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A little about Playa Zipolite, The Beach of the Dead . . .

Playa Zipolite, Oaxaca, Southern Mexico, on the Pacific Ocean. A little bit about my favorite little get-away on this small world of ours.

Zipolite, a sweaty 30-minute walk west from Puerto Angel, brings you to Playa Zipolite and another world. The feeling here is 1970's - Led Zep, Marley, and scruffy gringos.

A long, long time ago, Zipolite beach was usually visited by the Zapotecans...who made it a magical place. They came to visit Zipolite to meditate, or just to rest.

Recently, this beach has begun to receive day-trippers from Puerto Angel and Puerto Escondido, giving it a more TOURISTY feel than before.

Most people come here for the novelty of the nude beach, yoga, turtles, seafood, surf, meditation, vegetarians, discos, party, to get burnt by the sun, or to see how long they can stretch their skinny budget.

I post WWW Oaxaca, Mexico, Zipolite and areas nearby information. Also general budget, backpacker, surfer, off the beaten path, Mexico and beyond, information.

REMEMBER: Everyone is welcome at Zipolite.

ivan

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

5 Dangerous Swimming Spots From Around The World



5 Dangerous Swimming Spots From Around The World

I absolutely love the water and swimming, but there have been a few times where I was so grossed out or scared that I simply wouldn’t go close to the water – however, the places I’ve been to are nothing compared to the places below.
Today I will share with you some of the most dangerous swimming spots and locations from around the world – so watch out:

1. Shired Island, Florida, USA

Shired Island has been on the list of Americas most polluted beaches for several years, and last year ‘won’ the price for “Americas most polluted beach”, failing 90% of the water tests.
If you want to avoid respiratory infections, rashes, meningitis, pinkeye, stomach problems or hepatitis on your summer vacation, make sure you go somewhere else!

2. The Beach Of The Dead, Oxaca, Mexico

So tempting, but also SO lethal! This beach, more commonly known as Playa Zipolite(which in the Zapotec language means “beach of the dead”), has crazy strong rips and undertow currents that change all the time.
During the “rebalses” (rebel) period it’s pretty much impossible to swim here, but the beautiful beach continues to lure in travelers.
Thankfully there has been a lot less accidents since they started hiring lifeguards to work there.

3. The Red Triangle, California

Check this – 11% of all shark attacks on humans worldwide have occurred within the red triangle (Bodega Bay, north of San Francisco), a popular place for divers and a surfer’s paradise.
The reason is because the area is full of seals, sea lions, elephant seals – i.e the favorite meal for great white sharks – so maybe don’t go surfing there :p

4. Jelly Fishes In The North East Coast Of Australia

Australia can be one dangerous country – before going there it seemed to me as there wasn’t one place in the whole country you could feel safe.
Although once I was there, I realized you can’t go around worrying about what might happen, and I took on the Aussie mind set – either it happens, or it doesn’t.
Despite the 3 recent shark attacks in the area I still went surfing. But sharks aren’t the most dangerous creatures in the Aussie waters – the Box Jellyfish is…
These almost invisible jellyfish are among the most venomous creatures in the world (over 5 and a half thousand deaths since the 50′s)! They’re found in the waters from Darwin down the eastern coast to Queensland during October – April.

5. The Devil’s Pool, Victoria Falls – Zambia/Zimbabwe

How would you like to be carried toward the edge of a 100 meter drop of the world’s largest waterfall?
The Devil’s Pool is an infinity pool created every year at the edge of the Victoria Falls, when the water levels reduce (if you try to go swimming there at any other time of the year you can count yourself dead).
If you’re brave enough, you can let the stream take you in high speed towards the edge, where the rocks stop you ONLY inches away from the 100 meter waterfall.
Have you been to any of these places? If not, what are some scary swimming spots you know of?


Mexico’s most blissful beaches


Mexico’s most blissful beaches

Traditional beach 'palapa' on Isla Mujueres.
  • Beach volleyball on Playa de los Muertos.
  • Beach umbrellas on Playa de los Muertos (Beach of the Dead)
  • A rippled sandy Caribbean beach on Isla Mujeres, off the Yucatan Peninsula.
  • A bright yellow umbrella only enhances the blue-green waters of the Mexican Caribbean.
  • Fisherman repairs his net at the beach.
View gallery
When people think Mexico, many see  golden sand, blue water and green palms. Hundreds of beaches fit this bill: some near-empty with a few palm-thatched eateries and cabañas; others busy urban beaches. Most of the best are on the Pacific or the Caribbean coasts.
Right, got your bathers and a towel?

Playa del Carmen

The hippest town on the Yucatán Peninsula. Playa’s sands aren’t quite as powder-perfect as at some other Mexican Caribbean spots, and the waters aren’t quite so azure, but the beaches are jammed with the bronzed, blond and beautiful (and often – unusually for Mexico – topless). If crowds aren’t your thing, go north of Calle 38, where a few scrawny palms serve as shade. If it’s underwater thrills you’re seeking, there are some spectacular dive sites around Playa too.

Puerto Escondido

The Mexican Pipeline’s surf, a string of gentler beaches, coastal wildlife and Puerto’s traditional incarnations as fishing port and market town add up to a place that suits just about everyone. Playa Zicatella is a magnet for experienced surfers keen for a challenge, while the tranquil beaches of Bahía Principal and Bahía Puerto Angelitoare tailor-made for sun worshippers and families. The accommodations and food here are getting even better, too.

Los Cerritos

This beach at Todos Santos has some of Baja California’s nicest surfing swells – powerful but great for beginners too. Or you can just hang out at sunset and watch the sun dip into the Pacific. Sea turtles lay here as well, and eagle rays glide through the water beneath the surfers; it’s an exquisitely  mellow vibe. Go soon before development changes things too much.

Playa de los Muertos

One of several Mexican beaches with the same name (Beach of the Dead, but don’t let that deter you), this Puerto Vallarta beach is a quintessential people-watching spot. Mariachis stroll about looking for business, kids catch a free ride on the river as it enters the sea and drummer circles coalesce in the sweaty heat of the afternoon; this is one buzzing stretch of sand. Settle down with a coca fría and scan the horizon for whales.

Zipolite

A 2km strip of pale sand crashing Pacific breakers, Zipo is a legendary travelers’ hideout with a cosmic vibe, very little organized activity, and a great selection of places to stay and eat. Caution: the riptides and undertow are deadly. Head to nearby (and equally laidback) San Agustinillo for body-boarding and safer swimming conditions.

Isla Mujeres

Get away from it all on Isla Mujeres, where the beaches range from the blissful (Playa Norte) to the lively (Playa Lancheros), and offshore snorkeling and diving opportunities abound. Dive sites with evocative names like Barracuda, La Bandera, Manchones and El Jigueo will thrill you with their coral and marine critters.
Further reading: The return of Mexico’s national nectar – and no, it’s not tequila

Oaxaca




Oaxaca, Mexico


Oaxaca

Region:Central America
Country:Mexico
City:Oaxaca

Description

The heart of Chiapas, where Zapatistas movement is still alive, and where the Day of the Dead is celebrated more intensely than anywhere else in Mexico (and very different from Helloween).

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Oaxaca Flowers - MEXICO Oaxaca - Oaxaca


In Puerto Escondido Posted by: Bill Pearlman Published on January 16th, 2012 @ 08:32:00 am


Promoting greater reverence for life, truth, and beauty.

In Puerto Escondido

Posted by: Bill Pearlman
Published on January 16th, 2012 @ 08:32:00 am , using 88 words
Category: Commentary 
On holiday in Puerto Escondido, incredible beauty of the sea, the flawless ceaseless dimension of it, the power of the surf, the vast expanses of it give a lift one needs after too much inland time. The sea is an entirety that does not collapse except in those shoreward motions we call the waves. Puerto Escondido has one of the great beaches in Mexico. Fish is good, conversation with old friends is good, and the sun and sand mix with a power and a pleasure that is reassuring.

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Photos & Videos: International

Sunset, Puerto Escondido

Posted by: Vivian Medina // January 13, 2012
// Shot: January 12, 2012
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