January 29, 2013. We woke to a beautiful morning. We had left the windows facing the Gulf open all night and a fresh sea breeze was blowing in bringing with it the sound of waves on sand. Although we were behind a bit because of our extended stay at Casa de Esperanza, it was not a difficult decision to spend an extra day here.
We stayed at the Hotel de Alba, one of Mexico Mike's recommendations. It's an older hotel, beautifully landscaped with a pool and an excellent beach but, like so many buildings in Mexico and Central America, as things break they are often not repaired. Usually it's things like window cranks, electrical sockets and light fixtures. Oh, and hot water. The first morning we had no hot water. I asked them to please make sure we had hot water early the next morning as we would be leaving at daybreak. They assured me we would. It was still cold next morning. I don't think we've had a truly hot shower yet, with the exception of Casa de Esperanza. On the positive side, it takes less time for all of us to shower!
However, the room was clean and we had the hotel and pool to ourselves. No one was on any of the beaches or, apparently, at any of the other hotels along the coast. This struck me as very sad. Perhaps the weekend is better or maybe it isn't the season, but it is obvious that tourism, whether local or foreign, is down. It is unfortunate as this is such a beautiful place.
Swimming in the gulf and the pool, our white New England winter skin quickly became red and slightly sunburned. When it's -20 it's hard to remember to pack things like sun block.
We went for a long walk down the beach that evening and wrapped up the day with an excellent meal at the Hotel Canadien. This place too was almost empty. It was spotlessly clean, the food was excellent and they were running a special of 180 pesos per person per night, weekdays. That's only $14.29 per person. We paid only $47.62 per night for the five of us and Tiger at the Hotel de Alba.
Worn out from the sun and the exercise we were in bed early so we could get back on schedule. Our plan was to reach Ciudad Hidalgo by Friday morning so we could cross into Guatemala before the weekend and the expiration of our 10 day transmigrante visa.
Update: As I write this post it is Feb. 3. We are in Guatemala. All is well. I am sitting on the veranda of our hotel looking out at what I consider to be one of the most beautiful places in the world. We are actually in hopes of being able to watch Superbowl XLVII tonight. Of course some of us are disappointed that the Patriots aren't in it, but we have at least one 49ers fan. The 15", somewhat snowy TV in our hotel room is lacking, but at least it will be possible for the boys to see the game, something that is very important to them.
We stayed at the Hotel de Alba, one of Mexico Mike's recommendations. It's an older hotel, beautifully landscaped with a pool and an excellent beach but, like so many buildings in Mexico and Central America, as things break they are often not repaired. Usually it's things like window cranks, electrical sockets and light fixtures. Oh, and hot water. The first morning we had no hot water. I asked them to please make sure we had hot water early the next morning as we would be leaving at daybreak. They assured me we would. It was still cold next morning. I don't think we've had a truly hot shower yet, with the exception of Casa de Esperanza. On the positive side, it takes less time for all of us to shower!
However, the room was clean and we had the hotel and pool to ourselves. No one was on any of the beaches or, apparently, at any of the other hotels along the coast. This struck me as very sad. Perhaps the weekend is better or maybe it isn't the season, but it is obvious that tourism, whether local or foreign, is down. It is unfortunate as this is such a beautiful place.Swimming in the gulf and the pool, our white New England winter skin quickly became red and slightly sunburned. When it's -20 it's hard to remember to pack things like sun block.
We went for a long walk down the beach that evening and wrapped up the day with an excellent meal at the Hotel Canadien. This place too was almost empty. It was spotlessly clean, the food was excellent and they were running a special of 180 pesos per person per night, weekdays. That's only $14.29 per person. We paid only $47.62 per night for the five of us and Tiger at the Hotel de Alba.
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| Searching for sand dollars on the Gulf Coast of Mexico |
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| The boys, waiting on our food at the Hotel Canadien. They tell us that they are in search of the perfect hamburger this trip! |
Worn out from the sun and the exercise we were in bed early so we could get back on schedule. Our plan was to reach Ciudad Hidalgo by Friday morning so we could cross into Guatemala before the weekend and the expiration of our 10 day transmigrante visa.
Update: As I write this post it is Feb. 3. We are in Guatemala. All is well. I am sitting on the veranda of our hotel looking out at what I consider to be one of the most beautiful places in the world. We are actually in hopes of being able to watch Superbowl XLVII tonight. Of course some of us are disappointed that the Patriots aren't in it, but we have at least one 49ers fan. The 15", somewhat snowy TV in our hotel room is lacking, but at least it will be possible for the boys to see the game, something that is very important to them.
enjoy it. im so jealous. would love being in that pool or at el lago de Atitlan. love you all. amy
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