2chill

My family moved away when I was 5. I went back there, people were so welcoming, it felt like I had never left. Every place I went to was awesome!

surprised—didn’t expect warmth, charm…in those corners

Of all well known Maya sites, it was perhaps the least impressive. But what isn’t written in the “tour brochures” and relatively few people set out to do, is just hang out in that unbelievable beach. Some of the most amazing snorkling in the area. There are very small hotels scattered along the highway North towards Cancun…check them out—some are beautiful, and very inexpensive. And, if you plan on driving on to check out other areas, there’s a supermarket right at the main crossing in Tulum….Stock up, take with you….including alcohol, snacks, etc. Many of those smalll hotels have fridge in the rooms, others will store the food for you in the main kitchen.
This will save you major money!

lay on pristine beaches (DON”T GO ON WEEKENDS) and get there early b/c they stick to the policy of # of people allowed at once. Expect a line, walk to most remote beaches if you want really private, beautiful beaches. Do take the tour, you will spot monkeys, snakes, and just tons of fauna.

go from jacuzzi-like pool to freezing river…people were evacuated few days before we got there because of an eruption from Arenal: you’re that close!! Flora is insanely beautiful

if you happen to be there when clouds dissipate (totally unpredictable) great chance of seeing actual eruption at night. the 2 pics displayed say it all. Found hike up not really worth it—limit the distance you can get to the crater (guide was killed from eruption few years ago.) But the night, lave explosion was totally worth it!

ask locals about different options to get there-plan according to weather. If you love nature-don’t skip it!

Have you ever eaten enchiladas de mole? Or a taco—I mean, a “real” taco? Have you ever been to a place where investment bankers, ties, stuffed shirts ‘n all, stop mid-day for a 2-hour “lunch” that can run over another 2 hrs perhaps…and not once, talk about the weather? Have you ever been to a place were there is such injustice and so much kindness? How about one in which Colonial almost intact architectural beauties rub elbows with the sleekest modern buildings? One of the largest cities in the world, that still feels like a town in some places. Culture and history mecca…And yet, watch your wallet, don’t ever ride a taxi hailed in the street, definitely talk to strangers,but don’t assume it’s safe to accept any kind of invitation. Oh, it’s true what they say about the water: do not drink it, but it’s also true what they say about tequila: make sure you drink it!

give me the san francisco european hip; give me the subtle romantic-skip the candles and cliche; give me gateways to quebec city…and escape route to untainted forests, lakes and quiet, intimate corners…and some funky, outta the way food-and please, skip the attitude…i love montreal