Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Fall Is Upon Us

living.boondockingmexico@yahoo.com

I clipped the last rose from the garden for this year. The trees are weeping and the leaves appear to be turning. The pool needs less maintenance as the sun shines very little now. We have had lots of cool nights and cloudy days along with our share of rain.

December nears and the thoughts of driving down the road looking for adventure is on the horizon.

We spent a four-day weekend at the Mextesol convention which was here in Monterrey. Over two thousand English teachers showed up for the event. We had lots of seminars, talks, plenaries, book exhibitions and many, many parties. It was really a lot of fun. Next year we are heading to the event in Cancun.
My friend Andreina giving a talk at the convention.


And who's this dapper guy acting as the MC for the Convention?

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Think About Visiting Mexico City This Year


I just returned from a work trip to Mexico City. What a breath of fresh air. Apart from being the "Big Tamal" and having a population estimated at up to 25,000.000, the city is alive and well and has undergone a beautification process in the last few years.
I flew in on Thursday afternoon via Interjet Airlines. Their all new fleet of Airbus A320s are spacious, clean and the on-board service includes open bar and snacks. Unlike U.S. airlines, Mexican airlines still cater to the customer. Another discount airline, Volaris, flies to Toluca and then takes you via bus to Mexico City a 40 minute ride. Both these airlines offer flights from Hermosillo, Sonora (as an example) for about 230 dollars round trip tax included.

Upon arrival in Mexico City you have an array of ground transport options. There is a Metro station (.20 u.s. cents )there at the airport for the most adventurous followed by several private taxi companies (average $12 u.s.) and then the rental car option with coupons up to 50% off.

Where to stay? There are literally thousands of hotels in D.F. Prices range from $20 to $150 as an average. The Holiday Inn Express Trade Center is located near Insurgentes Ave. and close to most tourist attractions. Cost: $79 per night. The last two days I stayed at the Radisson Flamingos where their weekend rate is $69. Of course there are less expensive and more expensive hotels depending on the areas you wish to visit such as Reforma, Zocalo, Zona Rosa, etc. All of the hotels offer weekend rates, special offers, tours, and tour guides or you can find all of the above on your own. There are also bed and breakfasts for as little as $50 a night.
This is the Radisson Flamingos where I stayed for $69 a night.




Moving around is easy. Hotel taxis are the safest option but are also expensive. The company insists we use hotel taxis and the cost over the last two days was about 9 dollars for a one way 20 minute trip. I like to use street taxis. Hailing a cab is easy and I have no qualms about refusing one that stops that I don't like. You can simple say no and give a quick finger shake. The Metro is an experience on its own. 5 million users daily it is clean, safe and maps are available to plan your route as well as ask friendly informations staff, police and shop owners, all underground.

What I like most about D.F. is the abundance of restaurants, sidewalk cafes and coffee shops. Mexican flavor but very cosmopolitan. If there were ever a place that one could say that food is offered from around the world, Mexico City is one of those. We have had Italian, Portuguese, German, Chinese, Lebonese, Greek, Hindu, and geeze, I can't remember what else. In addition, the fantastic assortment of Mexican food from around the Republic. A true dining experience.

Yesterday we chose a sidewalk cafe with a huge selection of Mexican seafood. We dined on tuna tostadas (not canned but fresh filet), shrimp quesadillas, shrimp soup, oyster on the half shell with pico de gallo. After, we chatted over an expresso before heading to the airport. Valet parking is available and you get a great view of daily life in the city.

Friday night we had dinner at La Strega, a famous Italian restaurant that has a witch swinging overhead of a medievil palace with a huge walkin fireplace. Prices are reasonable and the vodka martinis to die for. But don't listen to me, whatever your desire you will surely find it.

After work and play, heading to the airport is now a breeze. New viaducts have been opened that fly over the rest of the city taking you to the new Terminal C. Modern and futuristic, I walked in, plugged in my confirmation number, dropped my bag on to the scale and off I went to the gate all within less than 5 minutes. We departed on time, enjoyed free cocktails and snacks on the flight back to Monterrey.

Too much to do in D.F. to even begin to write it all down. But remember, this is a city that is over 3000 years old, the only city I know of that has a pyramid, Spanish Inquisition and a Revolution all in the same center of town. So if you are rving in Mexico, drop that rv in an rv park for a week and hop on a plane and find some true adventure.

Saturday, October 10, 2009

New Covered Wagon

living.boondockingmexico@yahoo.com


I came across the poem below as I was investigating books on rving and travel trailers. I like it so much I am going to have it framed and hang it in the rv. Today is Sunday, the day I read my Rv.Travel newsletter. Have a good one!

New Covered Wagon

Across the far horizons of the west
The covered wagon rides the trail again
No oxen pull it now. The wagon keeps
The swifter, pace of modern men.

From coast to coast it rolls; not months but days
Now clock the westward coast from sea to sea
The methods change, their purpose is the same
And turning wheels can still make history.

To go – to see the mountains and the plains
To leave the noise of cities far behind
To seek a fairer fate; at least, to flee
The dull monotony of daily grind –

Time has not dulled the urge. The wanderlust
Lives on forever in the hearts of men.
Trails have grown smooth and comfort goes along
As covered wagons travel west again.

 Gene Lindberg

Remember The Movie "The Birds"





Well, it's starting to worry me a bit. I just went to take the clothes out of the solar clothes dryer and the cats were in shock. They have never seen so many birds in the yard at one time. Niether have I. More are coming now as I look out the window.

We just received cold front number five and the temps have dropped to a wonderful 20C at is already noon. I'm in heaven. Now is the time I love living here.

This morning I drove down to Allende. The drive was magnificent, too bad I didn't have the camera with me. Everything is so green and the air clean. They put up some fencing around the land although it isn't quite finished. On Monday, they are installing a deadbolt on the sliding patio doors.

This afternoon I plan on just hanging out using the internet and watching some movies. Tomorrow is día libre, so we are going out for breakfast in the morning.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Mexico Rving Videos

living.boondockingmexico@yahoo.com

As I read about rvers beginning their trek south for the winter I start to wax melancholy. I was horsing around this morning wondering if any one posts videos of rving or boondocking in Mexico on YouTube. Sure enough, there are many videos and some may feature people we know or even yourselves.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pz4S90QrGw Kino Bay

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RsXswsbZko Melaque

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTi2M6M6p5Y Baja RV Camping

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBNa5-SVhlk Mazatlan RV Park

Too many to list but going to YouTube and entering Rving Mexico or Boondocking Mexico, you will find what you are looking for.
The weather here in Monterrey is still hot with temps up to 37C and the humidity in the mornings hovers around 97 percent. Some of it burns off but it doesnt drop below 60 percent. Tonight we are expecting a cold front with strong winds and lowering the temps a bit and then rain again over the weekend and next week.
Im just waiting for December, not that I wont enjoy the time in between. We still dont know what path we will take although I would like to try the west coast although I am sure we wont find a park and I will need to start doing some boondocking research. West coast is all new to me in terms of rving. I did have a great time this July when I was in Ensenada and it looks like a good place to settle for a couple of weeks, hanging out, visiting the wineries etc.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

The Gestapo!

living.boondockingmexico@yahoo.com

I've received the honorary title of Gestapo because I choose to publish factual information about rving and traveling in Mexico. Also, if I belonged to another forum they would have kicked me out by now for my comments.
The thing is, Rv.Net is an international forum. However, I am not allowed to talk about U.S. politics although other countries, including Canada and Mexico can be bashed by those who have an agenda.
I hate the dissemination of information that could be or is considered hearsay, personal experience that is limited or just flat out bashing.
If you feel I do Mexico a dishonor, disseminate information that is not valid or a lie, you need to publish those comments with specific information regarding misinformation you have received from me here on this blog. I have never deleted a comment based on its content.
The purpose of the blog is only that, to provide truthful information backed by facts, on living and boondocking in Mexico.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Maybe I Need A Webpage!



Now that I have so much free time, even though I'm not blogging daily, I should go to a Mexico webpage. It just seems like the more I read on other forums such as the Rv.Net, I tend to think there is so much trash written about Mexico without first-hand information. I get the feeling some people don't want us to succeed but rather be a failure which in the long run would only hurt the rest of the Americas.

If anyone has any ideas about what should be on a good webpage regarding living and rving in Mexico, feel free to drop me an email. I think I am ready to make the plunge as well as dedicate my time to it. Many people email me not only about rving but about living fulltime in Mexico.

Give it some thought!

Sunday, October 4, 2009

After A Haircut and a Bath


living.boondockingmexico@yahoo.com

Momma and babes are home safe and sound from the vet. All good news. We have three males and one female.
The cats are not happy with the attention being given to the pups but they are adjusting.

Our first cold front will be coming through by the end of this week. Let's hope it starts a trend as all the snowbirds are beginning their descent into Mexico. I hope it is a good year for rvers in Mexico and everyone has a great time. Highways and infrastructure continues to improve and the economy isn't totally in the sink yet.

We have several state parks here in Nuevo Leon and you can do a search here on the blog for China, Bustamante and Zaragoza. They are all in excellent condition, easy to get to, safety is not an issue and there are lots of great things to do.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

I Didn't Have a Clue!

living.boondockingmexico@yahoo.com


I swear I didn't know the dog was pregnant. Yesterday morning at 4:45 while I was watching the morning news I heard strange sounds and went looking for the cats. They were under the bed. As we walked into the living room, I heard babies crying. We went outside and there in the bamboo, Friend had built a nest and given birth to four puppies.

I have never had a pregnant dog much less puppies. We have always spayed and neutered our pets.

Friend is pretty dirty and stinky but the vet says I can't bring her in for grooming until Saturday and we need to do it quickly as to not leave the pups alone for very long.

Any words of wisdom would be appreciated. I will be looking for good homes as soon as it is possible.