Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Acapulco to Puerto Escondido








































Arriving in Acapulco from Ft Lauderdale on Continental, we were greeted on the tarmac by an official who ushered us all into a waiting area. We then formed a line and had our temperature taken. After this, an official handed us forms to fill out along with a brochure detailing the effects of swine flu. We went inside, reported on our temperature, and handed the form to a doctor who asked us a few questions. I questioned the process, and was told that this was to prevent swine flu sufferers from entering Mexico. I did, however, explain that being greeted by some mariachis with frozen pina coladas might be more conducive to tourism! You don't feel any of this when traveling inside Mexico...the U.S. press really has made more of this thing than is reality.

My trip home was great. It was so nice to see friends, re-connect, hit the gym and to generally enjoy the benefits of an air-conditioned house where I didn’t have to re-pack every day. Christian, the CEO of Chris’ company came to Acapulco with me to meet with Chris and do a quick business update. It was great to be with him and to enjoy this transition back into our adventure. We went to a fantastic restaurant in Acapulco called Zibu, and had drinks at an equally great place called Becco al Mare. The guys went fishing and caught some yellowfin tuna….the chef at the Elcano Hotel, where we stayed, prepared it for us and we enjoyed a great dinner overlooking Acapulco Bay. Chris spent much of his spare time in Acapulco fixing the fridge, which he broke when he did a 50+mile offroad adventure while I was gone. The poor fridge rattled itself to death! He bought a soldering iron at Home Depot in Acapulco, got some spare parts from a computer store and it was as good as new. We met some bikers who had come to Acapulco from Mexico City, Luis and the guys, super nice guys who gave us some good information and tips. We also went to see the Cliff Divers which happens at the Hotel Mirador, a long way from the center of town. This prompted Chris to come up with one of the many "Yogi Berra-isms" he had had on this trip. We were riding in taxi and the ride went on, and on and on...he looked at me and said "In Latin America, to go somewhere you have to go everywhere."

We did a VERY long ride to Puerto Escondido, 7 hours in high heat and humidity. Towards the end of the ride the skies got ominous and we had to pull out our raingear. Arriving in Puerto Escondido, we pulled out the Lonely Planet and found a great little hotel above a surf shop called Las Olas. Turns out the Quicksilver Surfing Championships are happening right now, so the town is filled with pro surfers and a really good vibe. This prompted another comment from Chris, "I think that Muslims should take up surfing." Yikes....This is a great little town, where we were supposed to spend one night and move on to Oaxaca..tonight will be our third night here. That's the 'problem' with Mexico...this hospitality is so good, the people so nice, you can't make yourself move on!

1 comment:

  1. Meli, I see you're having a great time. Pictures are great too. Love Patty

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