Just talk!

My last post I wrote about the weather, and how it's just not cooperating with tourists, and their plans! Well, little has changed as it rained for most of the day yesterday, and today we are fighting those clouds. Oh well, tomorrow is a new day. Right?

The cloudy weather has given me no excuse not to finally take down our Christmas tree. Yes, finally had it picked up today. I took the decorations off last week, but our tree just sat in our dining room naked. Hubby was out and happened to see the "tree collectors" and offered them some cash ($100 Mxn Pesos) to come and pick ours up today. So just like that the tree was finally gone. Hooray!!

Tomorrow hubby and myself are going to take a boat ride over to Isla Contoy with about 5 or 6 of our friends. I've never been, and believe it's about 30km north of Isla Mujeres. Apparently it is home to some amazing birds, and sea turtles. I'll be sure to charge my camera for the trip!!! I just really hope the weather will be on our side! If not, hubby just told me we will not be going :(

Isla Contoy (Photo courtesy of google image)

Okay, well I have some errands to run as you can't cook without food!!

Have a great day :)

A little bit of this and a little bit of La Isla

Sooo much has been going on in my life that it really is hard for me to put it in one blog entry. I don’t want to bore everyone – so I won’t. I’ll just give a small update and add a few pics for your viewing pleasure of one of my personal favourite things to do.

Recently we had the fundraiser for my step-mom. Results were fantastic, we had more than 220 people attend the silent auction, and even more people send their love. What a turn out – also we were very successful and were able to raise some money for her clinical visits, and ALS foundation. How wonderful to see so much love.

I’ve been busy in Canada getting ready for her night, and packing up our house that sold recently. Almost all of our things are in Mexico, but we are sending some more with a moving company. I’ll have to write about that experience after it’s all said and done – wish us luck 

Looking forward to Christmas, even more so shopping for my family. I love shopping for people for the holidays. One of my favourite malls in Cancun La Isla Mall is not too far from our place, and is in the hotel zone for all you tourists. I love this mall not because I can afford everything there, but because it truly is beautiful. It’s along the lagoon, and is outdoors. Before I came back to Canada to settle a few things I was able to get some Christmas shopping in for my 4 younger brothers and snapped a few pics for you all to see what I’m talking about. I took them in the evening, but it still looks beautiful. You have to see this place in the day time. It’s great.

Ohh what a night!!

Okay, so unfortunately I spent this NYE in Calgary, Canada, so I am going to post about last NYE in Cancun! Now, now, to my fellow Cdn's I still looove the place, but there's just something about -30 Celsius weather that just doesn't do it for me :)

Last year, we really didn't' know what to do. Since many of our friends are still single they all wanted to go "clubbing". Sooo....the old married couple that we are (hehe) decided to spend the evening with my suegros (in-laws). The year before - we rang in the new year at their house, so this time we decided to go to a hotel - which one to pick?? There's sooo many!!!

At the end of the day we decided we'd have dinner at the Omni - to my surprise I was shocked to see that there were MORE locals, than tourists there!! I couldn't believe it! They had the entire ball room decorated in balloons and streamers - it was really pretty. They served a buffet dinner with LOTS to choose from. They had fish, chicken, beef, etc.... The other nice thing, unlike Canada - we didn't' have to get up to go to the bar, they served us!! Now to anyone living in Mexico this isn't' a surprise anymore, but I still sometimes forget how nice these things are, just like full serve gas pumps... Okay , back on track - NYE.

Unfortunately, my husband got REALLY sick that evening. Without going into too much detail he spent the majority of the night in the washroom! We barely made it to midnight before we had to go home!!! LOL. ( I hope he doesn't read this, mxn men are very private - well mine is!!)

One of the traditions that Mexicans do is they have 12 grapes in a champagne flute, and when the 12 bells go off at midnight you eat each one making a wish! Then you down it with champagne of course!!!!

REALLY shortly after - we left... However, another tradition for Mexicans (when you're at home) is you grab a suitcase and run to the street from your front door with it. This indicates a year of travel. You can also run to the street and throw a few pesos indicating - I think good fortune!! There are sooo many little traditions, it's hard for me to keep up!!!

Anyways, just thought I'd share what a NYE in Cancun can be like for all of you wishing to spend it here. Either for a vacation, or as an Expat!!!

Is Mexico Dangerous??

Okay, so it seems like EVERYONE thinks Mexico is the most dangerous place on the planet... okay, i'm a bit dramatic, but I'm sure all my fellow expats can understand what I'm getting at...

I have to be honest, YES parts of Mexico are definitely dangerous, and you won't catch me in those areas!!! However, the parts I do intend to travel, are no more dangerous than my home town!! To be even more specific, truthfully, I feel safer walking down the streets of Cancun by myself, than I do downtown Calgary sometimes!!!

I used to get annoyed everytime someone would ask me - Isn't it dangerous? Are you afraid of being kidnapped? Etc... However, now I'm happy they ask me these questions , because it gives me a chance to educate them a little bit more... I'm not saying I know everything, but if I can make them understand that it's just like any other place - I"m a happy camper!! Do your best to stay out of trouble, and you should be okay... Now a few years ago our house was broken into, but that was sort of our fault (looong story). I basically shouted to the neighbourhood we were leaving for a few days, while packing up the suv...the crews working on the homes down the street seemed very interested!! Say it with me now- DUMB, yes I was... hehe:) I mean they only stole my wedding band, and everything we had! (that is serious, and not so funny)

Neways, to quickly answer the question about being kidnapped? No, I am not worried. Unfortunately, I do not have millions and millions for them to come after. They won't waste their time on me!! I assure you.

On a little bit of a different note, and I won't bore you with the topic altogether.... I am very happy to see Felipe Calderon is following through on his word. He is cleaning house, and results will come. Of course, not while he's in control - let's just hope his successor will follow suit.

I have faith. What do you have, if you don't have faith!?!

VIVE Mexico!!!