john-deleon, February 25th, 2012
john-deleon, February 20th, 2012
john-deleon, December 29th, 2011
I doubt the Mexican tourist bureau will be sending me a commission check but I want to give my 2 peso’s on the perception of Mexico.
Every client has a budget number. It’s our job to make that number work while offering the best program possible. Some budgets scream “EUROPE’ and some whisper “Mexico”. Let’s forget the fact that yours truly has been pick pocketed once in his life and it was in Paris. The hell with it, why forget it? I’ve been to Mexico more times that I can count and never has anyone even attempted to help me reduce my weight in the form of my wallet.
Here are some little know facts and probably some staggering statistics. Out of 100,000 people 12o Mexicans are the victims of theft on average each year. That same number in the United States is a staggering 2400 per 100,000. Other staggering numbers? How about 4000 of every 100,000 Americans are the victim of some sort of crime each year. This compares with the 1500 south of the border. Rape is half as likely in Mexico vs the US.
Are there bad places in Mexico? Of course there are, just like in any other country including ours. The other side of the coin is that there are beautiful places as well.
Cozumel, the wonderful almost private island off the east coast. I challenge you to find a more tranquil place in the world. Playa Del Carmen is a tourist mecca yes but surrounded by beauty. Cabo San Lucas and the entire Sea of Cortes peninsula is full of amazing natural sites as well as having some of the best sand on the Pacific side of Mexico.
All that said here’s the bottom line. You can triple your costs and head to any other location in the Carribbean or you can quit listening to everything you hear and go experience beautiful Mexico. The people are excited to see you and treat you with the upmost respect. I’m not going to pull any punches but they really love your wallet. The thing is they most likely won’t grab it out of your pocket. They will do it the old fashioned way and sell you things you probably don’t need but for some reason you can’t live without.
Give it a chance
john-deleon, December 29th, 2011
The car was parked at the other end of the square and it rained like I’ve never seen rain before.
It rained so hard that even the street merchants packed it in. Trust me, in Cozumel that is a rare occurrence.
Cozumel, a wonderful little island one hat should be exempt from the crap the media throws at Mexico.
Almost the entire south end of the island is uninhabited. The only sign of civilization is the two lane ribbon that runs the perimeter along the beach and of course the bars every quarter of a mile. By the way, the worlds largest Margarita (I mean the real one) is found somewhere along this strip of road.
Cozumel has it all. Ruins, shopping, history, beaches, an apparent endless supply of alcohol and people from all over the world. Of course Cozumel is a huge stop on most budget based cruise ships. Carnival (CCL) is the biggest commercial stork here. Dropping it’s sunburnt passengers here almost on a daily basis to spend their money and support the economy. One sails in as I look up from my lounge chair at this very moment. Poor unsuspecting bastards (not sure if I mean the passengers or the merchants). Honestly the merchants are anything but unsuspecting. They live their lives based on the cruise ship schedule.
Don’t forget that you’re on an island. Looking to the west I can see Playa del Carmen and the ferry that runs there all day. To the north the beginning of Cancun and even further north is Isla de Mujeres or the Island of Women. I never go there….never.
Moving on. This really is Paradise. Is there better? Of course there is. Is this affordable and within 6 hours of flight time….yes. I highly recommend Cozumel for your first Caribbean adventure or for an escape where “nothing” is on your agenda.
I really have to get back to the pool…
john-deleon, November 30th, 2011
Our incentive group heads to Paris in March of 2012. My boss actually lived there during her last year of college so we had a bit of a jump in the “learning curve” department. By the way, it’s cold in France in October. Just a little wardrobe tip.
Background on the group. Upper end, business owners who are very well traveled. Last year was Rio, the year before Dubai and South Africa before that. As I said, very well traveled. Problem with the incentive travel biz is you always have to keep topping what you did last year.
On with the story…
Want to see a massive airport? Fly into Charles de Gaulle and start walking. It is truly the Mother of all airports. Delta touched us down almost an hour ahead of schedule. I have to admit that heading out into a very dark Paris at 5am sounded like a horrible idea, it wasn’t. The Arc de Triomphe is amazing at sunrise. Our driver drove the roundabout several times. I think this was the point when it hit me, I actually made it to Paris.
In the distance is the Eiffel Tower. Lit like a sign screaming “Paris”, the steel structure towers over the city. It almost seems cheapened by the lights that flash every quarter hour. Hard to believe that it was intended to be temporary, so glad that they changed their minds.
On our first day we walked, which is all you do in Paris, to the Louvre. Third in line and freezing we met a group of American students who were studying abroad for a semester. Apparently their entertainment was to hop a train every weekend and see Europe. I was a bit envious to say the least. Meanwhile, back at the Louvre… There are times that stand out in your life. Your wedding (s), your kids being born, maybe even your first house. Add to this grand list standing next to the Mona Lisa. Never did I think I would see this world famous painting “in person”. da Vinci and I, together again. Imagine that. Of course we made our way through many of the famous exhibits. It would take a week to see everything.
No trip to Paris is complete without a stop at Notre Dame. The structure itself is not overwhelming it’s what’s inside the stone walls that takes your breath away. Imagine looking at what is believed to be the Crown of Thorns. Walking the path that millions have walked before you just to see it. We lit candles for our mothers, it seemed fitting. Walking the same steps that Quasimodo did so long ago. Truly an unforgettable experience.
So much of what we learned as kids about Europe happened in Paris. It’s a magical place full of life, history, energy and tiny little streets that you could spend weeks exploring. The cultural diversity of Paris makes the experience even more flavorful. Use the subway to explore, it is the signature mode of transportation for the city. This is where you meet the real people of Paris. Including the pickpockets. Beware. The lines are confusing and twist throughout the city. The maps on the walls of the surprisingly clean stations are helpful but look more like a wiring schematic. The worst that can happen is you will end up at the wrong end of the city looking at something else that will take your breath away.
I can’t really say much regarding the cuisine in Paris. Believe it or not the one thing you will find on any menu is French Fries, I kid you not. The streets are littered with cafes and small restaurants offering almost anything your palate desires. From 5 star 3 hour dinners to a crepe on the run you will find it on the next corner. I almost promise.
One piece of info that has to be brought to the surface. The French are unique people. They don’t need Americans and are eager to let you know with their gruffness and attitude. I’m giving you a minute to let that last sentence sink in. I wish I had known some of this prior to arriving in Paris. It took me several episodes to understand that I can get as angry as I want about a cab driver or bartender’s attitude. It’s not going to change. We know who needs who but somehow shelve that attitude and don’t let it influence your time in what might just be the most beautiful city in the world.
