Today was pretty uneventful. After breakfast, we sat on the balcony that overlooks the complex's courtyard. This one gets sun. Our deck that overlooks the Gulf doesn't get any sun so we don't sit out there too often. We had some lunch and then went down to the pool for the afternoon, visiting with whomever was there.
We learned that the power is going to be off tomorrow between 7am and 4pm. Hopefully it's not any longer than that. So we've had to make sure we don't have a lot of perishable food in the fridge. I also filled up the mop bucket and the plastic jugs with water for flushing the toilet.
For supper, I made taco salad and it was pretty good. Later, I went next door to pick up the computer cord from Owen, who's had to borrow ours because he forgot his back home. He invited us over for drinks and we had a good visit, solving all the world's political problems as most who inbibe can...lol.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Meeting and Massage
This morning Bindi and I, along with a few other condo residents, went to a meeting downtown. The Canadian consulars from Cancún and México City were there to get an idea of the issues Canadian expats are facing and to address their concerns. They were then taking those concerns to a meeting with local authorities in the afternoon.
We took the little local bus, which is really a converted van, there and back. Cost is 4.5 pesos per trip. Because Progreso has a lot of one way streets, we had to walk a block to catch the downtown one. The one coming home stops right at our corner.
Yesterday, Bindi had arranged for some gals to come to the complex to give massages. There was enough interest for 4 girls to come. They set up their tables under the palapa down at the pool. Señor B and I both partook. Cost was 200 pesos each for one hour. It was very nice and was all done without the privacy of an individual room, like we have NOB. They have a technique for taking off your shirt and bra without compromising your modesty. I was quite intrigued.
Afterwards, a bunch of us got talking and decided to go to Natasha's for supper. Her little restaurant has a real name but everyone just refers to it as "Natasha's." Señor B had sauteed shrimp and I had the BBQ spiced chicken. Both meals were delicious. He had a couple of beers, I had 2 drinks and we both had dessert. The bill came to 370 pesos, so probably in the neighbourhood of $32. The salad was especially delicious and I had meant to ask her what dressing she used and if she had some we could buy, but I forgot. Pretty sure it's the fault of the second drink I had. Holey moley. It's a good thing I didn't have to drive after.
Then we went back to Owen and Bindi's for more visiting.
It's been a bit chilly since we got here. I've been wearing my jeans in the evening and taking a jacket when we go out. There's lots of heat in the sun, but the wind is cool, coming in off the Gulf. I know, I know...wah, wah, wah...how cold can it be? It's certainly much warmer than back in Canada, but one thing to know is that they don't have central heating here. When it's cold, there's no way to warm up except to add layers of clothing. I had to add an extra blanket to the bed last night and will use it again tonight.
We took the little local bus, which is really a converted van, there and back. Cost is 4.5 pesos per trip. Because Progreso has a lot of one way streets, we had to walk a block to catch the downtown one. The one coming home stops right at our corner.
Yesterday, Bindi had arranged for some gals to come to the complex to give massages. There was enough interest for 4 girls to come. They set up their tables under the palapa down at the pool. Señor B and I both partook. Cost was 200 pesos each for one hour. It was very nice and was all done without the privacy of an individual room, like we have NOB. They have a technique for taking off your shirt and bra without compromising your modesty. I was quite intrigued.
Afterwards, a bunch of us got talking and decided to go to Natasha's for supper. Her little restaurant has a real name but everyone just refers to it as "Natasha's." Señor B had sauteed shrimp and I had the BBQ spiced chicken. Both meals were delicious. He had a couple of beers, I had 2 drinks and we both had dessert. The bill came to 370 pesos, so probably in the neighbourhood of $32. The salad was especially delicious and I had meant to ask her what dressing she used and if she had some we could buy, but I forgot. Pretty sure it's the fault of the second drink I had. Holey moley. It's a good thing I didn't have to drive after.
Then we went back to Owen and Bindi's for more visiting.
It's been a bit chilly since we got here. I've been wearing my jeans in the evening and taking a jacket when we go out. There's lots of heat in the sun, but the wind is cool, coming in off the Gulf. I know, I know...wah, wah, wah...how cold can it be? It's certainly much warmer than back in Canada, but one thing to know is that they don't have central heating here. When it's cold, there's no way to warm up except to add layers of clothing. I had to add an extra blanket to the bed last night and will use it again tonight.
We Made It
On the first leg of our trip, a lady collapsed on her way to the washroom. The flight attendant had to page for a doctor or nurse. A couple of people came forward to look after her. It took a while for her to come around and I heard the one tell her to have some juice...that she needed to get some sugar into her. So I'm guessing her problem was diabetic related. In all the flights I've been on, this is the first time anything like this has happened. Señor B slept through the whole thing.
I was soooo tired from being up since 6am but, even though we were on the red eye, I had a hard time getting to sleep. Thank goodness for Gravol. Took one of those and I was out cold. We had a 3.5 hour layover in Toronto and I even managed to sleep in the waiting area despite the firmness of the seats.
The second leg of our journey was uneventful. Or, if anything happened, I was asleep and missed it.
We went to the car rental place to pick up our vehicle. They were going to give us a medium sized car and then offered us a Jeep I-don't-know-what-model for an extra $20 for the 2 weeks. The Jeep is easier for Señor B to get in and out of so, for the extra $20, we took it.
We made it out of Cancún and through Mérida, to Progreso, with no problems. Unlike last time where we went round and round and round.
We rolled into Progreso around 7pm and went to pick up a few groceries. I've mentioned that you can buy alcohol in the grocery stores here. So we put some beer and Kahlua into the cart. The cashier informed me that we couldn't buy alcohol after 5pm. So she had to take it away.
We weren't sure if this only applied to that store, so we went to an OXXO to see if we could get some beer there. OXXO is like our 7-11. The young man started to ring it through and the lady there (middle aged, so likely his supervisor) started giving him heck. I didn't understand a word but her tone said, "What are you doing? You can't sell that!" I pointed to the wristwatch I don't wear and asked, "Cinco?" He said, "Si." And then he said, "Sheeeeeet." He was somewhat embarrassed. The lady gave him a friendly bop on the head with the small notepad she was holding and we all laughed. Fortunately, we still had a small stash of liquor from our last trip so Señor B wasn't completely without.
Our neighbours, Owen and Bindi came over shortly after we arrived. Owen brought some beer with him so Señor B was a happy man...lol.
We had a few ants in the condo and Owen and Bindi warned us to watch out for ant nests. Carpenter ants like to nest in dark places and can do a lot of damage to wood. Before I went to bed, I was putzing around, putting a few things away. I opened a drawer on the TV stand and discovered the inside swarming with ants. I slammed the drawer shut. Señor B was asleep so I told him about it this morning. He asked if I had seen a queen.
Is he serious?! Everybody knows I'm a bugophobe. I'm not the least bit interested in knowing whether or not there's a queen. Just get rid of the danged things! So Owen came over, took the drawer outside and sprayed it with Raid. I'm so grateful. No way, no how was I going to pull the drawer out, take it to the deck and shake out the contents. Those ants can run like crazy! They're fast little critters! Iy yi yi. And there's no way that Señor B, who's still on crutches, could move quickly enough nor bend down far enough to have done this. We bought Owen a case of beer for his efforts.
A couple of times I've found an ant in the towel drawer in the kitchen. We're going to have to watch for a nest in that area. Blech!
This morning was spent sleeping in a bit and unpacking the rest of the suitcases. Then we sat outside with Owen and Bindi, enjoying the sunshine, a couple of drinks and some lunch.
Last night's grocery trip was for just a few essentials for breakfast. We did a bigger shopping trip this afternoon. When we got back, we went down to the pool and visited with everyone down there.
Six of us decided to go out for supper so we headed on over to The Bamboo Restaurant in Chicxilub. The service was incredibly slow. The one couple said this was typical of this place but the food was good and that's why they kept returning. Señor B and I both had chicken fajitas. He had a beer or 2 and I had a Kahlua. Our bill came to 195 pesos which is roughly $15. We both enjoyed our meals. We might go back. It helps to know, ahead of time, that you can't go there if you're in a hurry.
We've been told that the power company is doing some work in the area and that they may have to turn the power off. They've turned it off a couple times in the past few days. Everyone is hoping they're done and there'll be no more power outage. But nobody is holding their breath.
I was soooo tired from being up since 6am but, even though we were on the red eye, I had a hard time getting to sleep. Thank goodness for Gravol. Took one of those and I was out cold. We had a 3.5 hour layover in Toronto and I even managed to sleep in the waiting area despite the firmness of the seats.
The second leg of our journey was uneventful. Or, if anything happened, I was asleep and missed it.
We went to the car rental place to pick up our vehicle. They were going to give us a medium sized car and then offered us a Jeep I-don't-know-what-model for an extra $20 for the 2 weeks. The Jeep is easier for Señor B to get in and out of so, for the extra $20, we took it.
We made it out of Cancún and through Mérida, to Progreso, with no problems. Unlike last time where we went round and round and round.
We rolled into Progreso around 7pm and went to pick up a few groceries. I've mentioned that you can buy alcohol in the grocery stores here. So we put some beer and Kahlua into the cart. The cashier informed me that we couldn't buy alcohol after 5pm. So she had to take it away.
We weren't sure if this only applied to that store, so we went to an OXXO to see if we could get some beer there. OXXO is like our 7-11. The young man started to ring it through and the lady there (middle aged, so likely his supervisor) started giving him heck. I didn't understand a word but her tone said, "What are you doing? You can't sell that!" I pointed to the wristwatch I don't wear and asked, "Cinco?" He said, "Si." And then he said, "Sheeeeeet." He was somewhat embarrassed. The lady gave him a friendly bop on the head with the small notepad she was holding and we all laughed. Fortunately, we still had a small stash of liquor from our last trip so Señor B wasn't completely without.
Our neighbours, Owen and Bindi came over shortly after we arrived. Owen brought some beer with him so Señor B was a happy man...lol.
We had a few ants in the condo and Owen and Bindi warned us to watch out for ant nests. Carpenter ants like to nest in dark places and can do a lot of damage to wood. Before I went to bed, I was putzing around, putting a few things away. I opened a drawer on the TV stand and discovered the inside swarming with ants. I slammed the drawer shut. Señor B was asleep so I told him about it this morning. He asked if I had seen a queen.
Is he serious?! Everybody knows I'm a bugophobe. I'm not the least bit interested in knowing whether or not there's a queen. Just get rid of the danged things! So Owen came over, took the drawer outside and sprayed it with Raid. I'm so grateful. No way, no how was I going to pull the drawer out, take it to the deck and shake out the contents. Those ants can run like crazy! They're fast little critters! Iy yi yi. And there's no way that Señor B, who's still on crutches, could move quickly enough nor bend down far enough to have done this. We bought Owen a case of beer for his efforts.
A couple of times I've found an ant in the towel drawer in the kitchen. We're going to have to watch for a nest in that area. Blech!
This morning was spent sleeping in a bit and unpacking the rest of the suitcases. Then we sat outside with Owen and Bindi, enjoying the sunshine, a couple of drinks and some lunch.
Last night's grocery trip was for just a few essentials for breakfast. We did a bigger shopping trip this afternoon. When we got back, we went down to the pool and visited with everyone down there.
Six of us decided to go out for supper so we headed on over to The Bamboo Restaurant in Chicxilub. The service was incredibly slow. The one couple said this was typical of this place but the food was good and that's why they kept returning. Señor B and I both had chicken fajitas. He had a beer or 2 and I had a Kahlua. Our bill came to 195 pesos which is roughly $15. We both enjoyed our meals. We might go back. It helps to know, ahead of time, that you can't go there if you're in a hurry.
We've been told that the power company is doing some work in the area and that they may have to turn the power off. They've turned it off a couple times in the past few days. Everyone is hoping they're done and there'll be no more power outage. But nobody is holding their breath.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
The Packing List
Erica's request to see my packing list gave me the idea of creating a post about it. Veteran travellers likely won't find any new information in it, but it might help out those who don't do a lot of travelling and perhaps feel overwhelmed.
I'm a list maker. Always have been. I tend to forget things. A lot. If something isn't on a list, I'm not likely to remember it. I created my Packing List after getting frustrated too many times about things that were forgotten and not easily purchased at our destination. The list would accompany me on our travels and whenever I thought, "I wish I'd brought _____," I'd write it down.
I started when our kids were little and, as they've grown, the list has evolved. I no longer have to worry about packing diaper rash cream and colouring books.
I'm not going to post my actual list because my wants and needs aren't going to be the same as someone else's. Rather, I'm going to give an outline of it.
Clothes
Pants, shorts, shirts, socks, jacket, footwear, jammies, undies. Everything you wear. The length of your stay, and whether or not you'll have laundry facilities, will determine how many of each item. When and where you're travelling will determine whether you choose the shorts and tank tops from the list or the toque, mitts and scarf.
Toiletries
All your hair stuff and personal care items. I don't use a curling iron or a flat iron so they're not on my list. If you do, write them down. Even something you use every day, write it down. It's easy to forget a commonly used item when you're busy packing for several people. Moms, you know what I mean. I forgot my deodorant, one time. Who forgets to pack deodorant?!
Medicine Cabinet
This is all the medicine stuff you might need. Band-aids, antihistamine, vitamins, cough syrup, anti-diarrheal, anti-nausea, Purell, etc. I put sunscreen and bug spray in this section, as well as my prescription cold sore ointment because, sure as anything, I'm going to pop one while I'm away. Personal wipes are a good thing to have should you get hit with diarrhea. TP starts to feel like sandpaper real quick.
Electronics
This is pretty much self-explanatory. If you have your own headphones, bring them for on the plane so you don't have to purchase theirs. Don't forget the chargers for your phone, camera, etc.
Misc
This is everything else. I have an extension cord on my list because I need one for my blow dryer at one particular destination. Whenever I pack to go to there, my list reminds me that I need to bring it. Any activities you'd like to do...knitting/crocheting, books to read. Ziploc bags and plastic grocery store bags for short term storage of wet items and separating the dirty clothes from the clean ones. I don't like to fold my pants so I bring hangers with clips on them to hang the pants by the hem.
Make a list for each person
For the kids, you can probably just use your master list for clothing. Unless your child has a specific clothing need, like diapers, for instance. Making a separate list for each child, for everything else, ensures that you'll remember each one's specific wants and needs. Susie needs her inhaler and Johnny is happiest when he has his train engine to play with.
The secret to making this list work is to write down absolutely everything that you think you might need and to revise it periodically. Add things as soon as you realize you need something. Delete things you no longer require.
My list has changed a lot over the years, partly because the kids are now grown, and also because Señor B and I are doing more international travelling. Just today, I realized that I didn't have "passport" written down. It's there now. My list is in a plastic page protector and lives inside my suitcase so I don't have to hunt for it each time we go somewhere, last year's loss notwithstanding.
So there you have it. Hopefully someone finds all this useful.
I'm a list maker. Always have been. I tend to forget things. A lot. If something isn't on a list, I'm not likely to remember it. I created my Packing List after getting frustrated too many times about things that were forgotten and not easily purchased at our destination. The list would accompany me on our travels and whenever I thought, "I wish I'd brought _____," I'd write it down.
I started when our kids were little and, as they've grown, the list has evolved. I no longer have to worry about packing diaper rash cream and colouring books.
I'm not going to post my actual list because my wants and needs aren't going to be the same as someone else's. Rather, I'm going to give an outline of it.
Clothes
Pants, shorts, shirts, socks, jacket, footwear, jammies, undies. Everything you wear. The length of your stay, and whether or not you'll have laundry facilities, will determine how many of each item. When and where you're travelling will determine whether you choose the shorts and tank tops from the list or the toque, mitts and scarf.
Toiletries
All your hair stuff and personal care items. I don't use a curling iron or a flat iron so they're not on my list. If you do, write them down. Even something you use every day, write it down. It's easy to forget a commonly used item when you're busy packing for several people. Moms, you know what I mean. I forgot my deodorant, one time. Who forgets to pack deodorant?!
Medicine Cabinet
This is all the medicine stuff you might need. Band-aids, antihistamine, vitamins, cough syrup, anti-diarrheal, anti-nausea, Purell, etc. I put sunscreen and bug spray in this section, as well as my prescription cold sore ointment because, sure as anything, I'm going to pop one while I'm away. Personal wipes are a good thing to have should you get hit with diarrhea. TP starts to feel like sandpaper real quick.
Electronics
This is pretty much self-explanatory. If you have your own headphones, bring them for on the plane so you don't have to purchase theirs. Don't forget the chargers for your phone, camera, etc.
Misc
This is everything else. I have an extension cord on my list because I need one for my blow dryer at one particular destination. Whenever I pack to go to there, my list reminds me that I need to bring it. Any activities you'd like to do...knitting/crocheting, books to read. Ziploc bags and plastic grocery store bags for short term storage of wet items and separating the dirty clothes from the clean ones. I don't like to fold my pants so I bring hangers with clips on them to hang the pants by the hem.
Make a list for each person
For the kids, you can probably just use your master list for clothing. Unless your child has a specific clothing need, like diapers, for instance. Making a separate list for each child, for everything else, ensures that you'll remember each one's specific wants and needs. Susie needs her inhaler and Johnny is happiest when he has his train engine to play with.
The secret to making this list work is to write down absolutely everything that you think you might need and to revise it periodically. Add things as soon as you realize you need something. Delete things you no longer require.
My list has changed a lot over the years, partly because the kids are now grown, and also because Señor B and I are doing more international travelling. Just today, I realized that I didn't have "passport" written down. It's there now. My list is in a plastic page protector and lives inside my suitcase so I don't have to hunt for it each time we go somewhere, last year's loss notwithstanding.
So there you have it. Hopefully someone finds all this useful.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
The Packing Begins
Last night I hauled my suitcase up from the basement and started putting things in it. When we came down in Nov, the week prior had been extremely busy for me.
I have a microbusiness selling soap and other bath and body products that I make. I had a major show Nov 6th and we were flying out late that night. Between getting ready for the show and packing, that whole week was complete and utter chaos.
I have a box that is dedicated to things I want to bring down. I had put the girls in charge of adding those items to their suitcases. There were a few things that absolutely had to come down, so I set those aside and told the girls to make sure those items went in. Well, that's what they did. But they didn't add in anything from the box. Which I didn't find out until we were in Progreso. Argh!
After the show, I brought my products home, threw the suitcases into the truck and we headed off to the airport. I didn't have time to see if the girls had packed everything. I thought they had understood my instructions and had packed what they could of what was in the box. But they hadn't.
This coming Sat, I'm selling my products at a show and we leave Sat night. This event isn't as big so I don't have as much prep work. However, I'm being better prepared for our trip this time. I don't want a repeat of last time. 'Course, this time I'm the one doing all the packing rather than relying on someone else so if anything gets forgotten, it's my own fault...lol.
So I've got my suitcase sitting open on the couch and I'll work on it all week instead of scrambling to get it done in an afternoon. I don't know how other people can pack quickly. It takes me all day, even with my packing list. Which I happened to find yesterday. Hurray!!
I have a list that I started way back when the kids were small. I was always forgetting something so I started writing down everything I needed, adding to it as I discovered things that I wished I had thought of. So now I have this very comprehensive list that I pick and choose from, based on where I'm going.
It went missing after we got back from holidays last Jan. I didn't have it when we went in Nov. And, true to form, there were things I forgot. Like a visor. I have 4 or 5 of them because I keep forgetting to bring one and end up having to buy another. It's kind of a running joke between me and Señor B.
I've already put my visor in the suitcase, along with my bathing suit and sandals. Can't think of much else I need...lol.
Six more sleeps. I can't wait!
I have a microbusiness selling soap and other bath and body products that I make. I had a major show Nov 6th and we were flying out late that night. Between getting ready for the show and packing, that whole week was complete and utter chaos.
I have a box that is dedicated to things I want to bring down. I had put the girls in charge of adding those items to their suitcases. There were a few things that absolutely had to come down, so I set those aside and told the girls to make sure those items went in. Well, that's what they did. But they didn't add in anything from the box. Which I didn't find out until we were in Progreso. Argh!
After the show, I brought my products home, threw the suitcases into the truck and we headed off to the airport. I didn't have time to see if the girls had packed everything. I thought they had understood my instructions and had packed what they could of what was in the box. But they hadn't.
This coming Sat, I'm selling my products at a show and we leave Sat night. This event isn't as big so I don't have as much prep work. However, I'm being better prepared for our trip this time. I don't want a repeat of last time. 'Course, this time I'm the one doing all the packing rather than relying on someone else so if anything gets forgotten, it's my own fault...lol.
So I've got my suitcase sitting open on the couch and I'll work on it all week instead of scrambling to get it done in an afternoon. I don't know how other people can pack quickly. It takes me all day, even with my packing list. Which I happened to find yesterday. Hurray!!
I have a list that I started way back when the kids were small. I was always forgetting something so I started writing down everything I needed, adding to it as I discovered things that I wished I had thought of. So now I have this very comprehensive list that I pick and choose from, based on where I'm going.
It went missing after we got back from holidays last Jan. I didn't have it when we went in Nov. And, true to form, there were things I forgot. Like a visor. I have 4 or 5 of them because I keep forgetting to bring one and end up having to buy another. It's kind of a running joke between me and Señor B.
I've already put my visor in the suitcase, along with my bathing suit and sandals. Can't think of much else I need...lol.
Six more sleeps. I can't wait!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Success!
I finally figured out how to create separate albums! I said I needed a 12 year old. Does the fact that I sometimes have the humour of a 12 year old boy count?
BF has a birthday coming up soon and YD decided to make her a collage of some photos from our trip. I saw one with the two of them together and it reminded me of our morning routine. They don't want me to post any pics of them, so I had to pinch this one from Google.
Every morning I would braid their bangs like this. The braid would stay in for 2 days so we alternated days...BF one day and YD the next.
First, we'd eat breakfast and do the dishes. Then I'd do a braid and, while the girls were getting ready for the day, I'd sweep the floor.
I couldn't believe how much sand would blow in. Our big windows face the beach (from which came most of the breezes) and we left them open most of the time. Sweeping the entire condo daily was a necessity.
BF has a birthday coming up soon and YD decided to make her a collage of some photos from our trip. I saw one with the two of them together and it reminded me of our morning routine. They don't want me to post any pics of them, so I had to pinch this one from Google.
First, we'd eat breakfast and do the dishes. Then I'd do a braid and, while the girls were getting ready for the day, I'd sweep the floor.
I couldn't believe how much sand would blow in. Our big windows face the beach (from which came most of the breezes) and we left them open most of the time. Sweeping the entire condo daily was a necessity.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Darned Picasa
I'm trying to figure out how to add pictures to it. I know I've managed a few but I can never remember what I did.
I want to create new albums so I can sort my pictures. I tried the Help and followed the instructions. Something about holding the Ctrl key while selecting the photos I want and then the pictures are supposed to show up in the Photo Tray. Not working. They sure don't make this intuitive, at all.
I need a 12 year old.
I want to create new albums so I can sort my pictures. I tried the Help and followed the instructions. Something about holding the Ctrl key while selecting the photos I want and then the pictures are supposed to show up in the Photo Tray. Not working. They sure don't make this intuitive, at all.
I need a 12 year old.
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