by Beans 9 Replies latest jw friends
Well I am going to Mexico in January (Puerto Vallarta) not my choice but hey I am into seeing different places. If you have been there what did you think of it and what is good and bad? What type of Tequila do you recomend to purschase and where is a good cigar store?
Beans
I have been to Cancun and did some snorkling there which was great. As far as Tequila goes I'm a young innocent girl and have never been tempted by such evil
A good friend of mine who is over 21 went to Puerto Vallarta last Christmas break and loved it. If you run into her there next January you'll love it too I bet. She's a cutie. Have fun.
Mexico is a kick. Friendly natives, cheap beer, warm sunshine, pristine beaches, bad water.
Learn a few phrases of Spanish. The locals all speak English, but you will be treated better if you at least attempt some Spanish. The seafood is great...fresh local crab, shrimp, and scallops done in mild, exotic sauces.
Bring some US Dollars for tipping. If they hang onto them, the value generally goes up and you will be given excellent service.
Puerto Vallarta is not as young-wild-happening as say, Mazatlan. Many Europeans and slightly more tame, but I loved it.
Ask cab drivers (in Spanish whenever possible) for good places to eat. The big hotels are overpriced, but you can find reasonable, fantastic food if you know who to ask.
Have fun!
Wasa
Brother Beans...first off......take some ababy clothes that your children have outworn, but still in good shape. They are great ways to help out the people that clean your room, or condo, or wherever you are staying. Even if they don't have kids, clothes are still expensive way down thurr and they will get to an familia.......also, when you are walking about and get acosted by the kiddies...don't give them money, give them something from your area, a pen or something like that....I'm sure you could get a bunch...just carry a couple for when the young ones crowd. Also, if you keep pens that you can dispose of easily while you are signing traveller's checks....give them to the person dealing with your currency.....by leaving it there. Something besides and obnoxiously lagre tip. The secret to the bribe business of Mexico.
Sincerely,
District Overbeer of the "Quetzal" class
This is a great place to stay.
http://www.oanda.com/convert/cheatsheet For money exchange rates.
Usually just a stop-off for tourists on their way to Acapulco from Mexico City, Taxco is renowned for the skill of its silversmiths. In January every year, there's another reason to come here: for the celebrations of Santa Prisca, or Saint Priscilla.
Taxco boasts a fine cathedral dedicated to the martydom of Saint Priscilla and a Mass in this cathedral is the start of celebrations taking place all over the city. Be sure to check out the finely wrought Baroque altarpiece for which the cathedral is famous. Folk songs and dances take place in the town's main square and people bring their animals to be blessed after the main service.
The more adventurous among you might also want to explore a nearby complex of caves, Las Grutas de Cacahuamilpa, which can be reached by buses from the town heading for Ixtapan and Toluca. Alternatively, you can take a (packed) combi direct to 'Las Grutas' from the main station.
| Taxco Tourist Office | |
| Country: | Mexico |
| Tel: | +52 (0) 7 622 6616 |
| Address: | Subsecretaria Estatal de Fomento Turismo, Florida s/n Primer piso, Taxco |
| For two days in September, Mexicans celebrate their independence from Spain with re-enactments, parades and parties. Thousands of people head for the Zócalo and the Plaza de la Independencia in the historic centre of Mexico City to relive their heritage. The party starts on the evening of the 15 September with open-air celebrations in the Plaza de la Constitución, popularly known as the Zócalo. A main point of reference in the city, as well as a place of Aztec ritual, contemporary and past protests and national fiestas, the Zócalo reaches the pinnacle of its excitement during the independence celebrations. As well as partying, people come to hear the Grito de Independencia (Cry of Independence). The President comes to the balcony of the Palacio Nacional, along one side of the square, and rings the ceremonial bell (Campana de Dolores). The crowd erupts into cheers, fireworks are let off, confetti is thrown and the real party begins. The more formal part of the Independence Day celebrations takes place on 16 September with a military parade through the historic centre of the city. Led by Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico spent 11 years fighting for its independence from the Spanish, finally achieving it in 1821. | |
| Disclaimer | |
| Event details can change, please check with the organisers that the event is happening before making travel arrangements. Please read our disclaimer. | |
| Event Details | |
| Place: | Mexico (Mexico City) |
| When: | 15 Sep 2003 (annual) |
| Cost: | Free |
| Opening Hours: | Starts on the evening of 15 Sep; parade 16 Sep |
| Venue Details | |
| Name: | El Zócalo |
| Address: | Centro Histórico, Mexico City, Mexico |
| Country: | Mexico |
| Description : | The Zócalo, or Plaza de la Constitución, was at the centre of Aztec Tenochtitlán, with its ceremonial area just to the north. Every day this heritage is relived with conchero dancers in feathered headdresses dancing to the beat of drums. The square was paved over by Cortés in the 1520s and until the early 20th century it was more of a marketplace. Today it lies at the centre of the country's power structure. |
| Directions: | The Zócalo is the main point of reference in the historic centre of Mexico City, with the Palacio Nacional along the east side and the Catedral Metropolitana on the north. |
| Tourist Office | |
| Name: | Mexico Tourist Office |
| Country: | Mexico |
| Tel: | +52 (01) 5 687 0567 or +44 (0) 20 7488 9392 (UK) |
| Fax: | +52 (01) 5 687 0568 |
| Email: | [email protected] |
| Address: | 22nd Floor, Insurgentes sur 800, Colonia del Valle, 03100 Mexico DF, Mexico |
Other useful precautions are:
25 Important Words
10 Useful Phrases
| agua water ajo garlic almejas clams apio celery arroz rice café coffee calamares squid cangrejo crab carne meat cebolla onion cerdo pork cerveza beer coco coconut conejo rabbit cordero lamb costillas ribs chorizo sausage chuleta chop ensalada salad entremeses hors d'oeuvres fresa strawberry frijoles beans | fruta fruit jamón ham jugo juice langosta lobster leche milk lechuga lettuce limón lemon maí corn manzana apple mariscos shellfish mejillones mussels melocotón peach miel honey naranja orange papa potato pastel pastry, cake pato duck pavo turkey pepino cucumber pera pear pescado fish picante spicy | piña |
25 Important Words
| If you are swimming in a river and get sucked out into the fast running current, remain calm and use all your energy to stay afloat. Do not attempt to swim for shore [unless you are close], as it is better to let the current take you down the river. You wait to grab onto a log or rock or anything. Eventually something will appear for you to grab onto and you may even hit a sandbar. People generally drown because they panic and run out of energy fighting the water. It is best to simply go with the flow. Waterfalls can suck you up quicker than you think. Even a small waterfall in a 5-foot deep pool can drown you. Never swim alone in a waterfall. A friend can pull you out if you get sucked under unexpectantly. If for some reason there is nobody to help you try to grab a rock or something at the bottom and pull your self out of the rotating current. If you can get any traction use your feet to push you away from the waterfall. It can get cold at night once you get higher up in elevation and it is advisable to have a blanket and jacket. It can get really cold on a long bus ride and a blanket or sweatshirt is recommended as well as your own food and water. The store at the bus stations is opened 24 hours and serves sandwiches and snacks. Things get less expensive the more south you go. Do not go into the jungle without a compass or GPS. You cannot buy water inside ruin sites so you must take it in with you. There are Internet Cafes in every major city which are easy to find but most villages do not have them. Do not take pictures of people unless you ask them first and offer to pay some money. Do not be surprised if they are not at all interested and tell you to get lost. If you are camping check your body for ticks frequently. If you decide to swim at the falls located at the exit of Palenque ruins make sure you leave no valuables at the side of the waterfalls unwatched. There are kids who hang out here waiting for unsuspecting touristas who leave their valuables on a rock then go for a swim. The kids will grab your stuff then run into the jungle. There is nothing you can do. If you go into the jungle it is advisable to use lots of mosquito repellent. You should cover all your clothing, inside and out before you put anything on. This is so you do not get Bot Fly which is a fly that lays its eggs on a mosquito which bites you and deposits the fly eggs in the bite wound where they then grow into larva. We can tell you from experience the whole ordeal is gross! SCAMS Fake Honey Fake Amber Bad Magic Mushrooms The Favor WATCH OUT Ganja WARNING!!! There are police all over the place around Palenque ruins. Especially around ALL waterfalls in the jungle. If you go to a waterfall and decide to smoke a joint you will get busted. The cops hide in the dense bush for hours waiting for unsuspecting tourists to get caught in their web. They are in the most remote places! When they catch you will have to pay a fine to get your self out of the situation. If you do not have the money you are in trouble! |
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My Uncle Gregorio,
Used to operate a parachute ride in Vera Cruz so I know many of the areas to a point. Do be careful and don't get into trouble. Tours are the best to go by and there are many different modes of transportation. Especially with buses~ 1 and 2nd are good.. but when you get to 3rd and below you are taking chances of riding with Chickens, Goats and so on.
Happy Traveling.
X.
Beans You might look up Jim Penton while your there.
My best friend and I went twice to Acapulco. We loved it. That was many many years ago. We were both (natural) blonde, blue eyed. The men loved it and at times it was almost embarrasing; like when we went to a club late at night, with dark haired gorgeous women waiting to get in and when we arrived we were let in immediately. The looks we got. Have a great time. Drink the Corona; obviously not the water.
yes the most important phrase..
uno mas cerveza por favor!
Sincerely,
District Overbeer
