San Miguel de Allende: Time for an update. Well, on the road again, after being in Guadalajara for a month. It was a great time! But let me start with today and work my way backwards.
Arrived in San Miguel de Allende, a very beautiful colonial town near Guanajuato. It is the second most gringo populated city in Mexico, behind Lake Chapala. Lots of expats come here to retire. A nice town, very colonial, but the gringo presence is very, very evident. No offense, but glad I only stayed one night.
Before this we were in Guanajuato, my second visit on this trip. Very beautiful town, maybe my favorite in all of Mexico. Not counting Isla Mujeres, of course. We were there two nights, and just walked the streets, spent time at the park reading, and just enjoying the ambience of one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
And before that we were in Zacatecas, another colonial town full of spanish architecture and churches. There was a culture festival at the time we were there, so we were able to check out some concerts. Great place to visit!
When I say we, i`m referring to Vincent, my friend from spanish school who is from Montreal. And Jen, who I met in Nicaragua, and traveled with for a bit, until she headed to India. Now she is back and will travel Mexico with me until about the middle of the month. She`s one of the best travel partners. Always good times with her.
The month in Guadalajara was great. Met lots of great friends, visited many near by towns and pueblos, and spent the entire month with a wonderful host family. There are a few pics on Facebook.
My first day, walked into the school, and asked where I should register. They asked me if I was there for beginner lessons. No! I said emphatically, I was an advanced student! Here only to improve my skills. They looked at me suspect, and asked again. Then referred me to someone else, who asked me again. I was insistent that I would only take advanced courses, since I was paying for them. Then they asked for my name again, and said they couldn`t find my info on the computer. Great! I thought, they lost my registration info. Then one of them asked, wait, are you here for english or spanish lessons?
LOL, the whole time they thought I was there to learn english, and at a beginners level. I knew then that I must really, really look Mexican. But eventually I was squared away and began my course. Scored a 66% on my first exam (a ¨D¨), horrible! Then a 88% on the next. I guess I was a bit rusty with the whole exam thing. But I got into the swing of things, and I do feel that my grammar is much improved.
My brother comes tomorrow, so i`m excited about that. One week in Mexico City! Also get to see my tio`s and primos from there; I wonder what they`ll say about my spanish. Improved? And the fact that i`ve lost over 20 pounds, and grew some hair! lol.
I`m leaving in about an hour, should take about 4 hours to get there. I can`t wait!
Love you all,
Love you mom, see you in about two weeks!
Michael
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico: Again, its been so long that I don´t know where to begin. I think I left off somewhere in Merida (about four hours from Cancun). I was in Merida for a day or two, then headed to Campeche. Like Merida, they were in the midst of Carnaval, but it was raining, so most things were cancelled. As it turns out the only other person in my dorm was from Merida, and was in Campeche to work during Carnaval. He was the MC for one of the concert stages at carnaval. But since it was cancelled, we hung out, and he showed me around a little bit.
Campeche was nice. Reminded me a lot of Cartagena, Colombia. A fort city, with fort walls still visible. Near the water, and a place where pirates would frequent. It was not as romantic as Cartagena. It´s hard to explain, but some cities have a romantic feel, Cartagena was one of them, Campeche was not. But I still enjoyed it. But left after a day.
Headed to San Cristobal de las Casas, en Chiapas, Mexico. Chiapas is one of the most indeginous states in Mexico. They have preserved their culture more than most states. The Spanish had some, but very little influence on them. As a result, its a great place to see indigenous culture and life. I enjoyed my time there, took a few tours, but then had to head back to Cancun!
Why? Well, because turns out Tess was coming back from Cuba and wanted to see me. She said she was willing to come meet me wherever I was, but that would mean an overnight but to Chiapas. I didn´t think that would be a good idea, and her mom was with her, so I took an overnight bus to Cancun. We spent another four days together. Back to Isla de Mujeres, then to Tulum, Coba, and Merida. It was great, always a great time with her. She had a flight to LA that Saturday, and Ruben, my brother, was nice enough to show her and her mom around. We had a talk before she left, and keep in contact via email, but too early to tell what will come of all this. But at the very least, some great memories.
My plan was to visit Oaxaca, but I decided to do that later. Seeing Tess was more important to me. And I had to be in Iguala, where my dad is from, so I took a plance from Merida to Mexico City. My dad met me at the airport, and looked right at me, but did not notice me. It was funny. I had to approach him, I think I scared him...lol. I guess if you haven´t kept up with my photos on Facebook, you probably wouldn´t notice me either.
We took a bus from Mexico City to his hometown, and I spent a few days there. It was quite exciting seeing where my dad was from. Very different than LA, obviously, but even different that most of Mexico. My grandmother would always tell me that dad "era del rancho." Now I know what she meant. She was right. But I liked it. People traveling on horses, rodeos, cowboy hats. It was fun. Pics will be up soon on FB.
One of his friends even held a rodeo, in my honor (supposedly). The whole town came out, and some of the local guys rode bulls. It´s a very different lifestyle. But I guess, somehow, I have roots there. I couldn´t imagine living there today, and i´m sure even if I was born there, I would end up moving away, but it was a nice time, and i´m glad I was able to visit.
Now i´m in Guadalajara! I´ll be here for a month, working on my spanish. Classes started yesterday, and so far so good. The city is great, and the classes are helpful. I´m staying with a really nice host family. They´re an older couple, very sweet. They have a daughter who lives with them. She´s a kindergarden teacher.
I have my own floor, more like an addition to the house. Its the top floor, with private bathroom. I´m scheduled to stay two weeks out of the four i´ll be in town, but I may just opt to stay all four weeks.
Everything is great out here. I can´t believe how great the trip is going. At this point, I have less than two months left. This next month should really improve my spansish language skills. I´m glad to be staying put after so much traveling.
Hope everything back home is good!
Love you mom,
Love you all,
Michael
Campeche was nice. Reminded me a lot of Cartagena, Colombia. A fort city, with fort walls still visible. Near the water, and a place where pirates would frequent. It was not as romantic as Cartagena. It´s hard to explain, but some cities have a romantic feel, Cartagena was one of them, Campeche was not. But I still enjoyed it. But left after a day.
Headed to San Cristobal de las Casas, en Chiapas, Mexico. Chiapas is one of the most indeginous states in Mexico. They have preserved their culture more than most states. The Spanish had some, but very little influence on them. As a result, its a great place to see indigenous culture and life. I enjoyed my time there, took a few tours, but then had to head back to Cancun!
Why? Well, because turns out Tess was coming back from Cuba and wanted to see me. She said she was willing to come meet me wherever I was, but that would mean an overnight but to Chiapas. I didn´t think that would be a good idea, and her mom was with her, so I took an overnight bus to Cancun. We spent another four days together. Back to Isla de Mujeres, then to Tulum, Coba, and Merida. It was great, always a great time with her. She had a flight to LA that Saturday, and Ruben, my brother, was nice enough to show her and her mom around. We had a talk before she left, and keep in contact via email, but too early to tell what will come of all this. But at the very least, some great memories.
My plan was to visit Oaxaca, but I decided to do that later. Seeing Tess was more important to me. And I had to be in Iguala, where my dad is from, so I took a plance from Merida to Mexico City. My dad met me at the airport, and looked right at me, but did not notice me. It was funny. I had to approach him, I think I scared him...lol. I guess if you haven´t kept up with my photos on Facebook, you probably wouldn´t notice me either.
We took a bus from Mexico City to his hometown, and I spent a few days there. It was quite exciting seeing where my dad was from. Very different than LA, obviously, but even different that most of Mexico. My grandmother would always tell me that dad "era del rancho." Now I know what she meant. She was right. But I liked it. People traveling on horses, rodeos, cowboy hats. It was fun. Pics will be up soon on FB.
One of his friends even held a rodeo, in my honor (supposedly). The whole town came out, and some of the local guys rode bulls. It´s a very different lifestyle. But I guess, somehow, I have roots there. I couldn´t imagine living there today, and i´m sure even if I was born there, I would end up moving away, but it was a nice time, and i´m glad I was able to visit.
Now i´m in Guadalajara! I´ll be here for a month, working on my spanish. Classes started yesterday, and so far so good. The city is great, and the classes are helpful. I´m staying with a really nice host family. They´re an older couple, very sweet. They have a daughter who lives with them. She´s a kindergarden teacher.
I have my own floor, more like an addition to the house. Its the top floor, with private bathroom. I´m scheduled to stay two weeks out of the four i´ll be in town, but I may just opt to stay all four weeks.
Everything is great out here. I can´t believe how great the trip is going. At this point, I have less than two months left. This next month should really improve my spansish language skills. I´m glad to be staying put after so much traveling.
Hope everything back home is good!
Love you mom,
Love you all,
Michael
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Merida, Yucatan, Mexico: Last 12 days were the best 12 days of the trip...easily! I`ll try not to get ahead of myself and start from the beginning.
Left El Salvador and planned to skip Belize, but once I got to Flores, Guatemala, I was told that there were no directs to Mexico. My best bet was to go to Belize City, then to Chetumal. So that was the plan. Then I thought, if i`m in Belize I may as well head over to one of their cool islands, so I headed to Caye Caulker. And there I was to begin my 12 days of solitude; praying, meditating, thinking, re-evaluating, setting goals, all kinds of stuff.
But what I realized is that being a recluse is trickier than I expected. First thing off the boat to the island of Caye Caulker I spot two girls and get caught looking. Turns out they were staying at my hostel. As things turned out we ended up running into each other enough times that I had to say hi or I would seem really rude. So I did, and we ended up hanging out and making plans to see each other the next day. First day: failed. Couldnt stay alone. But the next day I got up early and slipped a note under their door letting them know that I had to head to Mexico. I had to keep moving on, and I did.
So as part of the 12 days i`m reading a book with 12 chapters in it recommended by my friend John. The book conveniently had 12 chapters, so I made it a point to read a chapter a day, along with my Bible. The book was amazing. I highly recommend it. Especially the part about walking with God every day, and the chapter about staying focused. It was good. Just like Jesus is the name of the book.
But it was read throughout the trip, chapter one in Belize, and chapter two in Tulum, where I made my first stop in Mexico. Tulum was also one of my favorite ruins in Mexico. Not quite as expansive as Palenque, but right on the water. It is beautiful. Check out the pics on FB. I spent the day in semi solitude and had lots of time to reflect and get done what I set out to do. It was a wonderful time just speaking and listening to God, or what we commonly call prayer. I think its the greatest thing in the world, to really take the time and make it a priority.
From Tulum I headed to Cozumel, a small island near Playa del Carmen. Very touristy, and all the Western conviences, but still nice. Although did not feel like you were in Mexico, except for the huge flag near the pier. Nice, but I preferred Tulum.
From Cozumel I headed to Playa del Carmen. Again, beautiful. Spent the day alone, very successful day.
From Playa went to Isla Mujeres. Probably the most beautiful place i`ve ever been. And the greatest time i`ve had in a long long time. Now keep in mind i`ve been having the time of my life on this trip, and things got a lot better when I arrived in Isla Mujeres.
Started off like the other stops. Except the hostel in Isla Mujeres was bigger and nicer than the others. I kept to myself, not looking to socialize too much. Needed, wanted to be alone. Then I saw her! Didn`t think much about it, except thought, wow! But again, i was not there to socialize. Plus every single guy at the hostel saw her as well.
But i did decide to go to salsa lessons, since they were at the hostel, and they were free. What the heck, they started at 7pm and would be over by 8, i could be in bed easily by 10pm. So i went, and lo and behold, there she was again. The Argentinian instructor clearly fancied her, evident by the way he favored her over the other girls for his volunteer partner. This guy probably was used to having most girls at the hostel, the accent, the dance moves, the Latin heartthrob thing. I wasn`t hating, i didnt really care.
So the lessons were over, and we had a little bit of free dance time. I noticed her, but didnt want to make it too obvious, so I opted to dance with another girl. Of course the instructor swooped her right up and began to dance with her. Whatever, I thought. Free dance was over and we all went our seperate ways.
I went to my dorm room to read, ended up falling asleep, but woke up around 11pm. Took a walk around the hostel and found her and her friend Caroline. Caroline grabs me and says they`re kidnapping me. I`m in boardshorts, and a t shirt, but they drag me to go salsa dancing. I go, but think to myself, im leaving in an hour, max!
Im at the dance joint, but just laying back talking to some guys from the hostel. Jeffrey, a nurse from St. Louis yells at me and asks me what im doing, he says Tess is waiting to dance with me. Who me? I didnt know if he was just yapping, but I said, what the heck, I need the practice, and I enjoy it! So I went.
You can guess the rest of the story. But there is something else about this girl that makes it very different. Inevitably, traveling for 9 months, you are going to meet lots of people, and lots of girls. And believe it or not, i`ve met some. Great girls, spent some fun times, but as they say, nothing to write home about. Except for the friends ive met from California, or near CA, ive never intended to keep in touch with any of them. I just thought, hey, it was nice to meet them. But this one was different. Now she is very easy on the eyes, but it was so much more than that with her.
This is the kind of stuff I write home about, tell my boys, my brother, my cousins. And since only my close friends and family read this, I guess i'll just lay it out here.
I totally fell for this girl! I mean hard! I`m talking in love. Almost comical. I was told often, mostly in jest, that I would fall in love on this trip, and me being the rational, unemotional guy that I am thought, only a lame dude would think he was in love after meeting someone for a few days. That kind of nonsense is only in movies. I`ve been told by more than one girl that I am a bit emotionally retarded. Too logical for crazy love. And I actually think that`s a good thing.
Then this happened. I can`t even believe it. Butterflys, big grin on my face that I couldnt hide. It was wild. A one day trip to Isla Mujeres turned into 5 days. We were inseperable, spent every moment together. Only split ways because her mom came to visit from Australia. (she`s from Melbourne, Australia). She was even late picking up her mom. It was a very emotional goodbye, I hated it! It was crazy, not like me at all. But this girl was something else. Everything about her, her accent, her laugh, her smile, and above everything else how incredibly sweet she was.
Everything in life is timing, and circumstances, so as it turns out the timing is wrong and the circumstances are not right either. But usually you know if you meet someone travelling, in a matter of days you`ll split ways and that will be that. I`m used to it, and am quite good at walking away. I think I have the gift of goodbye. I always have, maybe because im so guarded (except for my first girlfriend). `But this time it was tough, very tough. And I cant speak for her, but she did tell me how she felt, and I`m pretty sure its not a one sided deal.
But still very unlikely that we see each other again. But as I told her, a boy can dream. Seriously, if know me you`re probably laughing, this is nothing like me, and it is quite funny, but very true. I totally fell hard. There are three girls in my life who i`ve ever been crazy about. One I dated for five years, the other rejected me, and the other is somewhere in Playa del Carmen with her mom, headed to Cuba.
Like I said, chances are it was a nice 5 days and that will be that. And like ive also said, it happens quite often, and the next day i`ve already forgotten. But this one really got me. I spent the bus trip to Merida listening to Sade and George Michaels...lol.
She emailed me and I her wrote her back. We`ll see what happens, a boy can dream, lol. Crazy. Like I said, circumstances are not ideal, for a variety of reasons.
So there it was, the best 12 days of the trip! Fell in love twice. Once with my time with God every morning, and again with some girl who lives half way around the world. At least one is beyond time and circumstances!
Got a chance to write down some goals for the next few months, and years. I`m really excited about getting home and getting to work. And I dont just mean career. Lots of plans and goals!
Now i`m in Merida. They`re in the middle of Carnaval, so there are concerts all over the city. I`ve been to about 8 today. Everything from Salsa, to Merengue, to Cumbia, regaeton, and Banda (my favorite). I have to learn to dance Banda before I leave Mexico! I think its my favorite type of dance.
Hope all is well at home. And hope everyone has a nice Valentines day, though I think it is one of the most ridiculous set ups of all time. Show love and appreciate every day. But luckily I think we all know it, just need to practice it a bit more.
Love you all!
Happy Valentines day, mom! I love you!
Smitten from Mexico,
Michael
Left El Salvador and planned to skip Belize, but once I got to Flores, Guatemala, I was told that there were no directs to Mexico. My best bet was to go to Belize City, then to Chetumal. So that was the plan. Then I thought, if i`m in Belize I may as well head over to one of their cool islands, so I headed to Caye Caulker. And there I was to begin my 12 days of solitude; praying, meditating, thinking, re-evaluating, setting goals, all kinds of stuff.
But what I realized is that being a recluse is trickier than I expected. First thing off the boat to the island of Caye Caulker I spot two girls and get caught looking. Turns out they were staying at my hostel. As things turned out we ended up running into each other enough times that I had to say hi or I would seem really rude. So I did, and we ended up hanging out and making plans to see each other the next day. First day: failed. Couldnt stay alone. But the next day I got up early and slipped a note under their door letting them know that I had to head to Mexico. I had to keep moving on, and I did.
So as part of the 12 days i`m reading a book with 12 chapters in it recommended by my friend John. The book conveniently had 12 chapters, so I made it a point to read a chapter a day, along with my Bible. The book was amazing. I highly recommend it. Especially the part about walking with God every day, and the chapter about staying focused. It was good. Just like Jesus is the name of the book.
But it was read throughout the trip, chapter one in Belize, and chapter two in Tulum, where I made my first stop in Mexico. Tulum was also one of my favorite ruins in Mexico. Not quite as expansive as Palenque, but right on the water. It is beautiful. Check out the pics on FB. I spent the day in semi solitude and had lots of time to reflect and get done what I set out to do. It was a wonderful time just speaking and listening to God, or what we commonly call prayer. I think its the greatest thing in the world, to really take the time and make it a priority.
From Tulum I headed to Cozumel, a small island near Playa del Carmen. Very touristy, and all the Western conviences, but still nice. Although did not feel like you were in Mexico, except for the huge flag near the pier. Nice, but I preferred Tulum.
From Cozumel I headed to Playa del Carmen. Again, beautiful. Spent the day alone, very successful day.
From Playa went to Isla Mujeres. Probably the most beautiful place i`ve ever been. And the greatest time i`ve had in a long long time. Now keep in mind i`ve been having the time of my life on this trip, and things got a lot better when I arrived in Isla Mujeres.
Started off like the other stops. Except the hostel in Isla Mujeres was bigger and nicer than the others. I kept to myself, not looking to socialize too much. Needed, wanted to be alone. Then I saw her! Didn`t think much about it, except thought, wow! But again, i was not there to socialize. Plus every single guy at the hostel saw her as well.
But i did decide to go to salsa lessons, since they were at the hostel, and they were free. What the heck, they started at 7pm and would be over by 8, i could be in bed easily by 10pm. So i went, and lo and behold, there she was again. The Argentinian instructor clearly fancied her, evident by the way he favored her over the other girls for his volunteer partner. This guy probably was used to having most girls at the hostel, the accent, the dance moves, the Latin heartthrob thing. I wasn`t hating, i didnt really care.
So the lessons were over, and we had a little bit of free dance time. I noticed her, but didnt want to make it too obvious, so I opted to dance with another girl. Of course the instructor swooped her right up and began to dance with her. Whatever, I thought. Free dance was over and we all went our seperate ways.
I went to my dorm room to read, ended up falling asleep, but woke up around 11pm. Took a walk around the hostel and found her and her friend Caroline. Caroline grabs me and says they`re kidnapping me. I`m in boardshorts, and a t shirt, but they drag me to go salsa dancing. I go, but think to myself, im leaving in an hour, max!
Im at the dance joint, but just laying back talking to some guys from the hostel. Jeffrey, a nurse from St. Louis yells at me and asks me what im doing, he says Tess is waiting to dance with me. Who me? I didnt know if he was just yapping, but I said, what the heck, I need the practice, and I enjoy it! So I went.
You can guess the rest of the story. But there is something else about this girl that makes it very different. Inevitably, traveling for 9 months, you are going to meet lots of people, and lots of girls. And believe it or not, i`ve met some. Great girls, spent some fun times, but as they say, nothing to write home about. Except for the friends ive met from California, or near CA, ive never intended to keep in touch with any of them. I just thought, hey, it was nice to meet them. But this one was different. Now she is very easy on the eyes, but it was so much more than that with her.
This is the kind of stuff I write home about, tell my boys, my brother, my cousins. And since only my close friends and family read this, I guess i'll just lay it out here.
I totally fell for this girl! I mean hard! I`m talking in love. Almost comical. I was told often, mostly in jest, that I would fall in love on this trip, and me being the rational, unemotional guy that I am thought, only a lame dude would think he was in love after meeting someone for a few days. That kind of nonsense is only in movies. I`ve been told by more than one girl that I am a bit emotionally retarded. Too logical for crazy love. And I actually think that`s a good thing.
Then this happened. I can`t even believe it. Butterflys, big grin on my face that I couldnt hide. It was wild. A one day trip to Isla Mujeres turned into 5 days. We were inseperable, spent every moment together. Only split ways because her mom came to visit from Australia. (she`s from Melbourne, Australia). She was even late picking up her mom. It was a very emotional goodbye, I hated it! It was crazy, not like me at all. But this girl was something else. Everything about her, her accent, her laugh, her smile, and above everything else how incredibly sweet she was.
Everything in life is timing, and circumstances, so as it turns out the timing is wrong and the circumstances are not right either. But usually you know if you meet someone travelling, in a matter of days you`ll split ways and that will be that. I`m used to it, and am quite good at walking away. I think I have the gift of goodbye. I always have, maybe because im so guarded (except for my first girlfriend). `But this time it was tough, very tough. And I cant speak for her, but she did tell me how she felt, and I`m pretty sure its not a one sided deal.
But still very unlikely that we see each other again. But as I told her, a boy can dream. Seriously, if know me you`re probably laughing, this is nothing like me, and it is quite funny, but very true. I totally fell hard. There are three girls in my life who i`ve ever been crazy about. One I dated for five years, the other rejected me, and the other is somewhere in Playa del Carmen with her mom, headed to Cuba.
Like I said, chances are it was a nice 5 days and that will be that. And like ive also said, it happens quite often, and the next day i`ve already forgotten. But this one really got me. I spent the bus trip to Merida listening to Sade and George Michaels...lol.
She emailed me and I her wrote her back. We`ll see what happens, a boy can dream, lol. Crazy. Like I said, circumstances are not ideal, for a variety of reasons.
So there it was, the best 12 days of the trip! Fell in love twice. Once with my time with God every morning, and again with some girl who lives half way around the world. At least one is beyond time and circumstances!
Got a chance to write down some goals for the next few months, and years. I`m really excited about getting home and getting to work. And I dont just mean career. Lots of plans and goals!
Now i`m in Merida. They`re in the middle of Carnaval, so there are concerts all over the city. I`ve been to about 8 today. Everything from Salsa, to Merengue, to Cumbia, regaeton, and Banda (my favorite). I have to learn to dance Banda before I leave Mexico! I think its my favorite type of dance.
Hope all is well at home. And hope everyone has a nice Valentines day, though I think it is one of the most ridiculous set ups of all time. Show love and appreciate every day. But luckily I think we all know it, just need to practice it a bit more.
Love you all!
Happy Valentines day, mom! I love you!
Smitten from Mexico,
Michael
Sunday, January 31, 2010
San Salvador: One day turned into a week. But that's not a complete surprise. I really like it here in El Salvador. I've met some great friends here, and feel quite at home. But because I was here a week, i'm going to skip Belize. Truth is I had no desire to go to Belize. I don't know why, but I was almost dreading the thought. So no Belize. Instead im heading straight to Mexico, which I am really excited about!
Tomorrow i'll take a bus from El Salvador to Guatemala City, then to Flores, Guatemala, where i'll spend the night, and finally head to Chetumal, Mexico on Tuesday. I'll spend about two weeks on the coast of Yucatan (Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, Cancun, and Chichen Itza). From there i'll head to Merida, Campeche, San Cristobal, then to Oaxaca. From Oaxaca I hope to visit Iguala, where my dad is from, but I need to make sure I have some connections there. It otherwise is a town that most people would not visit.
Then 6 weeks in Guadalajara, with easter week in Mexico City.. After that i'll have about two weeks to see as much of the north of Mexico as possible. I think it'll be a quick three months. I wish I had about 6 months, Mexico is a huge country.
I'm also planning on taking the next 12 days in semi solitude. It's difficult when traveling, but i'll at least stay away from the computer, and any other communication home. So fyi to the family, you shouldn't be hearing from me in the next 12 days.
The trip is rolling along. I wish I could stay in El Salvador another few days, but alas, I must move on. The friends i've met here are great! So now the end of my Central American travels is here. On to North America.
PS, anyone catch the Lakers game today? It was on, live, in El Salvador, and I got to see Kobe do it again! That guy is incredible. But don't forget that the Lakers wouldnt be in that position unless Artest creates the offensive foul on Pierce. What a great game!
Love you mom,
love you fam, love you friends!
Michael
Tomorrow i'll take a bus from El Salvador to Guatemala City, then to Flores, Guatemala, where i'll spend the night, and finally head to Chetumal, Mexico on Tuesday. I'll spend about two weeks on the coast of Yucatan (Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, Cancun, and Chichen Itza). From there i'll head to Merida, Campeche, San Cristobal, then to Oaxaca. From Oaxaca I hope to visit Iguala, where my dad is from, but I need to make sure I have some connections there. It otherwise is a town that most people would not visit.
Then 6 weeks in Guadalajara, with easter week in Mexico City.. After that i'll have about two weeks to see as much of the north of Mexico as possible. I think it'll be a quick three months. I wish I had about 6 months, Mexico is a huge country.
I'm also planning on taking the next 12 days in semi solitude. It's difficult when traveling, but i'll at least stay away from the computer, and any other communication home. So fyi to the family, you shouldn't be hearing from me in the next 12 days.
The trip is rolling along. I wish I could stay in El Salvador another few days, but alas, I must move on. The friends i've met here are great! So now the end of my Central American travels is here. On to North America.
PS, anyone catch the Lakers game today? It was on, live, in El Salvador, and I got to see Kobe do it again! That guy is incredible. But don't forget that the Lakers wouldnt be in that position unless Artest creates the offensive foul on Pierce. What a great game!
Love you mom,
love you fam, love you friends!
Michael
Sunday, January 24, 2010
January 24, 2010: Last full day in South America. My plane leaves in the morning, at 6:55am. I was going to stay at the airport overnight, because my buddy left tonight, but I got tired and checked into the airport hotel. A bit expensive, but I couldnt take it anymore, plus I was able to negotiate free internet access. Otherwise its .60 reais per minute. About a quarter a minute, but it can add up.
So this is it! I´m on my way home! It´ll take me three months, but i´ll get there. My plane leaves for Peru, then a connecting flight to El Salvador. From there Belize, then Mexico, then home.
Brasil was great! Spent the last ten days with one of my best friends from back home. We were in Rio for three days (the weekend), then headed to Manuas, which is near the Amazon, then back to Rio for another three days (again the weekend).
Rio was incredible. I´ll post pics soon. We were at a hostel the first night, but it was very crowded, three level bunks, and too many people per room, so we decided to go to a hotel. We ended up at a really nice hotel in Ipanema. Promenade Visconti (something like that). It was nice. A big change from the hostel life. People bringing up your bags, tv in the room, 24 hour concierge service. We really spared no expense. We even had our own driver. Well, he was the hotel driver, but no one else used him except us. We were chaffuered (sp?) everywhere! Although we were a block from the beach, and close to plenty of restaurants, so we also walked often.
We also had great weather!
The amazon was amazing! Fishing for pirainas, swimming in the river, alligator hunting, hikes, camping, all sorts of stuff. It was great. Pics will be up soon.
The trip has been amazing, but as I expected, i got a bit homesick today. Maybe because I want to be home to watch the NFL playoffs? jk. But I knew it would happen. Same thing happened when my brother came out to visit me. After he left I got really homesick. I knew it would be the same when my buddy left. And a travel partner from back also went home recently. We didnt travel together the whole time, but we were never more than a bus ride away from each other. Now she´s home, my friend flew home today, and I feel like, maybe I should just get back myself. But I was prepared to feel this way, and I know by tomorrow I will be fine. Plus i am really, really looking forward to going to Mexico. Especially Guadalajara!
But the trip now is a journey home. . It started in Mexico, and moved south through Central America, into South America. Now im headed to El Salvador, and will travel north, all the way home. Being alone is also something Ive been wanting to do. I want to take at least 10 days in complete solitude. Well as much solitude as possible, anyways. You always have to talk to folks. But its not very hard to meet people on the road, in fact, its hard not to. But at some point in the next month I want to spend 10 days just alone, thinking, meditating, praying, all that good stuff that gets difficult to do back home. Not that I havent been doing that all along, I just want to make it more focused, more intentional.
My buddy also brought me some books to read, so I have a lot of reading to do. He brought six books, on a variety of topics, from finance to fiction. Thanks for that Dave, and Eoin! I´ll list the books later, i cant remember all of them right now. Some of the books were recommended by a really good friend and mentor, so i´m lookinh forward to getting started with those.
So the next part of the trip begins tomorrow. There are multiple ways to split up the trip. By city, by country, by continent. But I break it up in visits. First it was Mexico, and Cindy came (one part), then my brother came to Peru (second part) then Clarrissa came to Uruguay (third), then Dave to Brazil (fourth). And now the last part, alone. But looking forward to it.
I love you mom, miss you a lot! Been thinking a lot about you lately. Thank you for being such a great mom!
Love you all,
Michael
So this is it! I´m on my way home! It´ll take me three months, but i´ll get there. My plane leaves for Peru, then a connecting flight to El Salvador. From there Belize, then Mexico, then home.
Brasil was great! Spent the last ten days with one of my best friends from back home. We were in Rio for three days (the weekend), then headed to Manuas, which is near the Amazon, then back to Rio for another three days (again the weekend).
Rio was incredible. I´ll post pics soon. We were at a hostel the first night, but it was very crowded, three level bunks, and too many people per room, so we decided to go to a hotel. We ended up at a really nice hotel in Ipanema. Promenade Visconti (something like that). It was nice. A big change from the hostel life. People bringing up your bags, tv in the room, 24 hour concierge service. We really spared no expense. We even had our own driver. Well, he was the hotel driver, but no one else used him except us. We were chaffuered (sp?) everywhere! Although we were a block from the beach, and close to plenty of restaurants, so we also walked often.
We also had great weather!
The amazon was amazing! Fishing for pirainas, swimming in the river, alligator hunting, hikes, camping, all sorts of stuff. It was great. Pics will be up soon.
The trip has been amazing, but as I expected, i got a bit homesick today. Maybe because I want to be home to watch the NFL playoffs? jk. But I knew it would happen. Same thing happened when my brother came out to visit me. After he left I got really homesick. I knew it would be the same when my buddy left. And a travel partner from back also went home recently. We didnt travel together the whole time, but we were never more than a bus ride away from each other. Now she´s home, my friend flew home today, and I feel like, maybe I should just get back myself. But I was prepared to feel this way, and I know by tomorrow I will be fine. Plus i am really, really looking forward to going to Mexico. Especially Guadalajara!
But the trip now is a journey home. . It started in Mexico, and moved south through Central America, into South America. Now im headed to El Salvador, and will travel north, all the way home. Being alone is also something Ive been wanting to do. I want to take at least 10 days in complete solitude. Well as much solitude as possible, anyways. You always have to talk to folks. But its not very hard to meet people on the road, in fact, its hard not to. But at some point in the next month I want to spend 10 days just alone, thinking, meditating, praying, all that good stuff that gets difficult to do back home. Not that I havent been doing that all along, I just want to make it more focused, more intentional.
My buddy also brought me some books to read, so I have a lot of reading to do. He brought six books, on a variety of topics, from finance to fiction. Thanks for that Dave, and Eoin! I´ll list the books later, i cant remember all of them right now. Some of the books were recommended by a really good friend and mentor, so i´m lookinh forward to getting started with those.
So the next part of the trip begins tomorrow. There are multiple ways to split up the trip. By city, by country, by continent. But I break it up in visits. First it was Mexico, and Cindy came (one part), then my brother came to Peru (second part) then Clarrissa came to Uruguay (third), then Dave to Brazil (fourth). And now the last part, alone. But looking forward to it.
I love you mom, miss you a lot! Been thinking a lot about you lately. Thank you for being such a great mom!
Love you all,
Michael
Friday, January 15, 2010
January 15, 2010: In Rio de Janeiro! Known as the Cidade Maravilhosa...the marvelous city! And with good reason. Have only been here one fully day, but already can sense the vibe out here. Post 9 in Ipanema is where we hung out yesterday. Every post seems to have a distinct group. Not all, but I think most. Post 9 is a more young crowd, whereas other posts have a family crowd. The beach itself is just ok, but its the people that make it what it is. And the surrounding landscape. Imagine laying on the beach with the Sugar Loaf in the distance. I havent taken many pictures, but I will soon.
I have a buddy flying in today, so I dont want to see too much of the city until he gets here. Soon enough, though.
Before Rio I was at the most beautiful island in Brasil. Well, that according to most, and I would have to agree. Ilha Grande is about 150 Km from Rio, South of Rio. They work in Km here, so not sure how many miles. But the island was amazing. I could say it about almost every place ive visited, but it was true again, just didnt have enough time there. I wish I could have stayed another week. We went on a great hike one of the days through the island and to 4 beaches, finally ending at Lopes Mendes beach, which was the most popular, but not nearly the nicest. There were some secluded beaches that were absolutely amazing.
Before Ilha Grande I was in Paraty. Another beautiful coastal town. Its tough to always remember to appreciate what your doing out here. Travelling from beautiful beach to beautiful beach in Brazil. But Paraty was really nice. I have pics up on Facebook. We took a boat ride to various islands one day, and walked around the Centro another day. The town is great.
And before that I was in Florionopolis. I think its an island, but not sure. There is a Lagun in the middle, but im pretty sure its surrounded by water. I have to go back and check. But, again, it was beautiful. The last four hostels ive stayed in have all been ocean front. Really nice as well.
I think before that I was in Iguazu Falls, which ive written about.
So this is it. Nearing the end of my South American tour! I cant talk about favorites, because everywhere I went I enjoyed for one reason or another. But because im in Brazil, I can say, this was a great place to end.
I fly to El Salvador on the 25th of this month, and hope to visit the orphanage, before I head to Belize. It sounds horrible, but im not really that excited about Belize. Its almost like im forcing myself to go, and convincing myself that its on the way to Mexico, so it wont be that bad. I have to again remind myself to appreciate every part of this great tour.
But after Belize I head to Mexico for three months, which im really looking forward to! I plan to see most of the major cities, lots of beaches, and then stay in Guadalajara for 6 weeks and take an intensive advanced spanish course. College level. We'll see how I do. My blogs those weeks will be in spanish. I cant wait to get to Mexico. I actually had a dream about it the other night.
But, since we must live in the moment, ill enjoy Rio today. (shouldnt be hard to do). My buddy gets here in about three hours, and im pretty excited about it. Its like when my brother came. Always good to get a visit from a good friend. We will be in Rio for a few days, then fly to the Amazon for five days, return to Rio for the weekend, and he will head home, and ill head to El Salvador, which is the beginning of my journey home.
So there it is. About 8 months into the trip! Wow, what an advernture. Hope everyone is well back home. Haiti is in my prayers. Just read a little about it the other day. It sounds bad.
On a lighter note, also read that Carroll left USC for the pros, and Kiffin is taking over. I laughed when I read that. I used to think Garrett was a good Athletic Director, now I know he has no clue what hes doing and just got lucky with Carroll. The basketball program is in shables, and now this. Tough times for USC fans...haahaaaa. Go Bruins! (had to get that in).
Love you all
Love you mom,
Michael
I have a buddy flying in today, so I dont want to see too much of the city until he gets here. Soon enough, though.
Before Rio I was at the most beautiful island in Brasil. Well, that according to most, and I would have to agree. Ilha Grande is about 150 Km from Rio, South of Rio. They work in Km here, so not sure how many miles. But the island was amazing. I could say it about almost every place ive visited, but it was true again, just didnt have enough time there. I wish I could have stayed another week. We went on a great hike one of the days through the island and to 4 beaches, finally ending at Lopes Mendes beach, which was the most popular, but not nearly the nicest. There were some secluded beaches that were absolutely amazing.
Before Ilha Grande I was in Paraty. Another beautiful coastal town. Its tough to always remember to appreciate what your doing out here. Travelling from beautiful beach to beautiful beach in Brazil. But Paraty was really nice. I have pics up on Facebook. We took a boat ride to various islands one day, and walked around the Centro another day. The town is great.
And before that I was in Florionopolis. I think its an island, but not sure. There is a Lagun in the middle, but im pretty sure its surrounded by water. I have to go back and check. But, again, it was beautiful. The last four hostels ive stayed in have all been ocean front. Really nice as well.
I think before that I was in Iguazu Falls, which ive written about.
So this is it. Nearing the end of my South American tour! I cant talk about favorites, because everywhere I went I enjoyed for one reason or another. But because im in Brazil, I can say, this was a great place to end.
I fly to El Salvador on the 25th of this month, and hope to visit the orphanage, before I head to Belize. It sounds horrible, but im not really that excited about Belize. Its almost like im forcing myself to go, and convincing myself that its on the way to Mexico, so it wont be that bad. I have to again remind myself to appreciate every part of this great tour.
But after Belize I head to Mexico for three months, which im really looking forward to! I plan to see most of the major cities, lots of beaches, and then stay in Guadalajara for 6 weeks and take an intensive advanced spanish course. College level. We'll see how I do. My blogs those weeks will be in spanish. I cant wait to get to Mexico. I actually had a dream about it the other night.
But, since we must live in the moment, ill enjoy Rio today. (shouldnt be hard to do). My buddy gets here in about three hours, and im pretty excited about it. Its like when my brother came. Always good to get a visit from a good friend. We will be in Rio for a few days, then fly to the Amazon for five days, return to Rio for the weekend, and he will head home, and ill head to El Salvador, which is the beginning of my journey home.
So there it is. About 8 months into the trip! Wow, what an advernture. Hope everyone is well back home. Haiti is in my prayers. Just read a little about it the other day. It sounds bad.
On a lighter note, also read that Carroll left USC for the pros, and Kiffin is taking over. I laughed when I read that. I used to think Garrett was a good Athletic Director, now I know he has no clue what hes doing and just got lucky with Carroll. The basketball program is in shables, and now this. Tough times for USC fans...haahaaaa. Go Bruins! (had to get that in).
Love you all
Love you mom,
Michael
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Somewhere near the Brazilian, Argentina border, Brazil: On the road again....
That song popped into my head as I headed to Iguazu Falls in Argentina. 18 hour bus ride from Buenos Aires, but worth it. What an amazing sight. Please look up pics on google, but realize that the pics will never do the place justice. (ill try to post mine on FB soon). Its the most incredible thing ive seen in nature. Ill be in the Amazon in about two weeks, so dont count it against me if I say the same thing then. But the falls were absolutely incredible. I just saw them today, then got on a bus to Brazil, and now im headed to a beautiful beach town called Florionopolis, in about an hour.
Let me recap, moving backwards.
Im here at the bus station after crossing the border from Argentina to Brazil. Border crossings always excite me. You never know what to expect, and you hear all these horror stories about customs being difficult, and thieves prowling. But I made it over with no trouble at all. There is a long visa process to enter Brazil with a US passport, but that was all taken care of weeks ago. I was still a bit nervous, because I told them I was flying in, but instead took a bus. It didnt matter, im in. But the whole border crossing was fun.
Before the crossing I was at Iguazu falls. An absolutely incredible park full of waterfalls, but not just any waterfalls. Probably the most amazing in the world. We got up early today and were one of the first into the park, and saw the whole thing before 1pm. The town itself reminded me of Central America. Sub tropical climate, lush green scenery, and dirt roads. I became quite nostalgic hanging out there. I think I miss Central America!
I have a bus to catch tonight, so I wanted to give myself enough time to cross the border and get to the international bus station (where i am now). So I left Iguazu for the Brazilian border.
While at the falls I stayed in one of the coolest hostels ive ever been to, and at this point, thats been quite a few. It was an old casino, and has been renovated for hostel use. It has a huge pool, and there was a bbq last night, and tango show. I was quite impressed.
Before that I was in Buenos Aires, again. I had to travel from Uruguay back to Buenos Aires, and then to Iguazu. Apparently there were no direct buses from Montevideo.
I was in Montevideo the day after New Years, but only for a day. Its the capital of Uruguay, a nice town, but nothing special.
Before Montevideo I was in Punta del Este, perhaps the coolest place ive been to on my trip. Of course, it could have to do with the fact that I was there during New Years week. It was a really good time.
As I mentioned in my last blog, I hung out with some Brazilians, one of which had connections to every happening event on the peninsula. We got into one of the most exclusive parties in Punta, held at one of the most exclusive hotels in Uruguay, overlooking the ocean. It was nice. The cover charge to get in was 350 US dollars! Way too much money, so most of the guys had given up on the idea of getting in. I on the other hand, always love a challenge, and promised the guys that we would get in and would not pay close to the asking price. The cover charge is a ploy to keep out rift raft, or guys who show up and just cause trouble. Really I knew that Felip, one of the guys, had a connection. He wasnt even sure if he could pull it off, but I assured him he could. I gave him a little pep talk and he came out with 10 wrist bands, enough to get us all in. More than half the guys were still at the hostel, not thinking they had a chance, but me a Felipe went in, and Rubens, went to go get the rest of the guys, and Clarrissa. We made about a quarter of the asking price. Most of the guests inside wore loafers worth more than my whole luggage bag, but we fit in just fine.
The rest of the trip was just as exciting. Laying at the beach all day, driving around town in the back of the pick-up.
Brazilians are very passionate about soccer, and every soccer team has its own little song that the fans sing. We were in the back of the truck one day, and the guys were singing at the top of their lungs. One guy asked me what they sing at Redders games.
Redders games? What? What are Redders games?
¨Yeah, Redders, your team, he said.
Oh, Raiders! Well we dont sing songs at footbal games, sorry.
Then one of the guys mocked, yeah, you chant D-FENSE, and all the boys laughed. But, yeah, theyre right. Its football, not star search.
But I did learn a soccer song from my time in Mexico City. My cousins were huge Puma fans, of the Mexican soccer league, and they won the championships while I was there. I learned the song they sang, and taught it to the boys. It became our theme song for the week. Girls loved it when we sang it them. Check it out on Youtube, it may make more sense. Type in something like: Puma como no te voy a querer.
And thats the song: ¨Como no te voy a querer, como no te voy a querer...¨ and we just kept chanting that from the back of the truck. They loved it. Clearly one of those things where you had to be there.
Im at the bus terminal, so I have to go, ill post more later.
The trip seems to be getting more and more exciting. Brazil is a very cool place. Hope all is well back home.
Love you mom, family, and friends!
That song popped into my head as I headed to Iguazu Falls in Argentina. 18 hour bus ride from Buenos Aires, but worth it. What an amazing sight. Please look up pics on google, but realize that the pics will never do the place justice. (ill try to post mine on FB soon). Its the most incredible thing ive seen in nature. Ill be in the Amazon in about two weeks, so dont count it against me if I say the same thing then. But the falls were absolutely incredible. I just saw them today, then got on a bus to Brazil, and now im headed to a beautiful beach town called Florionopolis, in about an hour.
Let me recap, moving backwards.
Im here at the bus station after crossing the border from Argentina to Brazil. Border crossings always excite me. You never know what to expect, and you hear all these horror stories about customs being difficult, and thieves prowling. But I made it over with no trouble at all. There is a long visa process to enter Brazil with a US passport, but that was all taken care of weeks ago. I was still a bit nervous, because I told them I was flying in, but instead took a bus. It didnt matter, im in. But the whole border crossing was fun.
Before the crossing I was at Iguazu falls. An absolutely incredible park full of waterfalls, but not just any waterfalls. Probably the most amazing in the world. We got up early today and were one of the first into the park, and saw the whole thing before 1pm. The town itself reminded me of Central America. Sub tropical climate, lush green scenery, and dirt roads. I became quite nostalgic hanging out there. I think I miss Central America!
I have a bus to catch tonight, so I wanted to give myself enough time to cross the border and get to the international bus station (where i am now). So I left Iguazu for the Brazilian border.
While at the falls I stayed in one of the coolest hostels ive ever been to, and at this point, thats been quite a few. It was an old casino, and has been renovated for hostel use. It has a huge pool, and there was a bbq last night, and tango show. I was quite impressed.
Before that I was in Buenos Aires, again. I had to travel from Uruguay back to Buenos Aires, and then to Iguazu. Apparently there were no direct buses from Montevideo.
I was in Montevideo the day after New Years, but only for a day. Its the capital of Uruguay, a nice town, but nothing special.
Before Montevideo I was in Punta del Este, perhaps the coolest place ive been to on my trip. Of course, it could have to do with the fact that I was there during New Years week. It was a really good time.
As I mentioned in my last blog, I hung out with some Brazilians, one of which had connections to every happening event on the peninsula. We got into one of the most exclusive parties in Punta, held at one of the most exclusive hotels in Uruguay, overlooking the ocean. It was nice. The cover charge to get in was 350 US dollars! Way too much money, so most of the guys had given up on the idea of getting in. I on the other hand, always love a challenge, and promised the guys that we would get in and would not pay close to the asking price. The cover charge is a ploy to keep out rift raft, or guys who show up and just cause trouble. Really I knew that Felip, one of the guys, had a connection. He wasnt even sure if he could pull it off, but I assured him he could. I gave him a little pep talk and he came out with 10 wrist bands, enough to get us all in. More than half the guys were still at the hostel, not thinking they had a chance, but me a Felipe went in, and Rubens, went to go get the rest of the guys, and Clarrissa. We made about a quarter of the asking price. Most of the guests inside wore loafers worth more than my whole luggage bag, but we fit in just fine.
The rest of the trip was just as exciting. Laying at the beach all day, driving around town in the back of the pick-up.
Brazilians are very passionate about soccer, and every soccer team has its own little song that the fans sing. We were in the back of the truck one day, and the guys were singing at the top of their lungs. One guy asked me what they sing at Redders games.
Redders games? What? What are Redders games?
¨Yeah, Redders, your team, he said.
Oh, Raiders! Well we dont sing songs at footbal games, sorry.
Then one of the guys mocked, yeah, you chant D-FENSE, and all the boys laughed. But, yeah, theyre right. Its football, not star search.
But I did learn a soccer song from my time in Mexico City. My cousins were huge Puma fans, of the Mexican soccer league, and they won the championships while I was there. I learned the song they sang, and taught it to the boys. It became our theme song for the week. Girls loved it when we sang it them. Check it out on Youtube, it may make more sense. Type in something like: Puma como no te voy a querer.
And thats the song: ¨Como no te voy a querer, como no te voy a querer...¨ and we just kept chanting that from the back of the truck. They loved it. Clearly one of those things where you had to be there.
Im at the bus terminal, so I have to go, ill post more later.
The trip seems to be getting more and more exciting. Brazil is a very cool place. Hope all is well back home.
Love you mom, family, and friends!
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