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MONTERREY
It's not surprising that we have visited Mexico many times.
It is our next door neighbor, after all. We're only a Texan's stone throw
from the border at Nuevo Laredo (250 miles).
We have made only one excursion to the interior. That was a train
trip from Nuevo Laredo to Monterrey. What an experience...some of the time
the air conditioning worked in the lounge car and it was freezing..but
it didn't work in our coach and it was boiling. It was indeed culture shock
to look out the window and see how many of the people live in Mexico...some
in tin shacks with no doors or windows, some in abandoned boxcars.
We stayed in the Ambassador Hotel in Monterrey. It was very nice,
and the service was excellent. Our first night there we had Chateaubriand
for two at the surprisingly low price of $20.00. That's for both of us,
not each. This was back in 1988, so prices have probably risen by now.
The next day we spent shopping. There is a huge central Mercado where
we spent hours grazing and I bought a few things for the kitchen. Next,
we went looking for a bookstore to buy a Spanish/English dictionary. We
found it, but the electricity was off and we had to browse the shelves
by flashlight. There are those who would be put off by such things, but
we consider them as part of the adventure. If you can't live with a few
glitches, you'd best stay home.
CANCUN
Our visit to Cancun was our first experience with the all-inclusive
Blue Bay Resorts and what a treat it was! All our food, drinks and non-motorized
water recreation was included in the package price. No trying to figure
out where to go to eat or how to get there, drinks at poolside free for
the asking and no tipping! The staff was wonderfully friendly and helpful,
the room and grounds were well-maintained and the daily activities and
nightly entertainment were delightful.
Not only was the food delicious, but there was so much to choose from. This pic shows only the variety of fruit available for breakfast. And those swans are carved out of butter!
We took a day trip to Isla Mujeres where Carl got his first
taste of snorkeling and fell in love with it. I seldom saw his face without
goggles after that.
I saw this curious critter on the beach at Isla Mujeres. I never did find out what it was..if any of you out there know, leave a note for me in my guest book and you will have my undying gratitude.
PUERTO VALLARTA
We decided to visit the other Mexican coast for our next
excursion and found a good package through Apple Tours that again took
us to the Blue Bay resort in Puerto Vallarta. This time we had an ocean-view
room with a lovely balcony. I spent quite a bit of time just relaxing and
enjoying the sight and sound of the ocean. There were some other interesting
and amusing sights as well.
My oh my! (No, it's NOT me.)
If you are on the guided tour, your next stop is Cruises
EXICO
