Tag Archives: Mexico

No What?!

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No What?!

June-09-4A week in Mexico – how exciting!  My bathing suits were picked out.  The sundresses were ready for the beach.  I just needed to check out some last minute things and I was on my way… and that’s when it started happening.

It first started with a phone call to AT&T.  I called to see what my Iphone service would be in Mexico.  I was told that any voicemail call that came in while there, even if I didn’t answer it, would be charged 60 cents.  Using the internet was even worse and more costly.  A simple internet search could run a hundred dollars.  In other words, unless there was an emergency, I was best to just keep my phone OFF. But for an entire week? I didn’t think that was feasibly or reasonable possible!
The best backup to a phone is the internet, right!?  There was an internet cafe, but it cost $18/hour.   Some of the buildings were said to have internet capabilities but we didn’t know where our room would be.  So, I took my computer just in case.

I was actually pretty worried about being without both my cell phone and the internet from an entire week.  I felt as if I’d be missing something and would be far removed from the rest of the world.  I feared that I might go temporarily insane.

The first day passed with my phone or internet.  I lived.  The second day passed.  I was still breathing.  Day 3 and 4 passed.  I was calm and more relaxed than ever.  I realized that as dependent as I am on that technology on a regular basis, being away from it for a week was a cleansing feeling.  I was able to concentrate on myself, my surroundings and the person I love.  I could thoroughly enjoy the beach, the sand, the ocean and all of Mexico.

Toward the end of day 4 I found an internet connection.  Hundreds of unread emails flooded my inboxes.  I deleted the non-essential ones, responded to less than five and then quickly turned off the computer.  And, not once did I use my cell phone.  I had been a prisoner of technology and realized life on the other side isn’t all that bad.

I am now back in the real world responding to my reality.  I have been reunited with my Iphone and all its guilty pleasures.  And, while I do know that technology will continue to be a part of my daily life, I can also further appreciate taking time to set them aside to concentrate and embrace my surroundings and the important things in life.

M.Y.  June 2009

When It Rains

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When It Rains

Jun09-2My birthday was May 26.  His birthday was June 5.  We thought a trip would be the perfect way to celebrate both occasions.  We found the perfect resort, Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach, in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and made plans to be there June 2-9.  I was ready to eat what my heart desired.  I was ready for continually warm weather.  I was ready to relax and worry about absolutely nothing.

And then I looked at the news!  Toward the end of April the talk of the Swine Flu, H1N1 virus, sweeping through all of Mexico was all over the airwaves.  People were wearing face masks to go everywhere and many tourist locations in Mexico were closing.  I intently watched the news and researched the path of the disease.  As the calendar progressed to May and the flu spread to the rest of the world, I realized I was just as safe in Mexico as I would be anywhere else.  Toward the middle of May, the precautions of Mexican travel were lifted and Cabo called our name.

I woke up bright and early on June 2 to head to the airport for my 6:30am flight.  With little sleep the night before, I was ready to lean over in my window seat and get some shut eye during my flight.  (I feel asleep before the plane even completed boarding.)  I woke up 50 minutes later and looked out the window.  I noticed that we were still at the gate in Louisville.  What?!  The pilot talked of a problem with a part that they were trying to fix.  About 15 minutes later he said they couldn’t fix the problem and we would have to de-plane and take another one – that wasn’t going to leave until 8:45am!

Are you serious?  My 2 hour layover in Houston was now down to about 20 minutes (maximum). Although I think I have track skills, I doubted they would get me through the Houston airport before they closed the gates for my 10:00am flight.  I called my boyfriend (who was meeting me in Houston for us then to both fly to Cabo) the news.  I asked him to beg the people to hold the plane for me.

As we fly into TX I text him to say we landed.  He responds that they closed the door five minutes ago and that we’d have to fly out on the next flight at 6:00pm. When?  6:00pm?  I’m supposed to be laying on the beaches of Cabo by then!

While waiting to de-board the plane I check my work mail.  There is an email stating that my secretary is laid up in the hospital with congestive heart failure and fluid on her lungs.  You have got to be kidding me!  I let out a large sigh to anyone that will listen and just felt like the day could only become worse!

But, with faith, I had to realize that once it gets worse, it will always get better.  I was greeted in the terminal by my boyfriend and his simple kiss let me know everything would get better.  We spent the 8 hour layover driving around and visiting some places that could have good future implications.  We arrived safely in Mexico that night.  Although it was dark, when we checked in, we were the only ones there are were given great treatment and a choice of rooms that best fit our preferences.  And, the best thing was waking up the next morning with the sun rising and the sounds of the ocean right at our balcony which all symbolized the start of a bright, and new, wonderful day!

M.Y.  June 2009