Friday, May 10, 2019
Thursday, May 9, 2019
Greater merit and more adrenaline in scaling an active volcano: climber Volcanic risks official called it Russian roulette Wednesday, May 8, 2019
Suazo on El Popo.Greater merit and more adrenaline in scaling an active volcano: climber
Volcanic risks official called it Russian roulette
There is greater merit and more adrenalin in scaling a volcano while it is active, according to a climber who reached the peak of Popocatépetl last week.
The alert level for the volcano known colloquially as El Popo and Don Goyo was raised to yellow Phase 3 on March 28 due to increased activity and remained at that level for 41 days before it was reduced one notch yesterday.
Iván Suazo, a 31-year-old mountaineer, summited Popocatépetl on May 2 and recorded a video while perched on the lip of the crater of the smoldering volcano.
“It’s a challenge in itself to scale a mountain . . . but it’s more of a challenge to climb a mountain, in this case Popocatépetl, while it’s active. I believe that it has more merit and [there is] more adrenalin at the top,” he told the newspaper El Universal.
Following last week’s ascent, Suazo said that he and his climbing companions were only able to remain on the crater for 10 minutes because of a range of factors, including earth tremors and that “approximately three-quarters of Popocatépetl felt hot underfoot. . . It wasn’t a good sign that we should stay up there long,” he said.
Suazo added that very heavy snow was falling, reducing visibility to almost zero, and that gases were emanating from the volcano.
During the eight-hour ascent, the architect said that he and his fellow mountaineers only took short breaks due to the risk of suffering from hypothermia, explaining that “it was very cold.”
Suazo has now climbed Popocatépetl twice and has also reached the summits of the Iztaccíhuatl and Pico de Orizaba active volcanos, meaning that he has conquered Mexico’s three highest peaks.
He said he was aware of the warnings about increased activity at Don Goyo, adding “we don’t want to disrespect the authorities.”
However, Suazo also said that he would likely climb El Popo again.
“I’m going to wait a while, it won’t be immediately. I don’t have a fixed time to go up again but we probably will . . .”
Suazo and his party are not the only daredevils to have scaled Popocatépetl while it was in a phase of increased activity.
At least three youths climbed to the top of the volcano in March, where they too recorded a video in which the release of gas is visible. Experts agreed that the group of young explorers was fortunate not to have lost their lives.
Ramón Espinasa, deputy director of volcanic risks at the National Disaster Prevention Center (Cenapred), said that it was “reckless” to climb El Popo when it was active.
“If they want to have adventures, go and climb Iztaccíhuatl, Pico de Orizaba or other mountains because [scaling] Popocatépetl . . . is a kind of Russian roulette.”
Wednesday, May 8, 2019
When Should I Book My Summer Airline Tickets?
When Should I Book My Summer Airline Tickets?
Planning a summer vacation this year? Most Americans do – either by roadtripping or flying to a fun leisure destination for family and friends. CheapAir.com has once again crunched the numbers to help travelers choose the best time to buy their summer flights, and good news – summer’s looking sunny for budget travelers! Here’s what we’ve uncovered.
Bargains are Available – Start Your Search Now!
To start, summer 2019 has great bargains if you know where to look for them and you don’t wait until the last minute. Overall, airfares are a bit better than they were last year and even the traditionally pricey 4th of July and Labor Day weekends are more reasonably priced. More on that later.
To start, summer 2019 has great bargains if you know where to look for them and you don’t wait until the last minute. Overall, airfares are a bit better than they were last year and even the traditionally pricey 4th of July and Labor Day weekends are more reasonably priced. More on that later.
Mid-week Flights are Best
If you’ve been reading our blog for a while, it will not surprise you that we’re touting Tuesdays and Wednesdays as the best days to fly. Our data is clear. The best fares of the summer happen consistently mid-week, with the best fares concentrated on Tuesday and Wednesday.
If you’ve been reading our blog for a while, it will not surprise you that we’re touting Tuesdays and Wednesdays as the best days to fly. Our data is clear. The best fares of the summer happen consistently mid-week, with the best fares concentrated on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Sundays are Yuck!
On the other hand, if you want to pretty much assure you’ll be paying a premium on your flights, go ahead and book a flight on a Sunday. The two most expensive days of the summer both fall on Sundays (June 30 and July 7). On the other hand, if you really need to fly on a Sunday there are reasonably-priced Sundays available this summer (that’s not typical, so we recommend you hop on these bargain dates, stat!) The 3rd and 4th Sundays in August (August 18 and 25 respectively), while not the lowest prices of the month, fall well within reasonable ranges. And if you can tip your summer vacay into September, you’ll avoid all Sunday sticker shock. And this is partially because…
On the other hand, if you want to pretty much assure you’ll be paying a premium on your flights, go ahead and book a flight on a Sunday. The two most expensive days of the summer both fall on Sundays (June 30 and July 7). On the other hand, if you really need to fly on a Sunday there are reasonably-priced Sundays available this summer (that’s not typical, so we recommend you hop on these bargain dates, stat!) The 3rd and 4th Sundays in August (August 18 and 25 respectively), while not the lowest prices of the month, fall well within reasonable ranges. And if you can tip your summer vacay into September, you’ll avoid all Sunday sticker shock. And this is partially because…
September is a Secret Steal!
If you can reimagine what “summer vacation” dates make sense for you and yours, September is a great travel value for flights and accommodation – even in typically expensive, beachy destinations. Sure, the school calendar somewhat dictates when it makes sense to plan a summer vacation. But hear us out! Here’s an example. July is a famously expensive time to book a beach vacation /Disneyland trip to southern California and yet people do it – tolerate the crazy crowds at Disneyland, the high-priced flights and the unpredictable weather at the beach. Here’s a pro tip: June “gloom” and well into July some years does not equate to ideal beach weather. The southern Cali beaches are often overcast until after noon in June and July. It’s August and September when primo beach weather comes out to play – right on time for lower cost flights and accommodations!
If you can reimagine what “summer vacation” dates make sense for you and yours, September is a great travel value for flights and accommodation – even in typically expensive, beachy destinations. Sure, the school calendar somewhat dictates when it makes sense to plan a summer vacation. But hear us out! Here’s an example. July is a famously expensive time to book a beach vacation /Disneyland trip to southern California and yet people do it – tolerate the crazy crowds at Disneyland, the high-priced flights and the unpredictable weather at the beach. Here’s a pro tip: June “gloom” and well into July some years does not equate to ideal beach weather. The southern Cali beaches are often overcast until after noon in June and July. It’s August and September when primo beach weather comes out to play – right on time for lower cost flights and accommodations!
The Holidays are an Unusual Bargain So Far – But Don’t Wait Too Long!
Usually, Labor Day and Independence Day are crazy expensive. Not so, this year. The 4th of July is on a Thursday, which makes it a trickier proposition for some folks to take time off work. We’re not exactly sure what combination of factors are causing Labor Day to be a good deal, but we can assume that the closer we get to the end of the summer, the less choice you’ll have for the best itineraries on flights and the fares will climb. Holidays mean you generally pay a premium for airfare. Keep that in mind and don’t delay starting your flight search.
Usually, Labor Day and Independence Day are crazy expensive. Not so, this year. The 4th of July is on a Thursday, which makes it a trickier proposition for some folks to take time off work. We’re not exactly sure what combination of factors are causing Labor Day to be a good deal, but we can assume that the closer we get to the end of the summer, the less choice you’ll have for the best itineraries on flights and the fares will climb. Holidays mean you generally pay a premium for airfare. Keep that in mind and don’t delay starting your flight search.
Keep checking back for ideas and tips on summer flights for families, roadtrippers, backpackers, you name it! You’ll be living in flip flops and a bikini before you know it. Happy travels!
Tuesday, May 7, 2019
Zipolite in January TripAdvisor Planning to visit Zipo next January. Flying over from Cancun via MEX. Are there mosquitoes that time of year? If so we will require accommodations on ...
| Zipolite in January
Planning to visit Zipo next January. Flying over from Cancun via MEX. Are there mosquitoes that time of year? If so we will require accommodations on ...
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Recent photos from Playa Zipolite, Oaxaca, Mexico Flickriver Flickriver - view images as a 'river of photos' and more...
Recent photos from Playa Zipolite, Oaxaca, Mexico
Flickriver - view images as a 'river of photos' and more...
Monday, May 6, 2019
How to Drink Mezcal, According to an Oaxacan Bartender
How to Drink Mezcal, According to an Oaxacan Bartender
“You have to know the agave and the area where the raw material grew,” Aleks Medina, bar manager of Sabina Sabe in Oaxaca, Mexico, says of the complexities of mezcal. This information gives you “an idea of what to expect before drinking.”
Each mezcal has an utterly distinct terroir, Medina says, reflecting the diversity of different agave varieties, how they grew and were harvested, and from the unique production methods of each mezcalero. Some mezcals are more vegetal, some are floral, and some are sweet and have notes of honey. Others are nutty, or earthy, or taste strongly of minerals.
Before joining the team at Sabina Sabe, Medina worked with Mezcales Sanzekan, a label in Chilapa de Álvarez, Mexico. He came to love and respect what mezcal means to its community, and the importance of sustainability and reforestation for the longevity of the category.
Admittedly, a person can spend years studying mezcal and still not learn everything there is to know; but Medina is eager to share his love for mezcal with beginners and experts alike. Here are his tips for appreciating everything mezcal has to offer.
START WITH AN ESPADIN OR PAPALOTE
“I would start by tasting mezcal Espadin (Agave angostifolia) from the central valleys of Oaxaca and mezcal Papalote (Agave cupreata) from the lower mountain of Guerrero,” Medina says. “These two states have the greatest mezcal tradition and, therefore, are the most representative at the country level.”
Espadin is widely available at bars because it is harvested relatively early, when the agave is between 6 and 8 years old. “It is a neutral profile, easy to drink and the best reference to discover the different flavors that [mezcal] can have,” says Medina.
“After the Espadin, continue with other wild varieties,” he says. “Something important to consider is the time that the agave takes to mature, because with more time of growth and maturation on earth the mezcal is more complex and interesting, since it absorbs flavors of the environment in which it grows.”
TRY THE SAME VARIETAL ACROSS DIFFERENT REGIONS
“All the agaves have different expressions, and the regions where they reproduce also bring different flavors,” Medina says, even if they are made with the same maguey.
By tasting the same type of mezcal across regions, and even within regions, you can get a sense of all of the category’s diverse flavors and terroirs. As with wine, or any agricultural product, elevation, soil type, and climate have impact on the flavors and aromas of different mezcals.
LOOK FOR HIGH ABV
By law, mezcal must be distilled a minimum of two times to an alcohol level between 36 and 55 percent. Medina says that the range of 45 to 55 percent is where there is enough alcohol to allow the flavors and aromas of the mezcal to blossom and be experienced at their full potential. “It is in this range that the organoleptic properties of the drink can be better expressed,” he says.
Many brands available in the U.S are beneath this benchmark and typically sit around 40 to 43 percent. While there are some brands on the latter end of that range that provide genuine quality without losing flavor, such as Montelobos, the golden range Medina mentions is where the magic happens. He recommends mezcals such as Real Minero Largo, Rey Campero Espadin, and Jabali.
SIP IT NEAT
“The best way to drink mezcal will always be clean, in small sips similar to small kisses, always accompanied by a little water to cleanse the palate and hydrate,” Medina says. “In this way you can appreciate the different flavors and aromas of mezcal.”
GET CREATIVE WITH COCKTAILS
“Cocktail is a relatively new topic for mezcal,” says Medina. “It is a good tool to reach less risky palates; being a spirit of great complexity is not always easy for everyone.” While many bartenders will reach for a classic like the Margarita when substituting mezcal for another base spirit, Medina encourages people to be more diligent when using mezcal in cocktails.
“A cocktail based on mezcal should be a mixture that respects and enhances the flavors and aromas of the drink, so anyone who dares to make a cocktail should educate your palate to recognize the complexity of mezcal,” Medina warns. “My favorite cocktail [when mixing with] mezcal is a version of the classic Last Word, also known as Last of the Oaxacans.” This cocktail is equal parts mezcal Espadin, Luxardo Maraschino, Green Chartreuse, and lime juice — shaken and poured up in a coupe.
Hotels and apartments in Zipolite , all accommodations in Zipolite - hotels-oaxaca.com Oaxaca Online hotel reservation in Zipolite , Mexico. Good availability and excellent prices. Cheap and safe, pay at the hotel, without reservation fees.
| Hotels and apartments in Zipolite , all accommodations in Zipolite - hotels-oaxaca.com
Online hotel reservation in Zipolite , Mexico. Good availability and excellent prices. Cheap and safe, pay at the hotel, without reservation fees.
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