tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33886789151114054262024-02-10T00:34:13.367-08:00The Adventures of Merida MikeyI'm a retired American, living in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico, since 1995. After 30 years with The Department of Veterans Affairs, I "hung it up" and took an early retirement at age 49. Great decision on my part! I'm divorced, own my own home, and enjoy life to the fullest every chance I get! Merida is a great place to enjoy an adventurous life! I hope to share some of that with you on my blog.Merida Mikeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10523207460815870595noreply@blogger.comBlogger112125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3388678915111405426.post-31165518029528046892012-12-11T15:50:00.001-08:002012-12-11T15:50:44.404-08:00THE MAYAN PROPHECY: DECEMBER 21, 2112<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Merida Mikeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10523207460815870595noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3388678915111405426.post-66483814456806026092012-11-29T07:31:00.001-08:002012-11-29T07:31:31.222-08:00REDUX: AGUINALDO: BONO NAVIDEÑO, OR TO US GRINGOS - CHRISTMAS BONUS!!<br />
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<em><strong><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;">It was just about this time last year that I published this post about aguinaldos for mail carriers and employees, be they part or full-time. I believe it is worth publishing again as a reminder to all of us living in Mexico. So, here it is again:</span></strong></em><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">Yes, it is definitely that time of year. It all starts with the mail carriers who have their special day on November 12, Dia del Cartero. In your mail box, they will leave a card with a return envelope, preprinted with their name on it. (Convenient, huh?)</span></strong><br /><strong><br /><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">You simply insert your “gift” as a token of appreciation for their service for the past year. I think they must like me because I actually participate in giving, partially because I have always given to my mailman when in the States in appreciation for the services they provide, and partially out of fear that if I don’t give, I may never receive another piece of mail as long as I live in Mexico! </span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong></strong></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><b>On the other hand, I readily give generously to my housekeeper who works for me fulltime, year round. She is an integral part of my adopted family that I have been fortunate enough to have for 23+ years now. She is a single mother and has two children and a small house that she supports on the salary I pay her. In addition, any special needs that arise, I take care of plus I help whenever I can throughout the year. Her Christmas bonus is above and beyond the norm, and includes several gifts for both her and the children. I do believe that it is more blessed to give than to receive and this is one way I can give back to the community that I have chosen to live in. Something I think we all should do.</b></span><b style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></b><strong style="font-size: 13px;"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"></span></strong><br /><strong style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">If you live in Mexico and you have an employee such as a housekeeper, gardener, cook, driver, or just someone who stops by to help you with chores every now and then, you should consider paying an <i>Aguinaldo</i>. It is customary to do so here in the Yucatan and throughout Mexico as well. There are even formulas on the internet to ascertain the amount you should pay!</span></strong><br /><strong style="font-size: 13px;"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"></span></strong><br /><strong style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">Basically, from what I have seen from others living here, the Aguinaldo is considered the “Thirteenth Pay”. That is, one months’ salary for either full or part time help. In addition, to the monetary part of the Aguinaldo, a gift, or gifts, are often given as a token of appreciation for loyal service and/or longevity of service, or both.</span></strong><br /><strong style="font-size: 13px;"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"></span></strong><br /><strong style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">Aguinaldo’s are usually paid in Mid-November up to the first part of December and often represents the total “Christmas” the family will have, including food, drink, and gifts. Often, the children in the family will receive some new clothing as their gift and are absolutely delighted to do so! (Unlike some children “north of the border”.) Let’s face it, the people that work for us are generally poor and do the best they can with what they have. It doesn’t hurt to help. It feels GREAT!</span></strong><strong style="font-size: 13px;"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">You don’t have to give until it hurts, just give until it helps.</span></span></strong><br /><strong style="font-size: 13px;"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"></span></strong><div style="clear: both; font-size: 13px;">
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<span class="post-author vcard">Posted by <span class="fn">Merida Mikey</span> </span><span class="post-timestamp">at <a class="timestamp-link" href="http://meridamikey.blogspot.mx/2011/11/aguinaldo-bono-navideno-or-to-us.html" rel="bookmark" style="color: #956839; margin-right: 6px;" title="permanent link"><abbr class="published" style="border: none; cursor: help;" title="2011-11-12T14:32:00-08:00">2:32 PM</abbr></a> </span><span class="post-comment-link"><a class="comment-link" href="http://meridamikey.blogspot.mx/2011/11/aguinaldo-bono-navideno-or-to-us.html#comment-form" style="color: #956839; margin-right: 6px; white-space: nowrap;">4 comments</a> </span><span class="post-icons"><span class="item-action"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/email-post.g?blogID=3388678915111405426&postID=8550141504195646504" style="color: #956839; margin-right: 6px;" title="Email Post"><img alt="" class="icon-action" height="13" src="http://www.blogger.com/img/icon18_email.gif" style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 0.5em !important; vertical-align: middle;" width="18" /> </a></span><span class="item-control blog-admin pid-1458607284" style="display: inline;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=3388678915111405426&postID=8550141504195646504&from=pencil" style="color: #956839; margin-right: 6px;" title="Edit Post"><img alt="" class="icon-action" height="18" src="http://img2.blogblog.com/img/icon18_edit_allbkg.gif" style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 0.5em !important; vertical-align: middle;" width="18" /></a></span></span><span class="post-backlinks post-comment-link"><a class="comment-link" href="http://meridamikey.blogspot.mx/2011/11/aguinaldo-bono-navideno-or-to-us.html#links" style="color: #956839; margin-right: 6px; white-space: nowrap;">Links to this post</a></span></div>
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Merida Mikeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10523207460815870595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3388678915111405426.post-45813114132398938472012-11-25T13:31:00.000-08:002012-11-25T13:31:46.936-08:00LIFE IS GOOD HERE IN MERIDA<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have recently been thinking of all the wonderful
things there are to be thankful for while living here in Merida. Mind you, it is not <i>“cheap”</i> to live here, but you do get a bigger bang for your buck on
many items.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;">I live on a budget but do take the opportunity to
splurge on myself whenever I can. For
example, I have a massage therapist come to my home twice a week and I receive
physical therapy and massage therapy. He is a licensed professional (four year college graduate) and does a great job. His charge is 150 pesos for one hour. 150 pesos is the approximate equivalent of $11.50
US.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;">The other day, I went for a haircut, shave, and
manicure. Each service cost 90 pesos, or
the approximate equivalent of $7.00 US. There are many places that charge less, but you get what you pay for. I normally only get a shave and a haircut, but there was a new girl in
the shop just starting out so I thought I’d help her out a bit and give her some business by having a manicure. I rarely get a manicure, but I
actually enjoyed the pampering. While
getting my manicure, Evelyn was cutting my hair. Afterwards, I received a facial cleansing and
light facial massage with a skin treatment prior to my shave. After the shave, more facial cleansing, a bit
of gel for my hair, and I was on my way, feeling like a million dollars. All of this cost only $21.00, plus tips of
course. How can you afford not to pamper
yourself every now and then? I cannot
imagine what such services would cost in the US or Canada, but I’m sure it
would definitely be more than $21.00 US.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;">Having had an on-again, off-again, stomach flu bug for the past two weeks, I
decided to go to the doctor. Most local
pharmacies, have a doctor on staff. They
are usually young and just starting out, but nonetheless, they are medical school
graduates. I knew I needed an antibiotic
to get rid of this bug I had and explained my symptoms to the young
doctor. He diagnosed me with an
intestinal inflammation and gave me a script for an antibiotic, cipro. His charge:
zero/nothing/nada! His services are a courtesey of the pharmacy. I went to the pharmacy to
fill my script and the medication cost only a few dollars. Total charge for doctor’s visit and
medications was approximately $11.00. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;">So yes, there are some tremendous advantages of living
here in Merida. But realize that,
comparatively speaking, not everything is so inexpensive. There are lots of items that cost more here
than in the States. Food prices keep
going up and up, as does gasoline.
Electricity is another big ticket item, too, as are most electronics. But, after all is said and done, you can live
comfortably here, even on a fixed income.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Life is good here in Merida and I am grateful for all the blessings
that have been bestowed upon me.</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Merida Mikeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10523207460815870595noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3388678915111405426.post-8515148870632868372012-08-16T10:33:00.001-07:002012-08-16T10:37:06.171-07:00THE BOARD GAME “MONOPOLY”, WORLD WAR II, POWs, AND THOSE INGENIOUS BRITS!<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I received an e-mail from a good friend and want to share it with you and I hope you, in turn, will want to share it with your family and friends. This little known fact about the board game Monopoly has recently come to light after being de-classified by the British Government in 2007. I checked both the internet and SNOPES, and it is a true story. Here is the e-mail I received from my friend, JS:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhig8HJWaaiCHfTvjJSp04azx2Li3vwgmSNc_ItST07n7dqNieB59zQKNNzAA3YjWE_wibqAV2dNq2U56_gtFurw3P0BrMEVwO-erh4XUfPaR5JHAesbHAQ46vmQVengQ_55qoLbR3Zp3Q/s1600/monopoly+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhig8HJWaaiCHfTvjJSp04azx2Li3vwgmSNc_ItST07n7dqNieB59zQKNNzAA3YjWE_wibqAV2dNq2U56_gtFurw3P0BrMEVwO-erh4XUfPaR5JHAesbHAQ46vmQVengQ_55qoLbR3Zp3Q/s1600/monopoly+2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7snlTUtOF671N8tJx_m9iCggYyTzQQoalFFoOYmETFQ0a-DoMpfdySy5MDOo6AvZxK9PVo8BwddvZGB2gu1Z4JO-tXedVbJOHrtwu-SPMRiomRpsnqNfvOeRREuipwnvern5_PSiuoo/s1600/POW+camps+-+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7snlTUtOF671N8tJx_m9iCggYyTzQQoalFFoOYmETFQ0a-DoMpfdySy5MDOo6AvZxK9PVo8BwddvZGB2gu1Z4JO-tXedVbJOHrtwu-SPMRiomRpsnqNfvOeRREuipwnvern5_PSiuoo/s1600/POW+camps+-+2.jpg" /></a><b><span lang="EN-NZ" style="color: navy; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-NZ; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ES-MX;">Starting in 1940, an increasing number of British Airmen found themselves as the involuntary guests of the Third Reich, and the Crown was casting about for ways and means to facilitate their escape.<br />
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</span><b><span lang="EN-NZ" style="color: navy; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-NZ; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ES-MX;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-NZ" style="color: navy; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-NZ; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ES-MX;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-NZ" style="color: navy; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-NZ; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ES-MX;">Now obviously, one of the most helpful aids to that end is a useful and accurate <u>map</u>, one showing not only where stuff was, but also showing the locations of 'safe houses' where a POW on-the-lam could go for food and shelter.<br />
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</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-NZ" style="color: navy; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-NZ; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ES-MX;">Paper maps had some real drawbacks -- they make a lot of noise when you open and fold them, they wear out rapidly, and if they get wet, they turn into mush. Someone in MI-5 got the idea of printing escape</span></b><b><span lang="EN-NZ" style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-NZ; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ES-MX;"> </span></b><b><span lang="EN-NZ" style="color: navy; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-NZ; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ES-MX;">maps on silk because it's durable, can be scrunched-up into tiny wads, and unfolded as</span></b><b><span lang="EN-NZ" style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-NZ; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ES-MX;"> </span></b><b><span lang="EN-NZ" style="color: navy; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-NZ; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ES-MX;">many times as needed, and makes no noise whatsoever.<br />
</span></b><span lang="EN-NZ" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-NZ; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ES-MX;"><br />
</span><b><span lang="EN-NZ" style="color: navy; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-NZ; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ES-MX;">At that time, there was only one manufacturer in Great Britain that had perfected the technology of printing on silk, and that was John Waddington, Ltd. When approached by the government, the firm was only too happy to do its bit for the war effort.<br />
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By pure coincidence, Waddington was also the U.K. Licensee for the popular American board game, Monopoly. As it happened, 'games and pastimes' was a category of item qualified for insertion into 'CARE packages', dispatched by the International Red Cross to prisoners of war.<br />
</span></b><span lang="EN-NZ" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-NZ; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ES-MX;"><br />
</span><b><span lang="EN-NZ" style="color: navy; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-NZ; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ES-MX;">Under the strictest of secrecy, in a securely guarded and inaccessible old workshop on the grounds of Waddington's, a group of sworn-to-secrecy employees began mass-producing</span></b><span lang="EN-NZ" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span><b><span lang="EN-NZ" style="color: navy; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-NZ; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ES-MX;">escape</span></b><b><span lang="EN-NZ" style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-NZ; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ES-MX;"> </span></b><b><span lang="EN-NZ" style="color: navy; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-NZ; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ES-MX;">maps, keyed to each region of Germany or Italy where Allied POW camps were located</span></b><b><span lang="EN-NZ" style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-NZ; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ES-MX;"> </span></b><b><span lang="EN-NZ" style="color: navy; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-NZ; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ES-MX;">. When</span></b><b><span lang="EN-NZ" style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-NZ; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ES-MX;"> </span></b><b><span lang="EN-NZ" style="color: navy; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-NZ; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ES-MX;">processed, these maps could be folded into such tiny dots that they would actually fit inside a</span></b><b><span lang="EN-NZ" style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-NZ; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ES-MX;"> </span></b><b><span lang="EN-NZ" style="color: navy; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-NZ; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ES-MX;">Monopoly playing piece.<br />
</span></b><b><span lang="EN-NZ" style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-NZ; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ES-MX;"><br />
</span></b><b><span lang="EN-NZ" style="color: navy; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-NZ; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ES-MX;">As long as they were at it, the clever workmen at Waddington's also managed to add:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-NZ" style="color: navy; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-NZ; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ES-MX;"><br />
1. A playing token, containing a small magnetic compass;<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-NZ" style="color: navy; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-NZ; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ES-MX;"><br />
2. A two-part metal file that could easily be screwed together;<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-NZ" style="color: navy; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-NZ; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ES-MX;"><br />
3. Useful amounts of genuine high-denomination German, Italian, and French currency, hidden within the piles of Monopoly money!<br />
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British and American air crews were advised, before taking off on their first mission, how to identify a 'rigged' Monopoly set -- by means of a tiny red dot, one cleverly rigged to look like an ordinary printing glitch, located in the corner of the Free Parking square.<br />
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Of the estimated 35,000 Allied POWS who successfully escaped, an estimated one-third were aided in their flight by the rigged Monopoly sets.. Everyone who did so was sworn to secrecy indefinitely, since the British Government might want to use this highly successful ruse in still another, future war.<br />
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The story wasn't declassified until 2007, when the surviving craftsmen from Waddington's, as well as the firm itself, were finally honoured in a public ceremony.<br />
</span></b><b><span lang="EN-NZ" style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-NZ; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ES-MX;"><br />
</span></b><b><span lang="EN-NZ" style="color: navy; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-NZ; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ES-MX;">Realize most of you are (probably) too young to have any personal connection to WWII (Sep. '39 to Aug. '45), but this is still interesting.</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ES-MX;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBruoadr0Yl42qm4PFYA4y0HjKbrCxEPabDu7xDYnLLedwsSV8BgUDvRjRsI3o7IT2OgtV45fM9CYjevwrea9fbxZhbajnD-KV02n2dghja1Lxe9OFleGN_jsbkmkuaMfcaMx5_LZFNPs/s1600/monopoly+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBruoadr0Yl42qm4PFYA4y0HjKbrCxEPabDu7xDYnLLedwsSV8BgUDvRjRsI3o7IT2OgtV45fM9CYjevwrea9fbxZhbajnD-KV02n2dghja1Lxe9OFleGN_jsbkmkuaMfcaMx5_LZFNPs/s1600/monopoly+3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ES-MX;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ES-MX;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ES-MX;">In my last post, it was hats off to the artisans of Becal, Campeche. I now take my hat off to those ingenious Brits, and especially to those loyalists working at Waddington’s Ltd, Great Britain. <b><u>Thank you</u></b> just doesn’t seem sufficient for their efforts.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ES-MX;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiali5EpH_gxeT2-QUgRSsdkAj21N8PZFctDru8rEipmMcqA5LQMOioJhMbllk2B1sbFZhyVOE-AhQ-_w9Y_6Xn_RVWHOY65wY5i4gTmkfAZmtb-Ai0YxsS0nNNCbAW-lNdVA_2a0b8VOI/s1600/POW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiali5EpH_gxeT2-QUgRSsdkAj21N8PZFctDru8rEipmMcqA5LQMOioJhMbllk2B1sbFZhyVOE-AhQ-_w9Y_6Xn_RVWHOY65wY5i4gTmkfAZmtb-Ai0YxsS0nNNCbAW-lNdVA_2a0b8VOI/s320/POW.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: ES-MX;"><br />
</span></div>Merida Mikeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10523207460815870595noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3388678915111405426.post-40409827843290373832012-08-08T17:59:00.000-07:002012-08-08T17:59:21.563-07:00DIVERSION EXURSION: BECAL, CAMPECHE<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ1jmyDD7uPJhgo6zFtIhCLuYw0QQ9ZLkX1_ItzpJACBwxSHS2jNqZ_mIev_PMEGLbGGtfCUvdP8r0e7KMFATHPYbnEUhBt8BXKaPmtzrb5RwPtoCApiJ8g_MUcQXuxqhW16gFs0LRW5Y/s1600/08-12-2012+040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ1jmyDD7uPJhgo6zFtIhCLuYw0QQ9ZLkX1_ItzpJACBwxSHS2jNqZ_mIev_PMEGLbGGtfCUvdP8r0e7KMFATHPYbnEUhBt8BXKaPmtzrb5RwPtoCApiJ8g_MUcQXuxqhW16gFs0LRW5Y/s320/08-12-2012+040.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The tiny pueblo of Becal lies 80 kilometers southeast of Merida, Yucatan, just over the border in the state of Campeche.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Becal’s population of approximately 6,500 is a friendly and hospitable group whose smiles could easily challenge those of a Cheshire cat!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A happy group of industrious folks, still steeped in Mayan traditions, will welcome you with open arms.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4V78PkQ5AoKcpJLdncC2fROubNUW_Ml5ZyrMYKgF9gLAxs4FQYTJlMSC8Bifow-yBruO7sEPvYubyybvd6B1UIouzlkq-3ftqUJFbSvOMxHwOTeHRLOjU2VdB_didjw9mYxvS34FHFpo/s1600/becal-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4V78PkQ5AoKcpJLdncC2fROubNUW_Ml5ZyrMYKgF9gLAxs4FQYTJlMSC8Bifow-yBruO7sEPvYubyybvd6B1UIouzlkq-3ftqUJFbSvOMxHwOTeHRLOjU2VdB_didjw9mYxvS34FHFpo/s1600/becal-6.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Other than smiling faces, Becal has only one industry and that is weaving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hats, purses, jewelry, baskets, and other trinkets are all hand woven by individual families, not factories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And they are the best of the best when it comes to hand weaving, the art of which has been passed down from generation to generation.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The trip there began without fanfare and a map.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, unlike a <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Trip-Tik” map from Triple A Motor Club of America, our map didn’t show any of the road construction and we were forced to navigate numerous detours to the point that we actually missed our turn off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must add that it wasn’t our fault as there were no signs!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">As soon as we entered by the main square in Becal, we somehow picked up an escort on a bicycle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His name was Paco, about 15 or 16 years old, and he obviously knew all the hot spots of Becal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He offered to take us to some homes that were open and offering their goods for sale and he also offered to show us the best place to eat in town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m 100% sure he was either related to these folks, or at the very least, knew them well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We followed him to an unassuming little house where the senora welcomed us with a broad smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We entered a small, very clean home and were encouraged to go to the backyard area where the gruta<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(cave) was and enjoy its coolness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s been said that most homes in Becal sport a small gruta in their backyard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I recall that when I had visited there some 20+ years ago, I remembered seeing many such caves in the backyards of the local towns people.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtUMkKHFLj_3giDPuDgA6h5It2FBb2Fn2CAfdZQAvKK_Kgm1JdffK8ERGl6RVEzqrKmauzMjs3niZiLbU_9uqOgK8-MLiHDXQGKuxDudkSS-m9UYV2ZTPtBOe6Hfxo-pgC683ZFO-JJ44/s1600/08-12-2012+043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtUMkKHFLj_3giDPuDgA6h5It2FBb2Fn2CAfdZQAvKK_Kgm1JdffK8ERGl6RVEzqrKmauzMjs3niZiLbU_9uqOgK8-MLiHDXQGKuxDudkSS-m9UYV2ZTPtBOe6Hfxo-pgC683ZFO-JJ44/s320/08-12-2012+043.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJApAOgWRoPO9RACvLapySJ5Qpxqk7XCDAtFOXAdb3oBdKtAnNnec63E7l_kk1UgFFBJsJTOIaS_UkgPXL2vB02ATdmL_U6o6mSnKRQKzRqx0E3iJ-MC2bSYdEPPeB81PmxzBFA3c24Vo/s1600/08-12-2012+037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJApAOgWRoPO9RACvLapySJ5Qpxqk7XCDAtFOXAdb3oBdKtAnNnec63E7l_kk1UgFFBJsJTOIaS_UkgPXL2vB02ATdmL_U6o6mSnKRQKzRqx0E3iJ-MC2bSYdEPPeB81PmxzBFA3c24Vo/s320/08-12-2012+037.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">You might ask, “why a small cave in the backyard”?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It all has to do with the processing of the jibi (palm frond leaves) that are required for the construction of the hats and such.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The whole process starts with the selection of the palm frond, and this determines the quality of the hat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The palms are dried on clothes lines and then stripped into long sections, ready for weaving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The finer the palm frond, the better quality the hat is. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The hats are hand woven and then placed inside the grutas to cure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The grutas are <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>cool and very humid and the dried palm fronds absorb the humidity and add permanent shaping to the hats as they cure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the process is complete, the better hats can be folded or rolled and will bounce back to shape in an instant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hats range in price from 4,000 pesos (approximately $308.00 US) to 200 pesos ($15.50 US).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The old cliché, “you get what you pay for” definitely holds true here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hats sold by the vendors on the streets of Merida are usually the lesser quality hats, and the vendors try and get as much as possible for one, usually averaging around 250+ pesos per hat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBn-db19BpIp3qM4_tolhmCGZ0r8MF1TFwMHRO0cuDADfIQdMwYghqgGDvQgbeYftFj0cekDPl8OkynbZk9n4G6WXlQnHzUR_sEZW3h2lhwqDJKgHbDoENC8-Svj9Ub0tg4MWG3nWAenQ/s1600/becal-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBn-db19BpIp3qM4_tolhmCGZ0r8MF1TFwMHRO0cuDADfIQdMwYghqgGDvQgbeYftFj0cekDPl8OkynbZk9n4G6WXlQnHzUR_sEZW3h2lhwqDJKgHbDoENC8-Svj9Ub0tg4MWG3nWAenQ/s1600/becal-10.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I opted not to buy a hat as I have several at home, but some friends along on the trip each purchased a very nice hat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I purchased a hand woven skeleton and a colorful rosary, as shown in the photo below.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The senora holding the rosary is the one who wove them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having enjoyed our day, our guide, Paco, received a substantial tip, and we headed back to Merida for a late lunch.<o:p></o:p></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL22ItnBFgBW_49QO6b8AbwyOn-cTBFt07LeOUQtvRLLry1s3Wq7twIcCz27dG1y8TIOQDIGXERzjw4Q7u50dhy4_w7m1MAnk49Q_YlnGcJOlRBAtTFED2TdQhvt8Ii3KNC0L_GaMFdHc/s1600/08-12-2012+042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL22ItnBFgBW_49QO6b8AbwyOn-cTBFt07LeOUQtvRLLry1s3Wq7twIcCz27dG1y8TIOQDIGXERzjw4Q7u50dhy4_w7m1MAnk49Q_YlnGcJOlRBAtTFED2TdQhvt8Ii3KNC0L_GaMFdHc/s320/08-12-2012+042.JPG" width="239" /></a><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Historically, the “Panama Hat” was an integral part of the typical dress of the locals, and remains so today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although named Panama hat, the original Panama hats came to us from Ecuador, not Panama!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Whoda thunk it!”)<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">To the smiling faces of the locals and artisans of Becal, I say “HATS OFF”!<o:p></o:p></span></div>Merida Mikeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10523207460815870595noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3388678915111405426.post-36604492033021230752012-06-28T10:47:00.000-07:002012-06-28T10:47:26.791-07:00IMMIGRATION – ANOTHER NEW LAW<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglIRMVCuSb5-N3q4hnXSPtqicSem-PPC6IWH42l1b1t-oWXc_agZI6LTOkiYHjaGoZ_JtX70XSTrBJTQKyZXmpRfQ50OL2B2AnoywsBmdfd1tOofpAV9rE7kWxYa9zQgtjGkSRg0xziYI/s1600/26489-Clipart-Illustration-Of-A-Mexican-Flag-With-The-Golden-Eagle-Cactus-And-Snake-Coat-Of-Arms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglIRMVCuSb5-N3q4hnXSPtqicSem-PPC6IWH42l1b1t-oWXc_agZI6LTOkiYHjaGoZ_JtX70XSTrBJTQKyZXmpRfQ50OL2B2AnoywsBmdfd1tOofpAV9rE7kWxYa9zQgtjGkSRg0xziYI/s1600/26489-Clipart-Illustration-Of-A-Mexican-Flag-With-The-Golden-Eagle-Cactus-And-Snake-Coat-Of-Arms.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Luckily, this new law will not affect those of us that were born abroad and living in Mexico. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The law does affect those that were born in Mexico, are living abroad, have become naturalized citizens of the country where they are living, and are traveling back to Mexico for a visit.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">A friend who became a US Citizen and is living in Los Angeles for the past 45+ years or so, arrived here in Merida for a visit with family and friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A trip she has made approximately every other year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Normally, she presents her US passport and enters Mexico with no questions or problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not so this visit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Houston, she was told she had to have a Mexican passport to re-enter the US.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the airport here in Merida, she was told the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because she had made this trip numerous times before, she paid little attention to the Immigration officials, but asked her nephew to check on this for her.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">After several phone calls to Mexican immigration officials and much wasted time on the telephone, a specific answer to the question could not be ascertained.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One young lady said yes, she would need a Mexican passport to leave the country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When asked if this was something new, she said it was not and that it had been in effect for ages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><strong>Absolutely not true.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I called the US Consulate here in Merida, explained the situation, and was advised that yes, my friend would have to have a Mexican passport to leave the country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was the result of a new law that was passed approximately one year ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">While I do not begin to know the requirements to get a Mexican passport, I do know it requires lots of paperwork.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The gist of this post is to advise any friends or relatives you may have or know of that were born in Mexico, and became citizens of another country, of this new law and how it affects them. The price of the passport is approximately 2,100 pesos, and there is a myriad of paperwork requirements, including birth certificates, passport photos, you name it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While it only takes 2 or 3 hours to get your passport, getting to the point of receiving it will be much more intense.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: red;">Pass this on to anyone you know who may fit the category.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will have saved them lots of heartache.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhalZNOQPFVaKawK9kmy2Tz5iw01AnIbEa_khbRO77ZIYvXW8EG8kurfIrCG3H_6vAPjDQGHz1pBB3Y7AkSV0B3iQdtiAQdHElRWMKwejWZ8U1DVe4Oz9JOKT7rdU4e0Gpdnq9WeTu_dYo/s1600/26494-Clipart-Illustration-Of-A-Happy-Mariachi-Band-Man-Wearing-A-Sombrero-And-Dancing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhalZNOQPFVaKawK9kmy2Tz5iw01AnIbEa_khbRO77ZIYvXW8EG8kurfIrCG3H_6vAPjDQGHz1pBB3Y7AkSV0B3iQdtiAQdHElRWMKwejWZ8U1DVe4Oz9JOKT7rdU4e0Gpdnq9WeTu_dYo/s1600/26494-Clipart-Illustration-Of-A-Happy-Mariachi-Band-Man-Wearing-A-Sombrero-And-Dancing.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Ahhhhhhhh, Immigration – wonder what they have in store for us next time we go to renew our paperwork so we can stay here and spend lots of money.<o:p></o:p></span></div>Merida Mikeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10523207460815870595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3388678915111405426.post-69933221454422932542012-05-29T09:09:00.000-07:002012-05-29T09:09:57.865-07:00BLOGGIN’ BLAHS, SUMMERTIME BLUES, AND A WHINEBLOGGIN’ BLAHS, SUMMERTIME BLUES, AND A WHINE<br />
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Lately, I haven’t blogged as much as I would have like to for a number of reasons. Primarily, I continue to experience difficulties with the Blogger Program with issues of spacing and multiple problems posting pictures. In addition, my Adobe Photoshop hasn’t been very cooperative, and I continue to have computer problems. I’ve had two different technicians out to check out some of the problems I’ve been having and both have assured me that I’m crazy. So be it. I have had fellow blogger’s tell me that they, too, experience problems with the blogger program and for no apparent reasons. Well, I can only assume that they are crazy too. We should start a club!<br />
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Although the first day of summer isn’t until June 20th, I’m already experiencing the summertime blues. I can only describe the heat as “hell-hot”, a phrase I coined many years ago and now have several people using. I plan all my activities for early mornings because after 11 or 12 o’clock, it is just too damn hot for me to be out running around. I’m actually getting pretty good at planning. The other day, I hit the bank, paid the electric, paid the water, got the car gassed up, and went to the grocery store! I was home before the high noon heat wave! It also seems like the humidity is much higher this year than in past summers. I hate it when you just get out of the shower and get soaked with perspiration while getting dressed. What a horrible feeling. Thank God I have air conditioning in all four bedrooms, the dining room and the living room. Anyone wanting to contribute to the fund for my electricity bill, please let me know and I’ll give you an account number for your deposit. In addition to all of the above, I haven’t been up to par of late. I’m getting physical/massage therapy twice a week and that is helping, but not curing. I take all my meds like a good little boy. (This getting old crap is for the birds – the vultures!)<br />
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Today, my primary whine is the traffic in Merida. OMG! To me, and others I have mentioned this to, it seems like traffic has at least doubled in the past year or so. The downtown streets are being torn up and replaced with cobble stone-like slabs of concrete. Electric and telephone wires are being re-routed to underground tunnel areas, and the police directing traffic are clueless. Traffic lights are not synchronized and someone needs to check this out to help the flow of traffic. I got caught in downtown traffic the other week for 45 minutes. I actually timed it. Supposedly, all that muss and fuss is over with, but I avoid the downtown area like the plague. But, it doesn’t matter where you drive anymore. There is bumper-to-bumper traffic in all directions. It isn’t unusual to wait for two light changes before you can get through some intersections. Street parking has been severely restricted, and traffic jams reign supreme. This old colonial city we love so dearly, is becoming a driving nightmare. At any given stop sign or traffic light, you will see license plates from other Mexican states, especially Mexico, District Federal, Tabasco, Veracruz, Quintana Roo, Campeche, and more. Because we have a reputation for being a safe city and not affected by the drug wars, thousands of Mexicans are migrating to Merida to avoid the drug wars in their own states. And they don’t drive any better than the locals! I could go on and on, but let it suffice to say, driving in Merida is becoming more and more difficult with every passing day.<br />
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I will try and do better about posting on my blog and will grin and bear it with the program and Adobe Photoshop, or I may take to drinking. If I post a blog and it’s not spaced properly, know that I tried or that I imbibed. I’ll continue to do my best to stay cool and “keep my cool”, too (a real challenge). I’d really love to get out of Merida for the two hottest months of summer, but I have to feel better first. And I will work on that, too. I will also strive to be a courteous and safe driver and not bitch too much about the %&#?=#%traffic or lean on my horn, or use various hand and finger signs to communicate with other drivers.<br />
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Wish me luck!Merida Mikeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10523207460815870595noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3388678915111405426.post-9869307434739936732012-04-14T09:03:00.000-07:002012-04-14T09:03:44.167-07:00SOME NOTES FROM THE EDGE<span style="font-family: Times;">IT HAS BEEN SAID THAT IF YOU'RE NOT "LIVING ON THE EDGE", THEN YOU'RE TAKING UP TOO MUCH SPACE!</span><br />
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<br />
<strong><span style="color: red;">NOTES FROM THE EDGE OF LIFE </span></strong><br />
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Dear Noah, <br />
<br />
We could have sworn you said the ark wasn't leaving till 5. <br />
<br />
Sincerely, <br />
<br />
Unicorns <br />
<br />
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<br />
Dear Twilight fans, <br />
<br />
Please realize that because vampires are dead and have no blood pumping through them, they can never have an erection. <br />
<br />
Enjoy fantasizing about that. <br />
<br />
Sincerely, <br />
<br />
Logic <br />
<br />
------------------------------------------------- <br />
<br />
Dear Icebergs, <br />
<br />
Sorry to hear about the global warming. Karma's a bitch. <br />
<br />
Sincerely, <br />
<br />
The Titanic <br />
<br />
---------------------------------------------------- <br />
<br />
Dear America , <br />
<br />
You produced Miley Cyrus. Bieber is your punishment. <br />
<br />
Sincerely, <br />
<br />
Canada <br />
<br />
---------------------------------------------- <br />
<br />
Dear Yahoo, <br />
<br />
I've never heard anyone say, "I don't know, let's Yahoo! it..." Just saying... <br />
<br />
Sincerely, <br />
<br />
Google <br />
<br />
------------------------------------------------- <br />
<br />
Dear 2012, <br />
<br />
So I hear the best rapper is white and the president is black? WTF happened?! <br />
<br />
Sincerely, <br />
<br />
1985 <br />
<br />
----------------------------------------------- <br />
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Dear girls who have been dumped, <br />
<br />
There are plenty of fish in the sea... Just kidding! They're all dead. <br />
<br />
Sincerely, <br />
<br />
BP <br />
<br />
---------------------------------------------------- <br />
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Dear Skin-Colored Band Aids, <br />
<br />
Please make one for every skin color. <br />
<br />
Sincerely, <br />
<br />
Black people <br />
<br />
---------------------------------------------------- <br />
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Dear Scissors, <br />
<br />
I feel your pain.....no one wants to run with me either. <br />
<br />
Sincerely, <br />
<br />
Sarah Palin <br />
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Dear Customers, <br />
<br />
Yes, we ARE making fun of you in Vietnamese. <br />
<br />
Sincerely, <br />
<br />
Nail Salon Ladies <br />
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----------------------------------------------------------- <br />
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Dear Ugly People, <br />
<br />
You're welcome. <br />
<br />
Sincerely, <br />
<br />
Alcohol & Tobacco<br />
<br />
-------------------------------------------------- <br />
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Dear World, <br />
<br />
Please stop freaking out about 2012. <br />
<br />
Our calendars ended there because some Spanish d-bags invaded our country and we got a little busy ok? <br />
<br />
Sincerely, <br />
<br />
The Mayans <br />
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Dear White People, <br />
<br />
Don't you just hate immigrants? <br />
<br />
Sincerely, <br />
<br />
Native Americans <br />
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-------------------------------------------------- <br />
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Dear iPhone, <br />
<br />
Please stop spell checking all of my rude words into nice words. You piece of shut. <br />
<br />
Sincerely, <br />
<br />
Every iPhone User <br />
<br />
------------------------------------------------------- <br />
<br />
Dear Trash, <br />
<br />
At least you get picked up.... <br />
<br />
Sincerely, <br />
<br />
The Girls of Jersey Shore <br />
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--------------------------------------------- <br />
<br />
Dear Man, <br />
<br />
It's cute, but can you pick up peanuts with it? <br />
<br />
Sincerely, <br />
<br />
ElephantMerida Mikeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10523207460815870595noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3388678915111405426.post-71612245310598024722012-03-26T12:12:00.000-07:002012-03-26T12:12:38.864-07:00MORE PONDERISMS<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Why do supermarkets make the sick walk all the way to the back of the store to get their prescriptions while healthy people can buy cigarettes at the front? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Why do people order double cheeseburgers, large fries, and a diet coke? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Why do banks leave vault doors open and then chain the pens to the counters? </span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Why do we leave cars worth thousands of pounds in our driveways and put our useless junk in the garage? </span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Why do we buy hamburgers in packages of ten and buns in packages of eight? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Ever wodner why the sun lightens our hair, but darkens our skin? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Why can't women put on mascara with their mouth closed? </span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Why don't you ever see the headline 'Psychic Wins Lottery'?</span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Why is 'abbreviated' such a long word? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Why is it that doctors call what they do 'practice'? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavouring, and dishwashing liquid made with real lemons? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Why is the man who invests all your money called a broker? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Why is the time of day with the slowest traffic called rush hour? </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Why isn't there mouse-flavored cat food? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Why didn't Noah swat those two mosquitoes? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Why do they sterilize the needle for lethal injections? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">You know that indestructible black box that is used on airplanes? Why don't they make the whole plane out of that stuff?! </span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Why don't sheep shrink when it rains? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Why are they called apartments when they are all stuck together? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">If flying is so safe, why do they call the airport the terminal? </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">DON'T STAY UP NIGHTS WORRYING ABOUT ANY OF THIS STUFF!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span>Merida Mikeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10523207460815870595noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3388678915111405426.post-33779505036987490592012-03-09T12:16:00.000-08:002012-03-09T12:16:26.689-08:00FINALLY! STREET LEGAL!<div></div><br />
<div></div><br />
<div></div><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">The new 288 pages of “Road Rules” for the Yucatan contain lots of new information for anyone driving in the Yucatan. You really need to get a copy of the book and <strong>the law says you have to have it in your car when driving!</strong></span><br />
<br />
<div></div></font><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">In addition to the new book of road rules, you must have the following items in your vehicle<strong> while you are operating it:</strong></span> <br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"></span></strong><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
</font><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">1. </span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">A first aid kit</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
</font><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">2. Emergency triangles or “road cones”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">3. A fire extinguisher</span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
</font><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">4. Flashlight (There are specific requirements for what type of flashlight, but I honestly haven’t quite figured this one out as of yet.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Of course, you must have insurance and supposedly a sticker on your windshield showing that you do, in fact, have insurance. The problem with this is that few, if any, insurance companies are offering this sticker right now! So, the nice police officials at the license renewal office advise that <strong>you must have your insurance policy with you.</strong></span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
<div><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div></font><br />
<div></div></font><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Your vehicle must also pass an emissions test to make sure you’re not polluting the atmosphere! I somehow think that eventually this part of the new law will eliminate thousands of vehicles from the roads and highways in the Yucatan. </span><br />
<br />
<div></div></font><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I finally found out where to get this test done. When I renewed my plates back in January, they hadn’t quite set up the inspection stations yet. To the best of my knowledge, there is only one place in the city of Merida that offers this test, and that is the Government building located behind the old city jail. (How appropriate is that!)</span><br />
<br />
<div></div></font><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">When I finally found the place, I was pleased to be the next person in line. Actually, there was no line per se, just two vehicles ahead of me in the process of being tested. The whole process took about 20 minutes and cost 89 pesos. At this particular location, there are only two stations where testing occurs. If ever the lines get long, I can see this easily turning into an all-day affair. </span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div></font><br />
<div></div></font><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">After you pass the test, you pay and they give you a sticker to put on your windshield. I asked where the appropriate location of the sticker should be, and was offered any place, on any window. I opted for the windshield, right lower corner. I’m not sure if this is correct or not, but at least I have the sticker.</span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
<div></div></font><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">So, if stopped at one of the check points around the city, I will be in compliance with the new laws and be street legal. It’s a good feeling.</span><br />
<br />
<div></div></font><br />
<div></div></font><br />
<div></div></font><br />
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<div> </div><span style="font-size: large;"></span>Merida Mikeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10523207460815870595noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3388678915111405426.post-39482041922276402272012-03-06T11:25:00.000-08:002012-03-06T11:25:56.331-08:00BACK HOME AGAIN IN MERIDA<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I haven’t posted anything for a while because I’ve been out of the country. Having transferred from the VA hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida, to the VA Hospital in Houston, Texas, it was necessary for me to get registered there and that had to be done in person. I actually stayed in the hospital’s Courtesy Quarters for three days. They have a section of regular hospital rooms that have been converted into guest, or courtesy quarters for use by veterans that have travelled long distances and have scheduled appointments. Not a bad set up and a great deal – free lodging.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">All that hospital business didn’t go as well as I had hoped, but I did manage to see a doctor and get my prescription medications refilled. I also have additional appointments to be scheduled at a later date, so that will mean another trip to Houston sometime in the future.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">When I was finished up at the Hospital, I travelled to my old stomping grounds in St. Petersburg, Florida. I visited with friends and got to take care of some business matters. It was the first trip I made there since selling my condo and my little red truck! I had several offers to stay with friends, but I’m the type that doesn’t “stay very well”. I guess I’m too independent. I am accustomed to my absolute freedom of coming and going as I please and when I please. I hate to be an imposition on anyone and never will be. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I rented a car at the Tampa Airport and got a nice hotel room centrally located to where I needed to be. My visits went well and all my business and a bit of shopping were accomplished in the allotted time frame of my trip. It was so good to see old friends again. I enjoyed some of my favorite restaurants in the area, and generally had a good time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Things are definitely different “NOB”. Life is faster, lines are longer, and people could use some general refresher training in manners. Everything seemed so foreign to me. I am really acclimated to life in Merida and I find myself missing it after only a few short days away. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">It is good to be home again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span>Merida Mikeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10523207460815870595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3388678915111405426.post-28213713232862503802012-01-23T11:41:00.000-08:002012-01-23T11:41:27.547-08:00SIGNS THAT MAKE YOU SMILE :-)<strong><span style="font-size: large;">I like to read other blogs to see what people think is worthy of a post. Some rant, others rave, some give recipes or favorite places to eat, while others outline their daily routines. I find some extremely boring and others quite interesting and even entertaining. I guess you could say, <em>something for everyone</em>. Me, I like to smile. I like it even better when I can laugh. I hope these signs will make you smile or laugh. </span></strong><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Sign over a Gynecologist's Office:</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">"Dr. Jones, at your cervix."</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">**************************</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">In a Podiatrist's office:</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">"Time wounds all heels."</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">**************************</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">On a Septic Tank Truck:</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Yesterday's Meals on Wheels</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">**************************</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">At a Proctologist's door:</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">"To expedite your visit, please back in. "</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">**************************</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">On a Plumber's truck:</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">"We repair what your husband fixed."</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">**************************</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">On another Plumber's truck:</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">"Don't sleep with a drip. Call your plumber."</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">**************************</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">On a Church's Bill board:</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">"7 days without God makes one weak."</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">**************************</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">At a Tire Shop in Milwaukee :</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">"Invite us to your next blowout."</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">**************************</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">At a Towing company:</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">"We don't charge an arm and a leg. We want tows.."</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">**************************</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">On an Electrician's truck:</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">"Let us remove your shorts.."</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">******** ******************</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">In a Nonsmoking Area:</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">"If we see smoke, we will assume you are on fire and take appropriate action."</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">**************************</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">On a Maternity Room door:</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">"Push. Push. Push."</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">**************************</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">At an Optometrist's Office:</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">"If you don't see what you're looking for, you've come to the right place."</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">**************************</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">On a Taxidermist's window:</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">"We really know our stuff."</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">**************************</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">On a Fence:</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">"Salesmen welcome! Dog food is expensive!"</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">**************************</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">At a Car Dealership:</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">"The best way to get back on your feet - miss a car payment."</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">**************************</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Outside a Muffler Shop:</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">"No appointment necessary. We hear you coming."</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">**************************</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">In a Veterinarian's waiting room:</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">"Be back in 5 minutes. Sit! Stay!"</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">**************************</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">At the Electric Company</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">"We would be delighted if you send in your payment.</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">However, if you don't, you will be."</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">**************************</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">In a Restaurant window:</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">"Don't stand there and be hungry; come on in and get fed up."</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">**************************</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">In the front yard of a Funeral Home:</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">"Drive carefully. We'll wait."</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">**************************</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">At a Propane Filling Station:</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">"Thank heaven for little grills."</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">**************************</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">And don't forget the sign at a</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">CHICAGO RADIATOR SHOP:</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">"Best place in town to take a leak."</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">**********************</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Sign on the back of another Septic Tank Truck:</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">"Caution - This Truck is full of Political Promises"</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">I hope you found one sign that at least made you smile!</span></strong><br />
<strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong>Merida Mikeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10523207460815870595noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3388678915111405426.post-42319312091669393142012-01-16T08:14:00.000-08:002012-01-16T08:14:23.896-08:00PONDERISMS<span style="font-size: large;">Don't stay up nights worrying about any of this! :-)</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Can you cry under water? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">How important does a person have to be before they are considered assassinated instead of just murdered? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Why do you have to 'put your two cents in'... but it's only a 'penny for your thoughts'? Where's that extra penny going to? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Once you're in heaven, do you get stuck wearing the clothes you were buried in for eternity? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Why does a round pizza come in a square box? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">What disease did cured ham actually have? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">How is it that we put man on the moon before we figured out it would be a good idea to put wheels on luggage? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Why is it that people say they 'slept like a baby' when babies wake up like every two hours? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">If a deaf person has to go to court, is it still called a hearing? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Why are you IN a movie, but you're ON TV? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Why do people pay to go up tall buildings and then put money in binoculars to look at things on the ground? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Why do doctors leave the room while you change? </span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">They're going to see you naked anyway... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Why is 'bra' singular and 'panties' plural? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Why do toasters always have a setting that burns the toast to a horrible crisp, which no decent human being would eat? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">If Jimmy cracks corn and no one cares, why is there a stupid song about him? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">If the professor on Gilligan's Island can make a radio out of a coconut, why can't he fix a hole in a boat? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Why does Goofy stand erect while Pluto remains on all fours? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">They're both dogs! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">If Wile E. Coyote had enough money to buy all that ACME crap, why didn't he just buy dinner? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from vegetables, what is baby oil made from? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">If electricity comes from electrons, does morality come from morons? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Do the Alphabet song and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star have the same tune? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Why did you just try singing the two songs above? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Why do they call it an asteroid when it's outside the hemisphere, but call it a hemorrhoid when it's in your butt? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dog's face, he gets mad at you, but when you take him for a car ride, he sticks his head out the window? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">Why, Why, Why </span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are getting dead?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Why do banks charge a fee on 'insufficient funds' when they know there is not enough money?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Why do they use sterilized needles for death by lethal injection? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Why doesn't Tarzan have a beard?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Why does Superman stop bullets with his chest, but ducks when you throw a revolver at him?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Why do Kamikaze pilots wear helmets? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Whose idea was it to put an 'S' in the word 'lisp'? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">If people evolved from apes, </span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">why are there still apes?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Why is it that no matter what color bubble bath you use the bubbles are always white?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Is there ever a day that mattresses </span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">are not on sale?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Why do people constantly return to the refrigerator with hopes that something new to eat will have materialized?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Why do people keep running over a string a dozen times with their vacuum cleaner, then reach down, pick it up, examine it, then put it down to give the vacuum one more chance? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Why is it that no plastic bag will open from the end on your first try?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">How do those dead bugs get into those enclosed light fixtures?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Why is it that whenever you attempt to catch something that's falling off the table you always manage to knock something else over? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">In winter why do we try to keep the house as warm as it was in summer when we complained about the heat?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">How come you never hear father-in-law jokes?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">And my FAVORITE......... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>The statistics on sanity is that one out of every four persons are suffering from some sort of mental illness. Think of your three best friends -- if they're okay, then it's you. </em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span>Merida Mikeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10523207460815870595noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3388678915111405426.post-33571549412397568072012-01-05T17:09:00.000-08:002012-01-05T17:09:00.951-08:00RENEWING YOUR MEXICAN LICENSE PLATES IN MERIDA, YUCATAN<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Recently, the laws have changed regarding most things associated with driving in the Yucatan. In fact, the new laws and amendments include 288 pages of changes and additions. While most things have changed, some laws have remained in place. I will not attempt to interpret these 288 pages of changes for you. However, I do recommend that you check out the excellent article published in Yucatan Living regarding the same subject. Check out www.yucatanliving.com . Read their article on “New Yucatan Road Rules”.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I am going to tell you of my very recent experience renewing my license plates here in Merida. In past years, you basically just had to show up with a few copies of this or that, and your money. Not anymore. It is a much more sophisticated and complicated system. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">There are five (5) different locations you can go to here in Merida, and eight (8) others located throughout the State of Yucatan. I chose to go to the Convention Center, SIGLO XXI, in Merida. It’s easy to get to and has ample parking facilities. I’ve been there before and have never had to wait more than just a few minutes for my turn. Wow, that too, has changed! Be forewarned that lines are long and frustration reigns.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">MY FIRST VISIT: From past experiences, I had copies of everything I “thought” I might need. (Foolish me.) When it was my turn, the young lady who waited on me asked for more papers than I had brought. My fault, I concluded, and off I went to return home and gather the rest of the goodies. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">MY SECOND VISIT: I returned the next day with the additional papers I was informed I needed. Because I had been there the day before, I got to see the same young lady again. I handed her the additional paperwork she had requested the day before, and after checking it closely and asking someone I perceived to be a supervisor, it was determined that I was once again paperwork deficient. I asked her to please write down just exactly what it was that I needed and I would get it and return the next day. I was missing only one item according to her note. So, off I go back home to retrieve the additional paper I needed. I went immediately to the copy store and made sure I had copies of everything that was requested of me. I even checked it all twice, just in case. Good to go, I thought. (Foolish me, again.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">MY THIRD VISIT: Once again, because I had become a known and easily recognizable repeat customer/offender, I got to see the same young lady again. She scrutinized each and every paper I had previously given her pausing only to ask her supervisor (again) if something or the other was acceptable, or correct. I thought, geesh – we just went through this yesterday and the day before! Collectively, they confirmed that I had passed all their tests and was ready to go. I was elated and wanted to stand up and do the <strong><em>“yesss, I got it dance”</em></strong>. However, quickly realizing that would be somewhat inappropriate given the obvious frustrations of approximately 150 others who were waiting and probably in situations similar to mine, I decided against it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">With the myriad of paperwork finally accomplished, I was given a tiny piece of paper and directed to another area to actually pay for my plate renewal. Once again, each piece of paper was scrutinized and a supervisor was called over to confirm that everything was legitimate and in order. At this point, I am now slightly irritated. This coupled with my previous frustrations, could have made for a difficult situation. However, I managed a smile and asked what the problem was. The guy told me I needed another copy of my driver’s license and a copy of my immigration papers! At this point in time, I’m sure my blood pressure rose at least a few points both diastolic and systolic.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I informed him that he had all of that in front of him in the package of papers I just gave him. He acknowledged that affirmatively, but stated he needed copies to cash me out. I asked why the girl didn’t tell me that yesterday and showed him her note of what items were missing. My irritation and frustration must have shown because he now started to speak fluent English to me. I explained that this was my third trip and each time I was told to bring something different, but was never told to bring more copies of what he was asking for. Long story short, he made copies for me realizing that the system was new to everyone and it was obvious others were as irritated and frustrated as I was. I paid 204 pesos (approximately $15.10 US) for the renewal fees, was given my new certificate and off I went. I did give the guy a tip for helping me as he could easily have made me come back a fourth time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">In addition to a nice smile and lots of patience, here is what you need to bring with you when you go to renew your Mexican license plates in the Yucatan:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">1. The ORIGINAL and one (1) copy of a receipt for telephone, water, or electric with your name on it. They matched the name and address on the bill with other papers I gave them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">2. The ORIGINAL and two (2) copies of your Immigration document (FM-2, FM-3, etc.) One copy is for the initial review and one is for the cashier.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">3. The ORIGINAL and two (2) copies of your Mexican driver’s license. If you do not have a Mexican driver’s license, you may need the ORIGINAL and two (2) copies of your passport in addition to the ORIGINAL and two (2) copies of a current driver’s license from your country of origin. I asked this question, but no one would commit to a confirmed answer. Again, one copy of your Mexican driver’s license is for the initial review and one is for the cashier.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">4. The ORIGINAL and one (1) copy of your current insurance policy. <strong><span style="color: red;">No insurance – no renewal</span></strong>. This is a new requirement and is part of the recent 288 pages of legal changes that were recently enacted.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">5. The ORIGINAL and one (1) copy of last years’ receipt for payment of tenencia (vehicle tax) or license plate renewal.</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong>Here’s hoping you can do it all in just one trip! Good luck and happy motoring!</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span>Merida Mikeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10523207460815870595noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3388678915111405426.post-88587777404521845202011-12-29T10:09:00.000-08:002011-12-29T10:09:03.633-08:00MERIDA MIKEY ON NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Over the years, I’ve made hundreds of resolutions to ring in the New Year and have somehow managed to break almost every one of them and usually by no later than Valentine’s Day! However, I no longer make resolutions that I know I am unable to keep, save for one single resolution I make every year and I always manage to keep it. I’d like to share that resolution with you, and perhaps you’d consider making it one of your resolutions for 2012, and always.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My single resolution is: </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>“I promise myself to perform a random act of kindness.”</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">That’s it - plain and simple. I hope you will add my resolution to your list.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">On a slightly lighter note, a new year is time to reflect on life and find inner peace. A dear friend of mine recently sent me an e-mail that I would like to also share with you about inner peace. Many thanks to MR for sharing this with me.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>I'm passing this on because it worked for me today. A Dr. on TV said to have inner peace we should always finish things we start & we all could use more calm in our lives. I looked around my house to find things I'd started & hadn't finished, so I finished off a bottle of Merlot, a bottle of Chardonnay, a bodle of Baileys, a butle of wum, tha mainder of Valiuminun scriptins, an a box a chocletz. Yu haf no idr how fablus I feel rite now. Sned this to all who need inner piss. An telum i luvum </em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><strong>Here’s hoping that 2012 will prove to be one of your best years ever and may you find that inner peace we all so desperately seek. </strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><strong>HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012</strong></span><br />
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<strong><span style="color: lime;"></span></strong></span>Merida Mikeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10523207460815870595noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3388678915111405426.post-70765847412584231282011-12-11T09:59:00.000-08:002011-12-11T09:59:26.391-08:00MIKEY'S MARKET TIPS FOR 2012<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong>For all of you with any money left, be aware of the next expected mergers so that you can get in on the ground floor and make some BIG bucks.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><u>Watch for these consolidations in 2012:</u></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">1. Hale Business Systems, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Fuller Brush, and W. R. Grace Co. will merge and become: Hale, Mary, Fuller, Grace.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">2. Polygram Records, Warner Bros., and Zesta Crackers join forces and become: Poly, Warner Cracker.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">3. 3M will merge with Goodyear and become: MMMGood.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">4. Zippo Manufacturing, Audi Motors, Dofasco, and Dakota Mining will merge and become: ZipAudiDoDa.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">5. FedEx is expected to join its competitor, UPS, and become: FedUP.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">6. Fairchild Electronics and Honeywell Computers will become: Fairwell Honeychild.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">7. Grey Poupon and Docker Pants are expected to become: Poupon Pants.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">8. Knotts Berry Farm and the National Organization of Women will become: Knott NOW!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">And finally.....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">9. Victoria 's Secret and Smith & Wesson will merge under the new name: TittyTittyBangBang</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Times; font-size: large;"><strong>AND REMEMBER - YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST! NOW GET OUT THERE AND MAKE SOME BIG BUCKS!</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span></span>Merida Mikeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10523207460815870595noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3388678915111405426.post-16162588917616541222011-11-18T12:02:00.000-08:002011-11-18T12:02:33.260-08:00SIHUNCHEN: THE MAYAN RUIN I ALMOST SAW!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr9UNjPm7DE41IamU9qM_wtv23CY2fAeBFnklL4IF8Kbiytcr1NrtMOc08O15PaLPxTgy3YkbvY5-_tNpJIh-zALfj-4fz3RBUHUmAR5QcJkvUifGxg4CQrO-qGhMXsAcFnJ9XpaWwLc8/s1600/DSCN7493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr9UNjPm7DE41IamU9qM_wtv23CY2fAeBFnklL4IF8Kbiytcr1NrtMOc08O15PaLPxTgy3YkbvY5-_tNpJIh-zALfj-4fz3RBUHUmAR5QcJkvUifGxg4CQrO-qGhMXsAcFnJ9XpaWwLc8/s320/DSCN7493.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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If you are in Merida and are driving on the sole road that leads to Sisal or Celestun, or one or more of the pueblos in between, you will pass by a lonely roadside sign with a pyramid and an arrow pointing down a dusty, stone road. I had passed that sign many times and curiosity finally got the best of me and I decided I would take the challenge and head for the ruin.<br />
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As soon as I turned off the paved road, I found myself wishing that my vehicle was four-wheel drive or that I had a pick-up truck! The road is pretty much unattended, full of pot holes and very difficult on your tires. <br />
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It seemed like a forever drive down that long, dusty road, in and out of pot holes, but finally I saw some people moving around, a few houses, some farm animals, and even a tiny pueblo (of sorts). There was a very old hacienda that offered its services for parties and social events. I wondered who in the world could find the place!<br />
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The road dead-ended here and there were no other indications of any Mayan ruin to be had, so I asked one of the locals who gladly told me to turn to the right. Following his directions, I continued my journey. Ahh! Finally! I saw an archway with the name of the ruin, and I decided that I had hit pay dirt and found it. <br />
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I parked and quickly noticed that I was the sole motor vehicle in sight. As I approached what appeared to be the entry way, I saw that it was blocked off with a gate made of galvanized aluminum fencing. There wasn’t a soul to be found. It looked eerily deserted.<br />
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I began yelling <strong><em>“bueno”,</em></strong> which is the local way and custom of saying hello, anyone home. (I should readily point out that the word “bueno” is used in several forms of communication here in the Yucatan, although in literal translation, it means "good".)<br />
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After several very loud “buenos” a small, elderly Mayan man peered through some bushes and proceeded to the gate to greet me. He had been cutting some of the over-grown shrubs and he proudly announced that he was the caretaker. I asked if the site were open and he said no, the owner wasn’t here.<br />
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Owner, I thought? No one actually <strong>owns</strong> an historical archeological site. They are all owned and operated by the Mexican Government, save for some cenotes that are on privately owned land. I questioned him further and learned that the only time the site is available is when the owner is on premises. It seems that there are some cabins or lodges or some such similar habitats back in the over growth, and the owner does not permit anyone to enter unless it is under his supervision. Weird, really weird I thought.<br />
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I offered the caretaker a tip, well actually it was a bribe, to see if he would permit me to enter and take a few pictures and he cordially and politely absolutely refused as he feared losing his job. I understood his dilemma, thanked him and gave him a tip just for his time. He was grateful and went about his chore of cutting back some of the abundant shrubbery that seemed to be taking over.<br />
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I did take one picture and it is the one at the top of this post. I have no idea what lurks behind those man made arches, down the winding and overgrown pathways and through the woods, but I don’t think I will ever find out as I am not inclined to go back there for a second try, at least not in the very near future.<br />
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So, if you are in the area and manage to visit the ruins of Sihunchen, let me know what, and how, they were. Until then, I will remain forever curious!<br />
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</span>Merida Mikeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10523207460815870595noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3388678915111405426.post-85501415041956465042011-11-12T14:32:00.000-08:002011-11-12T14:32:53.555-08:00AGUINALDO: BONO NAVIDEÑO, OR TO US GRINGOS - CHRISTMAS BONUS!!<em><strong><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">It was just about this time last year that I published this post about aguinaldos for mail carriers and employees, be they part or full-time. I believe it is worth publishing again as a reminder to all of us living in Mexico. So, here it is again:</span></strong></em><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Yes, it is definitely that time of year. It all starts with the mail carriers who have their special day on November 12, Dia del Cartero. In your mail box, they will leave a card with a return envelope, preprinted with their name on it. (Convenient, huh?)</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">You simply insert your “gift” as a token of appreciation for their service for the past year. I think they must like me because I actually participate in giving, partially because I have always given to my mailman when in the States in appreciation for the services they provide, and partially out of fear that if I don’t give, I may never receive another piece of mail as long as I live in Mexico!</span></strong><strong></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">On the other hand, I readily give generously to my housekeeper who works for me fulltime, year round. She is an integral part of my adopted family that I have been fortunate enough to have for 23+ years now. She is a single mother and has two children and a small house that she supports on the salary I pay her. In addition, any special needs that arise, I take care of plus I help whenever I can throughout the year. Her Christmas bonus is above and beyond the norm, and includes several gifts for both her and the children. I do believe that it is more blessed to give than to receive and this is one way I can give back to the community that I have chosen to live in. Something I think we all should do.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">If you live in Mexico and you have an employee such as a housekeeper, gardener, cook, driver, or just someone who stops by to help you with chores every now and then, you should consider paying an Aguinaldo. It is customary to do so here in the Yucatan and throughout Mexico as well. There are even formulas on the internet to ascertain the amount you should pay!</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Basically, from what I have seen from others living here, the Aguinaldo is considered the “Thirteenth Pay”. That is, one months’ salary for either full or part time help. In addition, to the monetary part of the Aguinaldo, a gift, or gifts, are often given as a token of appreciation for loyal service and/or longevity of service, or both.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Aguinaldo’s are usually paid in Mid-November up to the first part of December and often represents the total “Christmas” the family will have, including food, drink, and gifts. Often, the children in the family will receive some new clothing as their gift and are absolutely delighted to do so! (Unlike some children “north of the border”.) Let’s face it, the people that work for us are generally poor and do the best they can with what they have. It doesn’t hurt to help. It feels GREAT!</span></strong><strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">You don’t have to give until it hurts, just give until it helps.</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span></strong>Merida Mikeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10523207460815870595noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3388678915111405426.post-58443305101980687862011-11-10T07:42:00.000-08:002011-11-11T10:12:26.242-08:00E-MAIL TRACKER PROGRAMS - AVOID THEM AT ALL COSTS!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVBFneYcbc0jzG2kYpTdhL9XN-Abg6d3xNNV1MZrqnn_BX6HUGUFCbk5bnG4Rr9vxng6IuN_kjggIik39g26_LXvibOs0i8ZIc5JvQ7hU_AOvXdF8Ww_lPEaB_WXhQrXw_dSb2Zt0pkFM/s1600/died.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVBFneYcbc0jzG2kYpTdhL9XN-Abg6d3xNNV1MZrqnn_BX6HUGUFCbk5bnG4Rr9vxng6IuN_kjggIik39g26_LXvibOs0i8ZIc5JvQ7hU_AOvXdF8Ww_lPEaB_WXhQrXw_dSb2Zt0pkFM/s320/died.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">By now, I suspect everyone is familiar with <a href="http://www.snopes.com/">http://www.snopes.com/</a> and/or <a href="http://www.truthorfiction.com/">http://www.truthorfiction.com/</a> for determining whether information received via email is just that: true/false or fact/fiction. Both are excellent sites.</span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Advice from snopes.com VERY IMPORTANT!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">1) Any time you see an email that says "forward this on to '10' (or however many) of your friends", "sign this petition", or "you'll get bad luck" or "you'll get good luck" or "you'll see something funny on your screen after you send it" or whatever --- it almost always has an email tracker program attached that tracks the cookies and emails of those folks you forward to. The host sender is getting a copy each time it gets forwarded and then is able to get lists of 'active' email addresses to use in SPAM emails or sell to other Spammers. Even when you get emails that demand you send the email on if you're not ashamed of God/Jesus --- that is email tracking, and they are playing on our conscience. These people don't care how they get your email addresses - just as long as they get them. Also, emails that talk about a missing child or a child with an incurable disease "how would you feel if that was your child" --- email tracking. <strong>Ignore them and don't participate!</strong></span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">2) Almost all emails that ask you to add your name and forward on to others are similar to that mass letter years ago that asked people to send business cards to the little kid in Florida who wanted to break the Guinness Book of Records for the most cards. All it was, and all any of this type of email is, is a way to get names and 'cookie' tracking information for telemarketers and Spammers -- to validate active email accounts for their own profitable purposes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong>You can do your Friends and Family members a GREAT favor by sending this information to them. You will be providing a service to your friends. And you will be rewarded by not getting thousands of spam emails in the future!</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Do yourself a favor and STOP adding your name(S) to those types of listing regardless how inviting they might sound! Or make you feel guilty if you don't! It's all about getting email addresses and nothing more. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">You may think you are supporting a GREAT cause, but you are NOT! </span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Instead, you will be getting tons of junk mail later and very possibly a virus attached! Plus, we are helping the Spammers get rich!<strong> Let's not make it easy for them!</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">ALSO: <strong>Email petitions are NOT acceptable to Congress of any other organization</strong> - i.e. Social security, etc. To be acceptable, petitions must have a "signed signature" and full address of the person signing the petition, so this is a waste of time and you are just helping the email trackers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">So, effectively immediately, I will no longer forward any of this junk so please don't send it to me. In the past, I have always felt slightly guilty if I didn't do it, <strong>but not any more</strong>. So, I guess that means that Jesus will no longer love me because he thinks I'm ashamed of him, I won't be rich in three days, the issue won't be recognized because I didn't sign the petition, I don't really love my country, good luck will never knock on my door, and my genitals may fall off. Life can be difficult, for sure, but I say to hell with spammers and I hope you will too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span>Merida Mikeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10523207460815870595noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3388678915111405426.post-78311889499599704452011-10-30T17:39:00.000-07:002011-10-31T05:57:53.422-07:00A FUN FACT FOR EACH OF THE 50 US STATES (UNVERIFIED)<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Although unverified, some of this stuff rings true. In any event, it's fun! Find your home State and see what you think. For my readers from other than the US, learn some interesting things about the United States.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">ALABAMA</span> .................. Was the first place to have 9-1-1, started</span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> in </span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">1968. <em>(Probably to get fast medical aid to injured football players and fans!)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: lime;">ALASKA </span>..................... One out of every 64 people has a pilot's license. <em>(And that's probably because they couldn't pass their driver's license test on those icy roads!)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">ARIZONA</span> ................... Is the only state in the continental U.S.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">that doesn't follow Daylight Savings Time. <em>(I wish other States would follow Arizona's lead!)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #741b47;">ARKANSAS</span> ................ Has the only active diamond mine in the U.S. <em>(I know some women who'll move there after reading this!)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: magenta;">CALIFORNIA</span> .............. Its economy is so large that if it were a</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">country, it would rank 7th in the entire world. <em> (I think California should be a separate country!)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: cyan;">COLORADO</span> ................ In 1976 it became the only state to turn</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">down the Olympics. <em>(There's got to be a good reason for this, but I sure can't think of one!)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: lime;">CONNECTICUT</span> ........... The Frisbee was invented here at Yale University. <em>(Now who who would have thunk that! A flying saucer, maybe, but a frisbee?)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">DELAWARE </span>.............. Has more scientists and engineers than any other state. <em> (The question begs to be asked: WHY?)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: cyan;">FLORIDA</span> .................At 874.3 square miles, Jacksonville is the</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">US's largest city. <em>(And, from living in Florida for many a year, I'll add "and is the birthplace of the Early Bird Dinner Special! And is lovingly referred to as the land of the newly wed and nearly dead!")</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">GEORGIA</span> .................... It was here, in 1886, that pharmacist</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">John Pemberton made the first vat of Coca-Cola. <em>(I recall reading somewhere that the original batches actually contained cocaine and were sold for medicinal purposes. No wonder everyone liked it so much that it became the number one selling beverage in the world!) </em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;">HAWAII </span>..................... Hawaiians live, on average, five years</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">longer than residents of any other state. <em> (Could it be because they get more leys than the rest of us? Nahhh, it's got to have something to do with the weather or the volcanic ash!)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #783f04;">IDAHO </span>....................... TV was invented in Rigby, Idaho, in 1922.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"><em>(And the world went downhill from there.)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: lime;">ILLINOIS</span> ...................Has a Governor in jail, one pending jail & is perhaps </span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">the most corrupt state in the union. <em>(And we elected a President from that State! Makes you wonder.)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: magenta;">INDIANA</span> ...Home to Santa Claus, Indiana , which gets a half million </span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">letters to Santa every year. <em>(What do they do with all that unfowardable mail?)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">IOWA</span> .............Winnebago get their name from Winnebago County . </span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Also, it is the only state that begins with two vowels. <em>(Has anyone from Iowa ever won a spelling bee?)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">KANSAS</span> .................Liberal, Kansas , has an exact replica of the</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">house in The Wizard of Oz. <em> (Who lives in that house????)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: lime;">KENTUCKY</span> .............Has more than $6 billion in gold underneath Fort Knox. <em>(GOOD GRIEF! Don't remind the politicians because they'll want to tax it or spend it!)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;">LOUISIANA</span> .............Has parishes instead of counties because they</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">were originally Spanish church units. <em> (Only one out of 50 isn't bad. I guess they march to the beat of a different drummer!)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">MAINE</span> ...................... It's so big, it covers as many square</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">miles as the other five New England states combined. <em> (If you look at the tiny size of the other five, that's not that big of an accomplishment!)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: cyan;">MARYLAND</span> .............. The Ouija board was created in Baltimore in 1892. <em>("Oui" being French for yes, and "ja" being German for yes, I would have guessed Europe!)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: magenta;">MASSACHUSETTS </span>....... The Fig Newton is named after Newton , Mass and </span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">where the first chocolate chip cookie was created. <em>(Is this also where Wayne Newton was born? Probably not.)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">MICHIGAN </span>.....Fremont, home to Gerber, is the baby food capital of the world. <em> (One has to wonder how many babies they have fed since their inception. I'm guessing eleventeen gazillion.)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">MINNESOTA </span>............ Bloomington 's Mall of America is so big, if</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">you spent 10 minutes in each store, you'd be there nearly four days.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"><em>(In the middle of a Minnesota winter, it may take you four days to just drive there!)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: lime;">MISSISSIPPI</span> ............. President Teddy Roosevelt refused to shoot a </span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">bear here .... that's how the teddy bear got its name. <em>(Good for you, Mr. President! I'm pretty much against hunting myself.)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: cyan;">MISSOURI </span>............... Is the birthplace of the ice cream cone. <em> (I knew there was something I really liked about this State! Show me the cone! A chocolate one, please.)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">MONTANA .............A sapphire from Montana is in the Crown Jewels of England. <em>(I SAY LET'S GET THE DAMN THING BACK HOME WHERE IT BELONGS! And any jobs that went along with it, too!)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;">NEBRASKA</span> ............... More triplets are born here than in any other state. <em>(Good grief! I'm glad I never lived there!)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: magenta;">NEW HAMPSHIRE</span> ...... Birthplace of Tupperware, invented in 1938 by Earl Tupper. <em>(A true All-American invention that helped change the world and made it a better place. Thanx Earl!)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #4c1130;">NEW JERSEY</span> ............ Has the most shopping malls in one area in the world. <em>(Guys, if you can't find your wife, mother, or daughter, try looking somewhaere in Jersey!)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">NEW MEXICO</span> ............ Smokey the Bear was rescued from a 1950 forest </span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">fire here. <em>(Weird. I never knew there was a real "Smokey The Bear"!)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">NEW YORK ................</span> Is home to the nation's oldest cattle ranch,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">started in 1747 in Montauk. <em>(I'm sure there are tons of Texans who'd dispute this one!)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: lime;">NORTH CAROLINA</span> ..... Home of the first Krispy Kreme doughnut. <em>(God Bless America, and especially NC and Krispy Kreme. Amen!)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: cyan;">NORTH DAKOTA</span> ....... Rugby , North Dakota , is the exact geographic </span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">center of North America . <em>(Who measures this stuff? And what kind of a ruler do they use?)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;">OHIO</span> ......................... The hot dog was invented here in 1900. <em>(And I'm sure there are lots of New Yorkers who'd dispute this one!)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: magenta;">OKLAHOMA</span> ............... The grounds of the state capital are covered </span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">by operating oil wells. <em>(How pretty is that!?!)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">OREGON</span> .................... Has the most ghost towns in the country. <em>(Now that rings spooky!)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">PENNSYLVANIA</span> ......... The smiley, <em> : )</em> was first used in 1980 by</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">computer scientists at Carnegie Mellon University. <em> (Gee, is that all they could come up with?)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">RHODE ISLAND</span> ......... The nation's oldest bar, the White Horse</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Tavern, opened here in 1673. <em>(God Bless America and especially Rhode Island and the White Horse Tavern. Amen!)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">SOUTH CAROLINA</span> ..... Sumter County is home to the world's largest gingko farm. <em> (Wow! How did I make it this far without knowing that!?!)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: lime;">SOUTH DAKOTA</span> ....... Is the only state that's never had an earthquake. <em>(Given the Law of Averages,</em></span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em> watch out South Dakota! The next rumbling you feel may not be from your neighbor's snow blower or tractor!)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: cyan;">TENNESSEE</span> ................ Nashville's Grand Ole Opry is the longest</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">running live radio show in the world. <em>(And without a doubt, the best, too!)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;">TEXAS</span> ....................... Dr. Pepper was invented in Waco back in</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">1885. The Hamburger was invented in Arlington in 1906. <em> (Now this tidbit of information is really strange - Dr. Pepper and hamburgers? Two things I wouldn't immediately associate Texas with!)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: magenta;">UTAH</span> ........................ The first Kentucky Fried Chicken</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">restaurant opened here in 1952. <em> (Hmmmm, I would have guessed Kentucky! Makes more sense to me than Utah!)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">VERMONT</span> ..............Montpelier is the only state capital without a McDonald's. <em>(Way to go, Montpelier!)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">VIRGINIA</span> ............Home of the world's largest office building...The Pentagon. <em> (I never thought of the Pentagon as an "office building" before!)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #073763;">WASHINGTON</span>...............Seattle has twice as many college graduates as any other state. <em>(Perhaps that's because there is absolutely nothing else to do in Washington?)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">WASHINGTON D.C.</span> .... Was the first planned capital in the world.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"><em>(And it worked. Well, it used to work.)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">WEST VIRGINIA</span> ......... Had the world's first brick paved street,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Summers Street, laid in Charleston in 1870. <em>(A dubious distinction for this Blue Ridge Mountain state!)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: lime;">WISCONSIN</span> ............... The ice cream sundae was invented here</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">in1881 to get around Blue Laws prohibiting ice cream from being sold </span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">on Sundays. <em>(God bless America and especially Wisconsin and the ice cream sundae. Amen!)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: cyan;">WYOMING</span> .................Was the first state to allow women to vote.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"><em>(No comment!!!)</em></span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">Note: A special thanks to my friend MR for sending the original </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">e-mail to me. I took the liberty of adding comments in parentheses.)</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em></em></span></span>Merida Mikeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10523207460815870595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3388678915111405426.post-79265464395140946172011-10-12T10:07:00.000-07:002011-10-12T10:07:55.823-07:00G-R-O-A-N-E-R-S-<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If these don't make you <b><i>groan</i></b>, I recommend doubling up on your meds and asking your therapist for more weekly sessions! :-)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Groan</i></b> away:</span><br />
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<tr style="display: table-row; vertical-align: inherit;"><td style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; display: table-cell; padding-bottom: 0cm; padding-left: 0cm; padding-right: 0cm; padding-top: 0cm;" valign="top"><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div style="display: block; line-height: normal; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #1f497d;">1</span><span style="color: black;">. Th</span></span><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">e fattest knight at King <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1318438616_0">Arthur's round table</span> was Sir Cumference. He acquired his size from too much pi.</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: normal; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div></div></div><div style="display: block; line-height: normal; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2. I thought I saw an eye doctor on an Alaskan island, but it turned out to be an optical Aleutian.</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: normal; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div></div></div></div></div><div style="display: block; line-height: normal; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">3. She was only a whiskey maker, but he loved her still.</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: normal; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div></div><div style="display: block; line-height: normal; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">4. A rubber band pistol was confiscated from algebra class, because it was a weapon of math disruption.</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: normal; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</tbody></table><div style="display: block; line-height: normal; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">5. No matter how much you push the envelope, it'll still be stationery.</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: normal; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: normal; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">6. A dog gave birth to puppies near the road and was cited for littering.</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: normal; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: normal; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">7. A grenade thrown into a kitchen in <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1318438616_1">France</span> would result in LinoleumBlownapart.</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: normal; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: normal; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">8. Two silk worms had a race. They ended up in a tie.</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: normal; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: normal; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">9. A hole has been found in the nudist camp wall. The police are looking into it.</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: normal; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: normal; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">10. Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: normal; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: normal; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">11. Atheism is a non-prophet organization.</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: normal; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: normal; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">12. Two hats were hanging on a hat rack in the hallway. One hat said to the other: 'You stay here; I'll go on a head.'</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: normal; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: normal; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">13. I wondered why the baseball kept getting bigger. Then it hit me.</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: normal; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: normal; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">14. A sign on the lawn at a drug rehab center said: 'Keep off the Grass.'</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: normal; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: normal; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">15. The midget fortune-teller who escaped from prison was a small medium at large.</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: normal; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: normal; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">17. A backward poet writes inverse.</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: normal; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: normal; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">18. In a democracy it's your vote that counts. In feudalism it's your count that votes.</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: normal; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: normal; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">19. If you jumped off the bridge in <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1318438616_2">Paris</span>, you'd be in Seine.</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: normal; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: normal; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">2</span><span style="color: #1f497d;">0</span><span style="color: black;">. Two Eskimos sitting in a kayak were chilly, so they lit a fire in the craft. Unsurprisingly it sank, proving once again that you can't have your kayak and heat it too.</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: normal; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: normal; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">2</span><span style="color: #1f497d;">1</span><span style="color: black;">. Two hydrogen atoms meet. One says,"I've lost my electron." The other says, "Are you sure?" The first replies, "Yes, I'm positive."</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: normal; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: normal; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">2</span><span style="color: #1f497d;">2</span><span style="color: black;">. There was the person who sent ten puns to friends, with the hope that at least one of the puns would make them laugh. No pun in ten did.</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: normal; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="display: block; line-height: normal; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="display: block; line-height: normal; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If these didn't solicit a<b><i> groan</i></b>, go ahead and moan!</span></span></div></td></tr>
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</div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Merida Mikeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10523207460815870595noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3388678915111405426.post-50097540063385675862011-10-04T07:36:00.000-07:002011-10-04T07:47:25.154-07:00SOME WORTHLESS, BUT INTERESTING, FACTS THAT YOU ACTUALLY COULD LIVE WITHOUT!(And NO, I did not check any of this out with Snopes, the Internet Nazi!)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Q: Why do men's clothes have buttons on the right while women's clothes have buttons on the left?<br /><br />A: When buttons were invented, they were very expensive and worn primarily by the rich. Since most people are right-handed, it is easier to push buttons on the right through holes on the left. Because wealthy women were dressed by maids, dressmakers put the buttons on the maid's right! And that's where women's buttons have remained since.<br /><br />Q: Why do ships and aircraft use 'mayday' as their call for help?<br /><br />A: This comes from the French word <em><strong>m'aidez</strong></em> -meaning 'help me' -- and is pronounced, approximately, 'mayday.'<br /><br />Q: Why are zero scores in tennis called 'love'?<br /><br />A: In France , where tennis became popular, round zero on the scoreboard looked like an egg and was called<strong><em> 'l'oeuf</em></strong>,' which is French for 'egg.' When tennis was introduced in the US , Americans (mis)pronounced it 'love.' (Ya gotta "love" those French!)<br /><br /><br />Q. Why do X's at the end of a letter signify kisses?<br /><br />A: In the Middle Ages, when many people were unable to read or write, documents were often signed using an X. Kissing the X represented an oath to fulfil obligations specified in the document. The X and the kiss eventually became synonymous. (I wonder where the "O" for hug came from?) XOXOXOXO<br /><br />Q: Why is shifting responsibility to someone else called 'passing the buck'?<br /><br />A: In card games, it was once customary to pass an item, called a buck, from player to player to indicate whose turn it was to deal. If a player did not wish to assume the responsibility of dealing, he would 'pass the buck' to the next player. (I know people like this.)<br /><br />Q: Why do people clink their glasses before drinking a toast?<br /><br />A: It used to be common for someone to try to kill an enemy by offering him a poisoned drink. To prove to a guest that a drink was safe, it became customary for a guest to pour a small amount of his drink into the glass of the host. Both men would drink it simultaneously. When a guest trusted his host, he would only touch or clink the host's glass with his own.<br /><br />Q: Why are people in the public eye said to be 'in the limelight'?<br /><br />A: Invented in 1825, limelight was used in lighthouses and theatres by burning a cylinder of lime which produced a brilliant light. In the theatre, a performer 'in the limelight' was the center of attention.<br /><br />Q: Why is someone who is feeling great 'on cloud nine'?<br /><br />A: Types of clouds are numbered according to the altitudes they attain, with nine being the highest cloud. If someone is said to be on cloud nine, that person is floating well above worldly cares. (I know people like this, too!)<br /><br />Q: In golf, where did the term 'caddie' come from?<br /><br />A. When Mary, Queen of Scots went to France as a young girl, Louis, King of France , learned that she loved the Scots' game 'golf.' So he had the first course outside of Scotland built for her enjoyment. To make sure she was properly chaperoned (and guarded) while she played, Louis hired cadets from a military school to accompany her. Mary liked this a lot and when she returned to Scotland (not a very good idea in the long run), she took the practice with her. In French, the word cadet is pronounced <strong><em>'ca-day'</em></strong> and the Scots changed it into 'caddie.'<br /><br />Q: Why are many coin banks shaped like pigs?<br /><br />A: Long ago, dishes and cookware in Europe were made of a dense orange clay called '<strong><em>pygg</em></strong>'. When people saved coins in jars made of this clay, the jars became known as 'pygg banks.' When an English potter misunderstood the word, he made a container that resembled a pig and it caught on. (Leave it to the English to get i confused!)<br /><br />Q: Did you ever wonder why dimes, quarters and half dollars have notches (milling), while pennies and nickels do not?<br /><br />A: The US Mint began putting notches on the edges of coins containing gold and silver to discourage holders from shaving off small quantities of the precious metals. Dimes, quarters and half dollars are notched because they used to contain silver. Pennies and nickels aren't notched because the metals they contain are not valuable enough to shave.<br /><br />So there! Now you know! Thrilled?Merida Mikeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10523207460815870595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3388678915111405426.post-77764941577593411142011-09-26T11:57:00.000-07:002011-09-26T12:08:56.238-07:00OH, IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE . . . . .
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<br /><span style="font-size:130%;">If you guessed<strong> “<span style="color:#ff0000;">C</span><span style="color:#33cc00;">h</span><span style="color:#ff0000;">r</span><span style="color:#33cc00;">i</span><span style="color:#ff0000;">s</span><span style="color:#33cc00;">t</span><span style="color:#ff0000;">m</span><span style="color:#33cc00;">a</span><span style="color:#ff0000;">s</span>”,</strong> you’re correct!
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<br />The first week of SEPTEMBER, my favorite super market, Mega, started putting out their Christmas displays. I was, and still am, appalled. If you do the math, that’s approximately 4 months before Christmas! Other stores are following suit, or even leading in the pursuit.
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<br />I understand the retail side of this story, but unfortunately, I’m not convinced that the retailers understand the other side. Growing up, I was taught both the religious and “retail” aspects of Christmas. Gift giving was always from the heart, not the wallet, and certainly didn’t start the day after Labor Day! We actually celebrated the birth of Jesus. Family and friends were always at the top of the list of priorities, and fond memories of family gatherings still linger in my heart and soul. I don’t think many people do that anymore and they have lost sight of the real meaning of Christmas and they have taken Christ out of Christmas.
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<br />I’m not being over-zealous here, and I’m not preaching, honestly. To each his/her own and I won’t sit in judgment of your personal beliefs. I guess I’m just ranting about going to the store to buy some fruits and veggies and having to pass by Christmas displays in September when it is still in the 90’s here in Merida! I'm thinking "air conditioning" not Christmas decorations. I think it is too early to get into the Christmas Spirit, even from a retail point of view. I honestly try to keep the spirit of Christmas alive all year long. Sometimes, I fail miserably and other times I am quite successful at doing so. But, I do try.
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<br />I just don’t need to be reminded in early September that Christmas is <strong><em>“only”</em></strong> 4 months away. Do they think I don’t have enough time to shop? Do they think I jmight just forget? Do they think I’m actually going to buy Christmas ornaments in <em><strong>September</strong></em>? </span><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>Not!</strong></span>
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<br />I wonder how early they’ll start next year? It seems like every year it is earlier and earlier. The retailers will coninue to display their Christmas items and I will continue to rant.
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<br /></span><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;"><strong>Ho-Ho-Ho. </strong></span>
<br /></span>Merida Mikeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10523207460815870595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3388678915111405426.post-87388691029278156622011-09-18T07:43:00.000-07:002011-09-18T08:10:51.942-07:00DIVERSION EXCURSION: GUATEMALA (PART II, THE FINAL INSTALLMENT)<span style="font-size:130%;">Let me take a step back before proceeding. After I did my research on line, booked and paid for both the flight and the hotel, my good friend Lin D. offered to lend me a copy of her Travelocity Guide Book on Guatemala. She had visited there a few years ago and purchased the book then, so it was rather up-to-date. She enjoyed her short stay there and had no problems. I readily accepted her offer and began devouring each page, eager to learn more about my vacation destination. There were some of the same warnings regarding travel and safety that I found on line, including ATM scams and fraud. This didn’t really bother me because this sort of thing goes on in every city, world-wide.
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<br /><span style="font-size:130%;">The guide book was touting inexpensive lodging and meals, neither of which I found. In fact, I thought everything in Guatemala was way overpriced for an emerging third-world country in Central America. (If that statement hurts anyone’s feeling, sorry, but that is my personal opinion.) I base this on the fact that I do consider myself an experienced traveler, not a tourist. When inquiring about restaurants and the like, the good folks at the hotel told me of some rather inexpensive restaurants, but cautioned me not to go to that part of town, day or night. They provided some acceptable alternatives even though I found the prices were a bit out of line with the overall environment and quality of food. </span>
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<br /><span style="font-size:130%;">We settled on one of the restaurants the hotel recommended and they called a taxi cab for us. It was just getting dark and traffic remained heavy. We arrived at the restaurant and I was pleasantly surprised to find a variety of dishes on the menu. I was also surprised to find an armed guard at the door and one roaming around the restaurant while you tried to enjoy your evening meal! We ordered a platter for two consisting of some local sausages, some beef, a small potato and a few trimmings. Tortillas were served with the meal. Not to my liking as they were small, very thick and quite chewy. The bill, including beverages, was almost $40.00. The atmosphere and food quality did not equal the price. We had the cell phone number of the taxi and the restaurant gladly called the same driver to pick us up.
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<br />We decided to stop at a small store to pick up a few snacks and soft drinks to have in the room as the hotel offered nothing except the two-egg breakfast. The driver took us to a store just a few blocks from the hotel, but we couldn’t go in! We could approach, walk by the scrutinizing eye of the armed guard, and order through heavy metal bars protecting the workers, the stock, and the cash register. I found the same thing at a nearby drug store. This was weird I thought. Nevertheless, we got our goodies and off we went. I had also noticed that even the trucks that delivered bottled water, or any other service vehicle for that matter that collected money on its route, had an armed guard. Sawed off shotguns and automatic weapons were the weapons of choice.
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<br />The next morning, it was the two-egg breakfast, and off to the bank to change US dollars into Guatemalan Quetzels. Mexican pesos are not accepted. The hotel arranged transportation and the taxi took us to the bank, parked and agreed to wait for us. Entering the bank was probably tantamount to entering Fort Knox. Locked doors and armed guards both in and outside of the bank actually gave me an uneasy sense of false security. After doing all the paperwork including showing your passport, making copies, etc., and so on, we stood in line at the teller to get the Quetzels.<strong><em> ( I’ll inject a personal note here. My entire stay in Guatemala was a state of confusion when it came to money. I was continuously converting Quetzels to US dolalrs at the rate of 7.5 to one, and then converting the dollars to Mexican pesos at the rate of 12 to one, to get a feel for the price of things. I’m not exactly sure how all that worked out for me and I didn’t really stay around long enough to find out or care for that matter.)
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<br />I changed $400.00 US dollars into Quetzels and wound up with a whole bunch of paper money of varying denominations. I was grateful that it all fit into the security pouch I carried around my neck and I put about $50.00 worth of Quetzels in my pocket. It was back to the hotel to unload some of the money into the safe in the room and re-secure our passports. We then decided to go to the local market to search for treasures. Again, the hotel staff arranged a cab for us with warnings about safety and security in the market. Again, I found this a bit un-nerving, but heeded their warnings.
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<br />I read in the guide book about the markets and the warnings about pickpockets and thieves scouring the market places for unsuspecting tourists. I was surprised to learn that the children also practiced pickpocketing! I also found a reference to the US Embassy web page that posted warnings about travel and crime in Guatemala. Having exhausted most of my research, I decided to go to this web page, and was absolutely in a state of shock with what I found there. After reading just a few entries, I knew that I would not have gone to Guatemala had I read this first. It was too late to cancel as it was already paid for. Mind you, this comes from the US Embassy and not just opinions of tourists and travelers. That web site is: </span>
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<br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">http://guatemala.usembassy.gov/recent_incidents.html
<br /></span>(Note: you may have to copy and paste this into your browser)</strong>
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<br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>THIS IS AN</strong><em> </em><strong>ABSOLUTE MUST<em> </em>READ FOR ANYONE CONSIDERING A TRIP TO GUATEMALA. ALSO, BE MINDFUL THAT THESE ARE ONLY CRIMES THAT HAVE BEEN REPORTED, AND THEN, ONLY TO ONE OF SEVERAL FOREIGN EMBASSY’S IN THE CAPITOL CITY OF GUATEMALA.
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<br /></strong></span>Now, I was actually afraid for my safety and reviewed my travel plans accordingly. While in Guatemala, there were definitely two things I wanted to do. One was to see Antigua and the other was to experience the market in Chichicastenango. We managed to do both but opted for private transportation via one of the taxi drivers from the hotel, which meant spending a lot more money to get there and back. All other travel plans were cancelled, and with no regrets. After reading the US Embassy’s web page, it became quite apparent to me why banks and stores looked like mini fortresses, well-armed and overly guarded.
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<br />You may find this boring, shocking, a little over the top, or unnecessary, but I am copying the entries just for the <strong>first three weeks of August 2011</strong>, from the US Embassy web page for your review:
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<br /><strong>08/20/2011</strong> Guatemala City, Zone 14: Unknown individuals broke into a resident’s vehicle and stole a briefcase.
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<br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>08/19/2011</strong> Antigua, Sacatepéquez: Two knife-wielding men stole a tourist’s purse.
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<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>08/19/2011</strong> Carretera a El Salvador, Santa Elena Barillas, Guatemala: At approximately 7:30pm, a pickup truck with five men pulled in front of three tourists’ vehicle and forced them to stop. Three men exited the truck and fired shots into the air. The armed men forced their way into the group’s vehicle, drove to a deserted country road, and raped two female tourists. The assailants later stole the tourists’ money and departed. </span>
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<br /><strong>08/18/2011</strong> Antigua, Sacatepéquez: At approximately 12:30am, on the corner of 6a. Avenida Sur and 5a. Calle Poniente, a group of assailants traveling in a pickup truck slashed a tourist with a knife and robbed him.
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<br /><strong>08/18/2011</strong> Antigua, Sacatepéquez: At approximately 12:15am, on 3a. Calle Norte between 3a. and 4a. Avenida, a group of assailants traveling in a pickup truck approached two tourists. The assailants stabbed both tourists with a knife and stole their belongings.
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<br /><strong>08/18/2011</strong> Antigua, Sacatepéquez: At approximately 11:30pm, on Calle del Arco between 5a. and 6a. Avenida, a group of assailants traveling in a pickup truck approached a resident. The assailants stabbed the resident, cutting off a piece of his ear, and stole his belongings.
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<br /><strong>08/18/2011</strong> Antigua, Sacatepéquez: At approximately 11:00pm, on the corner of 4a. Calle Poniente and 6a. Avenida Norte, a group of assailants traveling in a pickup truck robbed two tourists. One of the tourists was slashed with a knife during the robbery.
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<br /><strong>08/18/2011</strong> Antigua, Sacatepéquez: At approximately 8:00pm, in front of La Merced church, an assailant stole two tourists’ belongings and slashed them with a knife.
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<br /><strong>08/17/2011</strong> Antigua, Sacatepéquez: Two armed men assaulted a tourist who was riding a chicken bus. The men forced the tourist to remove his clothes to see if he was carrying anything of value.
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<br /><strong>08/16/2011</strong> Livingston, Izabal: An unknown individual stole a tourist’s belongings at a hostel. The stolen items included $300 cash as well as the tourist’s driver’s license and passport.
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<br /><strong>08/14/2011</strong> Livingston, Izabal: Three assailants boarded an anchored boat at around 8:00pm. The two tourists aboard were tied up and threatened; the intruders stole their diving gear, boat equipment, watches, cell phones, credit cards, and passports.
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<br /><strong>08/14/2011</strong> San Juan La Laguna, Sololá: An unknown individual stole a tourist’s backpack while the tourist was swimming in Lake Atitlán. Although the tourist reported that she was only in the water for five minutes, the thief got away with her possessions, including her passport.
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<br /><strong>08/12/2011</strong> Puerto de San José, Escuintla: At approximately 11:30pm, unknown individuals allegedly stopped a car belonging to a married couple. The husband tried to escape the assailants, who then fired several shots into the vehicle. The husband escaped on foot but the wife was shot dead.
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<br /><strong>08/12/2011</strong> Tecpán, Chimaltenango: Residents have received several blackmail threats demanding 200,000 quetzales in exchange for not harming the couple’s child. The threats have been delivered to their home and their relative’s home via phone calls and letters.
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<br /><strong>08/08/2011</strong> Chimaltenango, Chimaltenango: Two men on a motorcycle approached a tourist in his car. The men pointed a gun at the tourist and took his belongings, including $500 cash.
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<br /><strong>08/08/2011</strong> Guatemala City, Zone 10: An American Embassy employee was walking on 7a. Calle when he noticed a car following him. In response, he crossed the street and ran away. From a distance, he saw three men get out of the car; one of them was carrying a gun. No one was injured in this incident.
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<br /><strong>08/05/2011</strong> Guatemala City, Zone 13: An unknown individual stole a tourist’s money belt at La Aurora International Airport.
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<br /><strong>08/04/2011</strong> Panajachel, Sololá: An unknown individual stole a tourist’s passport from her purse while she was leaving a bank.
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<br /><strong>08/03/2011</strong> Panajachel, Sololá: A tourist reported that someone stole his passport while he was waiting inside a bank.
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<br /><strong>08/03/2011</strong> Villa Nueva, Guatemala: A resident reported threats ordering him to pay 10,000 quetzales or face harm to his family. He has received a dozen anonymous phone calls regarding this threat.
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<br /><strong>08/01/2011</strong> Antigua, Sacatepéquez: A tourist reported that he attempted an ATM withdrawal and, although the withdrawal was unsuccessful due to a supposed ATM problem, the funds were still withdrawn from his account.
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<br /><strong>08/01/2011</strong> Antigua, Sacatepéquez: An unknown individual stole two tourists’ passports while the tourists were dining in a restaurant.
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<br />You may also want to check out the August 26, 2011, letter from the US Embassador, entitled <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">EMERGENCY MESSAGE TO US CITIZENS</span></strong>. The letter warns of the dangers of traveling in Antigua, Guatemala. The web site is full of such incidents and continues on for pages and pages. As I mentioned earlier, had I known beforehand, I wouldn’t have gone. Now, you may have a better understanding of why I high-tailed it out of Guatemala!
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<br />Personally, we were very fortunate although we did have a few scares. While I was in the market in Antigua, Luis noticed someone was following me and staring at the pockets in my pants. I figure he was trying to determine how hard, or easy, it would be to pickpocket me, or who knows what. However, that is conjecture and not supported by fact, but given the factual statistics, it is a definite probability.
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<br />One afternoon while in the hotel, Luis decided he needed a second trip to the local market and went off on his own while I stayed in and rested. When he returned, he rang the doorbell to the hotel and while waiting for the staff to open the door, a man approached him, asked for a light, and was fumbling with something in his pocket. Luis said the guy tried to pull whatever it was out of his pocket, but (luckily) it was stuck and he couldn’t get it out. Was it a knife, a gun, or? Again, not fact but high probability. Luis told me at that moment he thought his life was through. Thankfully, all this was interrupted by Luis running into the middle of the street and the staff opening the door. Th would-be assailant exited stage left, and very quickly.
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<br />On the way home from Chichicastenango, there was some commotion in the other side of the divided 6 land highway. There was a small crowd and two bodies on the side of the road, but no visible signs of an auto accident. That evening on the news, the staff at the hotel told us of two guys that went to a bank, withdrew some money and were followed, shot, killed and robbed on the same road we travelled. Had we been just a few minutes earlier on our return trip, we would have been witnesses. Too close for me!
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<br />All this, coupled with the Embassy web page, confirmed my decision to return early. I changed our tickets with Interjet and we left in the early morning of September 7th, after having just arrived on the first of the month and cuting the vacation short by 9 days. There was no way I was staying in a country that I did not feel safe in, couldn’t walk the streets day or night, and had to cope with armed guards while buying a soft drink, an aspirin, or trying to enjoy a meal in a restaurant. Not my idea of a good time or a vacation, that’s for sure. It seemed like everything we would choose to do would include an inherent risk factor and the wrong choice could result in serious consequences.
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<br />On a happier note, what I saw of the countryside was impressive, the weather was wonderful, and the hotel staff was super. And that’s about all I can say on a positive note. We never made it out of our hotel to travel to any other destination other than day trips to Antigua and Chichicastenango, and then only with a private driver, and that is probably a good thing. As much as I wanted to see and do more, I am perfectly content to be home safe and sound. I never took my camera out of the room safe, and never clicked one photograph; thus, no photos to post!
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<br />I hate to speak poorly of a place just because I personally did not like it, but I make an exception for Guatemala because of the possible dire consequences of travelling there. <strong>BEFORE YOU TRAVEL TO GUATEMALA, PLEASE, PLEASE, CHECK OUT THE WARNINGS FROM THE US AMBASSADOR TO GUATEMALA. DON’T JUST TAKE MY WORD FOR IT.
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<br /></strong>If this post saves just one person the grief of being robbed, raped or otherwise molested, or even killed, then I am pleased. I know there are those of you out there that will take exception to my findings and opinions, but I’ll stand by my post, my personal experiences, and the word of the US Ambassador to Guatemala. Please don’t write and tell me how very safe and wonderful Antigua is when the statistics show just the opposite.
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<br />I do hope that things will change there and one day it will prove to be a safe place to visit as the country has much to offer. In the interim, I will choose other destinations for my travel.
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<br />Stay safe wherever you may travel.
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<br />Merida Mikeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10523207460815870595noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3388678915111405426.post-71061874951131110252011-09-14T10:52:00.000-07:002011-09-14T11:18:58.687-07:00DIVERSION EXCURSION: GUATEMALA (PART I)<span style="font-size:130%;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><em>You’ll immediately notice the conspicuous absence of photographs in this post. There is a very good reason for it, and I’ll explain why later on.<br /><br /></em>I wanted to spend my 65th birthday someplace different and decided to give myself a present by going to Guatemala. Luis traveled with me as I no longer enjoy traveling alone and I am so grateful he was there. I studied the internet for days and mapped out where I wanted to go and what route I would follow, and which hotels and restaurants I thought would serve my purpose. Guatemala is a relatively small country, but I figured 16 days would allow me more than sufficient time to see and do it all.<br /><br />I booked the flight and paid for it, including a small mom and pop posada (hotel) in Guatemala City for $55.00 US per night (<a href="http://www.posadabelen.com/">http://www.posadabelen.com/</a>). The place was satisfactory and the staff was wonderful. They have only 10 rooms, and only two, one being mine, were being used while I was there, and then the other, only for a day or so. We basically had the place to ourselves, which I thought was a bit strange. We flew from Merida to Mexico City, and then on to Guatemala City via Interjet Airlines. <strong>I can highly recommend this airline. </strong>It far surpasses Continental in every aspect and I will use them every chance I get.<br /><br />Arriving in Guatemala City was no problem. The airport was clean and modern, and almost empty! Immigration and Customs went very smoothly, and the luggage didn’t get lost! (Thank you Interjet!) We were greeted at the airport by a taxi driver hired by the hotel to take us directly to our room. I had prearranged this when I booked the hotel for what I thought was going to be only two nights in Guatemala City. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />The ride from the airport through the city was uneventful, save for a few traffic jams and lots of weaving in and out. I couldn’t help but to notice that the city actually appeared a bit dingy to me, especially when compared to Merida. One part of town we passed through had some interesting architecture, but not interesting enough for me to even inquire about it with the taxi driver. I saw most of the NOB chain restaurants along the way including McDonald’s, Burger King, Domino’s, Pizza Hut and the like. I have to tell you though, I was absolutely shocked to see a <strong><em>Taco Bell</em></strong>! Absolutely not one of my favorite places. In fact, I do not patronize any of those places, ever. Not even when I’m in the States.<br /><br />The hotel was located on an unassuming side street, away from the maddening crowd. There was a heavy duty door with metal bars (just like a jail) as the front door, and then a heavy duty wooden door with a few heavy duty dead bolt locks. You had to press a bell and then the staff would come and let you in. I later learned that there was also a security camera, 24 hours a day, so the staff could see who was ringing the bell!<br /><br />The room was somewhat small, but comfortable. The building was erected in 1873, and had some obvious updates, but definitely needed more. The bathroom was very small, and had one of the smallest sinks I have ever seen, but it served the purpose. The shower had a sky light of sorts and the wood trim and ceiling was being eaten away by termites as evidenced by their droppings and dust accumulating in the shower floor every morning. The courtyard had room for two tiny metal tables, each with two small metal chairs, but it was sufficient. The heavy wooden furniture in the lobby area had seen better days, and was very uncomfortable even with cushions that desperately needed some attention. The mattress on my bed was old and lumpy and failed to provide a good nights’ sleep, but again – it was OK. I had to question the value of the place though for $55.00 US per night. Breakfast was included and it consisted of coffee, juice, eggs, a tablespoon of beans, and toast. Again, acceptable but not the best.<br /><br />The hotel was also sanctioned by the Guatemalan Government as a museum and had several Mayan pottery pieces on display both sitting out in plain view and in glass enclosed china cabinets. It made for an interesting “look”. The thing that really made it all OK was the excellent staff. They worked hard to keep the place clean and provided us with lots of good information regarding where to go and where not to go, what to do and what not to do. It was as if they were giving us warnings. They called taxi cabs for us and used drivers that were familiar to them and the hotel. It helped make us feel a bit safer in what I soon learned to be was one of the most dangerous cities in the world. I should have known something was up when I saw a notice posted on the bulletin board saying not to wear any of your jewelry if you go out! Good grief I thought! This sure isn’t Merida, and it wasn’t.<br /><br />(More to come in part II)<br /><br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><span style="font-size:130%;"></span>Merida Mikeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10523207460815870595noreply@blogger.com1