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Steve O
5th December 2009, 09:11 PM
Sorry, I'm bored. I bought a new used computer to store my photos on and have been transfering them over for the last couple of days. Every photo has a story behind it and I thought I would share a few.


This one is Uncle John leaving Cozumel to go to the airport in Cancun. He had to leave 3 to 4 weeks before I did. He is wearing his luggage with a machete tucked into his backpack. He had no problem traveling with the machete in Mexico but immediately got stopped in the Minnesota airport. He managed to talk his way out of that but when trying to board the bus to Wisconsin, the driver refused to let him on. He told the driver that the luggage would be checked and there was no way he would be able to hurt him. The driver was worried that he would take out the machete when he got off the bus and attack him. Another passenger helped him out by taping the machete to the sheath and backpack. That seemed to satisfy the driver and he arrived home with no further problems.


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/mexico/miscmexico2292a.jpg

Steve O
6th December 2009, 10:36 AM
I was staying at the Piedra Escondida cabanas in Tulum. Went in the morning to buy lobster tails in Punta Allen. They were running $200 pesos a kilo. I returned to the cabanas and brought some of the tails into the restaurant so the cook could grill them for me. I was having a beer in the restaurant when I looked out the window and saw this funnel cloud approaching from out on the water. Grabbed my camera and ran outside to get a photo as it passed overhead. I guess that was kind of stupid to do.


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/mexico/vertigas.jpg

heenan
6th December 2009, 11:56 AM
Great stories and pics!
Keep 'em coming!

minniemex
6th December 2009, 12:06 PM
I love the Uncle John story! Really cracks me up he made it to the bus without any real problems.

My husband cannot make it thru customs without being stopped as his name is on some wanted list. Good old Scandinavian name like "Johnson".

Steve O
6th December 2009, 06:11 PM
We changed our flight and flew down 2 days early to beat hurricane Ivan. Flew out on September 11th. in seat number 13. Once on the ground we rented a car and drove down to Tulum. Got a room at Cabanas Tulum. The weather was great but the surf was really high. The waves were breaking 3/4 of the way up the beach and were sounding like jet engines at the airport when a plane would take off. We made ourselves at home and really had a nice evening. Sometime in the early morning there was a knock on our door telling us it was time to evacuate. I said ok and went back to bed. We woke up early and my girlfriend decided to take a shower. It wasn't to much later when a wave crashed against the cabana and knocked the door open bringing in sand and water. I yell to her saying " I think you better hurry, It's time to leave."


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/mexico/cabanastulumivan.jpg

lazydog
6th December 2009, 11:21 PM
Loving the old photos trip report!

Did you really drive all the way down to Punta Allen just for lobsters and is it that much cheaper? I soooo want lobster this trip, at a reasonable price of course.

Steve O
7th December 2009, 12:14 PM
Yes, we would drive to Punta Allen for lobster. You could buy lobster right from the processing house in town. As of earlier this year, lobster prices were up to $380 pesos a kilo.

Steve O
7th December 2009, 12:15 PM
We were a little over 3 weeks into our 6 month stay on Cozumel. The Fiesta de Guadalupe was in progress. There was a big party going on back in town. A few of us decided to join in. The streets were shut down, vendors were everywhere, live music was playing, and the beer was flowing. We were having a great time until one of the people we were with got a case of turista. He couldn't find a washroom anywhere and apparently couldn't hold it anymore. He had an explosion in his pants. The best thing we could do was get him back to the house. We flagged a cab down. Everyone got in and he took off. You should have seen the look on that cab drivers face when we all rolled down our windows and the car started stinking.


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/mexico/2005-20071631.jpg

Margoinmexico
7th December 2009, 01:01 PM
Yes, we would drive to Punta Allen for lobster. You could buy lobster right from the processing house in town. As of earlier this year, lobster prices were up to $380 pesos a kilo.

:wave:I would SO drive to Punta Allen for lobster! But I'm thinking closer to $450, but that is for a kilo, which for normal restaurant sized tails you'll get 6 to 8 just swimming that day tails! Usually enough for 4 people. Throw some fish in there and you've got enough for 6 to 8. I've never bought them in Tulum, but I think they are about $500 pesos per kilo. Aso fresh daily.

And just for the record, the season closes on March 1 and doesn't reopen I until July 1. Any you get during that closed time are either illegal or frozen.

I have been in Punta Allen for the opening day the last two years....mmmmm. Hope to be there next year too, kind of a special day for me and Niki. Last year I cooked lobster for 20 people over the fire pit at Serenidad Shardon......double mmmmmmmmmmm! Have been part of some amazing food at that firepit! Niki's place is fab. :boat:

Not sure I needed to hear the taxi story just after eating...been with people when that happened, and definitely the smell is the worst part....:burp::burp::burp:


Oh and I had such a good lobster vibe going...ewwwww.:rolleyes:

Steve O
7th December 2009, 07:16 PM
Actually, the price I quoted of $380 pesos a kilo is the price I can get them for on Cozumel buying direct from the fishermen. I didn't make it to Punta Allen this year. February or March for sure.

What's really strange is I can get frozen warm water lobsters from the Bahamas here in Chicago right now for $14.95 a pound. The're not bad. Cold water frozen tails are running around $37 a pound.

Steve O
7th December 2009, 07:18 PM
We were in the parking lot at the Punta Laguna Monkey Reserve drinking a few cold beers trying to decide if we needed to hire a guide or do it on our own. A guy walked up to us and kind of motioned to the beer. We gave him one then another. It so happened that he was a guide and would take us to see the monkeys for $50 pesos. After a few more beers it was decided that $50 pesos wasn't that bad so went on the tour. After we were done the guide invited us across the street to his home for lunch. We accepted. After introductions to his family, his wife made some tortillas out of corn that had been soaking in a bucket and came up with some chicken. I have no idea where the chicken came from as there was no electricity and no stores around. We ate lunch and made a beer run to Nuevo X -Can. We asked to use the washroom and he showed us the front door. I guess anywhere outside was ok. His father and brother stopped by and we got to meet them. It was a good afternno.I think we ended up staying around 6 hours. We parted friends.


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/mexico/2005-20071572.jpg

evZENy
8th December 2009, 11:05 AM
Lovely stories, Steve!

And pictures too - like the one from Fiesta de Guadalupe. Amazing!
BTW - the guy with the case de turista - never heard of using the trees/bushes/the street? I guess growing up in Eastern Europe I am used to these things and will not wait that long. Feel sorry for the guy, but he should consider reordering his priorities, if you know what I mean :-)

evgeny

Steve O
8th December 2009, 02:01 PM
The bush thing is all well and good but you have to understand the number of people at the fiesta and most of Cozumel's homes are walled in. Really no place to go.

Steve O
8th December 2009, 02:03 PM
I use to stay at the Cabanas Tulum all the time. There was a monkey that would hang around the cabanas. He would wander around the property during the evenings. Most nights he would stop at my cabana and wait for the treats I had for him. I would sit out on the porch with him drinking a beer while he sat there eating. Very friendly guy. I never did find out what happened to him or if he belonged to someone at the cabanas.


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/mexico/tulummonkey.jpg

minniemex
8th December 2009, 02:41 PM
I am bumming as the monkey wasn't there when I stayed at CT.

Steve, do you have some really old pictures of Tulum that you could share?? I love the one of CT when Ivan was there.

Steve O
8th December 2009, 06:22 PM
I did have lots of old photos on 35 mm film but between divorce, the kids going through my storage unit, and a few other things, I don't know where they are. I do have a box of old negatives that I would like to go through one of these days when I buy one of these scanners that converts negitives into digital images but it hasn't been top priority.

Steve O
8th December 2009, 06:24 PM
I stayed at the Cozumel Caribe for many years. The owner was Don Fernando Barbachano. We were friends. He had a 70 ' motor yacht and we took the kids out on it. My youngest was around 5 years old and couldn't swim. I remember putting snorkel gear on her and her reaction was that I was trying to kill her. We anchored in around 30' of water over Palancar reef. I took her down the ladder to the swimming platform and put her in. She was scared but the minute she put her head in the water and saw fish, it was all over. She started swimming and saying " daddy, daddy, fish." I had a hard time getting her out of the water. She is 25 now.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/mexico/m11.jpg

HhowieE
8th December 2009, 09:13 PM
Nice work Stevie, miss yer ol' ass.
So when are you coming down the road?
Ron

Grasshopper
9th December 2009, 09:02 AM
Always love your thoughts, pics and stories... THANKS for sharing amigo! Keep it comin':sun:

Steve O
9th December 2009, 10:55 AM
Ron...will be in Tulum on the 17th, of February. Probably be in the area for a week.

Steve O
9th December 2009, 11:04 AM
We had left Palenque and were on our way to Agua Azul. Palenque is basically on the ground and to get to Agua Azul you have to cross three mountain ranges. Each one being higher than the other. This time I wasn't driving but my friend Trudy was. Most of the area around here is Zapatista territory in the state of Chiapas. There are lots of rumors going around about safety in this area. There was a road that led down to this village and I wanted to check it out. Trudy wasn't so sure and it took a lot of convincing to get her to go into the village. Once we got down the road everyone came out of their houses. It was like they had never seen a tourist in their town before. They started following our car around the village. We had a lot of snacks in the car and thought it would be a good idea to hand them out to the kids. We stayed for a while but the kids kept following us. They were very polite and nice. Glad we stopped.


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/mexico/2005-20071696.jpg

letele
9th December 2009, 12:22 PM
I love all your stories...keep 'em coming!

itsjustme
9th December 2009, 04:19 PM
Very nice SteveO.

:beerchug:

Steve O
9th December 2009, 06:53 PM
We were camping out at Chen Rio beach on Cozumel. Hung our hammocks, made a little fire, cooked something to eat, and had quite a few beers.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/mexico/2005-2007434.jpg


Later that night the surf picked up. The waves were really getting rough. I woke up to take a piss and saw this boat floating out in the water. I woke up Uncle John and told him about the boat and how we had to go out and drag it to shore. We had another beer while deciding if we should really go out and get the boat or not. You could walk into the water and the waves would knock you over right away. It was late at night and no one was around. We couldn't let the boat just be washed out to sea so we managed to get out there and drag it in to shore. We couldn't get it up on the beach as it was to heavy. There was a rope in the boat and we finally got it anchored to a palm tree. That is all we could do so we went back to sleep.


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/mexico/2005-2007437.jpg


The boat was still there in the morning only filled up with sand and water. We didn't stay around very long the next day but heard the owners broke it in half trying to pull it out with their truck.


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/mexico/2005-20071212.jpg


Around a year later, I was back at Chen Rio and saw the boat back in the water. I guess they got it put back together.


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/mexico/2005-2007435.jpg

itsjustme
9th December 2009, 07:42 PM
"We had another beer while deciding if we should really go out and get the boat or not."


heheeheheheheheh............"GONE"

Gotta luv the name....fit the moment??

evZENy
10th December 2009, 09:33 AM
It lived to its name. It was Gone :-)
But Came Back. They have to add it :-)

Steve O
10th December 2009, 12:22 PM
Being the one that doesn't mind traveling, I was asked to travel over to Playa del Carmen to spy on a girl. The story I got was an American fell in love with this Mexican woman and was flying down every weekend to see her and buying her all kind of gifts. What brought the problem on is she opened a massage business in Playa. The question was why didn't she open her business on Cozumel instead. She would return every night on the ferry but go to Playa again the next day. None of this made any sense. Most Mexicans can't afford to travel back and forth to the mainland every day and the only reason you would do that for a massage parlor was you didn't want anyone knowing what you were doing. Anyway, I was hired by the American for $2000 pesos to go and find out what she was doing. I did that and came back with photos showing that she was operating a whore house over there. I took the money I had less ferry fees and gathered up all the singers I could find in town and went down to Kelly's Bar and had drinks. We had a good afternoon. You would be surprised that they sing as a group better than they do alone or in pairs. They even got a job singing together.


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/mexico/2005-2007371.jpg

evZENy
10th December 2009, 01:29 PM
And of course now some of us will expect a report on the House you mentioned. After all, isn't this forum to share about new things and places we discover in our trips in and around Tulum :-)))

Steve O
10th December 2009, 07:30 PM
It was the 25th. anniversary of the ferry and they were offering $20 peso fares over to Playa de Carmen. It was a beautiful day and Uncle John and I had nothing better to do. We went down to Covi's and filled our cooler up with beer and ice and headed to the ferry pier. Where else could you get an ice cold beer and a nice boat ride for $20 pesos. We decided to ride the ferry back and forth all day long. We had a great day and met a lot of interesting people. On one of the crossings, a guy came on with a guitar and I offered him a few beers and talked him into playing it. He sang for the whole trip and we had a nice party on the back of the boat.


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/mexico/2005-20071189.jpg

minniemex
10th December 2009, 08:00 PM
I love the ferry story.:boat:

Steve O
12th December 2009, 10:47 AM
Cozumel's airport was quite different than it is today. You would land on a sand runway. The terminal was an old quonset hut mounted on skids. When it rained the hut was moved to a dry spot.


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/mexico/k21-1.jpg

ChicagoCraig
12th December 2009, 11:20 AM
Steve O, PI. For hire. Man, wish I had a case for you, than be sure to be at the party you threw afterwards.

Steve O
12th December 2009, 07:07 PM
We had been down since the end of November. It is now Easter. We were renting a 3 bedroom house with Trudy but one of the conditions was that we be gone for 2 weeks while the owners kids came down. Trudy went to stay at the hotel across from Dzul Ha and Uncle John and I were on the streets. Our plan was to camp out on the beach in Isla Mujeres then go to Tulum and camp there for the rest of the time.

We got started later than we wanted and ended up taking a late ferry to Playa. It was to late to go to Isla Mujeras so we searched for a cheap hotel room. It was Easter and there were none to be found under $500 pesos. About the time we were getting ready to hang our hammocks in an open field a little Mexican guy came up to us and said he knew of a cheap place and would show us where it was.

It was a cheap place. Actually a whore house. We got a room for $120 per night without looking at it. The room had one bed and a shower. The bedroom door had bars on it and only locked on the outside with a padlock.

I refused to sleep in the bed but at least they had hooks to hang my hammock from. We bought some beer and made the best of our arrangements. The toilet was unique. You could sit down and take a shower at the same time. The noise from the other rooms wasn't that great either.

I had brought a combination lock with me and Uncle John reached through the bars and locked us in. In the morning I went to open the combination lock but Uncle John had put it on backwards so you couldn't see the numbers. It took me at least 2 hours to get the lock undone. Finally we were free. This was the worst room I have ever stayed in.


Second floor hallway.


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/mexico/disc2114.jpg


Looking from the hallway into our room


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/mexico/disc2115.jpg


My hammock hung with care


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/mexico/disc2116.jpg


The wonderful combination shower and toilet


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/mexico/disc2117.jpg

Steve O
12th December 2009, 09:32 PM
This a typical example of Mexican ingenuity at work.

The story was that the captain of the boat was drunk and ran his boat ashore. The rudder was torn off and there was a hole in the back. The boat was taking on water.

Their plan to salvage the boat was to tow it down to the marina about 5 kilometers away. There were probably 10 to 12 people involved in this and all agreed it was a good plan.

Uncle John and I sat on the pier laughing and betting on how long it would take to sink the boat.

It didn't take very long. Everyone on the boat had to swim back to shore.


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/mexico/miscmexico2243.jpg


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/mexico/miscmexico2247.jpg


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http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/mexico/miscmexico2257.jpg

FITZ
13th December 2009, 09:31 AM
This is so fun Steve!
We got a good hoot out of the hearts on the bedspread at the ho-casa.

sky_northern
13th December 2009, 10:48 AM
Love all the storys with the photos! You've had lots of adventures!
The sinking boat is too funny! The guys in the sinking boat look far less concerned then I would be!

Steve O
13th December 2009, 06:41 PM
We were driving to Copper Canyon in the Sierra Madre mountains on our way to Cozumel. Elevation about 11,000 ft. After seeing Basaseachic Falls we drove on looking for a road that was shown on my map. It was suppose to be a shortcut to Creel but we must have missed it. It was getting later in the afternoon so we stopped at the next town called Yepachic and found a place to stay. The room we got had a toilet and cold water shower, one light bulb, and a kerosene lantern for heat. We would need the lantern as it was cold up here. We even passed through some snow.

This town was different from others we had passed through. It seemed that everyone had a brand new pickup truck. They must be doing something right. Time to keep an eye open and that 6th. sense working.

Always on the lookout for a place to get a cold beer, we found a tavern. We walked over and went in through the swinging saloon doors. There was sawdust on the floor, no heat, and a huge pile of empty beer cans in one corner. The place wasn't to crowded so we sat down and ordered a beer.


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/mexico/P3250055.jpg


The bartender seemed OK


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/mexico/P3250056.jpg



Within an hour the place had quite a few customers. Some of them eventually got curious and tried to talk to us. One guy borrowed a cigarette from Uncle John. A little while later the guy pulled out a baggy of pot and rolled up a huge joint and gave it to Uncle John for the cigarette he had borrowed. Right after that, everyone in the bar pulled out their baggies and started smoking.


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/mexico/P3250057.jpg


Everything worked out alright but deep down inside me I had a feeling that we really shouldn't be here and it was time to go.


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/mexico/P3250058.jpg

minniemex
14th December 2009, 07:47 AM
Just curious ~ did Uncle John have on all the clothes he brought with??

I don't think I have ever been to Cozumel when the hotel at Dzul Ha has been open. When were you there?? Sometimes I imagine it was open on my first trip in January of 1996.

Steve O
14th December 2009, 08:14 AM
Uncle John does travel light. He usuall has 2 pair of long pants, 2 pair of shorts, and a couple of shirts. His jacket also.

I don't remember when the hotel closed. We knew Joel (the owner before he sold) and he would open up a room and let us stay there. I think Uncle John stayed there for 2 months one time when I couldn't make it down.

beachreader
14th December 2009, 09:30 AM
I'm guessing these guys were keeping their heads down when they realized their picture was being taken? Maybe it was a good idea to leave when you did! :eek:

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/mexico/P3250058.jpg

Steve O
14th December 2009, 02:58 PM
Diego (aka Bronco) and Eddie (aka Chocolete) were fixtures on the island of Cozumel for years and years. Diego would sing in the square, sometimes with his son. He was the best singer on the island. Eddie would play his homemade Marimba and pass his bucket around for tips. Eddie couldn't sing very well but he sure could play that Marimba. We partied many times together. Both died within a year of each other.


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/mexico/2005-20071469.jpg

minniemex
14th December 2009, 03:16 PM
Now that was a very sad story. :(

Steve O
15th December 2009, 06:56 PM
Traveling again, we were taking our neighbors on a road trip. We are in San Cristobal de las Casas in Chipas on our way to the Lagos de Montebello along the Guatemalan border. This is our second day in town and we have been out exploring the market today. On our way back to our hotel we find a small bar that is serving margaritas for 2X1. It's probably around 3:00pm.


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/mexico/corrinnetulumholbox2163.jpg


We hung around for a while and had a few more. It wasn't long before someone else was sitting at our table having drinks.


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/mexico/corrinnetulumholbox2164.jpg


It wasn't long after that (or it could have been) that the conversation turned to the girls from Israel and the owner of a Hostel in town. The girls had all been in the armed forces which is required over there. We had a long conversation on why everyone hates Americans but that was normal. Most people from other countries do.


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/mexico/2005-2007067.jpg


The night finally came to a close and it was time to walk back to our hotel. That wasn't easy. We probably had 15 drinks apiece and walking was difficult. We did find our way back but that was pure luck. It was a good evening.


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/mexico/corrinnetulumholbox2168.jpg

Steve O
16th December 2009, 08:08 PM
We had been driving all day but stopping here and there just to see what was around. San Blas was to crowded do to Easter so we continued on to a smaller fishing village. Once we had reached the road that followed the ocean it was our plan to save on motel bills and sleep on the beach. What worked good for us was finding a palapa beach bar and have a few drinks and maybe a shrimp cocktail. It would be later in the afternoon and once the customers started leaving we would ask the waiter or owners if it would be possible for us to hang our hammocks for the night. We were never turned down. The thing about beach restaurants is they always have a security guard that sleeps there overnight to prevent anyone from taking anything. It works out great. We now have a place to sleep with a roof over our heads, a washroom to use, an ocean view, and a security guard. What more do you need? We would always make friends with the guard and give him a few beers. The guard would go out of his way in the morning to make a smudge pot with coconut husks to chase the mosquitos away. It was a win, win situation. We even had secured parking. Nice way to travel.


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/mexico/drivetomexico174.jpg

Steve O
17th December 2009, 08:40 PM
We were taking the train from Creel to Los Mochis through Copper Canyon. It is suppose to be the most scenic train ride in the Western Hemisphere and lived up to our expatiations. I believe it took the Mexicans around 100 years to complete.

The train stopped at a few villages along the way and also stopped to pick up a few soldiers standing along the track. This stop was an emergency stop. The brakes on our car caught on fire. I guess it wasn't a big deal but was interesting to see. The two Federalies in the photo are guards that ride the train. There have been a few train robberies in the past so they want you to feel safe.


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/mexico/drivetomexico400.jpg

minniemex
18th December 2009, 07:22 AM
That is really cool, guards riding the trains to prevent train robberies. Makes me feel like it is the wild wild west! Talk about living history!

Margoinmexico
18th December 2009, 07:43 AM
:wave:Love ALL the stories Stevo......some great adventures....wish I could have been here in THOSE days! :p

Steve O
19th December 2009, 06:50 PM
How we ended up here is a mystery to me. We were somewhere around Tuxpan. It wasn't late in the afternoon. Maybe we just wanted to stop. Took a turn on a dirt road and headed to the ocean. I remember stopping at a store and asking what was down the road. The answer I received was that American tourists don't go there. It was a small island and there was not much going on. I told the gentleman, that was what I was looking for. We proceeded on. We arrived at the end of the road and there was a dock. A small boat provided transportation to and from the island for $10 pesos. After arriving on the island we found a place to stay. It was a strange island. Everything was built about 3' above the ground. Sidewalks included. From what I found out, the island was under water for a short time of the year and canoes were used to travel the streets. That was why everything was built high off the ground. Anyway, we had a good time and even won a few drinks playing Mexican pool.


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/mexico/P3310230mexcaltitan.jpg

chamba
20th December 2009, 02:15 PM
Steve O,
you have some really rockstar photos and stories. My time in Mex has been full of adventure, but my story doesn't tell quite as well as yours. This is the stuff that newbies dream would happen to them.
I think it is great that you go see ALL of mex, not just the riviera maya. Some people will never know the joys of Copper Canyon. As a Texan I have camped in the Sierra Madre mountains numerous times. My favorite rock climbing ever was in Potrero Chico N.L. and the experience of a vacation that cost under $200usd is just a good memory to have.
Keep these coming, I think you have a real treasure on photo and in story.

Steve O
20th December 2009, 10:22 PM
I used to stay at a hotel on Cozumel called the Cozumel Caribe. Got a good deal as I knew the owner. $33 a night for all inclusive. For a period of time they owned a live aboard dive boat called the Oceanus. You would go out on that and cruise down to Banco Chinchorro off the coast of Majahual and Xcalax then dive the Atoll. Lots of shipwrecks in that area. I have been told over 400. Brings back memories. The hotel (I was told) finally traded the boat for a penthouse in one of the hotels on Cozumel


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/mexico/czm14.jpg

Steve O
21st December 2009, 06:40 PM
This is not really a story. We had rented a house on Cozumel off of 30th. and 4th. Kept having problems with the electric. The tanaka (sp) would not fill up because the pump wasn't running or one of the bedrooms wouldn't have electricity. We didn't have a breaker box in the house but was told it was down at the end of the street. I thought I would check it out and walked down. I got a good laugh. Someone had stolen some of our fuses. I finally fixed the problem but the electrical work down here sucks.


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/mexico/electricmeter.jpg

Steve O
23rd December 2009, 07:24 PM
Christmas in Mexico is a little bit different then it is back in the states. They do decorate houses, put up lights, and even decorate the square.


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/mexico/christmas1.jpg

People even go out and buy Christmas trees


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/mexico/christmas2.jpg


You have your extended family down here but without the people you have at home, it's just another day at the beach.


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/mexico/christmas3.jpg

chamba
24th December 2009, 09:01 AM
now thats the holiday spirit!!!

Steve O
2nd January 2010, 11:07 PM
Rented a Jeep and was staying at Cabanas Tulum. I always left the top down because there wasn't anything in there to steal. A norte had been blowing for a few days. Walking on the beach was like getting hit by a sand blaster. There was sand everywhere. I got up the next morning to drive to Punta Allen. I opened the door to the Jeep and there must have been at least an inch of sand covering everything. It was on the dash, seats, floor boards, you name it and it was there. It took quite a while to clean up. Don't leave your vehicle open at night.


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/mexico/coz21a.jpg

minniemex
3rd January 2010, 12:42 PM
What a good example why not to leave the vehicle open. Even if you have nothing in it to steal. Never really considered the sand could be such a problem.

Steve O
4th January 2010, 06:50 PM
We were coming in to Ria Lagartos (that is what the sign says when you come into town) but on the map it is called Rio Lagartos. Only one road in and one road out. Everyone knows you are in town. Two guys were on the road selling flamingo tours. We weren't interested in the tour but were interested in a cheap place to stay. Both guys jumped in the back seat and showed us a place for rent over a garage. We talked to the owner and decided to take the place for $200 pesos a night. It was waterfront and had a nice balcony. Later that night one of the guys came knocking on our door and wanted to borrow $20 pesos to go to a disco party. We gave him the money. He thanked us and said that tomorrow he would take us out on his boat. We really didn't think twice about it but the next morning he was at the door and told us to come on. His boat was at the dock and ready to go. We went and bought a case of beer and spent the rest of the afternoon on his boat. It was a good time. We are still friends and have been back a few times.


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/mexico/s1.jpg

Grasshopper
8th January 2010, 08:48 PM
You have the most amazing stories....I love each edition!

Steve O
14th January 2010, 09:38 PM
If you ever make it to Calakmul, the men will probably try out one of these environmentally friendly toilets. The object is to set whatever you have in the front chamber and the rear end fits over the back chamber. You will notice two buckets on the floor. One contains water and the other sawdust. Bring your own paper. When you are done, water goes down the front hole and you sprinkle sawdust in the rear hole.


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/mexico/2005-20071614.jpg

minniemex
15th January 2010, 08:49 AM
Uh, ummm, I don't think I would ever use that toliet. Not even in an emergency. :eek:

evZENy
15th January 2010, 09:18 AM
Uh, ummm, I don't think I would ever use that toliet. Not even in an emergency. :eek:
Oh, common! You sound like a gringa now :-)
That's why it is called emergency, right? :-)
I think many of the people in the "west" don't realize how the rest of the World actually lives. I grew up in Europe, but with toilets that looked even worse than this one (for most part - no seats at all :-). And we paid every time we had to use them!
In fact this design looks pretty smart. And green too!
I hate how much water is wasted in the US toilets!

FITZ
15th January 2010, 09:55 AM
That bucket to the right sure doesn't look like water to me!
Glad I'm a gringa!

evZENy
15th January 2010, 10:03 AM
Glad I'm a gringa!

You won't be if after a meal gone wild you don't have a choice but use a toilet like this one :-). It is all mental - that's all that I am saying. Same with finding unnatural the natural view of naked (or half so) people on the beach. It is all in our heads. And the rest of the body doesn't have to agree with the issues in there. It has its own :-)

FITZ
15th January 2010, 03:48 PM
Huh?

Lynnette
15th January 2010, 03:49 PM
Huh?

I was just going to post the same thing, Fitz! :D

evZENy
15th January 2010, 04:07 PM
I was just going to post the same thing, Fitz!
Lot's of "huh's", I see :-)
Remember - you need your own paper too, after the "huh" part :-)
But we should stop ruing one of the best threads ever in this forum.
I can't wait for the next story!

Steve O
15th January 2010, 09:35 PM
We were on Isla Holbox down by the beach when we saw a bunch of people gathering by a boat that had just come in. Curiosity got the better of us and we had to see what was going on. The boat had towed this guy to shore. I guess there are more than Whale Sharks out there.


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/mexico/2005-2007590.jpg

Steve O
16th January 2010, 10:11 PM
We were considering if we should buy this vehicle. It had a Mexican title and plates.We had it on loan for a few weeks to try it out. I wasn't sure if we had any insurance on it so I left Uncle John to watch the car so nothing was taken from it. I didn't want to close all the windows, lock it up, and leave it in the sun. It takes a while to cool down before you can leave. Uncle John had a few to many beers also and was having a little trouble walking so it was a good spot for him to stay. I came back in around 45 minutes and found my guard asleep on the job. He's not a very good guard. Someone could have opened the door and put him on the sidewalk without him waking up and taken everything in the car.


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/mexico/unclejohnjeep.jpg