GETTING READY TO FLY (A BIT OF A RANT)

I vividly recall a long lost era when flying was actually fun! (Really!!!)


While there were no specific dress codes per se, you had to be properly dressed or you just didn’t fit in. Shirt and tie for gentleman and even young boys; a dress with frills for the ladies and young ladies alike was the uniform of the day. Everyone seemed so neat and proper. I rather enjoyed it.


Today, as long as your private parts are (mostly) covered, it just doesn’t matter how gruff you look. No problem – welcome aboard. Flip flops? Cool – come on down! Shorts and a T-Shirt? Good-to-go! Why not.? Forgot to bathe? Don’t worry – catch a shower when you get home. Drunk, rowdy or whatever? Not an issue. They’ll help you find your seat, strap you in, and hope you stay in it during the flight. They’ll even sell you more to drink just to pacify you and hope you remain seated! (If you think this is an exaggeration, take a flight out of Cancun and judge for yourself.)


I do not recall any luggage ever being screened, x-rayed, measured and weighed, ultra violated or even given a second look. Today – forget it. It is always x-rayed and often opened, and of course resealed, with a cheery note from Homeland Security. On occasion, some items have been “confiscated” from my luggage without explanation. I’ve actually had carry-on luggage x-rayed, screened, and searched 3 times before being able to board! Maybe I have that terrorist look or something. I’ve got luggage that’s been x-rayed so many times that I’m amazed that it doesn’t glow in the dark!


Today there are multiple baggage restrictions and you oftentimes have to pay for checked luggage! If you fly internationally, the first piece is free, but the second checked piece of luggage isn’t. Prices vary from carrier to carrier. Oh! And some seats, even in the “tourist” section of the plane, cost more! If you want a seat with more leg room, such as the bulk head seats, that will be an extra $69.00 US. Some carriers are talking about extra charges for aisle seats also. Good grief! Where and when will this price gouging by the airlines stop!?!


Oh! And heaven forbid you should have a liquid or a gel on you or in your carry-on before you board. This is borderline criminal and “confiscation” is the word of the day. You can pack liquids and gels in your check-in luggage and risk the chance of having them break and spill over all your clothing, or just buy what you need when you get to wherever it is you’re going. That seems so much easier. There is also a process to carry minimal amounts of liquids and gels in your carry-on luggage if they have been properly measured, sealed and stored in the correct size zip lock bag. Personally, I can’t be bothered, won’t take the risk of “confiscation”, and find it easier to buy what I need when I get there.


And before you’re ever allowed to enter the boarding area, you and your carry-on luggage are screened and x-rayed at least once, usually twice. Once in the air side terminal area, you are again inspected/searched (various forms – can be exciting) to make sure that the other three screening processes didn’t miss anything. Sometimes, you even have to get undressed, or at least remove your shoes. (Hmmmm . . . flip flops are sounding better all the time!) Shoeless, you now have to remove your belt and any metal objects you have on you. Here’s hoping the belt you just removed wasn’t holding up your pants! And ladies, most reinforced and under-wire bras set off the machines and put them in a tilt mode with lights flashing and sirens roaring. "Confiscation" is a possibility, so it’s best to go braless. Guys like that better anyways.


Should you spot a friend on the other side of the airport and his name is Jack, under no circumstances should you ever yell out “Hi Jack”! You will immediately be wrestled to the ground and (yep, you guessed it) “confiscated”. It’s probably best to pretend you didn’t see him or just wave and smile, or even a nod of recognition, but NEVER “Hi Jack”. And no jokes either! There are warning signs and public service announcements advising of the consequences which probably include “confiscation”. Same goes for unattended luggage – “confiscation”.


As a young guy, I recall flirting with the stewardesses and always getting a neat pair of plastic wings to wear on my freshly starched and ironed white dress shirt. (I also fantasized about being “confiscated”.) Once, I even got a tie bar! I don’t know if they still do that or not. I may ask for my plastic wings this trip just to see what they say. (“Confiscation” comes to mind!) And, believe this or not, it was permissible to go and visit the captain during the flight! Can you imagine!?! A visit to the cockpit – unheard of! As a young man, I actually did this on more than one occasion and even got to sit in a jump seat right behind the captain while we were at 20,000 feet! Try that today, and guess what?? Right – “confiscation”!


I even recall looking forward to the meals that you were served. Although not gourmet, you usually had a choice of the entre which was always fresh, hot, tasty, healthy, and presented to you with real silverware and a smile. Today, consider yourself fortunate to get a small glass of Coke and a micro-mini bag of micro-mini pretzels. You can sometimes get a smile with that if you’re lucky. But I don’t blame the hired help, I blame the carrier. Three glasses of Coke can be had from one can. I always ask for the can. This way, I can at least get my thirst quenched. There aren’t enough micro-mini pretzels in the bag to feed an anorexic squirrel. That’s why I always manage to have a bite to eat before I board. Some airlines are now selling sandwiches and other food/snack items. It’s like they haven’t made enough off of you for your airfare, they are now going into the restaurant business.

Some airlines used to give complimentary booze, even in tourist class. (I always tried to book with those airlines.) Today, a miniature bottle of booze will cost you around $6.00 US dollars, but don’t even think you can pay cash for it. No way! Credit cards only!! I can only surmise that the staff isn’t good at making change (or something). I really haven’t quite figured that one out. “You mean to tell me that you don’t want my US dollars???? They’re no good and won’t spend????? Even on this United States of America airlines???” I hope this isn’t a trend.


Today, there are multiple amenities in the cabin area including movies, music, telephones, and other electronic devices for your flying pleasure. Get your credit card out and keep it handy. US dollars not accepted! Years ago, we had no such luxuries. (Some of those things weren’t even invented yet!) Magazines and coloring books and crayons were handed out and considered a treat! We dozed, conversed with family and friends, struck up conversations with other passengers, and basically, just enjoyed the ride. It seemed simpler then.


After ranting and raving, I must confess that I am willing to comply with whatever rules they can come up with. I want to fly safe and be secure. While it sometimes seems a bit over the edge, I absolutely realize the necessity for it. But sometimes it feels good just to rant and rave a bit! But for some reason, I just don’t feel that the price I pay for my ticket equals the services I receive from the carrier. And those prices seem to increase on an all too regular basis. Why? Have the price of Coke and micro-mini pretzels escalated so much that they need to add on an extra $50.00 to my ticket price? I guess they just blame it all on the price of oil. It works for them but not always for me.


I’m off to pack for my flight! I’m going to do my best to enjoy it, despite all the rigors and exorbitant costs of flying today. I’ll try not to get “confiscated”!


(Ahhh, the good old days! They start tomorrow!)

CONSERVING AND RECYCLING WATER CAN BE “FRUITFUL”!

Without fanfare or rhetoric, I think we all know the benefits of conserving water, no matter where you live. Now that the hot weather is definitely upon us here in the Yucatan, our water usage increases dramatically.

Because of the intense heat, we shower more often, have to change clothing two or three times per day depending on personal preferences and activities, the washing machine seems to never stop going, pools, ponds and water features require high maintenance and extra water to make up for the rapid evaporation that takes place, our personal water intake increases as it essential to remain properly hydrated, and basically, everything just starts to dry out from the never-ending intense heat of summer. Every plant and shrub requires daily doses of water just to survive the heat.

At my home, we practice water conservation and recycling year round. The rinse water from the washing machine is diverted through a hose that is used to fill several buckets. This water is then used to water plants, wash down the patio, and the front sidewalk and street to help keep the dust and dirt to a minimum. I can’t tell you how much water this recycling method saves.

The rinse water from the washing machine does not, repeat, does not harm the plants! In fact, the soapy water discourages insects and other "creepie-crawlies" that would otherwise snack on your plants or become homesteaders and make a neat little nest in the plant itself.

In the kitchen sink, we keep a plastic basin to catch all water coming from the tap and to wash dishes in. We rinse our dishes with water direct from the faucet and the rinse water is then caught in the plastic basin and recycled. When the basin is full, it is emptied into a large bucket and that water is used to water the plants with. Any and all water used in the kitchen is recycled in this manner. Fruits and vegetables are soaked in water with an iodine-based antibacterial (Microdyn) added to the water to kill any lingering bacteria. This water is also recycled and becomes a cool refreshing drink for the plants!

Recently, we noticed something growing out of the dwarf bouganvilla plant. (I’m not sure how to correctly spell bouganvilla and when I looked it up, I couldn’t find it!!) It looked like something other than a weed so it was left alone to see what might become of it. Low and behold, it was a tomato plant! It was not planted purposefully, but apparently a seed or two was in the basin that was transferred to a bucket and that water was then used to water the plant. The seed took, and I will soon be enjoying a fresh tomato salad from the garden! Like I said, conserving and recycling water can be fruitful. Here’s a picture to prove it!

(And by the way, the tomato is a fruit, not a vegetable!)

WOW! FERRY SERVICE FROM THE YUCATAN TO TAMPA, FLORIDA, MAY RETURN!!

Personally, I am really excited about this bit of news that was recently (March 16, 2011) published in the Tampa Bay Area news media. I recall the original ferry service in 2003, which went “bottoms up”, and the one in 2008 that did the same. I was fortunate to take these trips 6 times before they stopped sailing.


It is tailor made for me. The ferry service leaves Port of Progreso, Yucatan, and arrives in the Port of Tampa, Florida about 36 hours later. Each port is only 30 minutes from my home in Merida, and my condo in St. Petersburg. From Tampa, Florida, to my condo in St. Petersburg, it is a $30.00 limousine ride.

I recall that you could carry almost as much luggage as you could haul, and with no weight restrictions. That may change though. Cost “back then” was $250.00, subsequently increased to $300.00, ROUND TRIP! It included a cabin with private bath and shower, and 2 beds. Quite small, but hey – it was only a 36 hour sail! The round trip fare also included all your meals, served buffet style (of course), and the food was really good!

If you brought your vehicle, that was extra. Lots of folks from the Yucatan did bring their vehicles and upon departing Tampa, headed directly for the areas beautiful beaches and/or Disney World and all the other attractions in the Orlando area, which is about an hours drive away. It was a great thing for us living here in the Yucatan. It was also a very inexpensive vacation for an individual or a large family when compared to air fares and car rentals in the US. In addition to passengers and vehicles, the ferry also accommodated cargo, thus adding to the economy of the Yucatan. Limes were a primary source of cargo, and the shipping company increased their revenue which helped keep passenger fares down.

The ferry was actually quite comfortable and there were many activities to meet everyone’s needs. There were some activities for kids, a disco in the evening, bingo and other cruise ship activities during the day, a full casino, shops, you name it. Just like on a big cruise ship, only scaled down in size, but not spirit. The same is promised for this new adventure.

I’m keeping my eyes and ears open and all my fingers crossed in hopes of learning more about this “probable” adventure! I do so hope this happens
again!

SHOULD YOU HEAR ANYTHING, PLEASE LET ME KNOW!!!

You can read more about the proposed ferry service here: (cut & paste)

http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/tampa-hopes-for-ferry-service-to-yucatan-cuba/1157412

OBTAINING MEDICATIONS IN MEXICO

When I first started visiting Mexico in the mid 1960’s, you could walk in any farmacia (pharmacy), and buy whatever medication(s) you needed without a prescription. There were limitations on purchasing high potency pain relievers and psychotrophic medications. However, if you wanted medications like those and didn’t have a prescription, all you needed to do was take a stroll down to the cantina section of town where street vendors were more than happy to fill your requests.

We hear so much about the drug cartels and violence in Mexico these days that many would-be visitors are staying home. I am pleased to report that all that craziness is far from where I am living. Merida remains a safe place to visit and live. A recent article in the Washington Post tells it like it is. Read about here:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wpdyn/content/article/2011/03/02/AR2011030205529.html

In Merida, and almost every other pat of Mexico, there seems to be a farmacia on every street corner. Competition is keen, just like in the US. There are farmacias that sell only generic medications at discounted prices. There are several large chains that compete by offering in-house specials and membership cards for additional discounts and premiums. Another gimmick used by the major chains is having a small office attached to their particular store, and staffing it with a medical doctor. You can see the doctor for the equivalent of about $2.00 - $2.50 US dollars. Another large chain offers the same service, but for FREE! The large chains have just about abolished the “mom and pop” operations, but a few still remain. And of course, we have several farmacias that sell only herbal medications, and I know of one that sells products only for the skin.

In August of 2010, a new law was passed that required a doctor’s prescription to purchase antibiotics. Apparently, so many people in the country were over-using and abusing antibiotics that the general population built up a resistance to them, and it was becoming harder and harder to fight infections. However, most other medications are available without a prescription.

I recently had a sinus infection and knew from past experience that I needed an antibiotic to get rid of it. Because of the new law, I had to have a prescription. I went to the free doctor at a farmacia near my home and was pleasantly surprised to find that the very nice young lady was actually a licensed physician. She proudly displayed all of her diplomas on the office wall. For free, she gave me an upper respiratory exam of the eyes, ears, nose and throat. She checked my throat and neck area for swollen lymph glands and asked if I had any other concerns. The doctor gave me prescriptions for three medications, and I am now free of the sinus infection I had.

If I had a serious medical issue, I would only go to Star Medica Hospital here in Merida which is staffed by some of the absolute best doctors I have ever encountered in my life. If I had a relatively minor medical issue, such as a sinus infection, I would not hesitate to go back to the doctor at the farmacia. Eligibility is based only upon your showing up. You do not have to be hooked up with any insurance program or any Mexican Social Medicine Program. If you’re sick, just go. What a great system! Competition is good for everyone.


You can still buy most medications over-the-counter. They are first class quality, manufactured by major drug companies. So, if you re thinking of visiting or moving here, don’t be overly concerned about obtaining the medications you need. They are here and they are readily available. There is a wide variety of pharmacies to choose from including the pharmacies at Sam’s Club, Costco, and WalMart.

And yes, prices are (generally) less than what you would pay in the US.

Stay healthy!

.

PONDERISMS

Here’s two dozen things for you to "ponder". They are mostly silly, quite worthless, a waste of time, somewhat childish, not worthy of publication, and probably not worthy of reading! You’ve been warned. Here they are:


1. Ever wonder about those people who spend $2.00 a piece on those little bottles of Evian water? Try spelling Evian backwards : NAIVE

2. Isn't making a smoking section in a restaurant like making a peeing section in a swimming pool? (My sentiments exactly)

3. OK ..... so if the Jacksonville Jaguars are known as the 'Jags' and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are known as the 'Bucs,' what does that make the Tennessee Titans?

4. If 4 out of 5 people SUFFER from diarrhea does that mean that one enjoys it?

5. There are three religious truths:

a. Jews do not recognize Jesus as the Messiah.
b. Protestants do not recognize the Pope as the leader of the Christian faith.
c. Baptists do not recognize each other in the liquor store or Hooters.

6. If people from Poland are called Poles, why aren't people from Holland called Holes?

7. If a pig loses its voice, is it disgruntled?

8. Why do croutons come in airtight packages? Aren't they just stale bread to begin with?

9. Why is a person who plays the piano called a pianist but a person who drives a race car is not called a racist?

10. Why isn't the number 11 pronounced onety one?

11. If lawyers are disbarred and clergymen defrocked, doesn't it follow that electricians can be delighted, musicians denoted, cowboys deranged, models deposed, tree surgeons debarked, and dry cleaners depressed?

12. If Fed Ex and UPS were to merge, would they call it Fed UP?

13. Do Lipton Tea employees take coffee breaks?

14. What hair color do they put on the driver's licenses of bald men?

15. I was thinking about how people seem to read the Bible a whole lot more as they get older; then it dawned on me ... they're cramming for their final exam.

16. I thought about how mothers feed their babies with tiny little spoons and forks, so I wondered what do Chinese mothers use? Toothpicks?

17. Why do they put pictures of criminals up in the Post Office? What are we supposed to do, write to them? Why don't they just put their pictures on the postage stamps so the mailmen can look for them while they deliver the mail?

18. If it's true that we are here to help others, then what exactly are the others here for?

19. You never really learn to swear until you learn to drive.

21. Ever wonder what the speed of lightning would be if it didn't zigzag?

22. If a cow laughed, would she spew milk out of her nose?

23. Whatever happened to Preparations A through G?

24. At income tax time, did you ever notice: When you put
the two words 'The' and 'IRS' together it spells ... 'THEIRS'?


See, I told you so! I gave you fair warning! You’ve just wasted about 4 minutes of your life that you will never be able to get back. (Now go and ponder that! :-)


)A SPECIAL NOTE OF THANKS TO MY FRIEND DG FOR SENDING THIS TO ME!)

SAN CRISTOBAL DE LAS CASAS (CONTINUED)

PART IX: FINAL THOUGHTS AND THE FINAL CHAPTER





Here's a friendly little guy I encountered on my visit!



Although the trip started out on a rather sour note with me being quite ill, my travel companion getting ripped off on the bus and having to return to Merida, and that horrible B&B that we booked, it turned out to be a wonderful “diversion excursion” after all.

San Cristobal is a charming, old colonial city with much to offer. The Government has closed several streets to vehicle traffic except for service vehicles and then, only very early in the morning. You can leisurely stroll by numerous shops that sell local artisan wares including some magnificent amber pieces. Chiapas has one of the richest deposits of amber in the world and prices are reasonable and craftsmanship is outstanding.

While I did encounter a few tourists from North America, the vast majority of visitors were European, and more specifically, Italian. This could account for the multitude of Italian restaurants I saw. Backpackers from all over the world were also in abundance.

The zocalo (main square) offered nightly entertainment, always free of charge. There were bands, singing, dancing and a party atmosphere prevailed. These fellows dressed in some sort of native Indian garb, danced, around putting on a show, and then posed for pictures with you for a propina, or tip.

Restaurants are plentiful and are clean and reasonable. In addition to numerous Italian restaurants, there was a fair share of Argentine steak houses. There was also an abundant supply of typical Mexican restaurants, and they actually were the busiest.

The fragrance of fresh ground gourmet Chiapan coffee wafts through the cold morning and night air and I found it to be irresistible and quite delicious and warming, too! French pastry shops sell some very tempting treats, also. The coffee shops were busy from opening to closing as were the restaurants that specialized in wines, including one that served hot wine. That was a first for me.

As I was feeling somewhat better the last few days there, I ventured out more and tried some of the more interesting choices for dining. One very peculiar place became my favorite. I say peculiar because the dining area was in a courtyard lined with several gift shops and kiosks. There was a sign boldly declaring that the shops were members of a Zapatista cooperative! (The Zapatistas are a revolutionary group that actually stirred an uprising against the Mexican Government demanding human rights and assistance for the indigent poor in Chiapas.) Perhaps the most unusual feature of the restaurant was an altar (of sorts) that displayed a crucified Mayan God named Pacal and a naked woman crying out to him. The food was very good and I had one of the best pizzas (sold by the slice) I have ever eaten in Mexico! I called the owner over to compliment him and found out he was from a small village outside of Milan, Italy. I wanted to ask what the Zapatista connection was, but decided I better not go there!

On the sidewalk across the street from the No Bolom Museum and Guest House, sits this very old wooden boat. It is so out of place that there must be a great story that goes with it. Unfortunately, everyone I asked just didn’t know for sure. I guess I’ll just have to go back and find out for myself!

!

If you haven’t already guessed, I really like San Cristobal. It is one of my favorite places in Mexico.

A special note of thanks to all who have left comments and sent me e-mails. I appreciate all of your wonderful comments and thoughts and I hope you enjoyed sharing my "diversion excursion" to San Cristobal de las Casas. If you are planning a trip to Mexico, consider putting San Cistobal on your list of places to see.

SAN CRISTOBAL DE LAS CASAS (CONTINUED)

PART VIII: THE TREASURES OF THE MARKET


I believe that the atmosphere of a market speaks loudly of the community it represents. Each market yields its own treasures, some more valuable than others, but treasures nonetheless. A casual stroll through the main market of San Cristobal will arouse not only your taste buds, but stir your imagination, too! It challenges all your senses; visual with the wide array of bright colors, auditory with the constant chatter of negotiations, smell with abundant sweet and tantalizing fragrances, the touch and feel of freshness, and the arousal of your taste buds as you sample the wonderful treasures you’ve discovered. Fruits and vegetables are displayed as an art form. The beans are cleaned and shining before being offered. The flowers are fresh and fragrant. And, all are so very hard to resist. Prices are exceptionally reasonable and well within anyone’s budget.

I didn’t have to get permission to shoot many of these photographs, so enjoy some of the treasures I discovered in the market of San Cristobal de las Casas!



HOT, HOT, HOT! THERE WERE ENOUGH CHILI PEPPERS TO START A FOREST FIRE!

THE VEGGIES WERE SO TEMPTING! A VEGETARIAN'S PARADISE!

FRUITS WERE ABUNDANT AND BECKONING!

I LOVE BEANS AND BOUGHT SEVERAL KILOS WHICH ARE NOT AVAILABLE IN MERIDA.

THE WONDERFUL FRAGRANCE OF THE FLOWERS REALLY ADDED TO THE AMBIANCE OF THE MARKET!

SEAFOOD IS SOLD ONLY DRIED IN THIS PART OF THE MARKET. A WIDE VARIETY OF FRESH SEAFOOD IS AVAILABLE IN THE MEAT, POULTRY, AND SEAFOOD SECTION.

SPICES ARE A BIG PART OF ANY MEXICAN RECIPE AND AE READILY AVAILABLE HERE.

A CHICKEN IN EVERY POT! WHOLE, OR IN PART - YOUR CHOICE.

HOLLOWED OUT GOURDS ARE USED AS DRINKING VESSELS AND UTILITARIAN ITEMS.

YOU CAN FIND YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE HERE, TOO!

FODDER FOR FARM ANIMALS IS SOLD ALONGSIDE FODDER FOR THE PEOPLE!

ONE CAN'T HELP BUT WONDER HOW MANY YEARS OF HER LIFE HAVE BEEN SPENT SELLING IN THE MARKET. A TRUE TREASURE, FOR SURE!

I THOUGHT ABOUT IT, BUT NO - I DIDN'T BUY THE HAT!!