"The maximum we've ever recorded here in Merida is 125º," said Temo, our guide. "Today must be in the 90s."
The folks who made the 8 hour bus journey to Chetchen Itza survived two hours in 104º or 42º C. The bus air conditioner could barely handle such heat, consequently the long ride back was also uncomfortable.
On our city tour there were many places where the paving stones radiated like a heaters. We stood for several minutes inside a huge church with still hot air, while droplets dripped off our foreheads and ran down our backs. Way outside our comfort zone! The metal railing outside the church were too hot to hold.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Bus No. 1 or Bus No. 2
Dos Bocas was touted by the excursion chief as a port without merit. "There's not much. It's Mexico's biggest port but it's commercial and that's it." she said. At the evening show the night before we were told there would be a "shuttle" to transport us into Paraiso, a small town about fifteen minutes away. Sounded good. The ship docked in the wee dark hours at 6 am to a fanfare of drums and recorded rhythmns. Dancers in costumes of dimly flowing white were accumulating in the shadows. A stage shape was directly below our balcony but the reception moved to the gangway which was midships. As the sun rose in front of us, people began to flow from the ship and we could read the shuttle bus schedule posted on the dock. Buses were leaving on the hour beginning at 9. We decided to take the bus at ten and spend the first hour exploring the thatched huts on the pier. By 9:30 we were becoming overheated and seeking shade. We began moving from one bit of shade to the next while we waited. Temps were already in the 80s F!
The bus felt gloriously cool. We'd boarded a number 1 bus with the promise to be delivered into town. A bus number 2 was also ready to go and we were pleased to learn that the buses were making a loop that wouild have four stops. Two were in Paraiso, one was at a chocolate factory and the fourth was a Mayan ruin with museum. Wow! All for $20. Hop on, hop off and expect a bus every hour. It sounded too good to be true. Most ship excursions started at about $50 and often cost a hundred or more! As scheduled, we stepped off in the delightful town square and enjoyed the shops and took pictures of the beautiful church and the local dancers. As the hour lapsed, a bus number 2 arrived which was heading for the chocolate factory so we happily boarded. Once again the air-conditioning was glorious. Outside temperatures were moving upwards toward 100 F as noon approached. The drive to the chocolate factory was longish and another stop at a beach area surprised us. We hadn't expected any tours or stops beyond the town. At the chocolate factory the blast of hot air whacked and wilted us as we stepped off the bus. We sweated our way through a warehouse, checked a museum set up in an authentic plantation house, sat in a hammock and sampled chocolate products. Time marched past the noon hour. We had a great debate with the volunteer helpers about whether we should take a bus 2 or bus 1 to get back to the pier. Some other passengers were convinced we would go directly back if we took a number one, so we passed up a number two that was ready to leave immediately. We waited. And waited! Thank goodness the gift shop was air conditioned. It was more than an hour before another bus arrived. It didn't go directly back. It was a number 1 going the wrong way. I soon became apparent the route and numbering was unreliable. Some folks saw nothing but the chocolate factory. The bus got us back to the ship with a mere five minutes to spare.
The bus felt gloriously cool. We'd boarded a number 1 bus with the promise to be delivered into town. A bus number 2 was also ready to go and we were pleased to learn that the buses were making a loop that wouild have four stops. Two were in Paraiso, one was at a chocolate factory and the fourth was a Mayan ruin with museum. Wow! All for $20. Hop on, hop off and expect a bus every hour. It sounded too good to be true. Most ship excursions started at about $50 and often cost a hundred or more! As scheduled, we stepped off in the delightful town square and enjoyed the shops and took pictures of the beautiful church and the local dancers. As the hour lapsed, a bus number 2 arrived which was heading for the chocolate factory so we happily boarded. Once again the air-conditioning was glorious. Outside temperatures were moving upwards toward 100 F as noon approached. The drive to the chocolate factory was longish and another stop at a beach area surprised us. We hadn't expected any tours or stops beyond the town. At the chocolate factory the blast of hot air whacked and wilted us as we stepped off the bus. We sweated our way through a warehouse, checked a museum set up in an authentic plantation house, sat in a hammock and sampled chocolate products. Time marched past the noon hour. We had a great debate with the volunteer helpers about whether we should take a bus 2 or bus 1 to get back to the pier. Some other passengers were convinced we would go directly back if we took a number one, so we passed up a number two that was ready to leave immediately. We waited. And waited! Thank goodness the gift shop was air conditioned. It was more than an hour before another bus arrived. It didn't go directly back. It was a number 1 going the wrong way. I soon became apparent the route and numbering was unreliable. Some folks saw nothing but the chocolate factory. The bus got us back to the ship with a mere five minutes to spare.
Rafting the Actopan River
Our ticket read, "Be prepared to get wet. Leave your valuables on the ship. Bring water, sunblock and a hat." It was all the issues that weren't mentioned that made some of us nervous. They provided bottled water as we stepped on the bus. I didn't need to lug a large bottle off the ship. We could have taken a change of cloths, in fact there was a changeroom with a shower after we stepped out of the rafts. Putting on sunblock probably was unnecessary because much of the trip was in shade and we were in and out of the water frequently. The bus was ours to leave things behind. I could have had a camera and a few pictures for the beginning launch and then had our tour guide deliver it to the lift out location. A hat was helpful but not essential because everyone was issued a special helmet for protection against rocks. Some of us left our caps on under our helmets.
Washroom facilities were at the river's edge and on the bus. They weren't well explained. Paddlers who changed before loading, did so in the bus washroom.
The most daunting challenge for the paddlers was a steep ladder leading down a cliff to a walkway that crossed below a tumbling, roaring waterfall. The walk took us to a side pool shaded by a high cliff, covered in vines and other clinging plants. It was truly a spectacular spot. We were invited to swim with our helmets and life preservers in place. Many of us took up the offer and we were soon taking great leaps into the refreshing pool from a large flat boulder. We were cautioned to "keep our mouths closed," but... Stepping into the boats was also a challenge for a few. The slope down to the river was steep with precarious footing on rough, loose material.
The river was narrow and often shaded by the branches of mango trees. The rapids were constant over the entire 15 miles although never beyond the level two category. We were four to a small raft with a guide, paddling on the command "avante" whenever we needed momentum to carry us around an obstruction. Where other larger rivers might offer more challenging rapids, the Actopan offered charm and interest. People were fishing, swimming, washing clothes or lounging at many of the quieter spots. Each time we paused to wait for a raft to catch up, several of us jumped in the water to cool off. There were a few places where rocks loomed up to give us a little excitement but mostly the ride was brisk but smooth over 14 miles. Once we had to duck low to pass under a bridge. Another time we had to portage around a rustic, foot bridge that hung just above the water. Several times we ducked for low hanging branches.
Lunch was two tuna fish sandwiches and an apple in a styrofoam box lifted from a larger styrofoam cooler. We had been advised not to eat fresh fruit without peeling it. I wondered how long the sandwiches had been sitting out but dug in anyway. Many people found a shower and change room but I boarded the bus wet since I hadn't been told changing was possible.
Washroom facilities were at the river's edge and on the bus. They weren't well explained. Paddlers who changed before loading, did so in the bus washroom.
The most daunting challenge for the paddlers was a steep ladder leading down a cliff to a walkway that crossed below a tumbling, roaring waterfall. The walk took us to a side pool shaded by a high cliff, covered in vines and other clinging plants. It was truly a spectacular spot. We were invited to swim with our helmets and life preservers in place. Many of us took up the offer and we were soon taking great leaps into the refreshing pool from a large flat boulder. We were cautioned to "keep our mouths closed," but... Stepping into the boats was also a challenge for a few. The slope down to the river was steep with precarious footing on rough, loose material.
The river was narrow and often shaded by the branches of mango trees. The rapids were constant over the entire 15 miles although never beyond the level two category. We were four to a small raft with a guide, paddling on the command "avante" whenever we needed momentum to carry us around an obstruction. Where other larger rivers might offer more challenging rapids, the Actopan offered charm and interest. People were fishing, swimming, washing clothes or lounging at many of the quieter spots. Each time we paused to wait for a raft to catch up, several of us jumped in the water to cool off. There were a few places where rocks loomed up to give us a little excitement but mostly the ride was brisk but smooth over 14 miles. Once we had to duck low to pass under a bridge. Another time we had to portage around a rustic, foot bridge that hung just above the water. Several times we ducked for low hanging branches.
Lunch was two tuna fish sandwiches and an apple in a styrofoam box lifted from a larger styrofoam cooler. We had been advised not to eat fresh fruit without peeling it. I wondered how long the sandwiches had been sitting out but dug in anyway. Many people found a shower and change room but I boarded the bus wet since I hadn't been told changing was possible.
Boarding Boredom
Our status as repeat cruisers with Holland America allowed us to board at noon instead of mid afternoon like the first timers. Who wouldn't take advantage of a free lunch! We were in our taxi heading for the pier shortly after twelve. "This is working out great!" I said as Joan checked her watch. "We'll be onboard in perfect time for lunch."
The taxi slowed to a crawl and stopped in a traffic jam as we approached the ship. Oops! Here we go I thought. The scene in front of the terminal building was crowded and busy with cars and buses. We waited patiently in the cab until a traffic person called us for unloading. Inside forms for filling were placed in our hands. Next a zig zag line to the long counter for registration. We were quickly photographed and handed our boarding card. "Looking good!" Joan said.
We were asked to follow a parade of passengers out of the building, along a narrow sidewalk path to a second building already almost filled with people sitting and waiting. Everyone carried a numbered card, ours was 22. We waited and waited and waited some more as groups were called to board. It was revealed that the ship was undergoing a deep cleaning. Twenty-five cases of Norwalk had emerged on the previous cruise. Our final boarding time was near 2 oclock. Several people complained as we retraced the long walk back to the gangway. Two ladies who sat near us discovered their husbands had boarded earlier simply because they'd gone off to park the car.
The taxi slowed to a crawl and stopped in a traffic jam as we approached the ship. Oops! Here we go I thought. The scene in front of the terminal building was crowded and busy with cars and buses. We waited patiently in the cab until a traffic person called us for unloading. Inside forms for filling were placed in our hands. Next a zig zag line to the long counter for registration. We were quickly photographed and handed our boarding card. "Looking good!" Joan said.
We were asked to follow a parade of passengers out of the building, along a narrow sidewalk path to a second building already almost filled with people sitting and waiting. Everyone carried a numbered card, ours was 22. We waited and waited and waited some more as groups were called to board. It was revealed that the ship was undergoing a deep cleaning. Twenty-five cases of Norwalk had emerged on the previous cruise. Our final boarding time was near 2 oclock. Several people complained as we retraced the long walk back to the gangway. Two ladies who sat near us discovered their husbands had boarded earlier simply because they'd gone off to park the car.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Living the Good Life
Our hotel, The Pillars, has turned out to be centrally situated along the main river route of the water taxi. The boat plucked us right off the dock in to the front of the hotel. We paid $20 for hop on hop off 24 hour tickets. On the trip into the centre of Fort Lauderdale, the ferry captain told stories about the people who own the multi-million dollar houses along the river and the hundreds of huge yachts berthed down miles of canals. We noticed the canals as we flew in. They're like a series of giant mazes. The houses often cost 20 to 30 million. How can a single couple live in 20,000 square feet? The captain suggested they only bump into each other every second week. Another huge place was owned by a confirmed bachelor. Directly across the channel from our hotel, financier had purchased a second double lot beside his mansion, taken down the old houses and planted lawn to run his two dogs, Cash and Flow. We can't relate to the wealth evident here.
I like the way this hotel is designed. It has a kind of deep south feel. Two floors of connected, open balconies are supported by round columns, the pillars. All white, louvered doors and windows help cool a hot, hot climate. The pavers on the stairs, balconies and pool deck are off-white, like dark limestone. All the rooms look over the kidney-shaped pool but a sideways glance allows glimpses of the river. Orchids, palms, figs and hibiscus fringe the property. We had a great breakfast of Eggs Benedict served on the waterside terrace.
Joan if jubilant. Her bag was delivered about noon and she likes the new clothes she bought last night during the emergency. She's a double winner! Let's hope she finds room in her bag to stuff it all.
We rode the water taxi all day and watched the sunset on our final trip home. Great day and wonderful to be warm.
I like the way this hotel is designed. It has a kind of deep south feel. Two floors of connected, open balconies are supported by round columns, the pillars. All white, louvered doors and windows help cool a hot, hot climate. The pavers on the stairs, balconies and pool deck are off-white, like dark limestone. All the rooms look over the kidney-shaped pool but a sideways glance allows glimpses of the river. Orchids, palms, figs and hibiscus fringe the property. We had a great breakfast of Eggs Benedict served on the waterside terrace.
Joan if jubilant. Her bag was delivered about noon and she likes the new clothes she bought last night during the emergency. She's a double winner! Let's hope she finds room in her bag to stuff it all.
We rode the water taxi all day and watched the sunset on our final trip home. Great day and wonderful to be warm.
Canadians Warming
The baggage conveyor came to a final stop. Perhaps a dozen bags remained unclaimed. "Well it's not here!" Joan said a little blurry eyed.
We went through the process along with several other folks including a chap from Ottawa who was also planning a cruise two days forward. Joan was devastated! Nothing to wear but the sweaty things on her body designed for Chicago cold. It was 8 by the time our taxi dropped us at the Pillars, our fine hotel by the water. But could we enjoy this? We quickly checked in then booked another taxi and headed off to a mall. Joan mustered her shopper's nose and found an outfit at Macy's before the mall closed at nine. We even had time for a very fine pizza. Back at the hotel we tracked the bag online and discovered it had been found and would be delivered the next day. It was all a ruse to go shopping!
We went through the process along with several other folks including a chap from Ottawa who was also planning a cruise two days forward. Joan was devastated! Nothing to wear but the sweaty things on her body designed for Chicago cold. It was 8 by the time our taxi dropped us at the Pillars, our fine hotel by the water. But could we enjoy this? We quickly checked in then booked another taxi and headed off to a mall. Joan mustered her shopper's nose and found an outfit at Macy's before the mall closed at nine. We even had time for a very fine pizza. Back at the hotel we tracked the bag online and discovered it had been found and would be delivered the next day. It was all a ruse to go shopping!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Still Frozen in Chicago
Last night's dinner at the Grand Lux Cafe was excellent. I'll post a picture later. We were content with two dishes for two and a box of fresh baked cookies.
This morning is NOt raining but still very cold. We're wearing everything we brought, "put in at the last minute" as Joan said. Who would have thought we'd run into this? We'll peel it all off at the airport in a few minutes and stow it away until Vancouver.
We've just returned from walking the Magnificent Mile along Michigan Ave. All the big brands are found along this street. One surprise was Lamborghini. "How did they get those cars in there?" The famous water tower, sole survivor of the great fire, sits in the centre of the mile next to the Hilton and surrounded by skyscrapers. Turns out Chicago was the first city to build the "skyscraper". A guy named Lewis Sullivan seems to have been responsible.
This morning is NOt raining but still very cold. We're wearing everything we brought, "put in at the last minute" as Joan said. Who would have thought we'd run into this? We'll peel it all off at the airport in a few minutes and stow it away until Vancouver.
We've just returned from walking the Magnificent Mile along Michigan Ave. All the big brands are found along this street. One surprise was Lamborghini. "How did they get those cars in there?" The famous water tower, sole survivor of the great fire, sits in the centre of the mile next to the Hilton and surrounded by skyscrapers. Turns out Chicago was the first city to build the "skyscraper". A guy named Lewis Sullivan seems to have been responsible.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Cold, Cold Chicago
"It's not supposed to be this cold in mid April," the girl in the Garmin shop said. I had just complained that I couldn't get a signal in the rain and wind between the buildings.
"Who would believe this is spring?" I heard someone at a door into the mall say to a friend. Umbrellas were blowing out backwards. Hoods are up. I'm wearing gloves. We're cold and miserable after about 30 minutes outside. Yuk!
Dinner last night was excellent and memorable at Quartino's, a closeby Italian restaurant.
We took a walk first thing this morning but turned back in the cold. We decided to use a taxi for our next attempt. The rain was blowing sideways when we hustled up the stairs into the Chicago Cultural Centre. The main lobby area had clusters of street folks sitting around gabbing and visiting. It was an amazing place to visit. http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en/supporting_narrative/attractions/dca_tourism/Chicago_Cultural_Center.html
The coffee and snacks at the cafe were less than stellar but we got our next idea to beat the weather from the information counter. She directed us to subterranean Chicago. A network of underground sidewalks crossed beneath our location. We used an elevator from the Cultural Center and walked underground to City Hall. Our next plan to catch a tour bus turned out badly. We saw a couple pass but never seemed to be in the right location to catch one.
"Did you see that? That bus sign said Navy Pier." And so we jumped on an ordinary transit bus for a dollar and got whisked down to our next destination, the Smith Museum of Stained Glass. We wandered here. The Pier has endless attractions. It reminded me of the Halifax waterfront.
I found one geocache out on the pier while Joan busied herself checking out the stained glass panels. It was a struggle because I had to stand outside to get a satellite signal. Torture! The search was inside so I felt good when I was successful. We had a fast NOT memorable lunch at a cafe on the Pier and bussed back the way we had come.
"Who would believe this is spring?" I heard someone at a door into the mall say to a friend. Umbrellas were blowing out backwards. Hoods are up. I'm wearing gloves. We're cold and miserable after about 30 minutes outside. Yuk!
Dinner last night was excellent and memorable at Quartino's, a closeby Italian restaurant.
We took a walk first thing this morning but turned back in the cold. We decided to use a taxi for our next attempt. The rain was blowing sideways when we hustled up the stairs into the Chicago Cultural Centre. The main lobby area had clusters of street folks sitting around gabbing and visiting. It was an amazing place to visit. http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en/supporting_narrative/attractions/dca_tourism/Chicago_Cultural_Center.html
The coffee and snacks at the cafe were less than stellar but we got our next idea to beat the weather from the information counter. She directed us to subterranean Chicago. A network of underground sidewalks crossed beneath our location. We used an elevator from the Cultural Center and walked underground to City Hall. Our next plan to catch a tour bus turned out badly. We saw a couple pass but never seemed to be in the right location to catch one.
"Did you see that? That bus sign said Navy Pier." And so we jumped on an ordinary transit bus for a dollar and got whisked down to our next destination, the Smith Museum of Stained Glass. We wandered here. The Pier has endless attractions. It reminded me of the Halifax waterfront.
I found one geocache out on the pier while Joan busied herself checking out the stained glass panels. It was a struggle because I had to stand outside to get a satellite signal. Torture! The search was inside so I felt good when I was successful. We had a fast NOT memorable lunch at a cafe on the Pier and bussed back the way we had come.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
One Week Countdown
We're off next Monday but face a busy week ahead. We think everything is under control but as the week advances the stress will build.
One big issue is the garden. We have Ken, the gardener, working two hours each week and Paul and Jared managing the lawns and pots. Please don't let me come back to a sea of weeds and over grown shrubs.
How will Blarney fare at my sister's? We've had him out walking with her new dog, Allie, and they chase around like life long buddies. We will both suffer some agony when we leave him. Let's hope it's a holiday for him too.
All the electronics is ready to go. We're taking the video camera on this trip which brings our total cameras to three. We'll take advantage of the video camera's 30X zoom when we pass through the canal. The current plan is to take along ipads, ipods and laptop. Who needs all this stuff? It's nuts!
One big issue is the garden. We have Ken, the gardener, working two hours each week and Paul and Jared managing the lawns and pots. Please don't let me come back to a sea of weeds and over grown shrubs.
How will Blarney fare at my sister's? We've had him out walking with her new dog, Allie, and they chase around like life long buddies. We will both suffer some agony when we leave him. Let's hope it's a holiday for him too.
All the electronics is ready to go. We're taking the video camera on this trip which brings our total cameras to three. We'll take advantage of the video camera's 30X zoom when we pass through the canal. The current plan is to take along ipads, ipods and laptop. Who needs all this stuff? It's nuts!
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