7 Places to visit While In Valladolid Mexico
By: Susan Gerle Valladolid, (pronounced via dough lead) with a population of around 70,000, is a wonderful colonial town to visit while in Mexico. Take a 2-hour bus ride from the ADO (pronounced adio) bus terminal in Cancun. The terminal in Valladolid is located only 2 blocks from the main square and it is an easy walk. Don’t expect to find too many people who speak English. Mayan is the first language for many in the area and Spanish the second language. There are many interesting places to visit in and around the town. 1. The zocolo (main square) is lit up nightly with pink lights shining into the green leaves of the massive trees. The historical old church is situated on one end of the square and is open to the public. Across from the church is the...
Read MoreTop Things to Experience in Merida, Mexico
By: Susan Gerle The city of Merida, Mexico is a great place to visit when staying anywhere on the Mayan Riviera. The shopping and the history are amazing. Take the bus or a taxi to the ADO (pronounced adio) Bus Terminal in Cancun. The bus leaves approximately every 2½ hours heading west. The city of Merida is about 4 ½ hours away from Cancun. Occasionally you will see a traditional Mayan home built out of tree poles with a thatched roof as you travel along the highway. The fence around the property is built from stones placed strategically one on top of the other. No mortar is added. We were told to get a taxi at the bus station because you can’t flag one down on the street like you can in many other cities. The rates are set for distance and it...
Read MorePuerto Vallarta vs Playa Del Carmen
By: Susan Gerle Is Mexico safe, especially places like Puerto Vallarta and Playa Del Carmen? I will say yes because I am here in Mexico on the Mayan Riviera right now as I write this article. In November I was in Puerto Vallarta. I have been traveling down to Mexico for years. I don’t worry what is said on the Internet or in the news because things happen all over the world every day. We just hear about it quicker now with the Internet. I do check travel advisories though and follow them. I’ve made comparisons between Playa Del Carmen and Puerto Vallarta because I love both areas. It’s really hard to choose between the two when I’m planning a hot getaway sometimes. Playa Del Carmen – high humidity, turquoise water, often warmer in January,...
Read MoreLearning To Ride As A Passenger On A Motorcycle
By: Susan Gerle I got invited to do an afternoon ride on a 1500cc Kawasaki Touring Bike recently. Up until then the biggest bike I had ever been on as a passenger was a 650cc Yamaha and it was only for about 40 minutes. After I turned 60, it wasn’t something I had on my bucket list but it didn’t stop me from taking up the challenge. My personal experience included owning a 50cc scooter, which I purchased at age 57 and rode for a year before selling it because I was leaving the country for awhile. I knew how to ride with the bike and not lean the wrong way. I was also comfortable adjusting my seating when necessary when I was riding. The motorcycle owner had never had a passenger on the bike so it was something new for him. He was surprised when I showed...
Read More10 Things To Do On A Summer Day In Kelowna
By: Susan Gerle Kelowna is situated in the Okanagan Valley of BC, 6 hours north of Spokane, Washington. It’s a vibrant vacation city with lots to do during the summer. Whether you are looking for beach time or tasting wines at the many cottage wineries, or going golfing, there is a lot to take in. 1.Kelowna’s Boardwalk One of the nicest walks along the shores of Okanagan Lake is Kelowna’s Boardwalk. It starts at the bridge, goes through Kelowna City Park, then past the Yacht Club and the Grand Hotel and Casino. On summer weekends there is often music in the park. Continue on past the boat locks and into the beautiful marshland area. There are places to sit and just enjoy the view along the way. 2. Mission Creek Walkway One of the easiest access points...
Read MoreWatch Out For Rattlesnakes While Hiking In Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park In Vernon, BC
By: Susan Gerle One of the nicest hiking areas in the Okanagan Valley of BC is in Kalamalka Lake Park. There are a number of entrances and trails in the park. My favorite trail begins at the red gate and is called Cosen’s Bay. It is situated about 3 kilometers from the north end of Kalamalka Lake and has some parking available at the trailhead. The Cosen’s Bay hike is 7 km. in total. It is a beautiful swimming cove situated on a quiet area of the lake. There are picnic tables and toilet facilities available for hikers. It is an intermediate hike with some steep climbing, all on groomed trails. Dogs are required to be on leash, more for their own protection. During the spring and fall it is quite common to see rattlesnakes and even the occasional black...
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