In the fall months of 2007, I had the opportunity to travel to my favorite city in the world, Playa Del Carmen, for nearly 5 weeks. This blog started off a daily update to friends and family about my experiences while traveling. After a few days, I felt that there were things that I didn't feel like I wanted to share with the rest of the world. So, I simply stopped blogging and lived a very exciting existence for 32 days.
Now, that I'm home, I realise that this blog is still sitting out here in cyberland. I am not sure if anyone is still checking to see if I'm updating (sorry if I've wasted your time), but it is my intention to start blogging again and sharing bits and pieces of my experiences with you.
Of course, with my arrival home there comes a change in my blog title. Please bear with me as I try to feel 'normal' again.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
The Beautiful A'!!
Well, I didn't get a chance to update yesterday because as I was walking the beach I literally stumbled on the A'ndrea and her fiancee, Larry. She was here to suprise me later that night, but I guess I caught her! I was supposed to meet her in PDC back in August for her birthday party, but I ended up having to cancel. It was such a great surprise to see her so we hung out at La Tortuga in the hot tub and I didn't get a chance to update my posts. Here are some pics!
Thursday, October 25, 2007
I'm Here!!
Hello!! Well I arrived in town last night at @ 8pm, just as I anticipated. It was a long day of traveling!!! I'm still a little hung over from last night, so I'm going to take una siesta right now and then I'll be back to tell you all about it. But, I leave you with pictures from today. I did some walking up to the north side and then I followed the beach back....
I've also included pictures of my room cause I know Nan is worried now that I told her that I only have a screen for a window. Don't worry Mom, I feel safe...
My first Coca Cola Light with my chips and salsa lunch today!! Nothing tastes better than the Coke in Mexico
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
T Minus 1 Day and Counting.....
It seemed as if this week would never get here! I did get a little sad last night as I crawled into my bed and realized that I wouldn't be sleeping on my much loved Temperpedic bed anytime soon. I simply adore my bed and am truly going to miss it! But, it's the small price that I'm paying in order to spend 31 glorious nights in Playa!
Reese, my male cat, seemed to understand that something in his life was about to change. His lazy ass never gets out of bed before noon, but he was up with me early today and following me around with what appeared to be a quizical look on his cute face. Lola, my female cat, was her usual chatty self this morning and doing her best to get my attention. I'm not sure if she realizes that I won't be around to snuggle with her for quite awhile. I'm truly hoping that they both warm to the cat sitter cause it sure will make our time apart alot easier for all of us.
So, here I am currently at work. I have about 1 1/2 hours to kill before I leave at 12:30pm. Along with all the packing that I had to do at home, I also had to pack up my whole cubicle as they are restructering the office while I'm gone. Now, all my file folders, coffee cups, assorted teas, hand lotions, and migrane medicine sits on the empty desk behind me. It'll be nice to come back to something fresh and new though.
I'm getting alot of the same questions from everyone. The number one being 'are you nervous'. No..not nervous. Well...okay...maybe nervous with anticipation, but not nervous as in scared nervous. I'm one of those crazy people who actually LOVES to fly and I cannot wait to feel and hear the rush of the jet engine as the wheels lose contact with the Earth below. It only solidifies the fact that I'm headed to a fantastic destination for some much deserved r & r or that I'm simply headed back home.
Another question asked is "are you going to get homesick". That one is hard to answer. Yes and No. Yes in the fact that I know that life here in Wisconsin will continue on while I'm gone. My hope is that EVERYONE that reads this blog will take some time to comment or email me about what is going on here in the States. And if no one does, then I can only threaten to cut ya'll off from this blog. Ha ha!! On the flip side, I don't think I'll get too homesick. My awesome friend Jeannie decided that she is not going to let me go too long without seeing someone from back home. She'll be flying down the Friday after this one for 4 days! Jeannie is definetly my Playa Pal as this will be our third time in Playa together. Then, my Mom, Dad, Brother Ben, Sister Tara, and Phil (Tara's BF) are coming down the Sunday before Thanksgiving and I will return home with them the Sunday after Thanksgiving. And I'm crossing my fingers and toes that Aunt Mary and Uncle Clay are able to make it down that week as well. We have been talking about this vacation forever and it won't be the same if they cannot make it.
Okay..so it's time for me to get a little bit more work done before I bid adios to the office. Mom is taking me down to Ohare tonight where we will have dinner and sleep over.
If you don't hear from me tonight. I'll try and post when I get to Playa so ya'll know that I made it!! My plane lands at 5:55pm. I hope I'm through the airport in enough time to make the 6:45pm bus to Playa. That will put me town sometime between 7:30 and 8:00pm.
And here is one more plea...PLEASE comment on my blog so I know you are reading it! I swear, Heather in Playa, cannot be my only friend, can she?
Reese, my male cat, seemed to understand that something in his life was about to change. His lazy ass never gets out of bed before noon, but he was up with me early today and following me around with what appeared to be a quizical look on his cute face. Lola, my female cat, was her usual chatty self this morning and doing her best to get my attention. I'm not sure if she realizes that I won't be around to snuggle with her for quite awhile. I'm truly hoping that they both warm to the cat sitter cause it sure will make our time apart alot easier for all of us.
So, here I am currently at work. I have about 1 1/2 hours to kill before I leave at 12:30pm. Along with all the packing that I had to do at home, I also had to pack up my whole cubicle as they are restructering the office while I'm gone. Now, all my file folders, coffee cups, assorted teas, hand lotions, and migrane medicine sits on the empty desk behind me. It'll be nice to come back to something fresh and new though.
I'm getting alot of the same questions from everyone. The number one being 'are you nervous'. No..not nervous. Well...okay...maybe nervous with anticipation, but not nervous as in scared nervous. I'm one of those crazy people who actually LOVES to fly and I cannot wait to feel and hear the rush of the jet engine as the wheels lose contact with the Earth below. It only solidifies the fact that I'm headed to a fantastic destination for some much deserved r & r or that I'm simply headed back home.
Another question asked is "are you going to get homesick". That one is hard to answer. Yes and No. Yes in the fact that I know that life here in Wisconsin will continue on while I'm gone. My hope is that EVERYONE that reads this blog will take some time to comment or email me about what is going on here in the States. And if no one does, then I can only threaten to cut ya'll off from this blog. Ha ha!! On the flip side, I don't think I'll get too homesick. My awesome friend Jeannie decided that she is not going to let me go too long without seeing someone from back home. She'll be flying down the Friday after this one for 4 days! Jeannie is definetly my Playa Pal as this will be our third time in Playa together. Then, my Mom, Dad, Brother Ben, Sister Tara, and Phil (Tara's BF) are coming down the Sunday before Thanksgiving and I will return home with them the Sunday after Thanksgiving. And I'm crossing my fingers and toes that Aunt Mary and Uncle Clay are able to make it down that week as well. We have been talking about this vacation forever and it won't be the same if they cannot make it.
Okay..so it's time for me to get a little bit more work done before I bid adios to the office. Mom is taking me down to Ohare tonight where we will have dinner and sleep over.
If you don't hear from me tonight. I'll try and post when I get to Playa so ya'll know that I made it!! My plane lands at 5:55pm. I hope I'm through the airport in enough time to make the 6:45pm bus to Playa. That will put me town sometime between 7:30 and 8:00pm.
And here is one more plea...PLEASE comment on my blog so I know you are reading it! I swear, Heather in Playa, cannot be my only friend, can she?
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
3 Weeks to go!!
Everything seems to finally be coming together!
- My passport renewel came last week which was well ahead of their 10 to 12 week schedule. It only took about 5 weeks! I'm glad I didn't pay extra for expedited service!
- I found a high school gal in my neighborhood who will care for my precious Reese and Lola while I'm away.
- I got my plane tickets!! Although, the schedule is causing me stress already. I leave from Ohare on Wed, October 24th at 10am. I fly United to Mexico City. Once there I have to deboard, grab my luggage, go through Customs and Immigration, and get to the domestic terminal to catch my Mexicana flight to Cancun. I have to do it all in about 2 hours. Keep your fingers crossed for me that I don't get held up anywhere!
It still seems surreal that I'm actually doing this!!
Finally, I give you the following spanish related video. This is for anyone struggling to communicate in a foreign language. It's called the One Semester of Spanish Love Song
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Where in the World Am I?
This post is in response to a question posted on my high school reunion website called "Where in the World are you".
Well, still living in Southeastern Wisconsin not far from where I grew up, but as I think about what would have been in my 20-year prophecy had I filled that out way back in 1988, I would probably have thought that I'd married with children right now. But alas, it hasn't happened....yet.
I'm a firm believer in 'right here right now is exactly where I'm supposed to be'. As I look back on everything I've done in my life, I feel pretty grateful that I've been given wonderful opportunities. Most of which have involved travel. I've stayed in a cabin on Jackson Lake and sat in the saddles at the Million Dollar Cowboy bar in Jackson Hole, WY. I've been whitewater rafting on the Arkansas river in Colorado. I've skied in Sundance and attended the Sundance Film Festival. I've stood on the sides of various mountains in Utah,Colorado, Wyoming, Oregon, and Washington and have been blown away by nature's beauty. I've ascended lighthouses in Long Island and have gone whale watching in the Atlantic. I've ridden in a helicopter underneath the Golden Gate Bridge and rode a bike across the same bridge into Sausalito. I've slept on a sailboat in San Francisco and visited the wine country. I've solemnly toured Anne Frank's house and 'when in Romed' at the Bullfrog Café in Amsterdam. I had my portrait done on the steps of the Sacré-Coeur and stood on the Eiffel Tower and watched the lights come on in Paris below me. I've swam with the dolphins, snorkeled in the crystal clear waters of sacred cenotes, and visited the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum. I had the opportunity to live in a 18th century house in the Hamptons and spent my days in a cabana on the beach. I've seen a Broadway show and climbed the steps of Lady Liberty. And every summer I kayak at least once down the rapids from our cabin on the Chippewa river in Hayward.
Yeah..I think I've lived a pretty full life so far and it will be exciting to see where the next 20 years take me. My next adventure takes me back to a little slice of heaven in Mexico where I've visited so many times that I've made some friendships there. This time, I'll stay for nearly 5 weeks while I study Spanish, hopefully volunteer , and learn how to SCUBA.
Well, still living in Southeastern Wisconsin not far from where I grew up, but as I think about what would have been in my 20-year prophecy had I filled that out way back in 1988, I would probably have thought that I'd married with children right now. But alas, it hasn't happened....yet.
I'm a firm believer in 'right here right now is exactly where I'm supposed to be'. As I look back on everything I've done in my life, I feel pretty grateful that I've been given wonderful opportunities. Most of which have involved travel. I've stayed in a cabin on Jackson Lake and sat in the saddles at the Million Dollar Cowboy bar in Jackson Hole, WY. I've been whitewater rafting on the Arkansas river in Colorado. I've skied in Sundance and attended the Sundance Film Festival. I've stood on the sides of various mountains in Utah,Colorado, Wyoming, Oregon, and Washington and have been blown away by nature's beauty. I've ascended lighthouses in Long Island and have gone whale watching in the Atlantic. I've ridden in a helicopter underneath the Golden Gate Bridge and rode a bike across the same bridge into Sausalito. I've slept on a sailboat in San Francisco and visited the wine country. I've solemnly toured Anne Frank's house and 'when in Romed' at the Bullfrog Café in Amsterdam. I had my portrait done on the steps of the Sacré-Coeur and stood on the Eiffel Tower and watched the lights come on in Paris below me. I've swam with the dolphins, snorkeled in the crystal clear waters of sacred cenotes, and visited the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum. I had the opportunity to live in a 18th century house in the Hamptons and spent my days in a cabana on the beach. I've seen a Broadway show and climbed the steps of Lady Liberty. And every summer I kayak at least once down the rapids from our cabin on the Chippewa river in Hayward.
Yeah..I think I've lived a pretty full life so far and it will be exciting to see where the next 20 years take me. My next adventure takes me back to a little slice of heaven in Mexico where I've visited so many times that I've made some friendships there. This time, I'll stay for nearly 5 weeks while I study Spanish, hopefully volunteer , and learn how to SCUBA.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Passport Photo Stress
After 2 painstaking weeks of posing for passport photos, I'm happy to say that my passport renewal has found itself in the mail! I actually took myself to 4 different Walgreens to take 4 different sets of pictures to choose from for my renewal. One might say I'm crazy, but Crazy here is stuck with this passport photo for the next 10 years (unless I get married and change my name), so I had to make sure that I liked my photo.
Well, guess what? I still hate my photo!! But, with time running out, I had to get it in the mail. I probably could have created a really nice picture using Photoshop, but then again, I'd probably make myself look like Angelina Jolie and then I'd never get into Mexico.
I think that once I return and have some extra cash in hand, I might have to accidentally lose my passport, just so I can apply for a new one.
Well, guess what? I still hate my photo!! But, with time running out, I had to get it in the mail. I probably could have created a really nice picture using Photoshop, but then again, I'd probably make myself look like Angelina Jolie and then I'd never get into Mexico.
I think that once I return and have some extra cash in hand, I might have to accidentally lose my passport, just so I can apply for a new one.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Mexico - The Preplanning Begins
So, the official word was handed down by my boss last week and the company is allowing me to take 5 to 6 weeks of unpaid (or maybe slightly paid) vacation time so that I can live one of my dreams which is to live in another country for awhile.I'm a software tester and documentation writer for a small (@ 18 employess) software development company. Our business is family owned and the brothers that run it treat us all like family. We have many software developers here the hail from India and they take 6 weeks each year to go back. After working here for nearly 10 years, I thought it might be my turn to ask for the opportunity to take a leave of absence and experience a life outside my own.
Playa Del Carmen is a fast growing resort town on the Yucatan Penisula in Mexico. To get there, one flies into Cancun and then drives South for about 45 minutes. Playa Del Carmen is a charming resort town that has maintained it's mexican heritage. I first 'discovered' this town back in 2002 when my mom, sister, and I were looking for a place to celebrate my sister's 21st birthday . That September we arrived in Playa and I instantly fell in love with the town. 2 days later, Hurricane Isidore rolled in and she did nothing to dampen my spirits. Since then, I've organized vast family trips and small friends or gals only trips. Over the years, I've come to know the cheaper hotels to stay in, the cheaper places to eat, and how to get around on public transportation.
Now, I'm not going with the sole intent on getting drunk every night and sleeping off my hangovers on the beach everyday, cause that would be a waste, right? Instead, I've decided to to study Espanol at http://www.solexico.com/ for 3 weeks. I'll be in class Monday through Friday from 9 am to 1pm and that leaves the afternoon and weekend opened for me to learn to SCUBA and lay on the beach. My weekends wil be spent traveling the yucatan. I want to visit Coba, Holbox and to stay in Tulum at a hotel that has no electricity or running water (just to see if I can). :)
The small hotel where I'm staying is calle La Rana Cansada (The Tired Frog http://www.ranacansada.com/ )two blocks up from the beach and has wireless internet in the open aired lounge area. I'm working out the details with my boss, but I may be working a couple of hours / week to have some money coming in. I'm going to be funding the rest of my trip by robbing a bank. *grins*.
Actually, I bought my own condo about 5 years ago and I've built up more than enough equity that will allow my take out the small loan that Ill need in order to enjoy my trip. I've budgeted about $5000 for the trip. Eating Cheap and Drinking Cheap won't be an issue. Playa Del Carmen has a Walmart as well as it's Mexican version of Walmart called Mega so, I can buy my beer, water, and food there. Seriously, the Walmart there is gorgeous. The produce selection alone is to overwhelming and they even have a fresh bakery and a Sushi bar. NO KIDDING!!
So now, I have just under 3 months to plan this out. I need to renew my passport as it's ten years old already. I first got it back in 1997 so that I could fullfill another one of my dreams, which was to go to Paris before I was 30. The travel bug bite me after my trip to Amsterdam and Paris, I didn't realize how many awesome adventures my passport would take me on. Lets see, I also need to ask one of the neighborhood teenage gals to feed my kitties and bring in my mail. And I need to find airfare and enroll in school. Oh yeah, I also have to put together a costume as I'll be in Playa for Halloween and I hear the parties there are so much fun!!So...there you have it!! Please follow me on my journey. I'll have my laptop and internet acess while in Mexico so I'll be posting here regularly.And if you have the desire to visit Mexico while I'm there, by all mean come on down.
Playa Del Carmen is a fast growing resort town on the Yucatan Penisula in Mexico. To get there, one flies into Cancun and then drives South for about 45 minutes. Playa Del Carmen is a charming resort town that has maintained it's mexican heritage. I first 'discovered' this town back in 2002 when my mom, sister, and I were looking for a place to celebrate my sister's 21st birthday . That September we arrived in Playa and I instantly fell in love with the town. 2 days later, Hurricane Isidore rolled in and she did nothing to dampen my spirits. Since then, I've organized vast family trips and small friends or gals only trips. Over the years, I've come to know the cheaper hotels to stay in, the cheaper places to eat, and how to get around on public transportation.
Now, I'm not going with the sole intent on getting drunk every night and sleeping off my hangovers on the beach everyday, cause that would be a waste, right? Instead, I've decided to to study Espanol at http://www.solexico.com/ for 3 weeks. I'll be in class Monday through Friday from 9 am to 1pm and that leaves the afternoon and weekend opened for me to learn to SCUBA and lay on the beach. My weekends wil be spent traveling the yucatan. I want to visit Coba, Holbox and to stay in Tulum at a hotel that has no electricity or running water (just to see if I can). :)
The small hotel where I'm staying is calle La Rana Cansada (The Tired Frog http://www.ranacansada.com/ )two blocks up from the beach and has wireless internet in the open aired lounge area. I'm working out the details with my boss, but I may be working a couple of hours / week to have some money coming in. I'm going to be funding the rest of my trip by robbing a bank. *grins*.
Actually, I bought my own condo about 5 years ago and I've built up more than enough equity that will allow my take out the small loan that Ill need in order to enjoy my trip. I've budgeted about $5000 for the trip. Eating Cheap and Drinking Cheap won't be an issue. Playa Del Carmen has a Walmart as well as it's Mexican version of Walmart called Mega so, I can buy my beer, water, and food there. Seriously, the Walmart there is gorgeous. The produce selection alone is to overwhelming and they even have a fresh bakery and a Sushi bar. NO KIDDING!!
So now, I have just under 3 months to plan this out. I need to renew my passport as it's ten years old already. I first got it back in 1997 so that I could fullfill another one of my dreams, which was to go to Paris before I was 30. The travel bug bite me after my trip to Amsterdam and Paris, I didn't realize how many awesome adventures my passport would take me on. Lets see, I also need to ask one of the neighborhood teenage gals to feed my kitties and bring in my mail. And I need to find airfare and enroll in school. Oh yeah, I also have to put together a costume as I'll be in Playa for Halloween and I hear the parties there are so much fun!!So...there you have it!! Please follow me on my journey. I'll have my laptop and internet acess while in Mexico so I'll be posting here regularly.And if you have the desire to visit Mexico while I'm there, by all mean come on down.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
A Sabbatical Of Sorts.....
Finally, I have some good news to share!!! I've received the go ahead from my both jobs to allow me to travel to Mexico for 4 to 5 weeks!! What am I going to do there? My homebase will be Playa Del Carmen and intend to study Spanish at Solexico, which is an outdoor Spanish school with only about 5 student per class. I'll study from 9am to 1pm. The afternoons will either be spent at the beach or by putting in a couple of hours work. The details of working from there haven't really been figured out yet. I'm not sure if I want to work part-time yet or just enjoy myself. I'm also going to learn how to SCUBA and I will probably travel.
I have no real reason for wanting to do this, other than feeling the need to step out of my life for awhile. I plan on leaving the last week in October and returning the last week in November.I'm kind of freaking out about money right now, but that is what Home Equity Loans are for, right?
I'll post more details later!!
I have no real reason for wanting to do this, other than feeling the need to step out of my life for awhile. I plan on leaving the last week in October and returning the last week in November.I'm kind of freaking out about money right now, but that is what Home Equity Loans are for, right?
I'll post more details later!!
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