Is It Just Me?

Am I just being a prude? An old fuddy duddy? Making mountains out of molehills? Or what?

I know I live on an island that is a tourist mecca. We get lots of them from all over the world. Some nice, some obnoxious. Some respectful, some totally oblivious.

I was sitting across from the coffee shop the other day in my "office" when I spied these chickies prancing down the street. They then entered the very busy coffee shop.



IMHO, this is no way to cruise the streets. This is beach attire. Not street wear. Not restaurant wear. Not grocery shopping wear. Not coffee shop wear.

It is disrpectful of not only the local residents but also of the customs of this land and just common decorum. Cover up ladies.

The same goes for you guys who think it is ok to stroll the streets wearing nothing but ill fitting Speedos and flip flops.

I would really love to get some comments on this issue. If you've never spoken up before, now would be a good time. What do you think about this issue?

Keeping My Pipes

At long last, all the safety measures that I needed to take to thwart the would-be copper thieves from returning are now in place. At no small expense, I might add. Even though there has been no further attempt at my house, I do hear that they are still roaming the neighborhoods.

At first I thought that they had gained access to the back of my house by traveling over the neighboring rooftops. I now believe that to be false. Black shoe skid marks on my walls where they shimied up are proof enough for me that they just came directly onto my property.

From what I was able to piece together, they used some old concrete blocks that I had innocently left laying around as a stepladder. Although it is not a climb I would want to attempt, I suppose burglars and theives have no such regard for their own personal safety.

The route was the concrete blocks, the hole, the ledge, up to the ledge on the carport roof and then over the small wall that surrounds the second floor.



Once onto the second floor, they had free passage to the back of the house and more pipes via this passageway. The wall on the left is actually the wall of the house of my neighbor.




I have now painted every exposed piece of pipe on my house and on the cabana. I have also "tied" the pipes together in various spots using cable ties. Finally, I had braces installed around the pipes and screwed into the cement. It may not stop a determined thief, but it is certainly going to slow them down. At least long enough for somebody to hear or notice them anyway.

As a final precaution, I have now stopped access from the front of the house to the back via that passageway. I did so by having this floor to ceiling, lockable gate installed. A pain in the ass for me when I want to get to the front of the house. But a bigger pain in the ass for any would-be bad guys.

There was a slight glitch during the installation. As usual, measurements were slightly off and the door didn't exactly close.

That error has now been fixed. The gate is now securely locked and I am at peace.

For now.

Casting A Shadow

I can hardly believe how fast the Curpis Palm that we planted 2 (3?) years ago in the back patio has grown. I love the early morning shadow it casts on my back garden wall.

It's A Reality!

I was very excited to get the following announcement in my email last week:



The Third Annual Latin American Bloggers’ Conference Cometh…

The Third Annual Latin American Bloggers’ Conference will be held in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico from Friday Nov. 12 – Sunday Nov. 14, 2010. The event is open to all Bloggers.

In order for us to get ready, it will be necessary for you to pre-register.

Stay tuned… in the next few weeks, we’ll create a form and post it.

This year our venue will be a downtown college campus (www.tttac.com) that comes with wireless Internet, garden space, and lecture hall.

The activities will start on Friday evening, November 12th with a Cocktail-Social to Meet & Greet your fellow Bloggers.

On Saturday, November 13th we will have a full day of conferences/talks/workshops… lunch, more topics, and more opportunities to eat. Some of the ideas we have are:

· Identifying and keeping your blog’s Focus

· Adding Photos – Uploading, effectiveness and continuity

· Using you Blog to market your product / service / whatever

· A Beginner’s blogging class

· Advanced HTML techniques

Do these topics interest you? Do you have other suggestions? Would you like to do a presentation for your fellow bloggers? Do let us know because we want this conference to be as good as it can be.

Saturday will also provide an evening opportunity to see some of Merida’s clubs and bistros… There are a number to choose from.

We'll say goodbye with a Sunday morning breakfast, unless you decide to stay and enjoy Merida for a few extra days.

Please email and let us know if you want to come and join us. Please invite other bloggers you know and by all means, post this information on your blog. We hope to have as many Latin American Bloggers attend the conference as possible. The more the merrier!

In a few weeks, we will be compiling a short list of hotels, restaurants and other places of interest located close to the conference site.

For further info contact… Theresa at: www.theresainmerida.blogspot.com

Joanna at: http://joannavandergrachtderosado.wordpress.com/

Debi at: www.debiinmerida.blogspot.com


Kudos to Theresa, Deb and Joanna for picking up the ball and running with it, but I, personally, would have liked to have seen another blogger take the initiative this year. Just for a change of scenery and also because some of the Central Mexico and Pacific Coast bloggers may have been more easily able to attend. But, like I said, I am overjoyed to see that this event will be held once again and has not died the death I thought.

So mark your calendars and let's have one of the biggest attendance records yet!

In The News

Lots of interesting stuff going on around here lately. None of it seems to be good news though. Let's see if I can't get myself into some kind of trouble for merely repeating what has been in the paper lately.

Under the "There is no crime on Isla Mujeres" category, people are all abuzz about some recent news coming from the police department. Four police officers, in full uniform, were recently caught syphoning gas from residents' private trucks. They have since all been arrested and released. I have heard nothing of any charges pending against them or if they are even still on the force. Quickly following that, there is now an investigation of some other police officers who have been allegedly stealing outboard motors off boats. I don't think I would like to live on this island if there were really any crime going on. Like stealing copper pipes or something.

In Cancun, the 12 million dollar beach recovery effort (the second one!) continues to show how great this plan was. The first time it did not work but disrupted all kinds of fishing industry and changed local currents. Why did they think it would work a second time? Tourist officials in Cancun are blasting all the local papers for carrying pictures like this one:



They say it disturbs tourists to see these images. Imagine how much more disturbed they are to get to their expensive hotel and find a cliff instead of a beach. This picture also illustrated just how much sand was dredged from the ocean floor to fill in the beaches. I have been against this project from the start and continue to be disgusted by it.

Possibly related to the above, our own beaches on Isla are starting to show signs of erosion again. Thankfully for the tourists, not the beautiful beaches of North Beach. But rather the few sandy beaches that ring the island. What difference does it make since these are not primary swimming or tourist beaches? Well, let's ask the endangered turtles who annually lay their eggs on these beaches. And who seem to be not laying eggs in droves this year. But the season is still early.

Again, possibly related to all of that dredging and changing currents and lack of marine life from it, the whale shark viewing industry is looking sour this year. Normally by this time of year they can be sighted within 8 miles or so of the island. So far, one fisherman has reported seeing one whale shark. And that was over 40 miles away.

Here on the island, contruction on the new hospital has come to a halt. There is no more money to continue. Budget deficits. Perhaps there will be money to continue by September. Mostly, it seems, they are waiting until after the upcoming elections to see what happens.

We are also kind of without leadership here right now. Our recently elected Mayor has taken a leave of abscence from her duties in order to pursue running for the governor of the state of Quintano Roo. Our local paper is taking a lot of shots at that one. One big thing they are complaining about is the lack of city work being done by city employees. Most of them are involved somehow in furthering her campaign and working her political party instead of working for the city. Glad I don't need anything from City Hall at the moment.

Ok then, let's see if any of that gets a knock on my door!

The Private Beach

I'm not much of a hammock person. With my back, I find them difficult to get in and out of and not at all comfortable to laze in. But I did have to check this one out! The cooling breezes coming in off the ocean, the sound of the surf, and too much partying the night before all combined to lull me into slumber land.



This is the view one has from that terrace. Look how close that beautiful white sand and turquoise blue water is! It was windy the days I visited so we also had some pretty interesting waves thrown into the mix. By the way, this picture is not zoomed. You actually are that close to the water.



From the side of the house, one walks down this gentle path to get to the sand.




A view back up to the house.





As soon as you reach the end of that path, look to the right. This is all you see. And, most likely, all you are going to see. There are no other houses in this direction for miles.




From the covered, sun shaded, palapa that is provided by the house, one can look back to the right and get a nice view of this shapely palm. Except for the beach paraphernalia, it looks like it could be off a beach on Survivor.





And to the left, it is just a bit more built up. But remember. This is Tulum. Never a Cancun or Playa del Carmen like atmosphere or beach anyway. The people that stay in Tulum are much more laid back and quiet.

It would seem that both sides of this beach are ringed and delineated by palm trees. They provide some nice natural shade and whispering sounds in the breezes.

I mentioned before that we had some wave action while I was there. But nothing to be afraid of. In fact, a few people were taking advantage of them for body surfing and boogie boarding. I was tempted. Just a little. They were great waves for playing in. And the beach is fairly safe here. If this same waves were on the Pacific, I would not step foot in them. But here? Have at it!

I think this next picture sums up my whole weekend spent with Heather and in the beautiful Casa de las Olas. Totally, totally relaxing. Can we all say "Ahhhhhhhhh!"

House Of The Waves

I knew Heather long before I met her. Like many of you feel you know me, although we have never met. She was one of the reasons I decided to organize the first Latin American Bloggers Meeting. I wanted to meet her in person. From the instant we actually laid eyes on each other, we clicked. It was like I found a little sister here in Mexico. We have been great friends ever since.

So, it was with great joy that I received an invitation from her to come visit her at her new job in Tulum. She is caretaker and manager for a beautiful villa type home there. You can read all about the official version of this beautiful rental spot here, but I am going to give you my unofficial impressions.

Like any journey involving your own car here, it has to start with that awful car ferry. It is the only way to get over to the mainland. I timed my arrival in line so that I was not towards the front. I had the Tracker and wanted to leave the top open. Being first in line will put you way up front on the boat and the waves splash over, covering your car and, in my case, the inside with sea water.



As it turns out, I was way back on the boat, which was actually the front. The stupid boat had motor problems and we actually backed our way across the bay to Cancun! Once there we had to pivot around so that the cars would be facing forwards to unload. What should have been a 45 minute crossing took well over 1.5 hours! I was glad to drive off that thing!

Following Heather's directions, I had no problem locating the house. It is actually the last house on the left just before you enter the Sian Kaan Bioreserve. Can't miss it! Well, you can't miss the driveway. The house is not visible from the road. Giving even more of an air of privacy.

Here's a shot of the front of the house, showing the front patio, which was my exclusive domain while I stayed there.





Oh yes. Heather knows how to treat her guests! She is a great hostess and this beautiful house makes it even more wonderful to visit her.

Although there are smaller rooms on the second floor, each with a kitchenette, I was placed downstairs in the Master Suite. And what a suite it was! Take a look at my bed for the weekend.





Being a landlord myself, I really appreciated this lovely touch on the bed. So beautiful, so organic and so original. It is a palm frond with bougainvillea flowers.





To say that the bathroom is expansive is to put it mildly. That room is huge! And fully decked out. What you are looking at here is the sink/shower/bathtub area, complete with rain showerhead. And plenty of room for two, should you have company with you!




I love these free standing marble sinks. So elegant.

Some bath supplies are provided. Even though I travel with my own, I was happy to use these. Mostly because the owners of this place are very forward thinking and environmental conscious. Biodegradable shampoo and soap, both safe for the water system and land.

A closer look at the play area. Or shower, if you prefer.

This is the view I had from my bed. I should mention here that there are two beds in this room. It's that big. A comfortably appointed sitting area and a picnic/family style dining table. We enjoyed a couple of great meals at that table, what with Heather's boyfriend being a chef! I could write a whole post about the beautiful leg of lamb dinner he prepared for us Saturday night!

The kitchen area is full appointed with full size appliances too! Notice that the stove is a six burner which can be converted into a grill. Perfect for pancakes!

I was really happy to see this purified water dispenser sitting on the kitchen counter. I've always wondered how they work, if they are better than just dispensing straight from the water jug itself. I was so pleased with the rush of water that came out of it, I will probably get one myself for my kitchen.

Even though this room is a steal at $400 per night, it doesn't end with just this room and the beautiful full terrace that overlooks the Caribbean. Which is literally just feet away. Oh no. There is a private beach included also. Well, as private as Mexico allows a beach to be. I'll be sharing that piece of heaven with you tomorrow.

In the meantime, if you know of anybody who is looking for a secluded, private, comfortable getaway, steer them towards this place.

They won't be disappointed!

Cloudy Sunset

I went to Brisas Grill the other night to view the sunset with some friends.

It turned out to be very cloudy that night.

Still, I think the glow in the sky was just as interesting.

Ten Days Later

Ten days after the work has begun on Matamoras. This is a major east-west road through the downtown area. They have succeeded in now tearing up all 5 blocks of it.




What bothers me is that this is the second time they have torn up the street. Why can't they get it right the first time.



And it is not just this street. Almost every street in the downtown area has been totally torn up at least twice now. In an effort to improve them.

I feel sorry for the tourists who have to try to negotiate these streets. I feel sorry for the motorists who have to go blocks out of their way to try to find a way around downtown. But mostly, I feel sorry for the businesses that can't take delivery of supplies while this is going on and who certainly are loosing a lot of valuable business and income.

In Memorium

One year ago today my Mother passed. I miss her. May she rest in Peace.


No post tomorrow or Monday. I will be on the road. Gathering information for some posts next week.

Almost, But Not Quite

Remember my concern a short time ago about copper pipes being stolen off homes around here?

I painted all of the exposed pipes that I have running the length of my house. I thought I had covered them all.

Nope.

I forgot about the ones that run from the bathroom upstairs up to the third floor roof. The thieves didn't.

Evidently somebody entered from my neighbor to the north's roof onto my roof. There is no other way to get up there without coming onto my property. They undid the ties that keep the pipes from rattling around and blowing in the wind. Then they tried to force the pipes away from the building. Because of the way they bend and turn and are attached to the wall at a lower junction, they were unable to get them off.

This time.

I think I am going to the get the concrete guy to come over and cover all of my pipes with concrete. I can't think of anything else to try to stop this nonsense.

Just another day living in paradise where there is no crime.

HSBC Strikes Again

I wrote awhile back about how HSBC, the only bank on Isla, had stopped dealing in any type of foreign currency.

Which means that tourists are left with two choices on how to get pesos once they are on the island. Either take whatever exchange rate you get from the money change booths or use an ATM card to withdraw cash.

I was very perturbed when I used my ATM to withdraw money from my account yesterday. Not only does my bank in the USA charge me a fee for using my card, but now HSBC is charging a fee for the use of their ATM machine!

From now on, if you want to get money out of one of their machines, they charge you a flat fee of 29 pesos. About $2.40 USD!

I'm not sure if the ATMs at 7-11 and the super market do the same thing or not. Rest assured, I will check it out.

I wish another bank would open a branch here on the island and put these robbers out of business.

It Never Ends

It seems to be a never ending activity here on the island.

Fix a street. Tear that street up again. Fix it again.

Over and over.

The Front Porch

Am I just spoiled? Or just taking things for granted?

Why is it then that after 6.5 years of looking off my porch at this view, I am getting bored by it?

I know. I know. Sucks to be me.

A Word About Facebook

I resisted that time consumer called Facebook for a long time. I finally succombed to it several months back. Mostly because some of my friends had abandoned their blogs in favor of daily postings there. I wanted to see what they were/are up to.

I check into FB several times a day. Sometimes, but not always, I make a comment. Sometimes I comment on what other people have said. Most of the stuff on there is (to me) trivial and meaningless. But there are some gems of information also.

I really hate having to scroll through all of the announcements of what people have just achieved in some FB game they are playing. I don't care how many watermelons you are able to grow, that a brown cow just wandered onto your farm or that you need help to find gems in your mine. Continually only posting this sort of thing is a quick invite for me to put you on HIDE.

But I do care to know what is going on in your life, how your family is doing, how you are feeling and what you are thinking.

I don't feel any particular need to have thousands of friends on my Friend page either. I am not a teenager trying to outdo my classmates and rivals by getting the highest number. With that said, if I know you personally, have an already established relationship with you, then I will gladly accept a Friend invitation from you.

But if not, chances are very, very good that I will just hit Ignore. I get invitations almost daily from people I have never heard of. I fear that they may be some of my loyal Blog readers, but, still, the Ignore button gets hit. Sorry about that.

Do any of you FB users have rules too?

Mexico Shots

Not all roads in Mexico are old, beat up and full of pot holes.

Thank Goodness.

Lucky Kitties

Me: Look Kitties! Look what else Kim Wood had in her bag of goodies!

Simon: Let me see! Let me see!

Kitten: Geez o'pete. I don't need no stinking hot gloves.

Me: No, Kitten. She didn't bring gloves for you.

Simon: Let me see! Let me see!

Me: Calm down, Simon. There is something for both of you.

Kitten: Alright then. Show us if you must.

Whereupon I brandish forth two bags of special gourmet cat treats!

Me: See! One is Beachside Crunch. Loaded with the yumminess of shrimp, crab and tuna!

Kitten: I can get those flavors across the road.

Simon: Goody! Goody!

Me: Look you guys. The other is Picnic Crunch. Chicken, turkey and cheddar!

Simon: Prrrrrrrr!

Kitten: Cheese binds me up.

Me: Well, ok then. Maybe I will give some to Simon then.

Kitten: Just you try to rustle these out of my paws!

Keeping The Faith

Faithful reader, kind-hearted soul and part-time Isla resident, Kim Wood, gave me a call last week.

"Can you come over to my condo?", she asked. "I have some stuff for the kids."

Needless to say, I jumped at the opportunity to make arrangements and head downtown.

I had not yet met Kim face to face. I was impressed. Her generosity of spirit comes shining through.




And look what she brought for the kids of Project Warm Hearts.

Hats, throw blankets and matching gloves! How cute is that. I really like the one with the built in bill!




But she also thought of their minds and schooling too. Just for good measure, she threw in about a year's worth of pencils! And some scratch pad for doodling or making little notes.




I really like these Christmas pencils. They will be very fitting for the time of year we deliver them. I just had to capture on film the fact that they are glittered! Cool.



Thank you, Kim Wood. Your contributions are truly appreciated.