Today is the day that I knew I would come to regret. I always dread the last day of vacation and this would be no different than all of the others. The tears flow and I reflect on the days past. It's cleansing for me.
The weather is still cooler than normal here and we took the tour of three islands today. We saw so many things that mother natures has created until it is hard to take it all in. From Bird Island, stopping at the fresh water lagoon, and bringing it around to Passion Island; each one had something different to offer. We have met so many amazing people and seen such unique treasures until it is hard to leave this all behind. You may leave this physicial place behind, but you will always remember the many lessons that it has taught you.
We walked the beach to reach town this afternoon for one last time. I have realized that all things must come to an end just like life it self. I have learned that so much time is wasted trying to have more while missing the blessing of what you already have. I have come to know the joy and peace inside of one's self and the importance of love and forgiveness. Our new friend, Tonya, said it best. "This is a place that you come and cry between you and God. No one else matters."
This island may be a world apart, but we will always be one in spirit.
Until we meet again, Isla Holbox. Until we meet again.........
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
The Norte Has Come & Gone!
The norte blew through yesterday and light rain gave way to mostly cloudy skies. The wind was fierce! I took a few pictures of the storm coming in from the ocean and the colors are amazing!
Due to not having any paved roads here in Hobox, this place is a mud hole after a good rain storm. In the afternoon, we were able to walk into town and pick up a few things from the fruiteria. The markets contain things like onion, garlic, mango, small eggplant, eggs, juice in small bags, avacados, etc. The avacados are the best I have ever tasted. Thank the Lord for my personal chef that can whip up a meal with very little to choose from. The tomatoe and avacado salad was to die for!
We came home to take a shower and decided to eat in a small Italian "hole in the wall" that was recommended to us by Italo, the owner of Los Mapaches, where we are staying. Needless to say, he is Italian and they support each other. Luciano, the owner of the restaurant makes his own pasta daily and we were lucky enough to be joined by Antonio, the Columbian gentleman that owns the Fly Fish House next door to Los Mapaches. He has been here 5 years and provided us with great knowledge of this small, quaint island. Luciano suggested the fresh lobster from the menu as the fisherman had provided him with 30 kilos fresh off the boat. Italo later showed up and we shared our table with Antonio and the night was nothing less than perfect.
Ed agreed that this place is much different than island living in the Caribbean. He says that people KNOW what they are looking for when they come here unlike St.Thomas. Those people are in search of something but they have no idea what it is. Holbox is a community of like-minded people who appreciate the quiet and charm. You won't find any parties or loud noises coming from the few bars that surround the main square. You will find small cafe's that allow you to have a cup of espresso and a danish until you are ready to move towards your next venture. "Do what makes YOU happy" seems to be the common factor that joins everyone together here. I am really glad we chose this place. As we sat outside the restaurant last night, a taxi (golf cart ) rode by with a loud muffler. Italo yells from our dining table in a strong italian accent, "this is Holbox! There is no noise in Holbox!"
We have been invited to Antonio's house this afternoon for Columbian coffee and a rare Columbian rum. How lucky can we be?!!!
I am writing from the restaurant this morning as Tonya, the owner, makes me fresh squeezed mandarin juice. The wind is still lurking around but a beach day is in store for us.
I am having trouble downloading pictures because of the weak internet connection. I am certain that pictures will do no justice to the beauty of Holbox.
I am learning more and more about myself as time passes here. Change is in the air.
Breakfast is here so I'll be in touch again tomorrow. I miss everyone back home but nothing could replace this "me" time that has allowed me to soul search.
Adios!
Due to not having any paved roads here in Hobox, this place is a mud hole after a good rain storm. In the afternoon, we were able to walk into town and pick up a few things from the fruiteria. The markets contain things like onion, garlic, mango, small eggplant, eggs, juice in small bags, avacados, etc. The avacados are the best I have ever tasted. Thank the Lord for my personal chef that can whip up a meal with very little to choose from. The tomatoe and avacado salad was to die for!
We came home to take a shower and decided to eat in a small Italian "hole in the wall" that was recommended to us by Italo, the owner of Los Mapaches, where we are staying. Needless to say, he is Italian and they support each other. Luciano, the owner of the restaurant makes his own pasta daily and we were lucky enough to be joined by Antonio, the Columbian gentleman that owns the Fly Fish House next door to Los Mapaches. He has been here 5 years and provided us with great knowledge of this small, quaint island. Luciano suggested the fresh lobster from the menu as the fisherman had provided him with 30 kilos fresh off the boat. Italo later showed up and we shared our table with Antonio and the night was nothing less than perfect.
Ed agreed that this place is much different than island living in the Caribbean. He says that people KNOW what they are looking for when they come here unlike St.Thomas. Those people are in search of something but they have no idea what it is. Holbox is a community of like-minded people who appreciate the quiet and charm. You won't find any parties or loud noises coming from the few bars that surround the main square. You will find small cafe's that allow you to have a cup of espresso and a danish until you are ready to move towards your next venture. "Do what makes YOU happy" seems to be the common factor that joins everyone together here. I am really glad we chose this place. As we sat outside the restaurant last night, a taxi (golf cart ) rode by with a loud muffler. Italo yells from our dining table in a strong italian accent, "this is Holbox! There is no noise in Holbox!"
We have been invited to Antonio's house this afternoon for Columbian coffee and a rare Columbian rum. How lucky can we be?!!!
I am writing from the restaurant this morning as Tonya, the owner, makes me fresh squeezed mandarin juice. The wind is still lurking around but a beach day is in store for us.
I am having trouble downloading pictures because of the weak internet connection. I am certain that pictures will do no justice to the beauty of Holbox.
I am learning more and more about myself as time passes here. Change is in the air.
Breakfast is here so I'll be in touch again tomorrow. I miss everyone back home but nothing could replace this "me" time that has allowed me to soul search.
Adios!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
The Perfect Scent
Last night it started to rain. It rained all night and in between the sounds of the ocean and the rain drops hitting our thatch roof; nothing could be more peaceful. We woke to the same sounds early this morning.
Things are sleepy here today and the weather is massively cooler which is appreciated by the few tourists that are here. The locals think norte's bring brisk temp and they are dressed in light weight jackets. It has to be around 72 degrees but you would never see a thermometer anywhere around here. Quite honestly, you would be lucky to even find out a weather forecast.
Right now, we're sitting in the palapa style restaurant and we can hear the tropical birds singing in the palm trees. The smell of rain is in the air for the rest of the day - so they say. No one seems too bothered - and neither are we. It's perfect.
We were scheduled to take the classic island tour of three small islands to see a bird refuge, a fresh water lagoon that feeds into the ocean and a beach for shelling. There are quite a few promises of us seeing white dolpins swimming along the way. We will cancel that for today and put it on our busy agenda tomorrow (wink).
Until then, I guess we'll have mojitos for breakfast and take a nap.
Things are sleepy here today and the weather is massively cooler which is appreciated by the few tourists that are here. The locals think norte's bring brisk temp and they are dressed in light weight jackets. It has to be around 72 degrees but you would never see a thermometer anywhere around here. Quite honestly, you would be lucky to even find out a weather forecast.
Right now, we're sitting in the palapa style restaurant and we can hear the tropical birds singing in the palm trees. The smell of rain is in the air for the rest of the day - so they say. No one seems too bothered - and neither are we. It's perfect.
We were scheduled to take the classic island tour of three small islands to see a bird refuge, a fresh water lagoon that feeds into the ocean and a beach for shelling. There are quite a few promises of us seeing white dolpins swimming along the way. We will cancel that for today and put it on our busy agenda tomorrow (wink).
Until then, I guess we'll have mojitos for breakfast and take a nap.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Hola!
I can't believe we are finally here. This place is magical and I don't have time to download pictures but that is soon to come. The transfers here were an experience but all of the locals welcomed us with open arms. Time really stands still here.
We were blessed to be able to ride over on the ferry with Victor. He teaches the children music here on the island and also requires them to make their own mandolin. He has such an amazing story. He shared with us that 25 years ago, he tossed his shoes and glasses to the sea and he has never looked back. I became teary eyed when I saw his passion for nature and this small place that they call home.
Pepe, our taxi driver (golf cart), took us into his home where he shared his palapa with Rod, the "Whale Shark Daddy." He advised us to toss our cares away and soak up spirit of the island and recharge our batteries. That is just what we are doing!
Rachel, I haven't even touched a hair dryer since I have been here! I know everyone will be shocked to know that! The crazy thing is, I don't even look out of place!!
That's all for now. If anyone needs me, I'll be at the beach.
XXOX
We were blessed to be able to ride over on the ferry with Victor. He teaches the children music here on the island and also requires them to make their own mandolin. He has such an amazing story. He shared with us that 25 years ago, he tossed his shoes and glasses to the sea and he has never looked back. I became teary eyed when I saw his passion for nature and this small place that they call home.
Pepe, our taxi driver (golf cart), took us into his home where he shared his palapa with Rod, the "Whale Shark Daddy." He advised us to toss our cares away and soak up spirit of the island and recharge our batteries. That is just what we are doing!
Rachel, I haven't even touched a hair dryer since I have been here! I know everyone will be shocked to know that! The crazy thing is, I don't even look out of place!!
That's all for now. If anyone needs me, I'll be at the beach.
XXOX
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Stay Tuned.....
Stay on the edge of your seats. In a few days, I'll keep everyone posted on our whereabouts. I will make one promise.......I'll drink at least one mojito for each and everyone of you! Ahhhhh!!
Thankyouverymuch, K-9, for dropping by! Us "dogs" think alike!
Thankyouverymuch, K-9, for dropping by! Us "dogs" think alike!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Travel Tip Tuesday
Ummm....if I don't get out of this place and bake under the Mexican sun within the next 3 days, I am going to have a complete meltdown! Of all things, my oldest daughter has been sick intermittently for two days with a fever of unknown origin. I swear, I think kids can turn it off and on like a water hose in order to throw a monkey wrench in your plans.
Note to self: Take a pre-vacation before your VACATION in order to get everyone else straight so you can actually enjoy your time away! I have not competed MY packing yet and I still have Chef Ed's clothes to gather as well. Please tell me that these vacation plans were not just a figment of my imagination! Say a little prayer for us. We need all the help we can get! Hopefully, by Sunday, we will be drinking Tequila under the Yucatan sky!
Friday, January 2, 2009
It's All In How You See It
Today is the second full day of 2009 and I am determined to have a fresh start. I REALLY mean it this time.
Over the last year, I have really had quite a few eye-opening experiences that have allowed me to reform my way of thinking. My spirit tells me that this year will be one of great things for me and my family. Ed and I could sure use some positiveness (is that even a word?) in our lives. We both have had people from our past, at one time or another, spoil our moment, and pose as excess baggage - and my oh my, how we have moved beyond that phase. It is almost comical to look back at and the see the amount of growth that has taken place since then. AMAZING! AMAZING! You really don't realize how heavy that load was until you dumped it some place. Those times were forever and a day ago and thank the Lord those monkeys are off of our backs!!
The new concept will be one of physical and spiritual training. I can feel it already!
Over the last year, I have really had quite a few eye-opening experiences that have allowed me to reform my way of thinking. My spirit tells me that this year will be one of great things for me and my family. Ed and I could sure use some positiveness (is that even a word?) in our lives. We both have had people from our past, at one time or another, spoil our moment, and pose as excess baggage - and my oh my, how we have moved beyond that phase. It is almost comical to look back at and the see the amount of growth that has taken place since then. AMAZING! AMAZING! You really don't realize how heavy that load was until you dumped it some place. Those times were forever and a day ago and thank the Lord those monkeys are off of our backs!!
The new concept will be one of physical and spiritual training. I can feel it already!
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