Adventures and Giggles: Week 3: Puerto Escondido After our long bus ride (8 hours) we arrived in Puerto Escondido. I have been hearing about this place for 4 years now as it is Micah's favorite place in Mexico. adventuresandgiggles.blogspot.com/.../week-3-puerto-escondi...

Week 3: Puerto Escondido

Ver Puerto Escondid en un mapa más grande

We barely made our bus out of Acapulco.  The taxi driver that was supposed to 
pick us up to take us to the bus station for our early morning bus never showed 
up.  We almost gave up and stayed another day.  We were already late when a
 taxi finally arrived but we went for it anyway.  We arrived at the station 15 
minutes late but the bus had not even showed up yet!  Now we are thankful 
for the late Mexican buses!

After our long bus ride (8 hours) we arrived in Puerto Escondido.  I have been
 hearing about this place for 4 years now as it is Micah's favorite place in
 Mexico.  It is a small kind of touristy town of about 20,000 people and of course
 there is surfing!  Since Micah has stayed here before he had a place in mind
for us to go the first night we got here which was good because it was a 
no-brainer and we were tired.  The unfortunate part was it was a hostel with 
a small palapa type room with 2 bunk beds and a fan.  There were a lot of 
young french travelers there and the music was bumping all night.  We did 
not get a whole lot of sleep that night except maybe Nev who can pretty 
much sleep through anything.  Anyway, after 2 weeks on the road I was
 wanting or needing a little more comfort (at least for a couple of days) and 
I was being a little grumpy.  The next morning we set out to look for another
place to stay.  We checked out one place that was ok but not the most 
inviting place to stay but we decided to go have breakfast and think 
about it.  Micah had seen a little cafe earlier that morning so we went
 there and the women there were wonderful.  They cooked us a great 
breakfast and they absolutely adored Nev.  Turned out they had a little
 studio apartment to rent for 700 pesos a night.  This was a bit out of 
our range of what we wanted to pay but it was really nice and had 
everything we wanted plus a kitchen which could save us money on 
food.  We decided to do it and we ended up staying 8 nights.  It was 
exactly what I needed!

The Apartment we rented

Nev trying out his new floaties in the pool

The guesthouse where we rented the apartment



These shops line the street in the neighborhood where we stayed.
Pretty much everything we needed in a 5 min walk.

Our first day there we found Nev a chiropractor to check out his back 
and arm.  He hurt it again right before we left Acapulco.  The chiropractor 
was an American living in PE and he was awesome!  He did a little 
adjustment on Nev but said his elbow was dislocated too.  He popped 
it back in real quick and it seemed to do the job.  He has had no 
problems since.  We spent most of that day in town.  Micah got a shave 
and Nev got a haircut.  He was very apprehensive about getting 
his haircut so we had to force him.  But as soon as the guy started with
 the clippers he realized it was not going to hurt and he was good 
with it.  Afterwards he was very proud of his haircut.  We also went
 to the Mercado which is the big town market with all the vendors
 selling everything from produce to meat to toys and clothes.  We 
grabbed some stuff to cook and some lunch.  Unfortunately I think 
I may have gotten sick from what every I ate there for lunch.  
A couple days later I got a real bad upset stomach and a fever.  
This pretty much laid me up in bed for 2 days.  After a lot of rest and 
some meds I felt better. 

Ruins of a hotel on the cliffs of Playa Carazillo

Playa Carazillio

We did get a couple trips to the beach in before I got sick. Playa Carazillo
 is a rock cove that is walking distance from where we were staying. 
We hung out there for a bit until it started to rain. We headed 
back right when the rain started to pour down and the 
thunder and lightning was so close. Nev got a little
 scared and didn't like being wet so I had to 
carry him and cover him with my sarong. 
He hugged my shoulder tightly and 
quietly the whole way back.


Cool hand sculpture at Playa Zicatella. Nev really wanted to climb it.

Chillin at Playa Zicatella, watching surfers

Just like Papa.  Making silly faces for the camera.

Playing in the sand.  So handsome with his new haircut.

We also hung out in Zicatella one morning and watch the surf while
 Nev played in the sand.
After I was feeling better, Micah took off for a couple of days 
to go on a surf trip to Chachaua.  We didn't all go 
because it seemed like it may not have
 been the best trip for Nev to go 
on for safety reasons, plus we had 
already paid for the apartment.  Turns 
out the place was pretty safe and Micah 
had a lot of fun and wished we had all gone.  
Well maybe next time.  I can definitely see myself 
returning here.

Nev and I had a good time together.  We went to the 
beach both days.  One day at Playa Zicatella and one 
day at Playa Angelita.  It was pretty relaxing!

Our last night at Puerto Escondido was on Micah's birthday.  
That evening we went to the beach because we heard they 
would be releasing a bunch of baby sea turtles on the beach and 
the kids get to release them.  There were a lot of people there and 
unfortunately Nev did not get one of the turtles but a lady next to us let 
him touch the one she had.  Then they were all let go and we watched 
them make there break for the water.  It was pretty amazing seeing these 
little turtles (they can fit in the palm of your hand) scurry there way towards 
the water and for some only to get washed back up shore to try it again.  Once 
they got in the water they take off swimming.  It was a pretty cool experience!


Nev petting a baby sea turtle



Baby heading towards the water

Afterwards, we took Nev on a little horseback ride down the beach.  
Nev thought that was pretty cool but he kept saying "I don't have a 
hat".  He wanted to look like a real cowboy.  And the night ended 
with a gorgeous sunset!

All in all our stay in PE was comfortable and relaxing!  The next morning we left Puerto Escondido 
on an early bus.  Sonia the women who owns the place where we 
stayed came out to see us off and say good-bye.  That was very 
sweet of her.  She, her husband and their daughter Sylvia who 
ran the restaurant really enjoyed having Nev around.  We told 
her "Hasta Luego" because I think we shall return someday.

Oaxaca - Puerto Escondido - TONIGHT

Location: Places >> North America >> Mexico

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Salida: Oaxaca - Puerto Escondido - TONIGHT

Posted August 6th, 2012 - 3:10 pm by  from Mexico City, Mexico (Permalink)

Hey!

We (3) are looking for a a ride to Puerto Escondido from Oaxaca; we will share expenses and there will be a lot of fun!

If someone finds it's own way to Puerto tonight, drop me some lines! We will be so happy to join.

Javier

Reply

Ciudad de México

Top tips for safe travel Mark Broadhead 7 June, 2012

Top tips for safe travel

Mark Broadhead 7 June, 2012

The world isn’t dangerous or unsafe. Quite the opposite. There are some desperate places and people, even in your home town, but these are a minority. In fact, you’re more likely to get into trouble at home than travelling if you follow these common sense tips on your trips.

1. Back (packer) glance

Piernas, postales y adoquines by Inti. Creative Commons Attribution Licence

Get in the habit of looking back when you get up to leave somewhere. Travel is very distracting, and you’re probably carrying more stuff than when you’re at home, so you’re more likely to leave a jacket or journal at that Parisian cafe table where you were people watching.

2. Separate your sources of money

 Rainbow by Dennis Wong. Creative Commons Attribution Licence

You know how you keep all your bank cards in your wallet/purse when you’re at home? Well, don’t do this while you’re travelling. Keep at least one in a different place, preferably not on your person. If you lose all your cards on the road it is very difficult to get replacements, and being without money in Timbuktu can be kind of unfun.

3. Don’t keep your wallet/purse in your jeans’ back pocket

 Kyle's Wallet by Laura Mason. Creative Commons Attribution Licence

To avoid being pickpocketed, keep your wallet in your front pocket, especially a pocket that can be buttoned up. Best of all, use the inside pocket of your jacket. There are also a load of different ‘money belts’ (see examples here) that either hang inside your shirt or wrap around your waist (under your shirt), etc. Make sure it’s waterproof because travelling can often be sweaty/perspiring work. I’d advise against the bum bag/fanny pack varieties. There is no better way to advertise the fact that you have a load of valuables on you…and, of course, they were never ever cool.

4. Scan all your major documents

 Passport p. 3 and p. 11 by Ken Mayer. Creative Commons Attribution Licence

Scan your travel documents and email them to yourself. It was traditional to photocopy your passport and visas, travel insurance etc, and keep them in a separate part of your luggage. But that’s old school. These days, digital is best – that way your documents won’t go missing even if your bags do.

5. Don’t trust strangers who wear turtle neck/polo neck tops

 Photo by Search Engine People Blog. Creative Commons Attribution Licence

Only kidding about the turtle necks. It is hard to get to know the locals at a destination if you don’t trust them, but there are limits to how much you should trust them when it comes to your personal safety (going with them into a risky area of town), money, and consuming their food or drink (if they are not consuming it themselves). Do a search on Lonely Planet’s Thorn Tree forum for the latest scams that travellers have reported for where you are going. Also, look at the ‘Dangers and Annoyances’ sections in your Lonely Planet guidebook and ask your hotel/hostel staff for safety tips.

6. Get travel insurance

 Photo by Patrick Denker. Creative Commons Attribution Licence

This is mainly for health costs if you get ill or injured while abroad. Hospital costs can quickly get into the tens of thousands of dollars, even for a minor injury. Insurance is worth it. We recommend these guys.

7. Get vaccinated

 Syringe by I woz ere. Creative Commons Attribution Licence

Visit your doctor before you leave to get all the relevant vaccinations/immunisations for the destinations you’re visiting, and to learn what health precautions you should follow.

8. Avoid PDAs

Rainbow kisses London by Clive Power. Creative Commons Attribution Licence

I mean Public Displays of Affluence (not affection). If you’re travelling abroad then you’re more than likely to be richer than most of the locals, but advertising this fact by wearing gold jewellery or carrying a $2000 camera around your neck is not advisable. It makes you a target for thieves. Leave your jewellery at home and keep your camera in a bag when you’re not using it.

9. Some things are best perfected at home

 Patong Motorcyclist by René Ehrhardt. Creative Commons Attribution Licence

It may seem like a breeze, but be advised that teaching yourself to ride a motorbike or jet ski in a foreign country is probably unwise. In Thailand, for instance, 38 people a day die in scooter accidents. Nb some travel insurance policies won’t cover scooter-related injuries.

10. Check the fine print and certificates of instructors

 Ko Phi Phi Dive by _e.t. Creative Commons Attribution Licence

If you’re doing a specialist course (scuba diving) or something risky (bungee jumping) then check the operators have legitimate qualifications and a good safety record. There’s usually a reason a course is cheaper than the others. PADI has a list of qualified diving operators here.

11. Don’t leave your belongings unattended in public spaces

Photo by buyalex. Creative Commons Attribution Licence

This is so obvious that I am embarrassed to mention it, but people do it all the time. Most notably, travellers leave their bags at their feet or hanging from the back of chairs when they’re at cafes or restaurants. Either keep them on your lap or wrap its strap around your leg.

12. Give it up

 "Chalk" outline by Erica Cherup. Creative Commons Attribution Licence

There is a simple rule that people find hard to follow: if you are mugged, give over your wallet, watch etc. This shouldn’t be a problem if you have insurance and you’ve left all your irreplaceable stuff (eg grandma’s necklace) at home. Just do it, and walk away uninjured.

13. Don’t give to beggars

 In the morning light by magical-world. Creative Commons Attribution Licence

There are exceptions to this rule, such as monks seeking alms. But, in general, don’t give away money to people on the street. Apart from the fact that you may have to get your wallet/purse out, encouraging begging is not the most efficient use of your money (and goodwill). If you want to help out then do some volunteer work in the destination or donate some money to a local charity for the homeless or loan some money to a poor entrepreneur via Kiva.

14. Be wary of using your credit card at an internet cafe

 Photo by TimYang.net. Creative Commons Attribution Licence

Internet cafes’ computers may have keylogger software or hardware that records your key strokes, so unscrupulous characters (not necessarily the owners of the cafe) can see the username and password to your online accounts (banking, email etc) or grab your credit card details. A good trick to make this more challenging for them has been proposed by Thorn Tree user Karlo: open a couple of other browser windows (for the website you are using) and half way through entering your passwords or credit card information type incorrect information into these windows.

15. Don’t pat stray dogs and cats

 Siamese Cat, Bangkok by Mark Broadhead. Creative Commons Attribution Licence

This is more of a ‘note to self’ than to you, after a stray dog tried to pull my thumb off in Buenos Aires. You may be missing your pets at home, but stray animals may be carrying rabies and other fun infections (and big teeth). You should also not feed monkeys, for the same reason. (Pictured above is me with an affectionate Siamese cat in Bangkok — who belonged to this store owner.)

16. Your worst enemy may be your travel companion

 Tourists with maps by Ed Yourdon. Creative Commons Attribution Licence

Often your travel companions will take risks that compromise your safety. They’ll ask for help from people that you wouldn’t go near, they’ll aggravate a situation with arrogance, or they’ll break any number of the no-nos mentioned above. Don’t submit to their peer pressure. Stand your ground. And if they continue to be unsafe then consider parting ways.

Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/themes/big-trips/top-tips-for-safe-travel/?intaffil=lpemail#ixzz22uxdPq37

Chiapas

Tropical Storm GILMA

Tropical Storm GILMA

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Tropical Storm GILMA Forecast Advisory

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ZCZC MIATCMEP2 ALL
TTAA00 KNHC DDHHMM

TROPICAL STORM GILMA FORECAST/ADVISORY NUMBER   3
NWS NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL       EP072012
2100 UTC TUE AUG 07 2012

THERE ARE NO COASTAL WATCHES OR WARNINGS IN EFFECT.

TROPICAL STORM CENTER LOCATED NEAR 15.1N 113.9W AT 07/2100Z
POSITION ACCURATE WITHIN  25 NM

PRESENT MOVEMENT TOWARD THE WEST-NORTHWEST OR 290 DEGREES AT  10 KT

ESTIMATED MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE 1001 MB
MAX SUSTAINED WINDS  40 KT WITH GUSTS TO  50 KT.
34 KT....... 30NE   0SE   0SW  30NW.
12 FT SEAS.. 30NE   0SE   0SW  30NW.
WINDS AND SEAS VARY GREATLY IN EACH QUADRANT.  RADII IN NAUTICAL
MILES ARE THE LARGEST RADII EXPECTED ANYWHERE IN THAT QUADRANT.

REPEAT...CENTER LOCATED NEAR 15.1N 113.9W AT 07/2100Z
AT 07/1800Z CENTER WAS LOCATED NEAR 14.9N 113.4W

FORECAST VALID 08/0600Z 15.7N 115.4W
MAX WIND  50 KT...GUSTS  60 KT.
50 KT... 30NE   0SE   0SW  30NW.
34 KT... 60NE  40SE  40SW  50NW.

FORECAST VALID 08/1800Z 16.4N 117.1W
MAX WIND  55 KT...GUSTS  65 KT.
50 KT... 40NE   0SE   0SW  40NW.
34 KT... 60NE  40SE  40SW  50NW.

FORECAST VALID 09/0600Z 16.9N 118.6W
MAX WIND  60 KT...GUSTS  75 KT.
50 KT... 40NE  30SE  30SW  40NW.
34 KT... 80NE  60SE  60SW  80NW.

FORECAST VALID 09/1800Z 17.2N 119.8W
MAX WIND  60 KT...GUSTS  75 KT.
50 KT... 40NE  30SE  30SW  40NW.
34 KT... 80NE  60SE  60SW  80NW.

FORECAST VALID 10/1800Z 17.5N 121.0W
MAX WIND  55 KT...GUSTS  65 KT.
50 KT... 40NE  30SE  30SW  40NW.
34 KT... 80NE  60SE  60SW  80NW.

EXTENDED OUTLOOK. NOTE...ERRORS FOR TRACK HAVE AVERAGED NEAR 150 NM
ON DAY 4 AND 200 NM ON DAY 5...AND FOR INTENSITY NEAR 20 KT EACH DAY

OUTLOOK VALID 11/1800Z 18.0N 121.5W
MAX WIND  45 KT...GUSTS  55 KT.

OUTLOOK VALID 12/1800Z 18.0N 122.0W
MAX WIND  35 KT...GUSTS  45 KT.

REQUEST FOR 3 HOURLY SHIP REPORTS WITHIN 300 MILES OF 15.1N 113.9W

NEXT ADVISORY AT 08/0300Z

$$
FORECASTER BEVEN

Hurricane Ernesto bores in on coast of Yucatan

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By GABRIEL ALCOCER 

The Associated Press

CANCUN, Mexico — Hundreds of tourists evacuated beach resorts along Mexico's Caribbean coast as Hurricane Ernesto closed in for a Tuesday night landfall near Mexico's border with Belize, bringing the threat of powerful winds and torrential rains.

This NOAA satellite image taken Monday, Aug. 6, 2012 at 1:45 p.m. EDT shows a swirl of clouds in the western Caribbean Sea associated with Tropical Storm Ernesto as it moves toward the Yucatan Peninsula. This storm is expected to strengthen into a hurricane later Monday before possibly making landfall in northern Belize Wednesday. Ernesto could strengthen once it emerges in the Bay of Campeche. (AP Photo/Weather Underground)

This NOAA satellite image taken Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2012 at 1:45 a,m, EDT shows a swirl of clouds in the western Caribbean Sea associated with Tropical Storm Ernesto as it approaches the Yucatan Peninsula. Ernesto is expected to strengthen into a hurricane being landfall just north of Belize late Tuesday evening. Clouds in the Southeast are associated with a front is will continue to provide a few thunderstorms in the region Tuesday. (AP PHOTO/WEATHER UNDERGROUND)

View of the beach in Tulum, Mexico, Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2012, as Tropical Storm Ernesto brings the threat of hurricane-force winds and torrential rains to the Caribbean coast. The heart of the storm was expected to hit south of Cancun and the Riviera Maya, though strong rain and winds were likely there, and officials prepared shelters there as a precaution. (AP Photo/Israel Leal)

The Valladares family from Mexico City stand near the sea in Tulum, Mexico, Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2012 as Tropical Storm Ernesto brings the threat of hurricane-force winds and torrential rains to the Caribbean coast. The heart of the storm was expected to hit south of Cancun and the Riviera Maya, though strong rain and winds were likely there, and officials prepared shelters there as a precaution. (AP Photo/Israel Leal)

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Ernesto strengthened from a tropical storm earlier in the day, and the U.S. National Hurricane Center said it had sustained winds of 85 mph (140 kph) by early evening and was moving west-northwest at 18 mph (30 kph). It was centered about 65 miles (105 kilometers) east of Chetumal.

Rain began falling as early as the afternoon and some streets flooded.

Authorities in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo were moving more than 1,300 tourists from resorts in Mahuahal, Balacar and other spots to Chetumal, a bayside city that was expected to see less rain and wind than the coast. Two cruises ships scheduled to dock on the Riviera Maya put off their arrival.

In the city of Tulum, some 6,000 tourists were sheltering in hotels that authorities said were strong enough to qualify as storm shelters. Authorities also prepared two kindergartens as shelters for up to 220 people, but only 20 people had showed up in the early hours at one.

Cruz Garcia, a tourist guide, came to the shelter with his wife from Punta Allen, a low-lying coastal settlement.

"To be over there is a risk because the tide rises and there could be a disaster," Garcia said, adding that he twice went through strong hurricanes while living in the neighboring state of Campeche.

Soldiers and police evacuated all 600 residents of Punta Allen, and authorities were preparing for the evacuation of people from other low-lying coastal settlements, said Luis Gamboa of Quintana Roo's Civil Protection office.

The heart of the storm was expected to hit south of the resort areas of Cancun and the Riviera Maya, though strong rain and winds were likely. Officials prepared shelters as a precaution.

Forecasters said that after moving ashore during the night, Ernesto was expected to take about 24 hours to cross the Yucatan Peninsula and enter the southern Gulf of Mexico in an area dotted with offshore oil platforms owned by the state oil company Petroleos Mexicanos. Its predicted course would then take it to Mexico's Gulf coast near the city of Veracruz.

On its way to Yucatan, the storm swirled over open sea parallel to Honduras' northern coast, but officials there said the threat had passed without any damage or injuries.

Mexican authorities warned of possible flooding in some of the region threatened by Ernesto, where swollen rivers in the past have swept away houses, livestock and people and collapsed mountainsides. In a landslide last year, 31 people were buried in the Chiapas state town of Juan del Grijalva.

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Gilma formed in the Pacific Ocean about 620 miles (1,000 kilometers) west of Manzanillo, Mexico, with winds of 40 mph (64 kph). The storm was not expected to threaten land.

___

Associated Press writers Antonio Villegas in Tabasco, Mexico; Alberto Arce in Tegucigalpa, Honduras; and Luis Galeano in Managua, Nicaragua, contributed to this report.

___

August 07, 2012 08:41 PM EDT

Tropical Storm ernesto ERNESTO STRENGTHENS...EXPECTED TO BECOME A HURRICANE BY TONIGHT AT AUGUST 6 2012 More

Hotel Castillo Huatulco