And here we go again, Yucatan here we come! I stopped counting. Must have been there more than a dozen times, and still wanting to go back : )
So I told myself... I'm turning 50 in the spring, and where else would I want to be but in Yucatan with my family! I am VERY excited about this trip, because we will also be traveling with very dear friends of ours, adults and kids, for a total of three families of four. Woohoo!
Just these two reasons inspired me to prepare the very best 10 day Family Yucatan itinrary - and I shall share the tips and the experience!
The first order of things in organizing the trip was to find accommodations that fit our group and our budget. On the coast of Yucatan (Gulf of Mexico), we had three options for a group of 12 people. A couple included a combination of 2 smaller houses from K'ab Yucatan (excellent agency - highly recommended - kab-yucatan.com), but because most people in the group preferred to be all together under the same roof, we opted for a fabulous big 5 bedroom house. It is located in Telchac Puerto, the price is right, and there is plenty of space for the kids to go nuts without the parents going nuts as well. The photos are pretty convincing... www.flipkey.com/telchac-puerto-vacation-rentals/p432756/.
Can't wait!
With the house booked, I then built the trip around that main destination.
We will arrive at the Cancun airport by noon, rent one car per family, and get on the highway right away. Because Telchac Puerto is about 4 hours drive from the Cancun airport, and because we have to stop and get some food on the way, there is not enough time to get to Telchac Puerto before sunset. It is not recommended to drive by night in the countryside, especially if it's your first time in Yucatan.
So our first pit stop from the airport will be the lovely historic town of Izamal. We will arrive in late afternoon, jump in the pool, and go walk around the central square, get dinner and enjoy the site. Izamal is my favorite town. Rural hub with a mix of colonial and archeological landmarks, kind country people all around, and the best little public market and bakery. I have booked one of the best hotels in town - might as well have a top notch first night in this lovely place, and kick-off our vacation on the right foot. We will be at Romantic Hotel Santo Domingo - www.izamalhotel.com/
On day 2, we will go shopping for food in the market and get what we need for the first couple of nights, then head out to the house in Telchac Puerto - a 90 minute drive from Izamal. We will be there for 5 nights, and REALLY get in vacation mode. Oh... and we might have a wedding in store too... but it's a secret... shhhh : )
After our stay in Telchac Puerto, we will be spending one night in Mérida. A must. Mérida has quite a few hotels of course, but one of my favorite ones is Luz en Yucatan. This small hotel has a lot of character, is very well located and safe, in the historic centre of town right by the Santa Lucia Park. They also have a few units with kitchenette. www.luzenyucatan.com/
The next day we will all drive back to the Caribbean coast, and stop to swim in the beautiful Cenote Ikkil, about half way between Mérida and Cancun. A stunning place, one of the best Cenotes in the Yucatan peninsula. www.tuulavintage.com/2013/05/ik-kil-cenote/
Finally, we will spend our last 2 nights in Cancun. The best beaches in Cancun are located near the Club Med, AKA South Beach. That's also the strip of hotels located closest to the airport, about 20 minutes drive. The beach is absolutely AMAZING there. The perfect place to play in the warm blue waves, and that's how I like to end my Yucatan vacations. I found a good condo complex with a pool, and with lots of very good reviews. www.cancun-condos.net/SolymarCancunEn
And this brings us to day 10 - flying back home.
A Short itinerary overview :
Izamal - to Telchac Puerto - to Mérida - to Cancun. Amen.
Somewhere between Izamal and Sudzal, Yucatan.
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Hoping for the best
It has been a very long time since my last post, and quite a few things have evolved.
On the business front I decided to not grow my client base in the fall season, but to focus on working smarter. I finally merged both businesses, which is making my administrative work much easier. I was able to launch a new addition to my programs as well, which gives me an important competitive edge... although I don't really have competition at this time - but the day will come, and the bar will be high to meet my standards. I am now ready to take on new clients, and I have someone working on the sales front. I'm hoping to get new business for January.
At home life is very good. Our youngest son has finally found a better comfort zone... after we had to change school. For the past three years I noticed that his social life was declining at school. He was in the bottom of the pack and could not get out of that spot despite his best efforts. He was the kid to pick on, and although he was pretending to find it funny around school - he had big anger management issues at home. He was also struggling with his marks and doing his home work was always like pulling teeth, although he had weekly tutoring sessions. He was not a happy guy, and he had low self confidence. Tim and I met with his teacher on the last day of school, and later went to discuss this with our family therapist. It became clear that we had to pull him out of that situation, and provide him with a clean slate. We did our research, and zeroed in on an alternative school which has a strong focus on hands on learning (tactile and building projects instead of mostly pen and paper), arts, nature, and strong core values on the respect of the whole individual. We made the switch for the start of the school year, and the results are fabulous. No more tantrums, he does his home work on his own and is proud of his good work, he has good friends and was thrilled to be invited to a birthday party after a month at his new school (this did not happen before...), and he signs around the house every day! We did the right thing, and he can be his beautiful self. Amen.
With December around the corner, I look forward to spending the Holidays with my little family here at home. Loving, safe and sound, as it should be.
On the business front I decided to not grow my client base in the fall season, but to focus on working smarter. I finally merged both businesses, which is making my administrative work much easier. I was able to launch a new addition to my programs as well, which gives me an important competitive edge... although I don't really have competition at this time - but the day will come, and the bar will be high to meet my standards. I am now ready to take on new clients, and I have someone working on the sales front. I'm hoping to get new business for January.
At home life is very good. Our youngest son has finally found a better comfort zone... after we had to change school. For the past three years I noticed that his social life was declining at school. He was in the bottom of the pack and could not get out of that spot despite his best efforts. He was the kid to pick on, and although he was pretending to find it funny around school - he had big anger management issues at home. He was also struggling with his marks and doing his home work was always like pulling teeth, although he had weekly tutoring sessions. He was not a happy guy, and he had low self confidence. Tim and I met with his teacher on the last day of school, and later went to discuss this with our family therapist. It became clear that we had to pull him out of that situation, and provide him with a clean slate. We did our research, and zeroed in on an alternative school which has a strong focus on hands on learning (tactile and building projects instead of mostly pen and paper), arts, nature, and strong core values on the respect of the whole individual. We made the switch for the start of the school year, and the results are fabulous. No more tantrums, he does his home work on his own and is proud of his good work, he has good friends and was thrilled to be invited to a birthday party after a month at his new school (this did not happen before...), and he signs around the house every day! We did the right thing, and he can be his beautiful self. Amen.
With December around the corner, I look forward to spending the Holidays with my little family here at home. Loving, safe and sound, as it should be.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
The Water under the Bridge
Still working, but not nearly as invested as I could be - and purposely so. This distancing is feeling good, and I still need it. My reflection is somewhat passive right now, and I know that I will have to kick back into gear relatively soon - and face the big questions of this coming business year.
To grow, or not to grow? Do I have it in me? Is it worth my while financially?
Maybe I should cruise on what I have built so far, and fine-tune the machine to run more smoothly. I will let some water flow under the bridge, and assess all that.
I'm enjoying this sort of half time, and I love to leave the books aside to spend more time nurturing my family. Simple and so good.
With over a week after my return from Yucatan, I feel the impact that my sister had on me all along this journey and I must find a way to clear that from my system. It's full of negativity and darkness.
I took position early on and decided to let her negativity slide, otherwise it would have became a series of pointless arguments. She did have a lot of fun too, but she choses to remember and talk about the things that bugged her. She is broken... more than I imagined. I am convinced that the discomfort comes from within her. I'm not sure if I should let it slide again, or spill it all out to her. I will let water flow under the bridge some more on that one...
On a happier note - We are going to Jeanne-Marie's for dinner - I have not seen her since our return to Toronto. Looking forward to seeing her!!!
To grow, or not to grow? Do I have it in me? Is it worth my while financially?
Maybe I should cruise on what I have built so far, and fine-tune the machine to run more smoothly. I will let some water flow under the bridge, and assess all that.
I'm enjoying this sort of half time, and I love to leave the books aside to spend more time nurturing my family. Simple and so good.
With over a week after my return from Yucatan, I feel the impact that my sister had on me all along this journey and I must find a way to clear that from my system. It's full of negativity and darkness.
I took position early on and decided to let her negativity slide, otherwise it would have became a series of pointless arguments. She did have a lot of fun too, but she choses to remember and talk about the things that bugged her. She is broken... more than I imagined. I am convinced that the discomfort comes from within her. I'm not sure if I should let it slide again, or spill it all out to her. I will let water flow under the bridge some more on that one...
On a happier note - We are going to Jeanne-Marie's for dinner - I have not seen her since our return to Toronto. Looking forward to seeing her!!!
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Back to Work
The first work week since returning from Yucatan is going well so far (it's only Tuesday afternoon...), the deep rest is felt in many ways - I feel relaxed and yet solid. Good for sure.
In retrospect, I was not able to do everything I had wished for during the trip, but it turned out great and I did accomplished some key goals. The fact that there is a potential partnership in development is very exciting, and I am inspired to make it a beautiful and successful project all around.
As usual, I take it slowly but surely. At this time I simply have to start by writing it all out, and get it translated in Spanish (my written Spanish is not adequate).
First there is the teacher training series, in Spanish, probably in English too, and possibly in French (I'm told there is a new French program in one of the schools). This would finance part of my travel expenses, and I am also looking into eligibility to government grants. Found some, but deadlines are still far off (which means so are potential funds). We'll see.
Then there is the community project, which is the non-profit and philanthropic component - also possibly financed in part by the teacher training sessions. Currently it's about to sustain some free music lessons and lend instruments to disadvantaged children, but it could also be to finance student and/or teacher's transportation, a series of classes in a public school, live performances of traditional music in the classroom, purchasing instruments, and so on. It will all have to be assessed, and we'll deploy the best options. This part of the project will require fundraising, and I think it should begin asap. Oh boy... here's something else!
Okay. I have to leave... going to teach music - I love my job!
If I keep going at this pace, I should be fine and make it 'til Friday - Ha ha!
In retrospect, I was not able to do everything I had wished for during the trip, but it turned out great and I did accomplished some key goals. The fact that there is a potential partnership in development is very exciting, and I am inspired to make it a beautiful and successful project all around.
As usual, I take it slowly but surely. At this time I simply have to start by writing it all out, and get it translated in Spanish (my written Spanish is not adequate).
First there is the teacher training series, in Spanish, probably in English too, and possibly in French (I'm told there is a new French program in one of the schools). This would finance part of my travel expenses, and I am also looking into eligibility to government grants. Found some, but deadlines are still far off (which means so are potential funds). We'll see.
Then there is the community project, which is the non-profit and philanthropic component - also possibly financed in part by the teacher training sessions. Currently it's about to sustain some free music lessons and lend instruments to disadvantaged children, but it could also be to finance student and/or teacher's transportation, a series of classes in a public school, live performances of traditional music in the classroom, purchasing instruments, and so on. It will all have to be assessed, and we'll deploy the best options. This part of the project will require fundraising, and I think it should begin asap. Oh boy... here's something else!
Okay. I have to leave... going to teach music - I love my job!
If I keep going at this pace, I should be fine and make it 'til Friday - Ha ha!
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Avoiding the blues
I returned home 3 days ago, and I must prepare to work through the final sprint of the school year. I think that the timing was perfect for this vacation - the upcoming 8 weeks are loaded with to do lists in all departments of my business.
This break allowed me to take a nice, long, deep breath and I feel I have the energy and perspective to get to work. Nice change from the pre-departure... which was tainted by a chain of unfortunate events, adding weight to my shoulders every single day... I feel much lighter now.
Being busy is good for me right now. The last time I traveled to Yucatan, after my return I found myself in a stagnant phase of post-travel blues which I think may have been enhanced by the fact that I had too much time to think and reminisce. I made sure to not have so much time on my hands this time around... Should help.
Part of the work I have to do is to brainstorm and research financing options for the Merida teacher training project, which also includes an important philanthropic component. At this time I think that it should not be a problem to pull it off in about one year... it's not a very expensive operation. The teacher training is a simple series of 3 hour workshops made available mainly to daycare and elementary school teachers, which would take place at the music school owed by my partners in this project - Musicalia music school in Merida. The community outreach aspect can be deployed in many ways - from acquiring instruments, to financing teaching time, or a decent room to teach. The owners of Musicalia are already involved in the community and it's a matter of fostering what they have developed. One hundred dollars can go a long way... so it should not be too difficult to make a decent financial contribution on that front.
And at home - I am very much looking forward to pampering my family and my nest. Dylan just turned 13 last month, and Leo's 10th birthday is coming-up in August. The time has come to invest in the garage... empty it of all rubbish, clean it up, re-inforse the structure and fix the roof. Let the boys design the inside. We want it to be a cool rec room, and hopefully make it somewhat of a headquarter for our growing boys and their friends. Skateboarding ramp seems to be part of the plans, this is an exciting summer project for all of us.
Tomorrow is Mother's Day and the boys - all 3 of them - decided to take me out for dim sum. My favorite! Enjoying this blissful weekend... Monday will be another story.
Being busy is good for me right now. The last time I traveled to Yucatan, after my return I found myself in a stagnant phase of post-travel blues which I think may have been enhanced by the fact that I had too much time to think and reminisce. I made sure to not have so much time on my hands this time around... Should help.
Part of the work I have to do is to brainstorm and research financing options for the Merida teacher training project, which also includes an important philanthropic component. At this time I think that it should not be a problem to pull it off in about one year... it's not a very expensive operation. The teacher training is a simple series of 3 hour workshops made available mainly to daycare and elementary school teachers, which would take place at the music school owed by my partners in this project - Musicalia music school in Merida. The community outreach aspect can be deployed in many ways - from acquiring instruments, to financing teaching time, or a decent room to teach. The owners of Musicalia are already involved in the community and it's a matter of fostering what they have developed. One hundred dollars can go a long way... so it should not be too difficult to make a decent financial contribution on that front.
And at home - I am very much looking forward to pampering my family and my nest. Dylan just turned 13 last month, and Leo's 10th birthday is coming-up in August. The time has come to invest in the garage... empty it of all rubbish, clean it up, re-inforse the structure and fix the roof. Let the boys design the inside. We want it to be a cool rec room, and hopefully make it somewhat of a headquarter for our growing boys and their friends. Skateboarding ramp seems to be part of the plans, this is an exciting summer project for all of us.
Tomorrow is Mother's Day and the boys - all 3 of them - decided to take me out for dim sum. My favorite! Enjoying this blissful weekend... Monday will be another story.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Back to the Caribbean
It was a great trip for the most part - I think that everyone enjoyed their vacation.
No major glitch... the only mistake was mine... the night we had a mariachi band for Jeanne-Marie's birthday... and I had the brilliant idea to invite them for dinner. Not good Julie. The food and the beautiful set-up was not intended for extra guests. Most definitely the winner for outstanding bonehead move of the trip - and I will have to accept all pokes about this for the coming decade no doubt. Well deserved - I own it.
Except for that very awkward episode, everything was pretty perfect in Telchac Puerto.
We had a great time in Merida on Saturday night too, and I'm delighted that we could enjoy a typical festive evening Merida style. On that front the only problem was that my sister and I were never able to check-in our hotel - Luz en Yucatan - because nobody answered the darn door. It was about 40 degrees, and we were stuck on the sidewalk with our luggage. No fun. I decided to join our traveling companions at Hotel Caribe, a couple of blocks away, and we took a taxi because of our big load. Because we did not have an apartment with kitchen as planned, our stay in Merida ended-up being much more expensive than anticipated. I don't like having to eat in restaurants for all meals... especially not in the more touristy centre of town. Oh well. It's very very hot in Merida these days, 40 celcius +.
Our travelling companions left on Sunday morning, and my sister and I enjoyed the Sunday festivities. Because of the heat, we decided to get out of town and make our way to the Caribbean coast as soon as possible. I had a meeting on Monday afternoon, arranged by Judy, and I could not have possibly found a better group of people to connect with if I tried to. Judy knows a lot of people, and she is a master at connecting ideas. Now I can move on and develop a teacher training project, with a great group of partners in Merida. We will explore government financing options from our respective countries, and shoot for a series of workshops sometime in 2013. I am thrilled! As soon as my meeting was over, we picked-up our luggage and took the bus to Cancun. It was a scorching 45 degrees when we left Merida yesterday afternoon.
We arrived in Cancun at around 8pm and checked-in a big beach front hotel near the Club Med... and about 15 min. from the airport. I thought it was an all inclusive deal but it's not. Crud... more expenses... and now I can't wait to go home. My work here is done and at this point it all seems like too much. Strange to be writing this with a fabulous view on the pristine blue water of the Caribbean - I guess it's not at all what this trip was about for me so I have no urge to run to the beach.
Leaving tomorrow afternoon, and looking forward to being with my family.
We had a great time in Merida on Saturday night too, and I'm delighted that we could enjoy a typical festive evening Merida style. On that front the only problem was that my sister and I were never able to check-in our hotel - Luz en Yucatan - because nobody answered the darn door. It was about 40 degrees, and we were stuck on the sidewalk with our luggage. No fun. I decided to join our traveling companions at Hotel Caribe, a couple of blocks away, and we took a taxi because of our big load. Because we did not have an apartment with kitchen as planned, our stay in Merida ended-up being much more expensive than anticipated. I don't like having to eat in restaurants for all meals... especially not in the more touristy centre of town. Oh well. It's very very hot in Merida these days, 40 celcius +.
Our travelling companions left on Sunday morning, and my sister and I enjoyed the Sunday festivities. Because of the heat, we decided to get out of town and make our way to the Caribbean coast as soon as possible. I had a meeting on Monday afternoon, arranged by Judy, and I could not have possibly found a better group of people to connect with if I tried to. Judy knows a lot of people, and she is a master at connecting ideas. Now I can move on and develop a teacher training project, with a great group of partners in Merida. We will explore government financing options from our respective countries, and shoot for a series of workshops sometime in 2013. I am thrilled! As soon as my meeting was over, we picked-up our luggage and took the bus to Cancun. It was a scorching 45 degrees when we left Merida yesterday afternoon.
We arrived in Cancun at around 8pm and checked-in a big beach front hotel near the Club Med... and about 15 min. from the airport. I thought it was an all inclusive deal but it's not. Crud... more expenses... and now I can't wait to go home. My work here is done and at this point it all seems like too much. Strange to be writing this with a fabulous view on the pristine blue water of the Caribbean - I guess it's not at all what this trip was about for me so I have no urge to run to the beach.
Leaving tomorrow afternoon, and looking forward to being with my family.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Beautiful
Ah... what a beautiful time in Yucatan again! The first couple of days in Telchac were unusually windy, but now the weather has settled for the better and the sea is beautiful for swimming. It's a fun time to come to Telchac, from May to September is prime season here and the owners of the beach houses come and enjoy their properties. We met our neighbours, beautiful people from Merida - they own a Sushi restaurant in Merida so it looks like our dinner destination is all settled for Saturday night.
I went to teach this morning, 3 classes at the little Diego Rivera Preschool in Telchac. It was fantastic!
It felt very comfortable, I basically did the most popular activities from the program I did last year. The kids remembered me and it was very lovely to see them a little more grown-up. My sister took lots of great pictures, she has a very good camera. The school principal has asked me to come back, and informed me that the school will keep growing... next year they will have four groups of children there. Nice! I don't want to make promises, I'll see if things develop in that direction.
We all spent the afternoon in Progreso, most women wanted to shop for souvenirs and since Wednesday is a cruise ship day in Progreso, the craft markets are open (there are 2) and all the vendors are full on with cutting deals. I didn't buy anything, we have plenty of Yucatan memorabilia at home already. I know exactly what souvenirs I will bring back - and I will get them in Merida. We spent a couple of hours in a cafe by the pier, drank beer, ate nachos, and danced to the live band. It was a lot of fun!
Being there made me miss my family again, another place where we spent good times together. I can't wait until I can squeeze them in my arms again. Soon.
In the meantime... I kick back and enjoy this great vacation. Tonight is our big birthday celebration for Jeanne-Marie - the reason we all gathered here in Mexico. She doesn't know yet, but we have a mariachi band booked for a private happy hour, and then a catered dinner. Should be another crazy night with the girls - so much fun!!! Time to get in the shower... Adios!
I went to teach this morning, 3 classes at the little Diego Rivera Preschool in Telchac. It was fantastic!
It felt very comfortable, I basically did the most popular activities from the program I did last year. The kids remembered me and it was very lovely to see them a little more grown-up. My sister took lots of great pictures, she has a very good camera. The school principal has asked me to come back, and informed me that the school will keep growing... next year they will have four groups of children there. Nice! I don't want to make promises, I'll see if things develop in that direction.
We all spent the afternoon in Progreso, most women wanted to shop for souvenirs and since Wednesday is a cruise ship day in Progreso, the craft markets are open (there are 2) and all the vendors are full on with cutting deals. I didn't buy anything, we have plenty of Yucatan memorabilia at home already. I know exactly what souvenirs I will bring back - and I will get them in Merida. We spent a couple of hours in a cafe by the pier, drank beer, ate nachos, and danced to the live band. It was a lot of fun!
Being there made me miss my family again, another place where we spent good times together. I can't wait until I can squeeze them in my arms again. Soon.
In the meantime... I kick back and enjoy this great vacation. Tonight is our big birthday celebration for Jeanne-Marie - the reason we all gathered here in Mexico. She doesn't know yet, but we have a mariachi band booked for a private happy hour, and then a catered dinner. Should be another crazy night with the girls - so much fun!!! Time to get in the shower... Adios!
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