Merry Christmas, and ready for the New Year

Well Christmas has come and gone yet again...wow was that fast!! We couldn't have asked for it to be any better with white snow on the ground and trees, and it was only -2 celcius! That is good in Canada - LOL. Reallllly good.

My angel sleeping under a friends tree

I just can't believe how fast the holiday season is going. Before we know it it's going to be NY's and we'll be headed back to Cancun. We've pretty much taken care of everything up here that we could... I'm sure once we are in Cancun we'll remember all of the things we didn't accomplish. I am trying to get all my documents notarized (easy as my step dad can do it for me), but trying to get all the documents I think I need? Impossible!!! LOL!!

Hubby and brothers enjoying beers in the hot tub on Christmas Day

Hubby is going before me as we get posession of our home the second week of January. Our shipment should arrive sometime after that.... we hope. Hahaha - seriously want to see what ends up back in our posession, and what goes "missing". I'm really going to have to write about the experience as we dont' know too many people who do ship their things down very often.... Maybe for good reason. YIKES!

Nothing like home

Well, I hope everyone had a Very Merry Christmas, and wish you nothing but the best for the New Year!! Happiness, health and prosperity!!!

Oh and I have one extra special thing I'm hoping for - a VERY merry high season in Cancun this year! We can't afford another bad year!!!! We as in Cancun!!! Come on tourists!!!!

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.

I got a job!!! Tengo un trabajo!!!

I got a job!!!
For those of you who live in Mexico, or are trying to live in Mexico – you may or may not have noticed how hard it is to find a job as an expat. Heck, it’s hard to find one as a Mexican.

Cancun is supposed to be “better” than some other areas with regards to the unemployment and all. I can’t say it is or isn’t, but I do know that a lot of people are finding it difficult just “getting by”.

Well for me things are looking positive. I almost feel bad even saying it as I know many friends who are struggling on the work front, however, my situation is different than a lot as well. My family in Mexico does not really rely on the tourist industry – well with the exception of our transportation company which relies solely on tourists…. Yes, I’m contradicting myself, but that business is different and has been running for many years now.

I will be working for my dad – thank you papa C!! Most people that I know in Cancun who are expats usually own their own business and are able to work from abroad. Others in the area work in timeshare sales, entertainment, dancers at hotels, teach English, etc… I won’t be doing too much, but anything just to keep myself from going insane. I need my own moola. I need my own “thing”. I love hubby to death, but I can’t spend all my time with him…. I am the type of person that NEEDS to do their own thing. Have a purpose….

Anyways, even though it’s your basic administrative stuff I am happy. It’s not a lot of money, but it’s mine. I just don’t get to start for about 10 more weeks – after Christmas to pay off some bills!

La de da la de do....

Time to blog….

Okay, so since I’m just a little too busy to write about what has been going on lately (planning for step moms fundraiser for her ALS) – I’m going to post a few adorable pictures of my oh so adorable 4 year old nephew…. Golfing in the Riviera Maya!!

Every so often my hubby, suegro, and cunado take our little nephew to the famous Mayakoba for their family day golfing lessons. They have a wonderful time, and well I wish I could tell you more, but it’s “time for the men”. They don’t tell us much more than this – I’m sure once we have kids of our own I’ll get a few more details, but getting information/details from my man is like pulling teeth!

Anyways, check out the pics… they sure do start ‘em young!!!

A little bit of this, and a little bit of that!

Okay, so much has been going on in my life that I have been like many of my fellow bloggers, … well not blogging!

It seems that every time I want to sit down catch up on blogs I follow, and then write my own – something comes up. Then I think well rather than just write a lot of nothing I’ll take the time to do it properly – “next time”. Well “next time” never happens – that is when I know I am becoming more and more Mexican! Jajaja – well that is what hubby and all our friends tell us. That and I now crave Churros from the guy on La Luna and Las Torres… Is that terrible?

Okay, so I came back to Canada for Thanksgiving – yes, we celebrate it about a month earlier in Canada than the US. It snowed – yes I said SNOW in mid-October.

I have a lot of things I want to do, and am taking full advantage of bringing back 2 suitcases FULL of some more stuff. Oh and I’m even getting my hair done! Woohooo :)

Okay, well that is all I have for now, but will soon have tons of stories of the last few weeks in Cancun that were keeping me OH so busy…. Finding a rental as we are building another house in a completely different area, furniture shopping, parties, registering, trying to get my drivers licence, slowly updating my blog….and so much more!

Nos vemos!!!

Nos vamos al mundial, nos vamos al mundial!! ahueves!!!

It's official folks - yesterday Mexico clinched a spot in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa!! Only the largest sporting event in the world...as in most watched!

I'm counting on you El Tri - as my other teams aren't looking hopeful. |If Portugal doesn't make it there certainly won't be the eye candy of Ronaldo.... Oh right, I am still talking about soccer/futbol though!

Viva Mexico!!!!

Quinta Luna Cancun

It has been a really long time since my last post, but I have been soooo busy with everything going on down here in Cancun. Hubby and I are still busy moving things from Canada to Cancun, and often don’t we know where we are, or what we are doing!

Anyways, I thought I would quickly write about my suegros’ 60th birthday surprise party!!! We have been busy planning it for months – actually my Cunada and my husband have been busy planning it for months.
We rented out a place called Quinta Luna Cancun (http://www.quintalunacancun.com/ ) it was a fantastic venue for the evening. We invited about 100 guests in total and had probably that many show up!

The venue has a dance area that is covered, but over looks the pool area. A bar near the dance area with an EXCELLENT wait staff. Service was incredible and I never saw anyone without a drink in their hand.

We surprised my suegro by flying in his mom from Mexico City, and she greeted him at the entrance to the party. Wow – was that a surprise, and if he did know he did a great job pretending. We also had about 30 of his brothers, sisters, and their kids fly in from Cuernavaca. WOW – what a great evening.

Unfortunately my camera was dead, but I am gathering pictures from some family and friends – thank you. Go to the link above and check out the venue as they have a great gallery!
One of the last things I wanted to mention for all of you out there with kids – it is kid friendly! I can’t believe how great the set up was for kids. We had an air conditioned room for the kids with 2 mattresses (bring your own sheets) a TV and NANNIES!!! Okay, we had to supply the nannies, but it was wonderful. Parents didn’t have to worry about their children…as much J.

Total for the evening including venue rental, alcohol, food, etc…. $800USD. Now to me that was more than reasonable as back in Canada it would have been in the thousands!!

Feliz Cumpli Suegro!!!

You have what? Must have positive thoughts....

Well it’s been quite some time since my last post, and usually I try and keep them upbeat and positive…. Well I’m still going to try to do it with this one.

My step mom Joy who I am EXTREMELY close to and love as much as you could ever love someone who is not blood family was recently diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrigs Disease). I don’t want to even go into too much detail as I get upset, but for those of you who don’t know it is terminal, and a terrible debilitating disease.

Joy’s cousin recently designed a website : http://www.hopeforjoy.ca/ that talks about the disease, and has a blog where Joy can write about her day to day experiences with the disease and treatments.

Health care in Canada is scary, and thank GOD my family could go through the private sector and get some answers. 11 months public and she was still waiting for a CAT scan. 2 months in the private sector and she was diagnosed, and has already begun treatments. I won’t even go into the costs so far… However, you can’t put a price on your health!

Coincidentally enough, they are now in Mexico! They are actually going to a clinic in Mexico that was recommended by their clinic in Canada – it deals with neurological diseases, and detoxifications. http://www.sanoviv.com/ .

I will write more when I know more, and let you know how the experience at the clinic is. It’s supposed to be World Class, and really promote healthier living which is essential to a person living with ALS.

So from the Rockies to the Baja she goes!! Funny isn’t it? Free health care in Canada, free my ass. Sorry, but that part really frustrates me… I’m going to have to let that go!

That’s it for now, but again I’ll make sure to post some pics of the clinic and let you all know how the treatment(s) go!!!

Here is a picture of our family with Joy ... the last time she was able to hold a golf club. WOW. Who knew that would be the last time?

Tulum.... ohhh what a lovely day!

Just wanted to post a picture from August 18th, 2009 of the beach at Tulum.... Nice to see there are still people going!! (Yes, I know it says 2002 and May, but camera hasn't been set!!!)

For anyone who hasn't been to Tulum, it's worth the drive and the water is fantastic!!

Queires bailar???!!!

One of the things I was not naturally graced with is a gift for the arts.... What a shame that was for me growing up to as I looove the arts!! Dancing, music, singing, painting.... etc... I was always more of a sports girl, but that didn't make you a hit at school dances and such!

Thankfully, my best friend is amazing and she took the task of teaching me some rhythm... After all she had to be seen with me on the dance floor!! Then I met my hubby, and like most, and I"m not going to say all, but most Mexicans are born to dance!!!

One of the things I enjoy most about Mexico living is music, dancing, and art is everywhere!!

Hubby is great, and loves dancing with me when we go out! I am sooo happy as I know I still look like that silly "white" girl who can't dance!!! That being said - I look a hell of a lot better than some of the others, and a million times better than I did 10 years ago!! Needless to say I was rarely "picked up" on a dance floor!

(Wanna Dance????!!!)

Here a couple of recent pics of hubby and I dancing the night away!! Yes, feel free to make fun of my faces and snapping fingers... A bad habit I just can't seem to get over!! LOL!!

(And... I'm spent)

A little bit of paradise!

Well, I just got back from 16 days in what I like to call the European Paradise .... Croatia!

My brother and I enjoying a laugh by the sea

What an amazing trip I had, but oh boy oh boy was it scorching hot!! This heat was out of this world insane. It was drier than Cancun, and there certainly was not a breeze to be had. There is a heat wave going on along the Mediterranean, and Croatia was hit with temperatures ranging from 40-50 degrees Celsius!!! YES, I said 50. To me this was unbearable, and I honestly sat in the shade for the most part! My poor grandmother... I drug her all over the place in that heat - she was a trooper!

I don't want to bore anyone with too many details, but I"ll fill you in with a shortlist of what I did:

-Cousins wedding - starts at 1:00 pm and ended at 5:30am (literally best wedding I have EVER been to)

-Beaches of Split, Makarska and Dubrovnik - all AMAZING, but VERY expensive

-Visit family, family and more and more family

-Went to Medugorije, Mostar, Omitski, etc...

-Another cousins wedding - not as good as the first one, but still nice

-Much, much more!

Here are a few pics, I hope you enjoy!

Me shopping in Split

Europa ahi te voy!!!

This Canuck is off to the beautiful land of Europe today... Will be coming back in a few weeks!! Can't wait to see some family, and enjoy the holiday!!

Nos vemos!!!

Casas en Cancun

I'm often asked what homes in Mexico are like - Do they have carpet? Do you have dishwashers? Do you have a basement? Etc.... To answer that I can only say that I know what they are like in Cancun and area. With that being said - again, only homes I've been in. Hubby told me that some homes in Northern and Central Mexico could have carpet.... However, in Cancun - that's just not needed. It would be wierd. However, this is coming from someone who wears socks inside all year round.... Maybe I'm wierd.

I just thought I'd take the time to show a few photos of some homes here in Cancun, and talk about a luxury item that we take for granted in places like Canada and the US. Dishwasher.

Not every one has a dishwasher - okay, I mean the electrical kind, and not the maid or ME. For those of you that don't know hubby and I are building a new home in Cancun and that was a TOP priority of mine. I am going to have to say that my experience has been that the majority of homes I've visited have not had these in them. Yes, call me a Princess, but I want one.

Anyways, heres' an inside peak into Cancun. Enjoy!

Here's hoping for a WIN!!!

Okay, Okay... It may seem as if I'm slightly obsessed with soccer/futbol..... Well, I am and I"m not ashamed to admit it. I come by it honestly, I played in the premier league in Canada, and my grandfather played professionally, and nationally in Europe when he was growing up! If it wasn't for my damn knee problems (3 surgeries), I know I'd still be playing!

Okay, okay... I'm done feeling sorry for myself. I am happy to report that the Gold Cup is just around the corner. The 2009 CONCACEF Gold Cup is a tournament played by champions of North America, Central America and the Caribbean from July 3-26th.

The games will be held in the US this year - 13 cities will host.

Mexico is in Group C and will play matches against: Guadeloupe, Nicaragua, and Panama.

Mexico has a new squad, and only 2 of the players aren't playing for club teams in Mexico (Carlos Vela, and Giovani dos Santos). This may just be what the Dr ordered! Some homeland pride!

Mexico recently defeated Venezuela 4-0, and had a lack lustre draw with El Salvador. With this being said, they still showed more power than I've seen in the last 2 years.

Stay tuned, for when the games begin !!!!

Feliz dia de los padres!

Happy Fathers Day dad, and mi suegro!!!

World Cup 2010 ... NOT looking good for Mexico

Well, I am not sure how many of you follow soccer as religiously as I do.... Unlike life in Canada, Soccer/Futbol is like a religion in Mexico. I have heard that every town/city in Mexico had 2 things - a Church, and a soccer field!!

That being said - World Cup 2010 is around the corner, and qualifying has been going on for the past 3 years. Things are not looking good for good ol' Mexico. Currently, we are sitting in 4th place in our group, only the top 2 in each group advance. At this point, the 1st (Costa Rica), and 2nd (USA) would both have to lose 1 or more games each, and Mexico would have to go undefeated for the rest of the qualifying....

The last time Mexico did not make the World Cup was in 1974.... In 1990 they were disqualified for using players over the age limit allowed in Seoul '88 for the Olympics. **Quick fact** This penalty was applied to ALL Mexican national representatives of all sports for 2 years.

Just to give you an idea, here are some quick facts about the FIFA World Cup:

-Int'l football competition contested by men's national teams

-Occurs every 4 year since 1930

-Current format involves 32 teams

-Games are held in one host nation, usually switching continents every 4 years

-Most widely viewed sporting event in the world

- 715.1 million watching the 2006 final (take that American Idol!!)

- South Africa is hosting 2010 from June 11-July 11

- Brazil is hosting 2014

Okay, well all this being said - I forgot the most important... PRAYER!!! Pray for Mexico's national team - it may be their only hope!!!

Why Mexico?

A picture is worth a thousand words....

This photo was taken while eating lunch...... Ahhh....

Amazing Race - Vote for Mexico!!!

I just have to add this to my blog - please visit the site below, and make sure you vote for Mexico! Currently, we are sitting in 2nd place (no body likes that) with only 30% of the vote!!! This could really help boost Mexico - free advertisement!!!


http://www.tudiscovery.com/race/inicio.shtml

Mexico, Mexico, Mexico!!!!!!

ATLANTE won the Champions League!!!

POTROS ~POTROS~POTROS~ ATLANTE GOOOOLLLLL!!!!!

For those of you who don't know, Cancun are the proud owners of club team Atlante!!! This of course is for futbol (soccer to my fellow Canadians/Americans).

Tuesday night the Andres Quintana Roo Stadium held a very important game for Atlante vs. Cruz Azul (Mexico City). I won't go into too much detail, but Atlante are through as they were able to keep Cruz Azul from scoring, and their 2-0 victory over Cruz Azul back in April did enough!!

This is a HUGE victory for Atlante as they are now representing CONCACAF (North American Leagues) in the World Club Championship which takes place in Japan later this year!!! We still aren't sure who Atlante will be playing as most of the other leagues haven't played their final matches yet!!!

Hubby and some friends enjoying the game!!

I have some video footage from some games, but due to my lack of computer/blogger.com knowledge - it will have to wait for another post! I'll get hubby's help!!!

Next holiday in Mexico could be free?? Swine Flu Update!

Sooo, I've taken awhile to post as I've been travelling Eastern areas of Canada (Quebec City, Montreal, and Tremblant), and I've even avoided writing, discussing, thinking - about the Swine Flu situation in Mexico, and throughout Canada and the US. I am the type of person who gets annoyed pretty easily when listening/reading sensationalist articles about Mexico - this was just another cherry on the cake, and I know myself better than to get into arguments that typically get me nowhere!

With that being said is my next blog post as I truly find it amusing. In hopes of boosting tourism in Mexico, some hotels are offering free vacations for 3 years if they develop H1N1 within 8 days of returning home from their vacation!! Obviously they have to put a time limit on this, but that is how sure they are that the majority of already healthy people WON'T get sick. To my knowledge the list of hotel chains are the Real Resorts, Dreams, and Secrets.

http://www.realresorts.com/

http://www.dreamsresorts.com/

http://www.secretsresorts.com/

There is always more to it than just this, but if you check out the sites above they have more detail into exactly how it works. You can't just develop any type of influenza and receive your 3 free years vacation, and you have to book between a given time, but other than that it seems pretty straight forward to me!

I truly believe with all my heart that it is SAFE to visit Mexico, especially Cancun and the Riviera Maya!! So come one, come all and enjoy all that this wonderful country has to offer!!!

Like some of my blogging friends, here are a few pics that will maybe plant a little seed ...

www.gocancuntransfers.com

To speak, or not to speak.... Spanish that is...

I can't tell you how many times I have been asked the question "Do you speak Spanish", and every time I say the exact same thing " yes, and no" LOL.

What I mean by that is yes, to some people I would say I speak Spanish, but to others I would have to say no. My hubby and mi maestra tell me I don't give myself enough credit, but really? When I can understand and translate ALL the words in a song - that is when you will hear me admit "Yes, I speak Spanish". Said with conviction. The only problem, is I sometimes can barely understand the words in English!!! LOL!!!

Anyways, this topic came about as we had the pleasure of my Maestra visiting from Los Mochis, Sinaloa - she moved there about 6 months ago and is teaching. She actually hasn't' been my maestra for almost 2 years now, and I am just so embarrassed at the level of my Spanish after losing her :(

Sooooo I spoke with hubby and maestra over the weekend and have decided I am finally going to be taking some classes!!!

So far I have found 2 schools of interest here that offer "group" lessons. Amerispan, and Berlitz.

http://www.amerispan.com/language_schools/Mexico/Cancun/3501

http://www.berlitzcancun.com/

Apparently they offer group classes of no more than 6 students. However, I have a hard time believing they actually fill these "group" classes every week? At this point I am assuming I will need/want about 6 weeks of classes, 5 days per week. I certainly hope I won't need more than that.

As I continue looking into these classes - I will let you know how my search goes. I am hoping to register before summer! Here's hoping!!!!

If any of you have had the chance to attend one of these, or can recommend another school I haven't looked at - I'd LOVE to hear about it!!!

Wish me luck amigos as this is one of my '09 resolutions!!





http://www.gocancuntransfers.com/

To buy or not to buy?

It is time for me/us to face the inevitable and decide what we are going to do about buying our next vehicle? Or spending the money..... Last time we bought a vehicle (a few months ago) we got screwed by the dealer in MC and ended up having to pay the tenencias (taxes) for 2 years. I was not happy, and I know you can say you live and learn, but he showed us the paper work that he suggested had been paid. Crooks will be crooks I guess. There's no way to avoid them all...

My problem is there are just so many choices, and we've been looking on-line at the two websites that we are aware of, and here in Q. Roo and the Yucatan there isn't much we want in our price range..... Are we being too picky? Are we looking for too much?

FYI - the 2 websites we use are :

http://www.autos-usados.autoplaza.com.mx/

http://www.soloautos.com.mx/

If any one knows of some better/comparable ones - please let me know!!!

Anyways, it's still remarkable at the price differences between vehicles here, and back in Canada. I know in Canada vehicles are more expensive than in the USA. However, here in Mexico it really just depends on the vehicle. Should I buy a SUV as hubby and I think about starting a family? Or should I wait until that happens, and just buy a sedan?? Hmmmm... soo many decisions ..... Maybe I should just stick with the good ol' faithful of Mexico - Volkswagen!!! LOL!!

I'll keep you posted as I struggle with this decision, and dread spending the money! Okay, I'm being a little dramatic, but I don't know what to do!


www.gocancuntransfers.com

Quieres comer??!!!

I was thinking today, what should I blog about? Then it popped into my head, a little hidden treasure we have here in Cancun. Now a girl from Alberta Canada would not be bragging about beef in Mexico, if she really didn’t find it THAT good. It’s THAT good J

I don’t know what the name of the restaurant is, and yes, we are frequent visitors – take out, and sit down. As a matter of fact, when hubby took me there a few years ago for my first time there were only 3 or 4 tables to be had. Today, they have expanded to about 25 tables on the first floor alone. In the evenings, they even have outdoor seating on some nights!!! Hubby and I have always called it the “Uruguayan restaurant”– I think that’s why we have never bothered paying attention to the actual name. All of our friends call it that as well. Why would we need to bother learning the name? Anyways, it’s close ITLA (Instituto Tecnologico de Las Americas), and near Las Torres.

Next time I’m there I’ll be sure to take a photo of the food. It’s very simple, and yet tastes sooooo good. I usually order a steak – this is served with a HUGE piece of meat seasoned to perfection, and a salad that has a “secret” dressing on it (always order extra) – all served on a wooden cutting board. YUUUMMMMY. Now they don’t have a huge wine selection, but it’s good enough for this chicita. Also, they like many restaurants here in Cancun take cash only. My meal is about 120 pesos, and it’s about 150 for a bottle of a Santa Rita Cab. Not bad if you ask me!!!!

So again, for a great meal, at a FANTASTIC price – check this place out if and when you get a chance!!!!

OUT FRONT

INSIDE :)

www.gocancuntransfers.com

It scared the "croc" out of me!

Okay, so first I must admit - these pics were not from a golf trip I took.... However, they are on MY camera, so I can use them, right?? Hubby and his friend (cdn on vacation) were golfing last week at the Hilton Golf Club here in Cancun.... Only to stumble across not 1, but 3 crocs on the course!!!! When I say on the course, I mean literally ON THE COURSE!!!

Yes, this is our friend staying far away - hubby is taking the pic!!! Some of you may not think this is scary, but I'm terrified!!!!

I have been assured the crocs are fed - I must admit they do look rather lean and thick. I'm still not taking any chances. I'm hoping I can just keep on pretending that I don't know they are there.....

Nice little fella, Nice little fella.....

I honestly havent' seen one yet - I think it could be I so badly don't want to believe they are frequent visitors to the area that I just don't see them!!! Now I can't pretend anymore.