Archive for April 2014

What we love about México

After nearly 5 months of traveling in México it is time for us to move on so we can explore Central America. Our experiences here have been amazing and México has rather surprisingly earned a special place in our hearts.

Before our arrival in México we really didn’t know what to expect — after all, the press is not exactly complimentary in its coverage of this part of the world. Like most people (perhaps), we knew of the shanty border towns and the luxurious beach resorts, but not much else. Fortunately these are the extreme caricatures and not the reality for the vast majority of México.

Here are some of the reasons that we fell in love with México:

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The friendliness of the people. Everywhere the people that we have met have been so friendly and so welcoming to us. Here people and relationships are culturally very important and this was evident everywhere that we went. The Mexicans that we met wanted to make a genuine connection with us and they often succeeded in doing so.

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The Mexican culture. Mexico has a rich cultural spectrum that runs both deep and wide. There are archeological structures here that date back as far as 1000 B.C. (3,000 years ago!) and there are many others still standing that were built in the span of time leading up to the arrival of Cortés. Add to these marvels the beauty of the Spanish colonial architecture and the multitude of indigenous cultures that still thrive here and México has one amazing cultural mélange.

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The food. Ahh… where to begin? There is such an immense variety here, all made fresh, and incredibly delicious. Some of our favorites include the fish tacos, the shrimp in mojo de ajo (garlic) sauce, fresh salsas, mole sauces, tortillas, chilaquiles, rellenos, tamales, tortas, nieves (fruit ices), aguas frutas, coffee (especially Café de Olla — which is coffee that is flavored with chocolate and cinnamon), chocolate, mangos, papayas, limes, avocados, and more. Yum!

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A thriving middle class. This is a pretty big deal to us. Of all of the countries that we’ve visited (over 50 or so) the happiest societies tended to be in those places that have a thriving middle class. Not only do the people tend to be happy, but most people also tend to be gainfully employed and the crime rates tend to be low. All in all it makes for nice places to be. In most of México, this has meant that there were many local families enjoying the nice restaurants, and visiting museums and pyramids as tourists. Many of the middle-class kids have really nice toys — bikes, remote-controlled cars, and even game tablets. Yes, there is still poverty here (as there is in the U.S. and other countries), but because of the size of the middle class here, we felt like we fit in a lot more and were not treated like just tourists.

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Zero hassles. While other travelers might have a different experience, we encountered none of the hassles that often go along with traveling in other countries. The touts (people selling stuff on the streets) were not obnoxious and were respectful of us when we opted not to buy from them, the police were always professional and courteous to us, and we were not asked to pay a single bribe. While we took the same precautions against theft that we did in the U.S. and Canada, we did not have anything stolen here nor did we worry much about it. In addition, the paperwork to get in and out of México (which we did twice each in different locations) was very straightforward and quick to complete.

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Reasonable prices. Compared to our recent experiences in Canada, the US, and even Belize, the prices in México are quite reasonable. Because of the lower prices, we have been able to afford to stay here longer and to have enjoyable experiences more often. For example, we ate out at restaurants quite frequently and sometimes at rather upscale kinds of places. The medical care here is very good and affordable — it cost us US$40 each to get our teeth cleaned here, for example. This lower cost of living is undoubtedly a factor in why so many Canadians and Americans choose to retire here.

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Climate. Before entering México, I envisioned the climate here to be mostly like that in Southern Arizona — a dry, desert environment with searing heat in the summer and cool days in winter. What I didn’t appreciate is just how varied the climate is in México. While most of the coastal areas can be hot and humid, the vast majority of the country is at a relatively high elevation — either in the mountains or on a high plateau. This provides for a much more varied temperature range. It can get below freezing in the coldest months in some areas and be quite warm in other areas. Also, unlike in regions further north, the warmest months are not in June, July and August. Instead, here the warmest months are in March, April and the early part of May before the rainy season arrives. Even during those warm months, it can still be cool enough at night in the high elevation areas to warrant wearing a jacket and some long pants (and sometimes hats and gloves are needed too!)

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Child friendly. Kids are welcome everywhere here — even in the nicest restaurants. There are so many activities on offer for kids, including numerous water parks and playgrounds. On weekends there are bouncy castles, trampolines, and even little electric cars available for kids to use in the town plazas. Having Quinn with us opened many doors than would’ve been otherwise. People were genuinely curious about the boy with blond hair and blue eyes and would often approach us to ask his name and how old he is. Teenage girls in particular were enamored with him, but even grown men couldn’t resist asking us about Quinn and gently patting him on the head. That might sound a little creepy out of context, but it was all done respectfully and in good humor.

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Probably the biggest compliment that we could give to México is that we believe that we could actually live here. That designation does not come easily to us — while we have visited many wonderful places over the years, there are very, very few places where we believe that we would be comfortable and happy living for some period of time. After all, there can a world of difference between what makes a place great for a vacation versus a place to live contentedly for months or even years. For us, for the reasons above (and more) México meets our criteria and is truly a special country. We will be back! 🙂

We love Chiapas!!

We think Chiapas is our new favorite state in Mexico. We’ll let the pictures tell the story for this update.

During our last morning at the Maya Bell in Palenque we got to check out some frogs in action. Check out all the tadpoles. Don't they think they have enough?

During our last morning at the Maya Bell in Palenque we got to check out some frogs in action. Check out all the tadpoles. Don’t they think they have enough?

From Palenque we drove to Frontera Corozol, the town nearest the Maya ruin of Yaxchilán. A swim in the river helped with the heat and humidity, at least temporarily.

From Palenque we drove to Frontera Corozol, the town nearest the Maya ruin of Yaxchilán. A swim in the river helped with the heat and humidity, at least temporarily.

We got to see more howler monkeys at our campsite there, but it was really hot and the sandflies came out at dusk forcing us into the hot van. We passed a frozen bottle of water back and forth to try to cool our skin down.

We got to see more howler monkeys at our campsite there, but it was really hot and the sandflies came out at dusk forcing us into the hot van. We passed a frozen bottle of water back and forth to try to cool our skin down.

The next morning we took a boat 40 minutes down river to see the ruins.

The next morning we took a boat 40 minutes down river to see the ruins.

Yaxchilán is smaller than Palenque, but it's setting on the river makes it very nice.

Yaxchilán is smaller than Palenque, but it’s setting on the river makes it very nice.

We even got to see a crocodile from the boat on the way back!

We even got to see a crocodile from the boat on the way back!

Next stop Bonampak, where it was still hot and humid, so more swimming was in order (no crocs here!). A heavy rain in the evening helped to cool things off a bit. We decided we didn't want to go see the ruin there, so we departed in the morning for the long drive toward the highlands, and hopefully cooler weather.

Next stop Bonampak, where it was still hot and humid, so more swimming was in order (no crocs here!). A heavy rain in the evening helped to cool things off a bit. We decided we didn’t want to go see the ruin there, so we departed in the morning for the long drive toward the highlands, and hopefully cooler weather.

Witt and Quinn used some rope and our colander to make a fishing net. We even caught one! Don't worry, we released him so he could re-join his family.

Witt and Quinn used some rope and our colander to make a fishing net. We even caught one! Don’t worry, we released him so he could re-join his family.

After a long drive the next day we made it to Las Nubes, another series of waterfalls on the Río Santo Domingo. We didn't gain enough elevation to cool off but at least the swimming was good!

After a long drive the next day we made it to Las Nubes, another series of waterfalls on the Río Santo Domingo. We didn’t gain enough elevation to cool off but at least the swimming was good!

We hiked to a viewpoint where the river passes through a tunnel.

We hiked to a viewpoint where the river passes through a tunnel.

The next day's drive brought us to the Lagos de Montebello. We climbed about 4000 feet, and when we arrived at the campsite it was cool and breezy. Heaven!

The next day’s drive to the Lagos de Montebello. We climbed about 4000 feet, and when we arrived at the campsite it was cool and breezy. Heaven!

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We got a great campsite right on the shore of the lake.

We got a great campsite right on the shore of the lake.

Waterfalls and Mayan Ruins

We enjoyed a great camp at Sima de las Cotarras. We were the only ones there and we had a campfire and a fantastic, cool, quiet night’s sleep. The next morning we headed for Aguacero, which involved 742 stairs down into the Sumidero River canyon. We bathed in a waterfall plunging into the canyon from the rim high above and Quinn had a great time playing in the water. There were several other local families picnicking there as well.

We enjoyed our first campfire since the Baja Peninsula

We enjoyed our first campfire since the Baja Peninsula

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After lunch at the restaurant on the rim, we hit the road planning to stop in Tuxtla for the night before heading to San Cristobal the next morning. The motel/campsite advertised in our guidebook was closed, so we decided to push on. The drive to San Cristobal involved climbing 5000 feet in about 30 miles. I think we can safely say that our power problems are solved!

As we arrived in town we were greeted by cool weather, a welcome change from the heat of the lowlands. We found our campsite and settled in for the night next to a Canadian family that we had met in Oaxaca.

We spent 3 days in San Cristobal, visiting a couple of museums and enjoying the mountains, the cool climate, and good food. We spent a lot of time trying to decide whether to visit the Yucatan Peninsula, as was our plan. May is the hottest month throughout most of Mexico, and we’re not sure we want to spent a couple of extra weeks in the hot and humid lowlands. However, when we talk to people who have been we’re reminded of amazing beaches, cenotes, and great Mayan ruins. Decisions, decisions.

San Cristobal is set at 7000 feet and we enjoyed the cool climate.

San Cristobal is set at 7000 feet and we enjoyed the cool climate.

The town is home to lots of nice colonial architecture and great pedestrian malls.

The town is home to lots of nice colonial architecture and great pedestrian malls.

Q gets another haircut.

Q gets another haircut.

Mango Lady! Mango Lady!

Mango Lady! Mango Lady!

Mmmm Mango

Mmmm Mango

We left San Cristobal on Tuesday heading toward Palenque. We stopped first at Tonina, our first jungle ruins. We camped that night at a small hotel / campground run by a local family. We had a great time and met some French expats from Mexico City. Quinn got to play with their kids as well as the host family’s son.

The ruins at Tonina were uncrowded and very impressive.

The ruins at Tonina were uncrowded and very impressive.

This being Easter week, a somewhat important Catholic holiday, there are lots of people on holiday (here it is called Semanta Santa). We stopped at two waterfalls on our way to Palenque, and although they were very beautiful, the crowds kept us from staying long.

The falls were beautiful...

The falls were beautiful…

... But the transportation was a little sketchy.

… But the transportation was a little sketchy.

We arrived at the Maya Bell campground near Palenque that afternoon. Now that we had descended from the highlands to near sea level in the jungle we expected to find heat and humidity in abundance. We were pleasantly surprised to find it nice and cool. We learned that a heavy rain the previous night had cooled things off, but it wouldn’t last.

The next day we hired a guide and toured the amazing ruins of Palenque. The site covers a large area, but only 10% of the site has been excavated, leaving thousands of structures still covered by jungle. Part of our tour included a walk through the jungle and we could see the walls of un-excavated buildings in the jungle. With more time to explore you could almost feel like Indiana Jones here.

One of the excavated temples at the site.

One of the excavated temples at the site.

That afternoon the heat and humidity returned in full force and we spent the afternoon in swimming pool of the campground. Quinn found a friend to play with, and they had a great time together. Their family has been travelling for 12 years, and includes two boys ages 5 and 7, a 10 year old girl and a dog. The 7 year old suffers from cerebral palsy. The next day, the family, including Spirit the dog, set off on bikes to visit Bonampak, a 2 day ride away. It’s absolutely amazing what some people are able to accomplish.

We got to see some beautiful birds and howler monkeys right in the campground.

We got to see some beautiful birds and howler monkeys right in the campground.

We already feel like we’re going to melt into the jungle, so we decided to skip the Yucatan Peninsula. We’re planning to traverse the Carraterra Frontera, a 300km section of highway that runs south, then back to the west along the Guatemal border. We hope to see another set of ruins, then climb back into the highlands where hopefully we will enjoy cool weather once again!

The Third Time’s the Charm

After a fun, low-key week on Caye Caulker with Grammy and Papa, it was time to say goodbye. We went to the water-taxi pier with them and watched them board the boat back to Belize City.

Our last night of goofing off

Our last night of goofing off

Hasta Luego!

Hasta Luego!

One last lunch on the beach

One last lunch on the beach

We stayed in the “Red Caboose House” (our VRBO rental) one more night. Early the next morning we boarded a boat to Chetumal, México. This saved us the long (5-hour) bus ride from Belize City.

At the back pier on Caye Caulker

At the back pier on Caye Caulker

Chetumal ended out being pretty nice. We walked to a restaurant near the waterfront and had some amazing Ceviche for dinner. We commented that it felt good to be back in México. Belize has a much more Caribbean feel to it, and lots of the wonderful foods we’ve grown to love weren’t available there. We couldn’t even get limes and avocados on the island. Although to be fair, there is a shortage of limes right now.

Our hotel in Chetumal had a great pool.

Our hotel in Chetumal had a great pool.

We had one afternoon in Mexico City on our way back, which we occupied with a bus tour of the city.

We had one afternoon in Mexico City on our way back, which we occupied with a bus tour of the city.

During our last couple of days in Belize we got some very good news about the van. Leanne, our hostess at Overlander Oasis, had been calling the Ford dealership to bug them about the status of repairs to our van. They said they had fixed a partially blocked fuel line, and Leanne and Calvin went to pick it up for us. They test drove it and reported that it was running great, even when going up hills!

After two more days of planes, busses, and automobiles, we arrived back in Oaxaca. It took us a full day to move all of our stuff from Calvin and Leanne’s storage room back into the van, do some laundry and restock on groceries, and then we decided that we’d try one more time to get our diesel stove running better. That took another day, and on the third morning we were finally ready to depart, nearly 5 weeks after we had first arrived in Oaxaca.

Taking the kitchen apart to work on the stove. This time we put in an access panel to make it easier to get to.

Taking the kitchen apart to work on the stove. This time we put in an access panel to make it easier to get to.

Meanwhile, Jen and Quinn went to Oaxaca to drive the cars some more.

Meanwhile, Jen and Quinn went to Oaxaca to drive the cars some more.

We made it about 20 miles the next morning when the van lost power. We pulled over and after a couple of minutes of rough idling the engine died. Needless to say we were feeling pretty low at this point. I can honestly say that the thought crossed my mind to leave the van on the side of the road, hitchhike back to town and fly home! Although where is home now, without the van? Our storage locker?

Before making such a rash decision I checked whether the fuel pump was working. It wasn’t, and fortunately we had a spare in the back of the van. After an hour of cursing and one diesel-soaked shirt, the van was running once again. We turned around and once again headed back to Oaxaca. Jen had called Leanne to let her know that we would be returning to stay there for the night, and they met us at their gate with a cold beer.

We didn’t want to leave again without a spare fuel pump on board (at this point I often feel like we should be towing a spare van behind us) and we were able to find one that could be there in a couple of days. So after one more day of waiting the fuel pump arrived, and the next morning (our 3rd attempt) we departed once again.

We covered over 300 miles that day, and thankfully the van ran just fine. Even though we were a little nervous as we started out, it felt good to be on the road again. On our way from Oaxaca to Chiapas we drove through the Pacific side of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec – the winds here are legendary (blowing from the Caribbean to the Pacific Ocean through a low section of the Sierra mountains) and they did not disappoint us. The crosswinds on the highway were noticeable and we saw the largest wind farm we’ve ever seen along our route.

The Eurus Wind Farm consists of 167 turbines with a capacity of 250 MW.

The Eurus Wind Farm consists of 167 turbines with a capacity of 250 MW.

The next morning we visited the Sima de Las Cotorras, a sinkhole in the ground that is home to thousands of Green Parrots. We went for a hike around the sinkhole and had a good lunch of tamales at the restaurant overlooking the hole. We spotted lots of birds, including the parrots, as well as some lizards and huge ants.

A Vermillion Flycatcher

A Vermillion Flycatcher

You can just make out the parrots in this photo.

You can just make out the parrots in this photo.

Each morning the parrots leave their nests in the sinkhole and fly out to hunt.

Overland travel by camper

Over the next month, we are participating in the Boots N All travel writing challenge. As part of this challenge we will be writing on topics suggested on the Boots N All website and posting them on our blog. Hope that you enjoy the ride!

Air travel is like traveling by subway in a city. It’s fast and convenient, but it doesn’t give a sense of the landscape. You disappear underground (or into the clouds) and pop out somewhere completely different with no idea of how you got there or what the intervening terrain is like.

Home is where you park it

Home is where you park it

In my 20s I traveled by train through parts of Europe and Southeast Asia. I had a great time staying in hostels and meeting locals and other travelers. Later I had the opportunity to travel the length of Africa with my wife in a Land Rover with a rooftop tent.

Traveling with your own vehicle is at the same time liberating and confining. You are free to go where you want when you want without being subject to the restrictions and at times discomfort of public transport.

We saw firsthand the busses in West Africa, and while I know that many travelers use them successfully, we were happy to have the comfort of our own car.

Maybe I'm getting too old...

Maybe I’m getting too old…

With camping equipment on board, we were able to more easily visit out of the way places. We could bed down pretty much anywhere we found a suitable place to camp. We weren’t stuck on the bus until it arrived at its destination at 1 am.

Of course, everything comes with a downside, and the two main problems with traveling in your own vehicle are the expense, both of buying and operating it, and the stress that comes with knowing that if it breaks down, you might be stuck in that fantastic spot way off the beaten track trying to arrange a tow or repair in a foreign language.

If you’re camping, some of the expense is offset by not paying for hotels and by cooking your own meals. I love sleeping in my own bed every night, and I know from experience that eating at restaurants gets old after awhile.

South Africa, 2004

South Africa, 2004

In late June of 2013 my family and I embarked on another long-term trip. Unlike any other trip I’ve taken outside the USA, this one didn’t start by heading to the airport. We just got in our campervan and started driving. First we drove north through Canada and Alaska, then as the weather turned cold we set our sights on Mexico and points south.

Without our camper we would have missed some of the best experiences of our trip. One day a local mechanic came with me on a 250-mile tour of Sonora, Mexico, while trying to diagnose an intermittent problem. He loves car racing and shares his passion with his two sons. He told me about how his younger son had thrown a hammer through the family’s flat panel tv. With a 5 year old of my own I could sympathize and we shared stories of raising our boys.

Often when we stop in at a roadside restaurant for lunch while driving somewhere we are the only non-Mexicans there. Having our son along in these situations has helped to break the ice and has led to some fun experiences.

After 9 months on the road we are still heading south and we should enter Guatemala in a few weeks. We’ve seen the desert coastlines of Baja and Northern Mexico give way to the jungles of the tropics and then to the arid highlands of central Mexico. We travel more slowly, but for us overlanding offers comfort and convenience and at the same time exposes us to more local culture and places outside of tourist destinations.

Baja peninsula, 2013

Baja peninsula, 2013