Dear followers, it's time for me to draw an end to this blog. Or take a break.
Today is the two month mark since our return and the time has come to look ahead and move on, taking this beautiful experience along with me. I have been talking to friends and reading a little about the unavoidable after shock which follows the achievement of a long time dream, and I feel better now. Normal, anyway. Do not underestimate this part of the whole picture, it is very common to feel a void and be down for awhile afterwards. Try to acknowledge your good fortune despite your mood, and more importantly allow yourself to feel that way. It's perfectly okay, but reach out and express yourself... do not try to keep it all in.
If some of you are planning on taking your family away for a few months, I hope that my blog has - or will - inspire you to go right ahead, and I hope that I have provided some useful tips and insight into the planning, the deployment, and the aftermath.
In conclusion...
I would do it again in a snap, and I would not change a thing. Life is a short window filled with great opportunities to cease. I feel privileged to have been able to share my deep love of Yucatan with my family (and with you!), and we now share that love and respect. I want us to build on that.
I will fill the void with new dreams, and if I can be blessed with some more good fortune I will have a great time making them come true. In doing so I hope that my boys learn to do just the same.
Until the next adventure - farewell!
Somewhere between Izamal and Sudzal, Yucatan.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Monday, April 4, 2011
Post Mortem
No matter how hard I try, my life seems very boring right now. Working, and sort of taking care of the home front, not very enthusiastic about anything these days. I am looking forward to our summer vacation, but until then there's nothing exciting in the forecast.
I call it post mortem syndrome... the period where one realises that after living such a wonderful experience, the colours of regular day to day life seem terribly faded, and way too real. It makes me question a number of choices for the coming years - one of which is to allow myself to slow down, and hopefully dust off those colours on a regular basis. I know there's a way, and I shall find it.
Oh well. The blooming spring should help! And as dear Sclarlett said so well, 'Tomorrow... is another day!'
I call it post mortem syndrome... the period where one realises that after living such a wonderful experience, the colours of regular day to day life seem terribly faded, and way too real. It makes me question a number of choices for the coming years - one of which is to allow myself to slow down, and hopefully dust off those colours on a regular basis. I know there's a way, and I shall find it.
Oh well. The blooming spring should help! And as dear Sclarlett said so well, 'Tomorrow... is another day!'
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
And Splat!
I'm back from the abyss of planning and scheduling... with the fruit of my labour - The 2011-2012 Financial Plan for Le Petit Atelier. It will evolve along the next few weeks as I meet with clients of course, but it's a promising year. I also have scheduled a couple of weeks in Mexico in the sring, my reward for a great fall and winter... hey, I'm the boss after all!
Once the schedule is settled for next fall and winter, sometime in May, I will have to review and revise all my programs. I basically have a three month window to write a full set of individual lesson plans for a number of programs, and I'm excited to do it. It's an opportunity to refine the content of the series, and introduce new and exciting repertoire. I'm planning a retreat at the cottage with 2 Petit Atelier teachers in early september. We will rehearse the new programs, with songs and rhymes and games, should be interesting with a little wine!
And with that of course, I still didn't do anything about my taxes. Blaghhhh!!!! Fast forward over that part please!
Piles of receipts to sort and tally. Unavoidable. Must do. Oh Lordy Lordy!
Once the schedule is settled for next fall and winter, sometime in May, I will have to review and revise all my programs. I basically have a three month window to write a full set of individual lesson plans for a number of programs, and I'm excited to do it. It's an opportunity to refine the content of the series, and introduce new and exciting repertoire. I'm planning a retreat at the cottage with 2 Petit Atelier teachers in early september. We will rehearse the new programs, with songs and rhymes and games, should be interesting with a little wine!
And with that of course, I still didn't do anything about my taxes. Blaghhhh!!!! Fast forward over that part please!
Piles of receipts to sort and tally. Unavoidable. Must do. Oh Lordy Lordy!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
In the swing of spring
Full swing into business mode - preparing training and teaching schedules (getting tricky with a few teachers), meetings lined-up with clients and teachers, negotiating left and right, strategic and financial planning, keeping an eye on the business plan, and don't you step on my blue suede shoes! Looking forward to the admin help...
Family life is good, Dylan and his team won the hockey championship this morning! Heather came over and had a very nice homework session with Léo, while Tim was teaching music to Zach. It's a perfect exchange, works very well so far.
Tonight is Pizza and Juno night, with a fire log.
Travel plans will soon begin for my next trip to Yucatan, a teaching project. I'm not sure how the Spanish section of the business will develop over the next few years, but I know it will click in it's place eventually. It's a long time dream and it feels beautifully right, so I'm doing it!
No recipe to suggest today. Cooking has somewhat fallen out of the radar in the past few days. I need new ideas, or a serious make-over of the old ones. Maybe it's time to turn our attention to the bbq? Or the fondu pot? Or paella, risotto, couscous, lasagna, chili, enchiladas, potage, noooo!!!!!! I think I'll pull out the good old Moosewood book (cooks at home) and resuscitate ancient favorites. If I have a moment of Moosewood enlightenment, I will be sure to share it!
I made my way to the Kensington market a couple of times lately, it's a very nice walk and it feels great to buy produce there. Now if only I could make it to the YMCA... I know I can do it! Maybe tomorrow : )
Family life is good, Dylan and his team won the hockey championship this morning! Heather came over and had a very nice homework session with Léo, while Tim was teaching music to Zach. It's a perfect exchange, works very well so far.
Tonight is Pizza and Juno night, with a fire log.
Travel plans will soon begin for my next trip to Yucatan, a teaching project. I'm not sure how the Spanish section of the business will develop over the next few years, but I know it will click in it's place eventually. It's a long time dream and it feels beautifully right, so I'm doing it!
No recipe to suggest today. Cooking has somewhat fallen out of the radar in the past few days. I need new ideas, or a serious make-over of the old ones. Maybe it's time to turn our attention to the bbq? Or the fondu pot? Or paella, risotto, couscous, lasagna, chili, enchiladas, potage, noooo!!!!!! I think I'll pull out the good old Moosewood book (cooks at home) and resuscitate ancient favorites. If I have a moment of Moosewood enlightenment, I will be sure to share it!
I made my way to the Kensington market a couple of times lately, it's a very nice walk and it feels great to buy produce there. Now if only I could make it to the YMCA... I know I can do it! Maybe tomorrow : )
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Blueberry Treat for Tax Time!
Almost six weeks since we've returned to Toronto. I think that I'm finally getting my footing, it did not feel like a smooth landing. A lot to juggle with in a short period of time, and emotions running high. March break was good, and as crazy as it may sound - I needed it. I blame it all on the super moon!
We had a nice gathering of friends at our house at the beginning of March, a belated new year party with a Mexican twist. Very good to reconnect with everyone, we're lucky people to have so many good friends. Learning to enjoy life better is very much about taking the time to see my friends more often. It's so easy to get completely focused on family and work, I must step out once in awhile.
There is plenty of work to be done, and I keep chipping at it - sometimes in big chunks and sometimes not so much, but always chipping. Le Petit Atelier is growing, and things are looking very good for next year. More teachers to spread the music, and some much needed administrative assistance. But first things first, I am making a grand round of meetings with each of my clients, and pursuing strong leads for new ones. Slowly but surely!
Oh yeah, this reminds me... it's tax time. Crud.
Okay, now that I mentioned the 'T' word, I have to make-up for it I guess... So here is an old family recipe!
I have pulled this one out from my childhood memories - Pouding aux bleuets. I had not made this in over 20 years, and when one of my good friends wanted an idea to use her blueberries and raspberries to make a dessert, I had a flashback. It's basically a cake baked on a bed of fruit, and served warm with yogurt or ice cream. I know I know... I did say this before... But this one is really very delicious too : )
Blueberry 'Pouding'
Poor 2 cups of blueberries (or other berries) in a 'crown' baking pan, and sprinkle with sugar or honey. In a bowl mix together 1 cup of sugar (or half and half white and brown sugar), 1 cup of flour, 2 tsp of baking powder and 1/4 tsp of salt. In a measuring cup, melt 3/4 cup of butter, add 2 eggs, and fill with milk up to 1 cup. Mix with dry ingredients until smooth and creamy, and poor evenly on the fruit. Spread the dough with a fork as needed, and bake in the oven at 350F for 55 minutes. Let it cool for 10 or 15 minutes, and serve with ice cream - or with yogurt and fresh fruit! Oh yes!
We had a nice gathering of friends at our house at the beginning of March, a belated new year party with a Mexican twist. Very good to reconnect with everyone, we're lucky people to have so many good friends. Learning to enjoy life better is very much about taking the time to see my friends more often. It's so easy to get completely focused on family and work, I must step out once in awhile.
There is plenty of work to be done, and I keep chipping at it - sometimes in big chunks and sometimes not so much, but always chipping. Le Petit Atelier is growing, and things are looking very good for next year. More teachers to spread the music, and some much needed administrative assistance. But first things first, I am making a grand round of meetings with each of my clients, and pursuing strong leads for new ones. Slowly but surely!
Oh yeah, this reminds me... it's tax time. Crud.
Okay, now that I mentioned the 'T' word, I have to make-up for it I guess... So here is an old family recipe!
I have pulled this one out from my childhood memories - Pouding aux bleuets. I had not made this in over 20 years, and when one of my good friends wanted an idea to use her blueberries and raspberries to make a dessert, I had a flashback. It's basically a cake baked on a bed of fruit, and served warm with yogurt or ice cream. I know I know... I did say this before... But this one is really very delicious too : )
Blueberry 'Pouding'
Poor 2 cups of blueberries (or other berries) in a 'crown' baking pan, and sprinkle with sugar or honey. In a bowl mix together 1 cup of sugar (or half and half white and brown sugar), 1 cup of flour, 2 tsp of baking powder and 1/4 tsp of salt. In a measuring cup, melt 3/4 cup of butter, add 2 eggs, and fill with milk up to 1 cup. Mix with dry ingredients until smooth and creamy, and poor evenly on the fruit. Spread the dough with a fork as needed, and bake in the oven at 350F for 55 minutes. Let it cool for 10 or 15 minutes, and serve with ice cream - or with yogurt and fresh fruit! Oh yes!
Monday, March 14, 2011
More Tips - Best Yucatan Accommodations
It seems that many of my blog readers are looking for those specific travel tips. I have done extensive research on accommodations and for having tried many, by now I can certainly provide a very straight forward list of accommodations with comments - which hopefully be very useful for your planning. So here it is for the state of Yucatan !
NOTE - for the state of Quintana Roo, see the July 2 post: More Tips - Quintana Roo Accommodations!
WHERE TO STAY IN MERIDA
Hotel Caribe : excellent location tucked in the little Hidalgo Park, one block from the main square and the Cathedral, swimming pool on the roof, good restaurant, pricing is about $65 to $85 per night for a family of four. What I love the most about this hotel is that the old time Trova musicians of Merida meet there in the restaurant every day during siesta time, and casually sing their favorite songs around the table. http://www.hotelcaribe.com.mx/
Hotel Luz en Yucatan : located just around the corner from Santa-Lucia Park and Church, and walking distance to the central square. This is one hotel which you would not find by walking the streets since it only has a small sign by the main door - and an intercom buzzer. Once you enter, you discover a quaint and tasteful property with a swimming pool in the central courtyard, surrounded by many unique rooms and apartments. Note that they do have units with kitchen - highly recommended if you spend more than 2 or 3 nights in this great city. Pricing is about $65 to $85 per night for a family of four. http://www.luzenyucatan.com/
Casa Mango : Get your own house! Located just by the beautiful Paseo de Montejo Avenue, a 90 second walk to the Museum of Anthropology, and about 15 minute walk to the central square - this 2 bedroom house is perfect for a family of four. It has a nice little garden with a small swimming pool, a washing machine and clothes line, wifi and cable television. Pricing is about $400 for one week (+ electricity) - can't go wrong with that! This is our number one choice when we go to Merida.
http://www.vacationrentals.com/vacation-rentals/44949.html
NOTE: I was informed that Casa Mango has been rented for one year, not sure when it will be available again - you should inquire if you are planning on going in 2012.
WHERE TO STAY ON THE GULF COAST - Telchac Puerto
Casa Zuno : a great two bedroom house on the beach, with a good size pool, wireless, satellite tv, full laundry room, fenced property with garden patio and rooftop terrace - and very comfortable furniture. When the four of us will go back to Telchac, this will be our number one choice. http://www.kab-yucatan.com/zuno.html
Villa Las Tunas : A wonderful beach property, three bedroom house with plenty of comfortable outdoor living space, and pool. It is very cosy and comfortable, has a lot of character - unlike the many 'square' and modern style rental homes on the coast. Highly recommended! http://www.kab-yucatan.com/las_tunas.html
Casa Kasper : A big four bedroom beach house with good size pool, great for two families. Each bedroom has a full bathroom, and like the other recommended houses above, Kasper has very comfortable furniture, inside and out! The photos don't do it justice, it is much more spacious than it seems. Very very nice! http://www.kab-yucatan.com/kasper.html
NOTE - The three recommended beach properties above are available with Ka'b Yucatan - a very reliable rental agency. Rest assured that your vacation is in good hands with Ka'b - with clear and timely communication, excellent and prompt service on site, and top notch properties. http://www.kab-yucatan.com
OTHER RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATIONS IN YUCATAN
Rancho Kalax-Wayak : A big and beautiful four bedroom property with a big swimming pool, located on an 800 acre historic family ranch which was once a thriving henequen hacienda. Horse back riding right on site! This is actually almost too good to be true, and well worth getting a bit adventurous and explore the country side. Your care takers are the ranchers, very friendly and helpful. The ranch house is located about 20 minute drive to the pretty town of Izamal, a true jewel of both ancient and colonial Yucatan - my favorite town. And it's only about 45 minutes to Chichen Itza, with many cenotes on the way. Kalax-Wayak is unique, comfortable and very spacious. Pricing is excellent for a family of four, and the property is perfect for two families. If you can manage some basic Spanish to communicate with the ranchers, you should treat yourself to a stay at Kalax-Wayak. Owners speak very good English. http://www.wayakyucatan.com/
In Valladolid - Hotel Maria de la Luz : Simple and clean, with a great pool and good restaurant, and indoor parking - this nice hotel is located in the central square of Valladolid. Make it your headquarters to explore the vicinity, and take the time to visit the municipal palace to learn about the history of the town- which was home to a great Maya revolution. Pricing is about $50 for a family of four, with buffet breakfast (the only one in Valladolid!). http://www.mariadelaluzhotel.com/
Hope this is helpful! Next tips will be for accommodations in the state of Quintana Roo. Saludos!
NOTE - for the state of Quintana Roo, see the July 2 post: More Tips - Quintana Roo Accommodations!
WHERE TO STAY IN MERIDA
Hotel Caribe : excellent location tucked in the little Hidalgo Park, one block from the main square and the Cathedral, swimming pool on the roof, good restaurant, pricing is about $65 to $85 per night for a family of four. What I love the most about this hotel is that the old time Trova musicians of Merida meet there in the restaurant every day during siesta time, and casually sing their favorite songs around the table. http://www.hotelcaribe.com.mx/
Hotel Luz en Yucatan : located just around the corner from Santa-Lucia Park and Church, and walking distance to the central square. This is one hotel which you would not find by walking the streets since it only has a small sign by the main door - and an intercom buzzer. Once you enter, you discover a quaint and tasteful property with a swimming pool in the central courtyard, surrounded by many unique rooms and apartments. Note that they do have units with kitchen - highly recommended if you spend more than 2 or 3 nights in this great city. Pricing is about $65 to $85 per night for a family of four. http://www.luzenyucatan.com/
Casa Mango : Get your own house! Located just by the beautiful Paseo de Montejo Avenue, a 90 second walk to the Museum of Anthropology, and about 15 minute walk to the central square - this 2 bedroom house is perfect for a family of four. It has a nice little garden with a small swimming pool, a washing machine and clothes line, wifi and cable television. Pricing is about $400 for one week (+ electricity) - can't go wrong with that! This is our number one choice when we go to Merida.
http://www.vacationrentals.com/vacation-rentals/44949.html
NOTE: I was informed that Casa Mango has been rented for one year, not sure when it will be available again - you should inquire if you are planning on going in 2012.
WHERE TO STAY ON THE GULF COAST - Telchac Puerto
Casa Zuno : a great two bedroom house on the beach, with a good size pool, wireless, satellite tv, full laundry room, fenced property with garden patio and rooftop terrace - and very comfortable furniture. When the four of us will go back to Telchac, this will be our number one choice. http://www.kab-yucatan.com/zuno.html
Villa Las Tunas : A wonderful beach property, three bedroom house with plenty of comfortable outdoor living space, and pool. It is very cosy and comfortable, has a lot of character - unlike the many 'square' and modern style rental homes on the coast. Highly recommended! http://www.kab-yucatan.com/las_tunas.html
Casa Kasper : A big four bedroom beach house with good size pool, great for two families. Each bedroom has a full bathroom, and like the other recommended houses above, Kasper has very comfortable furniture, inside and out! The photos don't do it justice, it is much more spacious than it seems. Very very nice! http://www.kab-yucatan.com/kasper.html
NOTE - The three recommended beach properties above are available with Ka'b Yucatan - a very reliable rental agency. Rest assured that your vacation is in good hands with Ka'b - with clear and timely communication, excellent and prompt service on site, and top notch properties. http://www.kab-yucatan.com
OTHER RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATIONS IN YUCATAN
Rancho Kalax-Wayak : A big and beautiful four bedroom property with a big swimming pool, located on an 800 acre historic family ranch which was once a thriving henequen hacienda. Horse back riding right on site! This is actually almost too good to be true, and well worth getting a bit adventurous and explore the country side. Your care takers are the ranchers, very friendly and helpful. The ranch house is located about 20 minute drive to the pretty town of Izamal, a true jewel of both ancient and colonial Yucatan - my favorite town. And it's only about 45 minutes to Chichen Itza, with many cenotes on the way. Kalax-Wayak is unique, comfortable and very spacious. Pricing is excellent for a family of four, and the property is perfect for two families. If you can manage some basic Spanish to communicate with the ranchers, you should treat yourself to a stay at Kalax-Wayak. Owners speak very good English. http://www.wayakyucatan.com/
In Valladolid - Hotel Maria de la Luz : Simple and clean, with a great pool and good restaurant, and indoor parking - this nice hotel is located in the central square of Valladolid. Make it your headquarters to explore the vicinity, and take the time to visit the municipal palace to learn about the history of the town- which was home to a great Maya revolution. Pricing is about $50 for a family of four, with buffet breakfast (the only one in Valladolid!). http://www.mariadelaluzhotel.com/
Hope this is helpful! Next tips will be for accommodations in the state of Quintana Roo. Saludos!
Monday, March 7, 2011
Tips for Traveling Families - Renting a car
Yes, renting a car is a very good idea. It gives you plenty of freedom to explore, and most roads are very good in the Yucatan peninsula.
We flew to the Cancun airport, which is big and therefore a great location for many car rental companies. I booked our rental car using Kayak.com, and had a choice between many great deals ($10 to $15 per day). The rental was for 3 months, and the price was excellent. Although I did forget to budget for liability insurance... you should inquire about that when renting a car in Mexico!
The car pick-up was great, no delays or glitches, and we drove to our first destination right on time. However some friends who visited us later had a bad surprise with their car rental : when they booked on line they indicated an arrival time of noon, but actually arrived at 2pm. Despite the fact that there was email communication - with the right arrival time - prior to their arrival, the company's booking was based on that initial reservation with the wrong arrival time. As a result, their car was no longer available and they had to settle for the only one on hand : a very small 2 door economy model (for their family of 4...). Nope, they did not get a discounted price either. So when making a booking on line for a car rental, make sure that you indicate the right arrival time - and/or get a confirmation a couple of days prior to your departure.
So back to our car rental. About 3 weeks in, we had a flat tire - the tire was split open and the rim was dented, and we discovered that the spare also had a dented rim - not good. I emailed the Manager, and after a few exchanges he sent one of his guys to deliver a replacement car. Now that sounds like the usual kind of service one would expect - but we were in a very secluded location, and far from the service point. So to make the exchange, we drove 2 hours to get to the meeting point, and he drove FIVE HOURS to get there! Now, that's customer service!!!!
The company is Blue Way, which I understand is a Budget affiliate. I read horrible things about them on Trip Advisor (as other car rental companies), but I must say that our experience with them was very positive.
If you are planning on driving in Mexico, it is common practice to have a laminated colour photocopy of your driver's license. Yes, it's illegal to produce a fake driver's license... and so is bribing a police officer - also common practice. If you get arrested, appear apologetic and very cooperative. Hand out your fake license, which he will probably keep and proceed to tell you that you will have to go to the police station to retrieve it and pay your find. Now you are very concerned... Write down the info, and his name and badge number. When he seems to bring closure to the affair and walk away, you can drive and giggle away.
If you do not have a fake license, ask politely if there is any way to settle this matter, while discretely slipping $10 or $20 in his hand.
You may also come across some army check points in Yucatan and Quintana Roo - not to worry. You get out of the car if they ask you to, a few of them will check you car while you speak with the one in charge. They are looking for drugs. My advice on that front: try to resist picking-up hitch hikers!
And last but not least - Avoid driving at night since many old cars and trucks don't have lights, and many roads are not lit. And of course...mind the topes at all times!!! These speed bumps are in every village, and they are very effective in slowing down the traffic!
Driving in the Yucatan peninsula is a great experience. For having done so many times, I highly recommend it.
We flew to the Cancun airport, which is big and therefore a great location for many car rental companies. I booked our rental car using Kayak.com, and had a choice between many great deals ($10 to $15 per day). The rental was for 3 months, and the price was excellent. Although I did forget to budget for liability insurance... you should inquire about that when renting a car in Mexico!
The car pick-up was great, no delays or glitches, and we drove to our first destination right on time. However some friends who visited us later had a bad surprise with their car rental : when they booked on line they indicated an arrival time of noon, but actually arrived at 2pm. Despite the fact that there was email communication - with the right arrival time - prior to their arrival, the company's booking was based on that initial reservation with the wrong arrival time. As a result, their car was no longer available and they had to settle for the only one on hand : a very small 2 door economy model (for their family of 4...). Nope, they did not get a discounted price either. So when making a booking on line for a car rental, make sure that you indicate the right arrival time - and/or get a confirmation a couple of days prior to your departure.
So back to our car rental. About 3 weeks in, we had a flat tire - the tire was split open and the rim was dented, and we discovered that the spare also had a dented rim - not good. I emailed the Manager, and after a few exchanges he sent one of his guys to deliver a replacement car. Now that sounds like the usual kind of service one would expect - but we were in a very secluded location, and far from the service point. So to make the exchange, we drove 2 hours to get to the meeting point, and he drove FIVE HOURS to get there! Now, that's customer service!!!!
The company is Blue Way, which I understand is a Budget affiliate. I read horrible things about them on Trip Advisor (as other car rental companies), but I must say that our experience with them was very positive.
If you are planning on driving in Mexico, it is common practice to have a laminated colour photocopy of your driver's license. Yes, it's illegal to produce a fake driver's license... and so is bribing a police officer - also common practice. If you get arrested, appear apologetic and very cooperative. Hand out your fake license, which he will probably keep and proceed to tell you that you will have to go to the police station to retrieve it and pay your find. Now you are very concerned... Write down the info, and his name and badge number. When he seems to bring closure to the affair and walk away, you can drive and giggle away.
If you do not have a fake license, ask politely if there is any way to settle this matter, while discretely slipping $10 or $20 in his hand.
You may also come across some army check points in Yucatan and Quintana Roo - not to worry. You get out of the car if they ask you to, a few of them will check you car while you speak with the one in charge. They are looking for drugs. My advice on that front: try to resist picking-up hitch hikers!
And last but not least - Avoid driving at night since many old cars and trucks don't have lights, and many roads are not lit. And of course...mind the topes at all times!!! These speed bumps are in every village, and they are very effective in slowing down the traffic!
Driving in the Yucatan peninsula is a great experience. For having done so many times, I highly recommend it.
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