It's Monday morning and I have had a very good night's sleep in my own bed.
I am sitting on my own sofa, with my own coffee, typing on my own Chromebook in my own home. The sounds I hear through the open windows are birds, bugs and tree frogs rather than the ocean waves upon the beach. It's about 60F (15.5C) and feels like fall is fast approaching.
The lawn needs to be mowed and there is a huge pile of vacation laundry to take care of. I took a pork roast out of the freezer last night because there is no buffet nor restaurant that I can just walk into and out of for dinner tonight. I'll have to make a store run today for some fresh produce to go with our roast.
Although vacation was wonderful and I could get used to living this life in that place, this is the place and this is my life.
I'll get out and walk through my town today.
I'll have a chance to speak with my neighbors (maybe).
I'll prepare dinner in my kitchen and eat at my table.
It seems like a pretty simple and humble life...
...and it is -- in our culture.
But to have a home the size of our home for the two of us, to own two cars and a beat up old motorcycle (plus bicycles), to have a freezer full of meat, canned goods in the pantry and the ability to buy fresh produce as we need it, to have internet service at home (or in my pocket on a smart phone) or just to have the ability to be able to relax with my Chromebook or a real book -- is a grand luxury that many do not have.
When it's hot outside, our home is cool. When it's cold outside, our home is warm.
To much of the world, we are stinking rich!
When leaving a normal tip at a restaurant can equal the server's daily pay -- well, it's no wonder they think we are rich!
Maybe it's time that we stopped looking at those that have more and feeling like we don't have enough and start looking at those that have less and realize how rich we truly are. What would happen if we stopped trying to get more and started trying to give more?
Last week I saw a small team of men working to remove a downed tree next to the road ... with axes!
It was 90F (32C) and humid and they were taking turns with axes--not chainsaws, axes!
I saw a man edging the lawn around the hotel walkways with hand clippers instead of a gas powered weed eater.
We (in the US) sometimes view the Mexican people as lazy and think that they come here for the handouts. I think that they are very hard working and come here for the opportunities. I do think that the problem of those that are here illegally needs to be addressed. I spoke with one Mexican man (that has been here legally many years ago) that sees the number of illegal immigrants as an embarrassment to the Mexican people. He agrees with Donald Trump that they need to be deported! Even though he agreed that the Mexican system is very corrupt and getting legal documentation to get into the US can be very expensive, he sees that as a problem the Mexicans need to deal with and correct rather than skipping it altogether and crossing the border illegally.
I have talked with Mexicans (in Mexico) that have been to the US both legally and illegally. I see that the biggest hurdles to coming legally are the money and the long wait. Because there are so very many that want to come to our great country for the many opportunities that are here, those corrupt officials (and they are all corrupt) both accept and demand large amounts of money to move people to the front of the line and process the documents necessary to cross legally.
The man that I spoke with about the corruption agreed that there is also corruption in the USA but said it is different in Mexico. He said in Mexico it is all out in the open. Everybody knows that it exists and it is a way of life. People in positions of power expect people to pay for service and the people know that to get anything done, it will cost them. The more money you have, the faster you are taken care of. It's like that here, too, but here it is more under the table and open bribery is frowned upon.
In any case...
Today I'm going to chose to be thankful for the riches that I have and not be covetous of the things that I don't have (Except for a bigger motorcycle. I reserve the right to want a bigger motorcycle!).
Be thankful for the things that you have and know that many people consider you to be rich!
And you probably are!
John <><
Monday, September 14, 2015
Saturday, September 12, 2015
Adios, Ixtapa!
We are sitting in the lobby of the Sunscape Dorado. We have had our final walk on the beach, dip on the pool, checked out of our room and have a short wait before heading to the airport.
Although the stay was short, I think Chris is ready to be home with her cats and her normal routine. I could stay and find a new routine!
I think that a third trip to Ixtapa will probably find us at a different resort, perhaps closer to the marina or maybe in Zihuatanejo. Also, we may prefer an all adult resort.
Actually, I'm ready for a new routine at home. The past month I took some time off from walking and exercise. It's time to start back at it. I really need to get started earlier in the day with my routine. Early exercise seems to set the energy and mood for the whole day.
Also, I've decided that my Spanish is horrible! If we are going to continue to travel to Spanish speaking countries, I really need to learn the language. I had a good time speaking with another guest at the hotel. He was a Mexican wanting to practice his English and I needed to practice my Spanish. So he spoke in broken English and I spoke in broken Spanish. I think we both enjoyed it.
It's been a good week.
St. Louis tonight.
Home tomorrow.
Life goes on.
John <><
Although the stay was short, I think Chris is ready to be home with her cats and her normal routine. I could stay and find a new routine!
I think that a third trip to Ixtapa will probably find us at a different resort, perhaps closer to the marina or maybe in Zihuatanejo. Also, we may prefer an all adult resort.
Actually, I'm ready for a new routine at home. The past month I took some time off from walking and exercise. It's time to start back at it. I really need to get started earlier in the day with my routine. Early exercise seems to set the energy and mood for the whole day.
Also, I've decided that my Spanish is horrible! If we are going to continue to travel to Spanish speaking countries, I really need to learn the language. I had a good time speaking with another guest at the hotel. He was a Mexican wanting to practice his English and I needed to practice my Spanish. So he spoke in broken English and I spoke in broken Spanish. I think we both enjoyed it.
It's been a good week.
St. Louis tonight.
Home tomorrow.
Life goes on.
John <><
Friday, September 11, 2015
Remember...
Fourteen years ago today, I was at work...not work as an air traffic controller, I was working on my day off at the magic shop in Silver Dollar City. I was not one of the unsung controllers that did the unthinkable that day as they guided 4000+ flights to land at unscheduled airports and cleared the busiest airspace in the world (without plans nor procedures) in less than two hours.
I was in a mini-time warp. To keep with the time period theme of Silver Dollar City, there are no radios anywhere in the park. They don't even allow employees to wear wrist watches as they weren't in existence at the time of the park's setting.
We had heard from our guests some of what was going on in the real world, but most of them were on vacation and hadn't really heard, either. By the time I got home that evening and found out what had taken place, the search and rescue efforts were underway and Americans from across the country were glued to their TVs. I found out that the kids had been watching much of the coverage throughout the day at school and so we made the decision to keep the TV set off for the rest of the night. At 12 and 9, we felt that they had seen enough for the day.
It wasn't until the following morning that I saw any of the video of what had taken place.
Looking back from today, the thing that I remember is that in an instant, we became the UNITED States of America!
On that day, there wasn't a white America nor a black America. There wasn't a Christian America and a non-Christian America. There wasn't even a rich America and a poor America.
There were Americans in need and there were Americans helping. There were allies from around the world sending aid.
WE had been attacked by terrorists.
WE were united in our resolve.
WE acted as one, The United States of America.
For many months after that day, there was a sense of patriotism that was for all of us. It wasn't conservative patriotism nor liberal patriotism. It was more than a love of our country; it was also a love of our fellow countrymen.
Many people turned to God -- seeking answers.
Many turned away from God -- asking "Why?"
I wonder...
Do we need a common enemy from outside of our country in order to stop fighting among ourselves?
Do we need chaos in our lives to bring about order in our government.
Do we need a responsibility so much greater than ourselves in order for our government representatives to quit acting like a bunch of fighting, irresponsible schoolyard bullies and actually do the jobs they've been sent to do?
I am distressed that we can call today Patriot Day and yet be a country that is so divided.
We are red states and blue states.
We are conservatives and liberals.
We are religious and non-religious.
We are rich and poor.
We are a nation that fights among ourselves.
How is that patriotic?
If you want to remember something about this day and this country, remember this:
We are the United States of America.
Millions of people in the world want to live here and have the blessed life that we have.
Anyone that wants to leave is free to leave...but few make that choice.
Some hate us because of our freedoms and they fear us.
They will choose to attack us again because our love of our freedom is something that they cannot understand nor tolerate.
We must prevail.
We are the United States of America.
John <><
I was in a mini-time warp. To keep with the time period theme of Silver Dollar City, there are no radios anywhere in the park. They don't even allow employees to wear wrist watches as they weren't in existence at the time of the park's setting.
We had heard from our guests some of what was going on in the real world, but most of them were on vacation and hadn't really heard, either. By the time I got home that evening and found out what had taken place, the search and rescue efforts were underway and Americans from across the country were glued to their TVs. I found out that the kids had been watching much of the coverage throughout the day at school and so we made the decision to keep the TV set off for the rest of the night. At 12 and 9, we felt that they had seen enough for the day.
It wasn't until the following morning that I saw any of the video of what had taken place.
Looking back from today, the thing that I remember is that in an instant, we became the UNITED States of America!
On that day, there wasn't a white America nor a black America. There wasn't a Christian America and a non-Christian America. There wasn't even a rich America and a poor America.
There were Americans in need and there were Americans helping. There were allies from around the world sending aid.
WE had been attacked by terrorists.
WE were united in our resolve.
WE acted as one, The United States of America.
For many months after that day, there was a sense of patriotism that was for all of us. It wasn't conservative patriotism nor liberal patriotism. It was more than a love of our country; it was also a love of our fellow countrymen.
Many people turned to God -- seeking answers.
Many turned away from God -- asking "Why?"
I wonder...
Do we need a common enemy from outside of our country in order to stop fighting among ourselves?
Do we need chaos in our lives to bring about order in our government.
Do we need a responsibility so much greater than ourselves in order for our government representatives to quit acting like a bunch of fighting, irresponsible schoolyard bullies and actually do the jobs they've been sent to do?
I am distressed that we can call today Patriot Day and yet be a country that is so divided.
We are red states and blue states.
We are conservatives and liberals.
We are religious and non-religious.
We are rich and poor.
We are a nation that fights among ourselves.
How is that patriotic?
If you want to remember something about this day and this country, remember this:
We are the United States of America.
Millions of people in the world want to live here and have the blessed life that we have.
Anyone that wants to leave is free to leave...but few make that choice.
Some hate us because of our freedoms and they fear us.
They will choose to attack us again because our love of our freedom is something that they cannot understand nor tolerate.
We must prevail.
We are the United States of America.
John <><
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Breakfast at Sunscape Dorado Pacifico Ixtapa
Just a quick note before heading off on our excursion to Ixtapa Island.
I arrived at breakfast this morning and was seated to a table as usual. I turned my coffee cup upright to indicate that I wanted some and headed to the the grill to get my huevos fritos (fried eggs). I waved to Benito as I passed by and gave him a cheery "Buenas dias!"
When I returned to my table, not only was my coffee cup filled, but there was a plate of breads and a bowl of some hot green salsa!
I don't remember saying anything about liking hot, spicy foods. Yesterday, he brought a bowl of the salsa to the table and I added it to my eggs. It was very good, indeed. I really like the service here. In truth, the food is pretty average. Oh, don't get me wrong--we are really enjoying ourselves, but it is low season and the selections are limited.
But the service! Oh my, it is wonderful. Alicea has been our server a couple of times in the evening. She speaks English pretty well in comparison to most of the workers and is very friendly and extremely attentive. The hostesses (Estephani and Ana ?) always have a smile and are friendly, often remembering our room number without asking (Is that a good thing?).
As I have said, this is certainly not the nicest resort that we have been to, but it might just have the most friendly and attentive staff!
Well, it is time to begin our day of relaxing on the beaches of Ixtapa Island.
Be well,
John <><
I arrived at breakfast this morning and was seated to a table as usual. I turned my coffee cup upright to indicate that I wanted some and headed to the the grill to get my huevos fritos (fried eggs). I waved to Benito as I passed by and gave him a cheery "Buenas dias!"
When I returned to my table, not only was my coffee cup filled, but there was a plate of breads and a bowl of some hot green salsa!
I don't remember saying anything about liking hot, spicy foods. Yesterday, he brought a bowl of the salsa to the table and I added it to my eggs. It was very good, indeed. I really like the service here. In truth, the food is pretty average. Oh, don't get me wrong--we are really enjoying ourselves, but it is low season and the selections are limited.
But the service! Oh my, it is wonderful. Alicea has been our server a couple of times in the evening. She speaks English pretty well in comparison to most of the workers and is very friendly and extremely attentive. The hostesses (Estephani and Ana ?) always have a smile and are friendly, often remembering our room number without asking (Is that a good thing?).
As I have said, this is certainly not the nicest resort that we have been to, but it might just have the most friendly and attentive staff!
Well, it is time to begin our day of relaxing on the beaches of Ixtapa Island.
Be well,
John <><
Wednesday, September 09, 2015
Miercoles
It is late in the afternoon on Wednesday and we are back at our resort in Ixtapa after spending the morning in Zihuatanejo. I bought some locally grown organic coffee (1kg, enough to share with Hannnah), Mexican vanilla (for us and a friend) and Chris also bought some sea salt.
We paused for refreshments at a restaurant near the marina and enjoyed the quiet breeze and the gentle waves just a few meters from our table. It was relaxing enough that we were back there for lunch an hour or so later. I had the fish tacos (mahi-mahi) and Chris had the coconut shrimp.
Oh. My. Goodness!
I have not had fish tacos nor coconut shrimp like this anywhere in the US!
Our waiter (Johnny) was very good and directed us to several shops (on our first visit) and told us much about the area and about himself.
He spent 4 years living with cousins in San Diego on a work visa but really loves his home. He has a child from his youth that he sees every day and has custody of on the weekends and will be getting married in December. He pointed out the area where many retired Americans and Canadians live and told us of the communities and costs of living there.
The ocean waves were much more calm in the bay than at the resort and I could really get used to living here. Now we are relaxing by the pool and by the beach and just had another very interesting conversation with a Mexican professional and his views on the current state of affairs in Mexico and the issue of Mexican immigrants to the USA. I'll post more on that after we get back and I've had time to process our conversation.
For now I'm going to enjoy this cigar, lounge by the beach and relax before dinner. I hope that your day has been as grand as mine (although I seriously doubt it!).
John <><
We paused for refreshments at a restaurant near the marina and enjoyed the quiet breeze and the gentle waves just a few meters from our table. It was relaxing enough that we were back there for lunch an hour or so later. I had the fish tacos (mahi-mahi) and Chris had the coconut shrimp.
Oh. My. Goodness!
I have not had fish tacos nor coconut shrimp like this anywhere in the US!
Our waiter (Johnny) was very good and directed us to several shops (on our first visit) and told us much about the area and about himself.
He spent 4 years living with cousins in San Diego on a work visa but really loves his home. He has a child from his youth that he sees every day and has custody of on the weekends and will be getting married in December. He pointed out the area where many retired Americans and Canadians live and told us of the communities and costs of living there.
The ocean waves were much more calm in the bay than at the resort and I could really get used to living here. Now we are relaxing by the pool and by the beach and just had another very interesting conversation with a Mexican professional and his views on the current state of affairs in Mexico and the issue of Mexican immigrants to the USA. I'll post more on that after we get back and I've had time to process our conversation.
For now I'm going to enjoy this cigar, lounge by the beach and relax before dinner. I hope that your day has been as grand as mine (although I seriously doubt it!).
John <><
Tuesday, September 08, 2015
Another Day in Paradise!
It looks like another beautiful day in paradise!
The sun is shining. The waves are crashing the beach. The coffee is good.
And I am relaxing at the keyboard while Chris is off to her morning long spa treatment.
Although it has been hot and humid, there is always a breeze at the beach and a cool drink at hand (other than my morning coffee). We took a walk through the shops of Ixtapa yesterday afternoon and will plan a morning trip into Zihautanejo later in the week. We will also take an excursion to Ixtapa Island on Thursday or Friday.
I slept very well last night and feel more rested today than I have felt in quite sometime.
The resort is relatively empty and life is moving at a much slower pace. I know that I could get used to this.
No. I don't think that I would get bored living life on the beach.
I've been reading (more about the book I just finished in another post) and writing. I haven't done much walking or running on the beach other than the occasional stroll with Chris, nor did I take the morning bicycle ride to the marina this morning. But I am sure that if I lived here, I would make those things a part of my daily routine.
Again, my friendly waiter Benito is keeping my coffee cup filled as I blog and he just stopped by with a fresh glass of ice water.
I suppose it is time to find a spot near the pool with a great view of the beach.
Where ever you are, whatever you are doing -- have a grand day!
John <><
The sun is shining. The waves are crashing the beach. The coffee is good.
And I am relaxing at the keyboard while Chris is off to her morning long spa treatment.
Although it has been hot and humid, there is always a breeze at the beach and a cool drink at hand (other than my morning coffee). We took a walk through the shops of Ixtapa yesterday afternoon and will plan a morning trip into Zihautanejo later in the week. We will also take an excursion to Ixtapa Island on Thursday or Friday.
I slept very well last night and feel more rested today than I have felt in quite sometime.
The resort is relatively empty and life is moving at a much slower pace. I know that I could get used to this.
No. I don't think that I would get bored living life on the beach.
I've been reading (more about the book I just finished in another post) and writing. I haven't done much walking or running on the beach other than the occasional stroll with Chris, nor did I take the morning bicycle ride to the marina this morning. But I am sure that if I lived here, I would make those things a part of my daily routine.
Again, my friendly waiter Benito is keeping my coffee cup filled as I blog and he just stopped by with a fresh glass of ice water.
I suppose it is time to find a spot near the pool with a great view of the beach.
Where ever you are, whatever you are doing -- have a grand day!
John <><
Monday, September 07, 2015
There's a Storm a Brewin'!
There are both advantages and disadvantages to traveling in the off peak times or low seasons. High on my list of the advantages are fewer people. (That's the introvert in me.) Although the resort was full over the weekend, it is rather quiet this morning and I expect that it will be through out the week. Also on that list is the relative cost is a little less.
On the disadvantage list is that there are fewer options for dining in the resort. Also some of the activities are limited by either time or availability.
Another disadvantage to traveling in the peak of the rainy season is ... well, the rain! It has rained a little during the afternoon of our arrival (Saturday) and for much of the late afternoon and evening on Sunday. This morning's western sky (and the weather forecast) would indicate that there is more rain on the way for today.
The little rain hasn't kept us from enjoying the beach or from taking a Sunday afternoon stroll around the (mostly closed) shops near the resort. Today will be another day of just relaxing, avoiding the rain, and enjoying our time away from home.
Benito is doing a fine job of keeping my coffee cup filled as I blog at the breakfast buffet this morning. I think maybe it's time for a small pastry to go with my fresh cup of coffee!
John <><
On the disadvantage list is that there are fewer options for dining in the resort. Also some of the activities are limited by either time or availability.
Another disadvantage to traveling in the peak of the rainy season is ... well, the rain! It has rained a little during the afternoon of our arrival (Saturday) and for much of the late afternoon and evening on Sunday. This morning's western sky (and the weather forecast) would indicate that there is more rain on the way for today.
The little rain hasn't kept us from enjoying the beach or from taking a Sunday afternoon stroll around the (mostly closed) shops near the resort. Today will be another day of just relaxing, avoiding the rain, and enjoying our time away from home.
Benito is doing a fine job of keeping my coffee cup filled as I blog at the breakfast buffet this morning. I think maybe it's time for a small pastry to go with my fresh cup of coffee!
John <><
Relaxing by the Beach
It is the first morning of waking up in Ixtapa. As is our usual vacation tradition, I'm up early and have saved our places by the pool/beach and am now enjoying my morning coffee. I'll have a little breakfast now and wait for Chris to get up before having a little more breakfast.
The Sunscape Dorado Pacifico isn't the nicest resort where we have stayed on our coastal vacations, but it nice enough for the casual traveler and it is very affordable. The wait staff is very friendly and helpful and I really like this area of Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa. I feel like I am in Mexico rather than at a resort in Mexico.
Like most all inclusive resorts, there are several eating places to chose from. Most resorts require dinner reservations at the restaurants other than the main buffet. Last week I sent a note to their Twitter account explaining that we would be arriving on our anniversary and would like to eat at a place other than the buffet. I asked if we could have a reservation at on of the specialty dining rooms but never heard back from them.
At Sunscape Dorado reservation aren't necessary. However, this sign greeted us when we went to our room!
John <><
(Note: Although this was written Sunday morning, it took until now to add the pic. Low internet availability and limited tech skills are to blame!)
The Sunscape Dorado Pacifico isn't the nicest resort where we have stayed on our coastal vacations, but it nice enough for the casual traveler and it is very affordable. The wait staff is very friendly and helpful and I really like this area of Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa. I feel like I am in Mexico rather than at a resort in Mexico.
Like most all inclusive resorts, there are several eating places to chose from. Most resorts require dinner reservations at the restaurants other than the main buffet. Last week I sent a note to their Twitter account explaining that we would be arriving on our anniversary and would like to eat at a place other than the buffet. I asked if we could have a reservation at on of the specialty dining rooms but never heard back from them.
At Sunscape Dorado reservation aren't necessary. However, this sign greeted us when we went to our room!
John <><
(Note: Although this was written Sunday morning, it took until now to add the pic. Low internet availability and limited tech skills are to blame!)
Saturday, September 05, 2015
Is it a vacation?
The question that I have these days is -- Is it a vacation if you don't have to take off of work?
Or is it just a trip? An adventure?
If you are retired and take a vacation, do you have to go to work?
Whatever it is called, we are on our way to Ixtapa, Mexico. We are currently in a short layover in Houston and will soon be on our way to Zihuatanejo (just south of Ixtapa). We are returning to the same resort we stayed at a couple of years ago (Sunscape Dorado Pacifico) and looking forward to a relaxing week on the beach. I suppose that one of these days we'll be brave enough to take such a trip with friends, but for now we enjoy our no schedule kind of time and pretty much take it moment by moment, day by day. We hung out with a group of Canadians a few years ago and have talked about meeting them again sometime. We've also had casual conversations about traveling with some of our US friends but never made any plans to actually do it.
I'd like to take a family trip now that our kids are grown up. I've decided that I really enjoy hanging out with our adult kids and their mates. I'm not certain that they would say the same about hanging out with us (maybe if we covered some of the cost of a vacation...).
In any case, this week is just the two of us with no other plans than to relax, enjoy the beach and enjoy our time together without any of the normal stresses of everyday life. I expect that the most stressful thing we'll face each day is deciding which of the resort's feature restaurants we'll dine at for the evening, if I should wear my flip flops or water shoes to the beach or if I should smoke one of the Dominican cigars I brought with me or buy a Mexican cigar for the day. The cigar will give me time to read, otherwise I'll probably be napping on the beach.
I'll post as time and internet connections allow...or not. No plans. No promises. No stress (other than the already mentioned stressful decisions that I'll be faced with).
Enjoy the Labor Day weekend.
I guess summer in the States is over.
John <><
Or is it just a trip? An adventure?
If you are retired and take a vacation, do you have to go to work?
Whatever it is called, we are on our way to Ixtapa, Mexico. We are currently in a short layover in Houston and will soon be on our way to Zihuatanejo (just south of Ixtapa). We are returning to the same resort we stayed at a couple of years ago (Sunscape Dorado Pacifico) and looking forward to a relaxing week on the beach. I suppose that one of these days we'll be brave enough to take such a trip with friends, but for now we enjoy our no schedule kind of time and pretty much take it moment by moment, day by day. We hung out with a group of Canadians a few years ago and have talked about meeting them again sometime. We've also had casual conversations about traveling with some of our US friends but never made any plans to actually do it.
I'd like to take a family trip now that our kids are grown up. I've decided that I really enjoy hanging out with our adult kids and their mates. I'm not certain that they would say the same about hanging out with us (maybe if we covered some of the cost of a vacation...).
In any case, this week is just the two of us with no other plans than to relax, enjoy the beach and enjoy our time together without any of the normal stresses of everyday life. I expect that the most stressful thing we'll face each day is deciding which of the resort's feature restaurants we'll dine at for the evening, if I should wear my flip flops or water shoes to the beach or if I should smoke one of the Dominican cigars I brought with me or buy a Mexican cigar for the day. The cigar will give me time to read, otherwise I'll probably be napping on the beach.
I'll post as time and internet connections allow...or not. No plans. No promises. No stress (other than the already mentioned stressful decisions that I'll be faced with).
Enjoy the Labor Day weekend.
I guess summer in the States is over.
John <><
Wednesday, September 02, 2015
This is my story and I'm sticking to it!
How about a story?
It's a great story. Some say the Greatest Story Ever Told.
Here it is...
...in song.
John <><
It's a great story. Some say the Greatest Story Ever Told.
Here it is...
...in song.
John <><
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