MY TURN

I finally loaded pictures from Mexico. I realized I didn’t take one photo while I was in Puerto Escondido. That’s how lazy I got at that beach town. Also, my camera broke by the time I got to Tulum and Cozumel. I suppose no photos while I was hanging out at the beach.

Here is the link.

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=2AbtXLNq1cMWEr

FYI – Left Seattle/Vancouver and now in NYC. Will be here for about a week. Heading to London on Tuesday.

I came back to the sunny Los Angeles late Thursday night 7/26 via Houston from Cozumel, Mexico.

Before I started my trip, I asked my eldest sister Hershey if it would be okay if I am not home for my beautiful niece Amanda Caitlyne’s baptism. She didn’t respond. I assumed, the answer is NO! How dare I even asked. The perfect little brother that I am, and now the greatest uncle that one can have, came back home. Therefore, my sister didn’t kill me! But joking aside, I really want to be home for the baptism.

Friday was a bit busy, helped out a bit preparing for Amanda’s big day on Saturday. Later at night, I went to a viewing for my distant Aunt. While I was in Mexico, my Aunt Landa passed away from cancer. May she rest in peace. Afterwards, I picked up my other sister Mimilanie at the airport. Her flight was 4-hour delayed. Me and my cousin Marie fell asleep in my car at the airport parking lot. Right when we got a call from sister, we woke up, picked her up, then we went straight to the Indian Casino for old time sake. We all lost fairly quickly and drove home half asleep at 4AM.

Saturday was my nieces christening. Woke up a little late since we chose to gamble instead of sleeping early. The chuch ceremony was really…um.. long. We kept standing.. sitting.. standing again.. sit some more… but overall, it was a good christening. Afterwards, there was a big party at my sister’s house. So much great food. My Mom made most of it. I miss her cooking since I’ve been away for a month. Not sure how I can survive without having my weekly fix of my Mom’s cooking.

The following day I still have family in town. Had lunch and dinner at my grandparents house. It’s always nice to hang out with my family. It never fails to make me feel at home. The following day, I wanted to hang out at the beach. Since my little cousins are off from school for the summer, I took them to the sunny souther California beaches. We drove to Huntington Beach. It’s so nice to go to the beach on a weekday while all my friends are working their butts off at work. Ha! Life is great! Southern California beaches are nice, but not exotic.

I met up with some friends while I was in town. It was a limited engagement. Monday night I realized that I have so much stuff to do before I continue on with my travels. I’m not sure why is that. I mean, if I flew to any parts of the states, but not at home, I wouldn’t be needing to finish so much errands before I go on to my next destination. One of them is to pospone my jury duty until May 2008. One reason why I wanted to be a US Citizen (ya right!). Well, for the people I didn’t end up meeting, as McArthur said to the Pilipino’s, I will be back! When? I guess when I am ready. Ahh!! I have to pack.. or I should say re-pack.

Yes, it’s a really short stay in LaLaland, but it’s always nice to be back home. And guess what, it’s Shark Week on Discovery Channel. Even better!!! I’m getting excited or really scared diving with them in the future. Tomorrow morning, I will fly to Seattle via Las Vegas. Hm… I should really restrain myself from gambling or I will be cutting my trip short.. or if I am lucky.. longer! This leg of my trip is with my family. We will drive to Vancouver sometime this weekend.

FYI – I’m loading my Mexico pictures as I write this blog. Wtf, It’s telling me it will take 7 hours to load 650 pictures onto Shutterfly. There will be a post with the pictures soon.

Ah Tulum.. the place where cabanas along the white sands and warm blue water can be found. I arrived in Tulum late in the afternoon on July 21st. We checked in at a hotel just 1Km from the ruins. We stayed in one of the beach front cabanas. The cabana is pretty basic with mosquito net that can only protect my face. Once we settled in, we walked for about a minute and enjoyed the warm Caribbean water. The water is so pristine… we were in paradise. Although there is a ruin in Tulum, I opted not to go the following day. Beach towns just makes me…um.. lazy… or lazier than usual. I don’t like to do much, other than wake up, eat, and hang out at the beach. It couldn’t be better.. the beach is right there on my face!

The following day I was faced with a decision to either leave Tulum or go to Cozumel. I really like Tulum, but I have been itching to do some diving. I suppose I can dive in Tulum, but Cozumel.. it is world famous. After four hours just lounging on Tulum’s white sands, I came to my senses. I realized I should go to Cozumel so I don’t have to do any moving during last five days I am in Mexico.

The bus ride from Tulum to Playa del Carmen took about an hour. From Playa del Carmen we took a 35 minute ferry to the only Mexican island on the Caribbean sea. We sat on top of the ferry to enjoy the view. Once we arrived, fist thing on my really short to do list is to find a dive shop. Score, the dive shop found me! Right when I got off the boat, there was a man who solicits divers off the ferry. I’m really starting to like this island… everything just comes to me.

The next three days, island life means waking up, go to the dive shop by 9AM, do a two tank dive in the morning, go to the internet café after a dive, make lunch, take a nap, wake up, go back to the dive shop and see about a night dive, dive, eat, drink, sleep.. then repeat. Diving in Cozumel is pretty awesome if you ask me. The reefs and corals, and marine life are first-rate. We saw turtles, lobster, bunch of other fishes, and apparently we were swimming with sharks that I didn’t see. They told me, while I was doing my safety stop, three sharks came. Oh well, there’s plenty of other opportunity on this long trip to dive with sharks. Perhaps in the Read Sea or in Asia.

My days in Mexico is almost over. My flight leaves in about 3 hours (sad face.. ). I will be in Los Angeles until the end of the month. So if you want to hang out with RJ the Great, holler!!!!

In conclusion, you might be wondering what I think about Mexico? It’s an interesting place. It’s a place where everything is possible.. where you just ask, and pay, and anything can be arranged. A lot of times, I am taken aback with what I see in front of me that leads me to a non-stop hysterical laughter. Also, at times, I am in awe by the beauty of the architecture, natural wonders, and cultures of the town and places that I am passing through. And yes, the ruins. Mexico has a lot of them. It fascinates me to be in an old city like Chichin Itza and Palenque. It’s fascinating to be in a historical place, and have a glimpse of how life must have been like thousands of years ago. Finally the beaches. The beaches and diving in Mexico is fantastic! Pick one, on a given day do you want to dive and or swim at the Pacific, Gulf of Mexico or the Caribbean Sea.. how cool is that.

Viva Mexico!!!

Campeche.. such a pretty place next to the Gulf of Mexico. I arrived in Campeche half past three in the morning of July 18th. I hung out at the bus station for thirty minutes trying to figure out where I will check myself into. I then found the courage to take a taxi and head to the city center. When I arrived, the cathedral was bright and the zocolo was completely empty. It was absolutely stunning. What a Kodak moment! I didn’t even have to ask people to move to get a clean shot…

The hostel I stayed in is located in the heart of zocolo. At the roof, you get the million dollar view of the town, and three blocks east you can find the Gulf of Mexico. I arrived at the hostel at 4AM. The reception fellow insisted to check me in for the 17th and not the 18th. He claimed he can only check me in for the 18th unless I come in after 6AM. I then asked him if I can sleep on the hammock until 6AM. I’m not about to pay for an extra night! He said NO! Give me a break. We argued for a bit, then I won! I always win! Perfect, I now get 2 nights for the price of 1.

During the day, I went to check out the Cathedral. I learned that most of the saint statues dates back from the 16th century. I then walked across zocolo to check out Casa 6. Casa 6 showcases the lifestyle of the people in Campeche in the 18th century. After much walking around the historical center, I called it quits and head back to my dormitory for a little siesta.

Once I woke up, I run into Beat, a Swiss whom I stayed with in the same hostel in Oaxaca City and Puerto Escondido. The following day, we both checked out San Miguel Fortress. The fort was located on top of the hill. The colectivo dropped us off at the bottom of the hill. We then have to hike up which was painful under the mid-day sun. We thought, why not try to hitch a ride up the hill. With our good luck, a guy driving a Dodge Ram was nice enough to let us in the back of his truck. Score! The fort has an amazing view of the Gulf and the entire city. It also houses an archeological artifacts, and iguanas that roam around the yard. After, we headed back to the city center and checked out the botanical garden. The garden was really small, and they were charging 20-peso to smell the plants. Ya right! I don´t need to smell plants for $2 (maybe if we can smoke it I’ll pay – joke!). Baet and I left Campeche the same day to Merida.

We arrived in Merida late in the afternoon. We checked in and walked around the city for at least 3 hours. I like walking around a new place (weather permitting of course). You get to see things that you don’t normally see while riding in a taxi or taking a bus. There´s a lot more going on in Merida. That evening, there were traditional dances being performed at zocolo. After, we headed back to the hostel with our litre of beer. Again, we run into to a brother and sister team from Monterrey. They were in my dorm in Campeche. Gabby just cracks everyone up. She is from Mexico who jokingly hates on Mexicans and Mexico, and gringos in general. It was a funny night.

The following day, Baet and I took a bus to Chichin Itza. Just recently, Chichin Itza was named one of the new 7 wonders of the world. According to my research, Chichen Itza rose to regional prominence towards the end of the early classic period. That´s right, it was long time ago. I´ve seen four ruins since I’ve been here in Mexico, but I can honestly say that Chichin Itza is by far the best. The only downfall visiting Chichin Itza is the amount of people on the ground. It was a circus!

After exploring the ruins, we took the 2nd class bus to the next town of Villadolid. Villadolid is a small place with an easy place of life. It is the place to get to know the real Yucatan as they say. When we arrived, the hostel was full and we were left searching for accommodation while it was pouring rain. We saw a sign for 100-peso for 2-bed room. It sounded so cheap, and too good to be true. When we were inquiring about the room, we knocked and an elderly, fat, blind, shirtless man opened the door. I was seriously freaked out! He spoke to us in good English with his raspy voice. We wanted to see the room first before we pay, but the hotel was 6 blocks away. We then risked it and paid the 100-peso with a chance that we will be staying in a dungeon. At the end, it all worked out. The room was clean with two beds, an AC that we were instructed not to turn on since we only paid for the fan (ya, i´m really not going to turn that on now!). Score!

Today, we visited three underground Cenotes. We first visited Cenote Dzitnup, which was located 7 km from the city center. Inside, there was a massive limestone formation dripping with stalactites hangs from its ceiling. I then jumped in the water to swin with the underground fishes. Afterwards, we walked for a short time to see Cenote Samula, which is a lovely cavern pool with alamo roots stretching down meters from the middle of the ceiling. After swimming a bit, we tried to hitch a ride hack to town, but after about 20 minutes in the sun, we opted to take the taxi. We then headed to Cenote Zaci, which was set in a park with a zoo. Although swimming was not allowed in Zaci, the sight was still gorgeous to see.

We’ve been waiting to catch our bus to Tulum the last 2 hours. The earlier busses were full. BTW, my camera broke! Oh well… it could be worsed!

After over 13 hours sitting in a bus (first class mind you!) from Puerto Escondido I arrived in San Cristóbal de las Casas early in the morning on July 14th. My friend Ambien made the bus ride tolerable.

San Cristobal is a beautiful place. It is located in the central highlands (2,100 metres) in the state of Chiapas. Coming from coastal region of Oaxaca, the weather in San Cristobal is almost refreshing. I don’t sweat just by typing a blog. It’s actually cold.

San Cristobal is a nice walking city. Like any other Mexican town, the heart of the city lies in the center where the cathedral is located. There are many arts and crafts that are sold on the streets. Additionally, the state of Chiapas is known for its coffee. In the afternoon, I checked out the Museum of Coffee. I can almost taste the smell of coffee throughout the place. After I learned much of the states coffee production and its history, it is almost impossible not to have a cup of freshly brewed organic coffee at the museum cafe. At night, a film about the economics of maize was projected to the outside wall of the church. Or at least that is what I got from the film. There is something magical about this place. It is very different than the other places I have seen in this country.

The following day, I walked towards the main market where I took a colectivo to San Juan Chamula. The town is located 10 km from San Cristobal where indigenous Tzotzil Maya people still lives. Another traveler once told me about a church in Chamula where Maya religion are mixed with the catholic faith. The church is not huge, but let me tell you, it’s too interesting to pass on. Inside the church, there were people kneeling and hymning, and dried grass was scattered all over tiled floor. In addition, there must have been hundreds of candles lit up. For the curious, I witnessed a man sacrificing a live chicken while he hymns in Tzotil. With his bare hands, he broke the chicken’s neck and patiently waited for the chicken to die.

I have been hanging out with Adrianne and Mark since we left Oaxaca City. We’re supposed to meet up at the posada that I was staying since I got there a day before they did. Apparently, there were two posada´s with same name – one is new and one is old. They checked into the newer and more expensive one, and I was stuck in the older, cheaper, shack. I’m not kidding; the cabana that I slept in could fall apart in a magnitude -0.1 earthquake. I suppose you get what you pay for.

I left San Cristobal to go to Palenque. I always find it difficult to make decisions while traveling. Should I leave today or spend one more night? Should I take first class or the second class bus? And – where should I go next? Too many decisions! What I dislike the most is arriving in an unknown place at night without any reservations where I will be staying. I arrived in Palenque at 9:30PM. Originally, I wanted to stay outside town in El Pachan on the road to the ruins. Under the circumstances, I didn’t find the energy to read up and ask in my broken Spanish how to get to El Pachan from center late at night.

This morning, I went to visit the ruins in Palenque. Ancient Palenque stands at the precise point where the first hills rise out of the Gulf Coast plain. The ruin is covered by dense rainforest. Only about 10% of the ruin is excavated. I can’t even imagine visiting all 100% of the ancient city in this hot humid weather. 10% is big enough for me! What makes the visit more interesting is that from a distance, I can hear howler monkeys screaming their brains out at each other.

I just got back from the river in Natutun. Swam for couple hours. It’s nice to find a relief from this really hot day. Anyways, there’s not much in Palenque after the ruins and the river. At least for me. I supose I can go to the falls, but it is far. I am leaving the state of Chiapas and heading to Campeche tonight.

I arrived in Puerto Escondido on Friday, July 6 via Pachutla. From Oaxaca City to Pachutla the ride took about 7hrs via the mountainous region of Oaxaca. Someone told me it was over 3,000 metres. Not sure if that was true. From Pachutla to Puerto Escondido I got in a colectivo that took another hour. That day was just so exhausting. It’s a hard life traveling….

When I arrived in Puerto Escondido, I got off the bus. I realized I got off at the wrong side of town. As I was walking, I was drenched in sweat looking like the lost tourist in an unknown town. I was getting frustrated and I finally asked for directions from a guy name Mario who was sitting in an empty restaurant. He said where I was going was “muy complicado.” He then grabbed his keys and drove me to Hotel Mayflower in his beat up bug. Very nice people here in Mexico!!!

I’ve been doing a lot of hanging out here in Puerto Escondido. A day in a life in this beach town of Mexico is: Wake up, make some breakfast, return the last beer bottle to the store for 5-peso, go straight to the beach, go back to the hostel, make lunch, hang out for a bit, go with other folks to the beach, go back to the hostel, make dinner, grab a 1.2 litre of beer, drink…, return the bottle where you bought the beer for a 5-peso rebate, then get another 1.2 liter of Sol… then repeat… I can get use to this lifestyle. This place just sucks everyone in…..

I’m almost done with my PADI. I finished watching the videos. Read the entire scuba diving book (ya right!). And finished my fourth dive today. Woohoo. By the end of this, I should be the DiveMeister!!! At first, breathing underwater is a little weird, especially if you’re still hung over from the night before. But, I was excited to learn. I was so excited, during my confine dive in the swimming pool; I jumped in the pool with a pack of cigarettes tucked underneath my wet suit. There go my 20-pesos….

The only problem I have with Puerto Escondido is the weather. It’s just too humid here. I shouldn’t be complaining. It’s still better than being stuck in an office plugging away numbers and pretending to be busy. ahhaha…(i did lots!). I’m definitely getting used to this lifestyle… how my biggest worry is what I will have for dinner and what kind of Mexican beer should I have for the evening. Let me tell you, it’s awesome.

I hope to leave Puerto Escondido by this weekend. We will have to wait and see about that. If I make it out of here, my next destination is San Cristobal.

I promise to load some pictures soon…..

I arrived in Oaxaca City late Wednesday afternoon (4th of July). When I checked in the hostel Independence Day was being shown.

The bus ride from Puebla to Oaxaca City was very scenic. It was a fine day being in bus. Gorgeous mountains can be seen from afar, and cliffs that made me hold on to my seat so tight that my hand started to hurt.

I just took it easy the first night. It was pouring rain. I hate the rain, however it clears up the air.

The following day, I woke up early to visit the ancient Zopotec capital of Monte Alban. The ruin lies on top of the flattened hilltop with a 360-degrees view of four valleys. The view was heavenly.

I run into a Antoine from France on the way up to the ruins. We stayed in the same hostel in Puebla. I also run into a couple from Slovenia who were in the same bus with me from Puebla to Oaxaca. It seems like everyone is heading towards south of Mexico. It is nice to run into other travelers whom I’ve met in different places.

After three hours of walking throughout the massive ruins, we were craving some traditional Oaxacan meal. I ordered Oaxacan negra mole for which the state is very famous for. It was delicious.

Oaxaca is also famous for its chocolate. I went into one of the famous chocolate houses in the historical district. The store makes chocolate in house. The smell of chocolate is so strong I went ahead and ordered a cup of traditional chocolate drink. Right when I was enjoying my rich chocolate drink, the ground started to shake. Everyone started looking up the ceiling while the chandelier sways back and forth. Indeed, there was a 6.1 magnitude earthquake centered in Chiapas state capital of Tuxtla. Obviously I’m fine and unaffected by the quake. I wouldn’t be writing this blog otherwise.

I’m heading towards the coast to Huatulco in couple hours that will eventually lead me to the surf capital of Puerto Escondido by the weekend.

Hmm… Puebla… it´s where Mexico won the battle against France almost by default. Most of the French army was handicapped by diarrhea. Hence, the Mexican’s won the battle. Hey, it gives all of us a reason to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.

Being facetious aside, Puebla is a beautiful place. There are 70-churches in the city and thousands of colonial buildings connected by cobblestone streets. Puebla´s city center is inscribed by Unesco as a World Heritage Site.

I arrive early yesterday and sad to say I can only stay here for two nights. I am staying around zocolo, two blocks east of Cinco de Mayo Ave. I´m am beginning to love zocolo. A sense of community is very transparent. It’s where people go.

I´ve been in luck with my arrival in Pueblo. Yesterday, I checked out Museo Amparo which displays pre-Hispanic and colonial arts (free Mondays). It got even better. I found out that most museums are free on Tuesdays. Score! Today, I saw five museums for free. It cannot get any better than that. I also visited Puebla´s impressive Cathedral which is the face of the Mexican 500-peso bill. I´m feeling holier day-by-day here in Mexico. I suppose by the time I leave a halo should encircle the top of my head.

Earlier today I was trying to plan my day. As I sat on one of the benches in zocolo an elderly man approached me. He showed me his card that he works for the church which makes me feel at ease (I should be unless he’s a priest – kidding!). He kept talking to me and I just kept saying Si.. si si.. I really wish I speak the language. He gave me his address and phone number and invited me to come over to eat. I´m probably not going since he live far from where I am staying. But I must say, people here are very kind.

When I was walking along Cinco de Mayo Ave. I saw a store that is selling rotisserie whole chicken and drumsticks. I then paid 10-pesos for 5-chicken legs and bought some bread to eat it with. When I opened my bag, what I thought was drumsticks were actually chicken neck with the head still attached. I was not happy to say the least!

I head to Oaxaca City tomorrow. A short stay again. I’m trying to get to Oaxaca coast hopefully by this weekend.

Let’s start with the most cliché of all, but as Mark Twain puts it “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” Indeed, I have in fact started my round the world.

I am now in Mexico City. I am staying just east of Palacio National in Zocalo which translates to a central square or plaza. Right at the center of the square is probably the biggest Mexican flag that I have ever seen in my life. Just east of the square is the Metropolitan Cathedral. I attended a mass at the Cathedral which makes my mother proud.

It has been a very eventful four days in the third largest city in the world. I took it easy the first day. It’s always nice to take it slow after arriving at a new place. Catch my breath in a way.

I visited Teotihuacan pyramids. The ruins is vast. Although there are many steps that leads to the top, it is definitely worth the labor. I sat on top of the Pyramid of the Sun and enjoyed the magical view of the valley.

Watched Mexican wrestling. It was the real Nacho Libre. It was comical the least. Mystico lost. Every Mexican at the venue was heartbroken.

Friday night I went partying at a club for the first time in Mexico City. It was interesting partying with Mexican tunes. I walked back to my hostel at 4:30 in the morning after partying. I never felt threatened here, I actually feel safe. I hope I’m not talking prematurely.

I went to the massive Museo National de Anthropologia. Going to a museum and trying to culture myself after a long night of partying is not fun. I was so tired I actually took a nap in one of the rooms showing a video about Mayan cultures. The video was very informative for the most part.

After my nap I took the metro towards Condesa neighborhood. I like Condesa, it has a very cool vibe to it. I had a cup of coffee in one of the cafes and just relaxed.

Earlier today I checked out Xochimilco’s Floating Gardens. Long before the Spaniards came to Mexico, there was a lake called Lago Texcoco in the valley where Mexico City now lies. The lake has been drained and the Aztecs dug a series of canals and piled mud’s creating floating islands called chinampas. I took a gondola ride along the canals. The sight was interesting. Vendors in their boats selling tacos, beers and snacks, as well as a boat of musicians playing mariachi music.

A trip to Mexico City is not complete without seeing arts by Diego Rivera. I went to the Dolores Olmedo Patino Museum in Xochimilco. Apparently, the hacienda houses the most important collection of Rivera. Her collection also includes arts by Frida Kahlo and Agelina Beloff, as well as an extensive collection of pre-Hispanic pieces and Mexican folk art. The museum didn’t disappoint. Dolores as I call her lived a very lavish life. The yard is full of peacocks and hairless Mexican dogs roaming the courtyard.

It rained three of the four days that I have been in Mexico City. I hate the rain. I always tell people that I have seasonal depression. Rain just depresses me. What happened to the summer that I came for?

One thing that I noticed in Mexico City is that there are so many blind people. I was hanging out waiting for couple friends in front of the hostel and I literally saw two blind men walked into each other. I just started laughing. I know its not funny, but how can I not laugh.

I really like Mexico City. How can you not like a city that has an extensive subway system (it is the cheapest in the world – dos pesos per ride mi amigo!), street food that does not upset my fragile stomach (50 cents per tacos or if you like just cheese taco 5 for $1), locals who are helpful and friendly even if I try to converse back using my 3-years of high school Spanish (thank you Mr. Andrade, Mrs Costales and Miss Fokuda for teaching me Hola, Cuanto questas? Donde es something, and the most useful Gracias – those phrases is for survival!).

Obviously there are just too much things to do in Mexico City. Unfortunately I can’t do or see them all. It has been fun. Mexico City is Beautiful. Tomorrow I will travel to Puebla.

I finally moved all my stuff into my parent’s garage. Hopefully, all my worldly possessions will stay safe there until I return. When? Not quite sure – I suppose when the funds run dry.

Tomorrow is my last day being employed. I will them put my career on hold for a bit. It’s nice not to be employed (not from cash flow perspective), but the fact that I don’t have to deal with anyone. I report to myself – how is that for a living! Now I understand why people want to own their company. Hopefully, after all this traveling that one magical idea will come to me. We all just need one!!!

Saturday, I was talking to my dearest Mother. She said I should only travel for two months. If I do, what’s the point? Two months is the new two weeks.

This past weekend, it finally hit me that I will be traveling extensively. It freaked me out a bit. It reminds me when I was about to embark on my first solo trip back in 2003. Being scared is a big part of not knowing what lies ahead. But the beauty of it is the ability to find the courage to still do it – I will never know if I stay scared.

The questions that hunts me are – can I actually do this? Is it safe to go to some of the places that I’m going? What am I going to do when I come back? – Yes, I’ve done it before (but not for this long); the world will never be 100% safe, but people still travel to these places; ask me when I come back!

I remember two years ago when the idea of traveling for a long period of time came about. I thought it was a calling of some sort. Now it’s actually going to happen. One of my favorite quote is from the book the Alchemist by Paulo Coelho “if you really want something, the whole world will conspire to help you.”

2-more days until I fly to Mexico City…..