Saturday, 18 December 2010
Tuesday, 14 December 2010
Sunday, 12 December 2010
The beaches of Caleta in Acapulco
Caleta and Caletilla beaches.
Acapulco’s history began in these placid beaches as a frame of the beginning of this internationally renowned tourist destination. Caleta and Caletilla are the ideal places for tourists who like to experience the tropical experience to the full extent. Tourism and local families regularly attend Caleta and Caletilla to savor the culinary delights of their restaurants, fish a la talla, shrimp a la diabla, octopus in love or the classic fish quesadillas with ceviche, Acapulco’s traditional particular label. In addition to their stay at the warmest and most quiet beaches of Acapulco, visitors can enjoy a ride on a glass bottom boat to La Roqueta Island or discover marine species of the Pacific Ocean at the Magic Marine World Aquarium.
Manzanillo Beach.
Although this beach has a prime location, few locals and even fewer tourists know about this haven tucked away in the port marine area, which offers to those who discover it, a gentle tide, warm clear waters and the exclusivity of a private beach. On the way to Manzanillo beach you will find Ernest Garcia Moragas park, whose paths show the lush tropical vegetation and the dry dock, where they build and renovate boats. Locals have preserved here the typical cabanas where they prepare Acapulco’s food delights such as fish a la talla, ceviche and seafood cocktails.
Langosta Beach.
Playa Langosta also known as La Angosta, is located in the traditional area of Acapulco, on Adolfo Lopez Mateos drive, 2 km from the Zocalo and is unique in its kind to be bounded in the south by the Patal hill and to the north by la Pinzona hill, protecting it from the Pacific Ocean’s high waves. The beach was named after the lobster fishing done here, but most tourist prefer the place for it’s quiet tide and breathtaking sunsets, as well as its proximity to La Quebrada and Symphonia of the Sea, important tourist attractions. It has an restaurant area where visitors can taste typical local dishes and fresh seafood, plus rental equipment is available for scuba diving.
Acapulco’s history began in these placid beaches as a frame of the beginning of this internationally renowned tourist destination. Caleta and Caletilla are the ideal places for tourists who like to experience the tropical experience to the full extent. Tourism and local families regularly attend Caleta and Caletilla to savor the culinary delights of their restaurants, fish a la talla, shrimp a la diabla, octopus in love or the classic fish quesadillas with ceviche, Acapulco’s traditional particular label. In addition to their stay at the warmest and most quiet beaches of Acapulco, visitors can enjoy a ride on a glass bottom boat to La Roqueta Island or discover marine species of the Pacific Ocean at the Magic Marine World Aquarium.
Manzanillo Beach.
Although this beach has a prime location, few locals and even fewer tourists know about this haven tucked away in the port marine area, which offers to those who discover it, a gentle tide, warm clear waters and the exclusivity of a private beach. On the way to Manzanillo beach you will find Ernest Garcia Moragas park, whose paths show the lush tropical vegetation and the dry dock, where they build and renovate boats. Locals have preserved here the typical cabanas where they prepare Acapulco’s food delights such as fish a la talla, ceviche and seafood cocktails.
Langosta Beach.
Playa Langosta also known as La Angosta, is located in the traditional area of Acapulco, on Adolfo Lopez Mateos drive, 2 km from the Zocalo and is unique in its kind to be bounded in the south by the Patal hill and to the north by la Pinzona hill, protecting it from the Pacific Ocean’s high waves. The beach was named after the lobster fishing done here, but most tourist prefer the place for it’s quiet tide and breathtaking sunsets, as well as its proximity to La Quebrada and Symphonia of the Sea, important tourist attractions. It has an restaurant area where visitors can taste typical local dishes and fresh seafood, plus rental equipment is available for scuba diving.
Mexico Travel Tips and Hotel Review: Riu Tequila
The night club where the dancers performed- in this picture you can see the dancer in charge of entertaining the young kids
1. Transportation: we flew to Mexico and had a connecting flight. If I had to do it all over again, I would think that it was worth it to pay the extra $$ and get a direct flight. I'm not sure how much more this would have cost us, but it would be worth it to me.
A waiter making baked Alaska at the Steak House Restaurant
On Friday evening David and I drove to the airport from his parents' house because they live in STL. However, my other friends got a hotel room at the Marriott and used a park and fly package. This was worth it for them because our flight was super duper early. Plus the Marriott had good service to and from the airport.
Again, the dancer in charge of the kids performing with his helpers
Another tip I have would work for some and not for others. If you can, take carry-ons only. We didn't have any issues with our checked bags at all, but I think it is infinitely easier to clear customs and make your next flight without stress if you don't have checked bags with you. This is because once you enter the U.S., you have to recollect your checked items and clear the baggage area. However, someone like my friend Rachel has a tripod, a bag, another bag, a camera bag, etc., etc., so obviously this does not work for everybody. Just something to consider if you want an easier flight.Again, the dancer in charge of the kids performing with his helpers
The performers after dancing to the Mamma Mia soundtrack
At the night club anticipating the Mamma Mia show
2. Hotel: Riu was an awesome hotel. We stayed at the Riu Tequila, which was part of a bigger complex of Riu hotels in Playa del Carmen:Source
The Riu Tequila was not right on the beach, and thus was cheaper. However, there was a really easy path leading to the beach that we walked every day, as well as a little golf cart shuttle running every 15 minutes or so. Furthermore, the Tequila had a great pool. We didn't stay at the pool very much, but when we did we participated in stretching. Instead we often went to the Riu Yucatan's pool because it was closer to the ocean.
First off, the staff was very helpful. Upon arrival, we learned that our rooms were in different buildings. As soon as we said something they changed our room so we were right next to each other. As you walked by every staff member, they greeted you with a smile on their face. They reminded us to relax, relax, and relax! They were very good.
The entertainment staff at our hotel was also very good (of course you shouldn't expect Broadway quality, but they did a really great job). Every night we enjoyed a performance. Saturday's show was a Michael Jackson impersonator, Sunday we enjoyed a show called "Around the World", which featured different dances from around the world, Monday we watched Mayan traditional dances, and then on Tuesday we watched them dance to the Mamma Mia soundtrack. I think that watching the dances was my second favorite part of the trip (besides staying by the beaches!).
Our bathroom in the hotel room: everything was completely clean
This brings me to my next point: deciding whether to go to a resort that allows children. Riu allowed children into the resort and we did not care at all. We were never bothered by them (except when they took all the french fries from the buffet!!!!), so I am glad that we didn't pay more just to go to a resort that didn't allow children. That said, I totally understand if you have four kids and want to get away from all things under 18. But, if you do not care, I would say to just find the best deal and go with it.
The drinks were really great: we enjoyed pina coladas and other delicious treats. There was a bar in our room with Vodka, Tequila, and beers. They also had plenty of water for us to enjoy. Every day near the Yucatan pool we got fun sample drinks. We were definitely pampered with drinks. The best part is that they actually use real sugar, which makes them way more delicious than drinks here. 
Our room upon arrival. It was very clean.
Finally, everybody wants to know about the food. Honestly I didn't have high expectations for our food because of the amount we paid for the total trip. I was neither disappointed nor pleasantly surprised. The food was mediocre, and I would compare it to a dorm food experience. I ate a lot of chips and salsa, french fries (that was my guilty pleasure), and fruit for breakfast.Our room upon arrival. It was very clean.
The view outside our balcony
That said, I am the pickiest eater abroad that you know. I didn't eat any meat, nor do I eat cheese or dairy, so this nixed 85% of the menu right there. SO- take my review with a grain of salt. The food that we got at the fancier restaurants was definitely more delicious. I had shrimp at both the Mexican restaurant and the Steak House, which was very tasty. 
The beach
The beach
Finally, the beach at the Riu was simply. amazing. We had beautiful white sand, gorgeous clear blue water, and they offered a lot of water sports with the all-inclusive package, including kayaking and boogie boarding. The beach was my favorite part of the entire trip. I loved it!
Every evening the staff would come out and greet the patrons outside the buffet restaurant.
Every evening the staff would come out and greet the patrons outside the buffet restaurant.
3. Activities: we did snorkeling for $30 that just went to a local reef. It was perfect for us because we were not really serious about having a really awesome snorkeling experience and wanted to keep it cheap. Other than that, Jolene and Beth got a massage on the beach that they said was simply amazing. Rachel and I did kayaking and boogie boarding, which was free with our hotel. Other than that, we enjoyed laying on the beach!!
Overall, I loved our experience at the Riu. The staff there really made it a wonderful experience. They provided excellent service and fun activities. This vacation has definitely made me anxious about traveling to another beachy location in the future, and I would highly recommend it for a group trip or for a fun getaway for a couple. It would be a perfect place to go for a (cheap!) getaway with your husband and wife for a few days.
Source: http://chickinczech.blogspot.com/2009/12/mexico-travel-tips_2628.html
Travel Tips to Cancun
We learned a few things on our recent trip to Mexico. First if you're staying in a resort area like Cancun, don't worry about getting sick. We didn't have any problems, even though we drank plenty of water and cocktails. When in doubt order a cerveza.
Renting a car is easy, cheap and fun. It gives you independence to drive where ever you want and take quick day trips down the coast. The hotel zone is a short drive from the airport and sits on a single road, navigating that is no problem; but the city center is something special. It’s a series of concentric circles with street signs that are so faded they’re virtually impossible to read. Luckily we were in no rush and met a few super friendly locals that helped steer us in the right direction. We were stopped by the policia one evening on our way to dinner, and though he told us we were speeding, we’re pretty sure our only violation was leaving the Ritz-Carlton. At least it’s a good story.
We had a couple of great dinners, one at Elephanta, which is a new Indian restaurant that sits on the lagoon at La Isla. (That's the view from our table above.) The onion kulcha with raita, palak paneer, and chicken tikka masala were excellent. We also went to Harry’s for the tomahawk steak and great people watching. Unfortunately, Frommer’s and Fodor’s both recommended La Habichuela, which was a huge disappointment. There are two locations- we went to the one in the city center. It was so forgettable that I plan on writing the guide books to let them know.
Do bring a stack of $1 bills and small denominations in general. This tip is from ShallowGal and came in handy. Everyone takes dollars but gives you change in pesos. You’ll need the small bills for tipping and the markets, which I didn’t enjoy nearly as much as I thought I would.
Naturally I forgot my phone charger but the business center at the Ritz-Carlton keeps several on hand and lent one to me gratis. The business center is always a great place to print out your boarding passes for the plane ride home, unless you're flying internationally in which case you'll need to check in at the airport.
Next time we're going to stay longer so we can visit Tulum, Playa Del Carmen, and Isla Mujeres. A three day trip was too short to do as much exploring as we wanted. Do you have any advise to share with our readers about Cancun? We love to hear it. Happy travels!
Renting a car is easy, cheap and fun. It gives you independence to drive where ever you want and take quick day trips down the coast. The hotel zone is a short drive from the airport and sits on a single road, navigating that is no problem; but the city center is something special. It’s a series of concentric circles with street signs that are so faded they’re virtually impossible to read. Luckily we were in no rush and met a few super friendly locals that helped steer us in the right direction. We were stopped by the policia one evening on our way to dinner, and though he told us we were speeding, we’re pretty sure our only violation was leaving the Ritz-Carlton. At least it’s a good story.
We had a couple of great dinners, one at Elephanta, which is a new Indian restaurant that sits on the lagoon at La Isla. (That's the view from our table above.) The onion kulcha with raita, palak paneer, and chicken tikka masala were excellent. We also went to Harry’s for the tomahawk steak and great people watching. Unfortunately, Frommer’s and Fodor’s both recommended La Habichuela, which was a huge disappointment. There are two locations- we went to the one in the city center. It was so forgettable that I plan on writing the guide books to let them know.
Do bring a stack of $1 bills and small denominations in general. This tip is from ShallowGal and came in handy. Everyone takes dollars but gives you change in pesos. You’ll need the small bills for tipping and the markets, which I didn’t enjoy nearly as much as I thought I would.
Naturally I forgot my phone charger but the business center at the Ritz-Carlton keeps several on hand and lent one to me gratis. The business center is always a great place to print out your boarding passes for the plane ride home, unless you're flying internationally in which case you'll need to check in at the airport.
Next time we're going to stay longer so we can visit Tulum, Playa Del Carmen, and Isla Mujeres. A three day trip was too short to do as much exploring as we wanted. Do you have any advise to share with our readers about Cancun? We love to hear it. Happy travels!
Friday, 10 December 2010
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