a little from high school. They got quite a tickle when they finally figure out we were there on our honeymoon. Once they figured it out there were lots of ahhh's, smiles, and giggles. Basic Spanish for Travelers

				The people here were quite friendly and we enjoyed being away from the tourists. We tried to find some shoe shops, as we were told that we could buy good shoes reasonably here, but the only shop we found was closed. We did find the market. It is said to be the largest market under one roof in Latin America. It is located in the historic district and is called Libertad Market.

				We spent some time walking up and down streets taking pictures. We dined at an outdoor restaurant that was mentioned in the tour guide. I don't recall the name. It was very nice and we enjoyed it. Unfortunately we were running late to catch our flight back and had to hurry to catch a taxi. Just about that time, it decided to pour buckets. Our taxi driver understood our need to get to the airport in time and drove like crazy. We made it just in time. Guadalajara
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	*Cozumel*			An island in Mexico that we visited on our cruise. See W-Caribbean.

	Conclusion:			This concludes my notes on traveling the areas of Mexico that I am familiar with. There are many other areas to discover. Transportation including taxis are reasonable. Buses tend to be very crowded. In 1983 the prices were reasonable. We only spent seven days there.It's hard to see everything in that length of time. Of all the places I have been I liked Mexico the least, but there are many beautiful sites to see there, much history, and some areas are better than others. It also depends on what you are looking for when you travel.

	Disclaimer:			The links provided are links I found in searching the net. Some are to travel agents or other services. I have not used most of these services, so I am not recommending any. I am only adding these links to provide additional information to my travel documentaries above.

	Back to top:			I suggest you do your own research before traveling and only book your travel adventures through a reputable travel company. Buyer beware: there are lots of scam artists that use the travel industry to make a quick buck, don't be a victim. If it sounds too good to be true it probably is.


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	Updated 3/27/04
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