can you hear me now?

One of the dilemmas Tom and I faced moving to a foreign country was how to stay connected to family and friends. We rely heavily on email; to that end our computer is 'on' most of the time.

Here in Merida, and on and around the peninsula we rely on cellphones, we don't have a wired landline. Most of the time this is just fine, sometimes it would be nice to have one, but we just can't justify the added expense of both the landline, AND cellphones. And we sure like to be able to make calls when out and about, plus it's comforting to know help is just a call away if needed.

Our 2nd year here we purchased a Vonage phone system which gave us a USofA phone number; a Colorado exchange as that's from where we thought most of our calls would come. Vonage is one of those VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocal) systems; there are many. It relies on an internet connection but doesn't require your computer to be on. In our case we have a phone, a phone adapter, and a router to be able to connect both the phone and the computer to our cable modem. Over the years we have had to replace several adapters AND several routers. You can buy routers with built in phone adapters; we've replaced a few of them as well. These electronics are not cheap, and in most cases can not be purchased here in Mexico as VOIP phones are not sold here. Some sort of control exerted by phone system overlords....

Just recently we started experiencing issues once again with our Vonage phone. We started the standard routine of troubleshooting and found that the phone adapter this time is fine. There is apparently and suddenly some inability in communication between the phone adapter and the wireless router. The wireless router we have now is through CableMas who is our cable service provider. Seemed to make sense to use their equipment and then they bear the responsibility for maintenance and replacement as needed. We pulled out one of our old wireless routers and continued with our troubleshooting. It is indeed the CableMas wireless router.


I haven't called CableMas yet but really need to as our current AND temporary system is complicated. Each time we want to use our 'system' the process is this, turn on the powerstrip that powers the router, phone adapter, and cable modem. We turn all these things off and on at the powerstrip to conserve energy; even turned off all those chargers and adapters pull current, and electricity is quite expensive down here, not to mention the horrible powersurges we have. Anyway, after those things all start powering up you have to press the reset button on the old router then wait again while all the pieces and parts connect and talk to each other. THEN you can turn on the computer, which happens to be connected to a separate and different powerstrip.

With the Old Linksys router connected our wireless network went missing. I think the network is still there, but only configured through the CableMas router. So currently both laptops need to be cabled to the router. Which means instead of me sitting at the dining room table connected wirelessly I am at a small tray table near enough to the router for the cable to reach.

And now to get on with my story - We have the lowest level of Vonage service, I think it's $12US for 300minutes of talk time and add to that all the taxes and fees and we pay just a bit over 20USD per month. Well and add to that the cost of all those replacement electrical components...We rarely, if ever use more than about 100 minutes of time, most of out calls are Vonage to Vonage and with friends here in Merida! No cost against our minutes for calls Vonage to Vonage.

We've tried to get family and friends to connect using SKYPE, but they resist. We have SKYPE, and we've purchased minutes so that we can use SKYPE to make calls. We did this the last time we were having Vonage issues. The only down side is we don't have a US number on which we can receive calls. With SKYPE we can purchase/rent a number for about 6USD per year, plus a plan which I think is what I'm going to do and ditch the Vonage. We can then receive calls; the only downside, if it is one is that the computer has to be on and we would have to be at the computer to talk. You can purchase phones and adapters for use with SKYPE, and yada yada, but that seems like exactly what we have now...more electronics to fail...

The computer Tom uses has built in speakers, microphone, and webcam, the one I use has speakers only so I'll need to get a headset with microphone. Seems do-able.

Some people we know maintain their USofA cellphones and add an International plan to keep in touch with family and friends NOB, makes sense if you travel back and forth alot, I guess. We don't. We live here fulltime and travel a bit around Mexico, but not so often to the USofA, so what to do, what to do....The Vonage is just so darn convenient, but dang the frustration and expense of all this equipment...

The Fairy Tale is Over - Part 2

So after my post this morning I walked over to the farmacia at La Ermita Park, which by the way also has a Consultorio (meaning a Doctor). I explained to said doctor that my spanish is muy basico, and then proceeded to explain in spanish, my symptoms of the past few days; along with telling him I had got/gotten water in my ear last week while in the caribbean waters.

He asked lots of questions, listened to my breathing looked in my ears, down my throat, etc, etc.

He then declared that I had indeed acquired an infection. My ears were a little distended and inflamed, but not horribly, my lungs were clear although my breathing was a bit labored, the back of my throat was very inflamed and coated in mucous, green/yellow icky slimy mucous. OK those weren't exactly his words....



Anyway, I am on antibiotics, anti-inflamatories, and a liquid to break up and cause me to expel all that icky, yucky, slimy mucous. So I'm just warning you, in case we find ourselves locked in a small room together...


So the consulta, and 2 prescriptions (a box of 12 500mg Amoxicilina, and a bottle of 120ml of Ridin, the mucous buster stuff, I didn't buy the ibuprofin since I already have some at home) came to $170mxp about $15usd.

Sure hope it works!

The Fairy Tale is Over

So after all my High Living, I have returned home to -
well, to less than the fairy tale life.

First, no room service, no bed turndown with chocolates, no luscious buffet,....

AND I've caught a cold or is it allergies? Let's see!

Allergies vs Cold Symptoms: Which Do I Have?

Symptoms	Airborne Allergy	Cold	my responses
Fever	Never	Rare	seems like it at times, course it could be the humidity
Headache	Rare	Rare	yes
General Aches, Pains	Never	Slight	yes
Fatigue, Weakness	Sometimes	Sometimes	yes, or could be my lazy nature
Extreme Exhaustion	Never	Never	not really
Stuffy, Runny Nose	Common	Common	YES
Sneezing	Common	Common	YES
Sore Throat	Sometimes	Common	YES
Cough	Sometimes	Common, hacking	just started this morning
Chest Discomfort	Rare	Mild to moderate	a little, and some difficulty breathing

OK, so I'm going to have to go with Cold for now, and stop by the Farmacia for a MD consult and suggestions.

And then yesterday, I had a HORRIBLE dental experience. I have little cuts on my gums and tongue from a misplaced dental drill, and the molar that was being hacked away is to small for a temporary crown so is all nubbed down and sore and it hurts, and I can't chew because the gum is all sore, whine, whinge, sniff, sniff, snort, snort...

the permanent crown is anticipated for next wednesday, fingers and toes crossed everybody.

But on the up side I am back home, in my hammock, I can get in my own pool, naked, I have the pups, the cat, and the birds back. I've been having fun with friends, and am making plans for other fun stuff coming up....



So, all in all, Life is good!

Resort Review - Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraíso

The Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraíso is sheer luxury and opulence. A place in Mexico where adults come to enjoy new heights in luxury.  This is how the write up on the internet starts, and it is correct.

Once again, I find myself living in the lap of luxury - 
The Iberostar Grand is FABULOUS!  This is where I want to live!

Our friends, the she of the couple is a travel agent, and one of the percs is that when you sell certain properties they gift the agent with comps!  And the Iberostar was incredibly generous in that they let our friend bring guests!  And even more fortunate for us, our friends daughter and her husband were unable to accompany them,   BONUS! SCORE! Sometimes being number 2 is OK!

We arrived at the Grand just moments after a heavy thunderstorm,  No problem, the entry is covered and they have in addition to bellmen, valet parking!   They take your keys, give you a return call ticket, and a cool towel to refresh yourself as you are gently guided to the lobby.  Oh Yeah!   I'm definitely liking this!

So we are getting all registered and up comes, oh no, not a bellman, but our Butler, yes, at the Iberostar Grand each section has a Butler. Alberto walked us to our room, pointing out items of interest along the way, as we walked he let us know that anything we needed or wanted we should contact him; I inquired of a soft pillow, he made a note and I had it a short time later. Tom inquired over some dark beer as all that was available in the mini bar were lights, they too arrived shortly; cable for the internet, not a problem. Oh Yeah, I could live like this!

the lobby!

The Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso is elegant. It reminds us of The Venetian in Las Vegas. Gilt, and Gold, and painted ceilings, and lovely furnishings, and big open rotundas, some with space open to the out of doors, some with seating..

Long lovely walkways to get you from one space to another, Art, Sculpture, Floral Arrangements....

There are golf carts to move you around, or shuttle buses if you need to leave the property. All the staff speak several languages. You can't tell what country you are in. There really is nothing to let you know you are in Mexico. Even the extensive plantings could be from anywhere! Quite the warp for your mind!

Tom and I never left the Resort grounds. 

We hung out mostly at the Serenity Pool. OH!, there are 3 separate pool areas. 

The Main pool which is huge, and salt water, and has fountains, swim up bar, lounges sitting in shallow water, and, and, and...

There is the Serenity Pool that is quite large also, has chlorinated water, and jacuzzis at either end; warm on one end, cool on the other. This area is a 'Quiet' space, soft voices, no music.

And then there is the Spa Pool, indoors, but with a retractable roof, Soothing music, Steam Rooms, Saunas, Gym, Spa Services, Juice Bar, Spinning Classes......

Oh Yeah, I could live like this!

There are a number of restaurants and buffets. I'm not going to gush over the food, with the exception of our night at the Japanese Restaurant, the food was all very good!


What makes this Resort so EXCELLENT - It's the Service, Yes, Service with a CAPITAL 'S'. Oh my gosh! Every time we returned to our room someone had been in and straightened it up. In the evening the wool rugs were stowed and linen throws were down for our feet, Our bed was remade and turned down, the comforter and decorator pillows were stowed and linen covered covers and pillows were added, essential oil candles were burning, fresh towels every time we used one, if we drank a beer, it was replaced.....

As you move through the complex everyone greets you, smiles, is accessible...

There are also the entertainment events, but the invitations were more subtle, and appreciated. We went to a Boogie Nights Music with Dance show which was really quite good, there was an outdoor Lounge Party with Live music at the Main Pool where you could drink, and dance, and meet other guests... There was archery, cooking classes, wine tastings, darts, pingpong, and other stuff - to many to remember.

Oh, and then there are the rooms! 

ummmm, free mini bar!

Oh Yeah - I Could Live Like this!

Resort Review - Iberostar Tucán - Playacar

Iberostar Tucán Playacar - Day 1, arrival day

Well once again, and Thanks to my friends, I find myself a guest, in every sense, at another All-Inclusive.

This time I am at the Iberostar Tucán in Playacar near Playa del Carmen on the Caribbean.

Oh yeah, I could get used to living like the Rich and Famous!

I had reviewed the info on their webpage regarding instructions on location and how to get there since we of course were driving ourselves over from Merida. All I can say about their instructions are - They Suck!

The directions are given as if coming from Cancun, no problem, I can figure things out.
"From Cancun International Airport
1.Head south-east for 3.5 km
2.Take the branch road and join the Carretera Federal 307 / Mexico 307. 40.9 km
3.Change direction. 500 m.
4.Turn right at the Camino a la Pileta de Playa del Carmen. 400 m.
Arrival at the Iberostar Tucan."

As you can read, They indicate you drive South to a specific Retorno (Turn Around) and then when heading North again you turn Right at Camino a la Pileta...? Errr, DING DING DING, WRONG! We drove and pondered, and guessed, and finally asked at a PEMEX, apparently you turn at the HUGE sign that says PLAYACAR. Who could miss this sign, and why didn't they mention it? Once you enter Playacar, which is a large residential area you are once again on your own, No signage! We found it, although I can't tell you how. I did at one point see a big Personnel transpot with the Iberostar logo and was trying to find a turnaround so I could follow it, No luck, but we found it none the less.

We arrived at about 2:15pm; check in is at 3pm. we waited for the Check In Clerk to finish her business with the folks ahead of us. We got all checked in and had about 20 minutes to make the lunch buffet, if we hurried, and since we hadn't yet eaten that day we hurried. Alas we missed the buffet so went to the Beach Side Snack Bar Uxmal and ate a light meal knowing we would have dinner in a few hours with our friends, and hosts to this lovely trip.

After we ate we took a little tour of the grounds - really lovely. A bit too many rooms/guests for my taste. People everywhere. This is a family resort so kids of all ages.

lovely beach area

On our walkabout We inquired at the Beach massage area about prices, a 50 minute massage is 1300? pesos WHAT?????

We then inquired about a Whale Watching excursion as this is the season that the whale sharks are in the area - 220USD PER PERSON! WHAT????

We then sat in on a FREE 30 minute Spanish lesson and learned the Spanish names for all the parts of the body.

We meandered through the grounds, along the beach, around the pool and then back to our room. By this time our friends had arrived. It is/was great to see them, it's been about 3 years since we last sat together. After a brief reunion we retired to our respective rooms to unpack and refresh with plans to meet later for dinner.

So after unpacking, checking out the room amenities, figuring out the room safe and the TV I decided to check out the internet. WTF!!! No internet, at all, anywhere! There is a 'Business' Center where you can use their machines, OR you can sit in the lobby and use your machine, all at an enormous fee. I mean like 15USD for 24 hour connectivity, or 5USD for 30 minutes. I am apalled! I mean REALLY, this day and age, and no wifi in your room??????

I for sure wouldn't return, much less book a resort or hotel that didn't offer wifi.

We did meet up with our friends for dinner and ate at one of the 'Specialty' restaurants, the Mexican Restaurant La Hacienda,  we hadn't been able to get a reservation, but we checked at the hostess and apparently some folks had not come so.... The food was good, upon being seated your drinks order was taken and you were given a plate of wings and directed to the appetizer/salad buffet, you then ordered and were served your dinner. It was quite lovely. Although there was some disappointement as the menu indicates that your taco selections will be made tableside, but they weren't.

Day 2, first full day of relaxation!

we were awakened to the screams of the howler monkeys in the trees just outside our room. One thing about this property is there is a lot of wildlife, and I don't necessarily mean the drunken americanos.  It's so very cool to sit on your balcony and have the monkey show!



this is our balcony, taken from the sliding door into our room!

right outside my balcony - amazing!

We've seen agoutis, spiny iguanas, a type of duck I can't yet identify because of no stinking internet, howler monkeys, herons, cranes, gulls, frigates, swans, peacocks, so many birds, cucaracha, coatimundi, raccoon, cats, the list goes on!

So we dressed and went on another walkabout, the grounds really are exceptional. This property seems to be built over a large network of grottos and caverns, there is ground water creating waterfalls, and lots of jungle left. They really did a lot of work to build up and create a base for the hotel and restaurant structures. There is one deep lagoon/grotto that has a number of birds and ducks, as well as 2 large white swans, Lovely. Large volume water features are bisected by elevated walkways, lots of water plants and fish add interest.

Apparently a 'common' feature of Iberostar properties is to have 2 separately identified properties connected by some common middle ground. In this structure are the Iberostar Tucán , and the Iberostar Quetzal. Apparently each side is represented by a different Tour Sales Operator; the TTucán is a featured location of Apple Tours!

Anyway, we made our way to the restaurant Tulum that provides the breakfast buffet, which was fine, Nothing exceptional. Your standard stuff, cereals, breads, sweet breads, bacon, sausage, fruit, yogurt, eggs, omelette station,,,blah, blah, blah - Standard buffet breakfast fare. We were there for quite a while, mostly having coffee and people watching. We eventually made our way to the beach and met up with our friends and staked out our little spot on the beach. It is a wide and deep beach area, with LOTS of beach lounges - A few scattered palm trees, palapas, 2 massage stations, a volleyball court, and a lifegaurd lookout that is manned.

We hung out on the beach, chatting, and catching up, and in and out of the water, which by the way is absolutely beautiful. Eventually we ended up back at the Beach side Snack Bar for lunch. I found the food to be less than satisfactory. After lunch we were back on the beach, in and out of the water....

We tried to make reservations at some of the 'Specialty' restaurants, but ALL were booked.  The best we could manage was a 9pm seating at the Japanese Restaurant on our last night there.

Overall the Tucán/Quetzal is a great Family location.   There are lots of activities, a huge pool, ice cream stations, ...  It's not a bad place for people travellling without kids either,  The grounds are lovely, the staff is very attentive, and all speak a minimum of 2 languages, most speak 3,4 and more languages, but you can be assured of ASpanish and English.  I don't like that smoking is allowed everywhere except inside the restaurants and snack bars.  So you are constantly having to walk through the smoke!   blechhhhh

My other complaint, and it would keep me from returning is the lack of wifi in the rooms.  I mean really, in this day and age????  We rely on internet to contact and stay in touch.

But if you can live without wifi, and with the cigaretter smoke then this is a very nice resort.



I'm Baaaaack!

I've been away -

Not just away from blogging, but away from home!

Well I'm baaaaaack! And I wll be posting about my trip soon.

I just need to get the photos sorted and organized.

Myrmecophelia or Schombergkia ????

I have posted a number of my orchids as they were blooming over the years. The first orchid I was ever given was identified to me by a friend, who later gifted me several other orchids.

He identified this first orchid as a Schombergkia. As a result, over the years, as I received other orchids and upon observing their blooms have identified them as Schombergkias as well.




Last year, after a visit with Joann Andrews, a local orchid expert, she informed me that many Schombergkias (Schom) had been reclassified as Myrmecophelias (Myrme); OKAY yeah, whatever... I'm not that big a stickler for details. (Myrmecophila with means 'Friends of Ants'. In the wild there is a species of ants that nests in the hollow pseudobulb of this orchid. The ants eat all the insects that would attack the plant and the plant provides them a home in return.)

So today, Jim, of Naturalist Newsletter, posted info and photos of an orchid he encountered down in the Mahahual area. I emailed him and we started a discussion on Schom vs Myrme. OKAY, OKAY, I need to step up and realize that probably most of my Schoms are really Myrmes. I need to check the pseudobulbs, and if the are hollow then they are indeed Myrmecophelia.

Gads! There's always something needs to be done!