The weather only got to 65F this afternoon. For all the winter Texans (aka snowbirds), the weather was cool and required a sweater and long pants. With less than 36 hours remaining in southern Texas, I was basking in the weather.
Tomorrow is going to be a tough day. I will have breakfast in the morning with my fresh squeezed organge juice in the warm sunny (hopefully) weather before boarding a plane for a winter barren land called home. It is understandable why people head south for the winter! That being said, I am - dare I say it - missing the snow. I am sure this notion will dissolve quickly as I leave the confines of the airport in Minneapolis and walk out into winter. But until then, I am enjoying the warm weather.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Biding the Warm Weather Good Bye
Saturday, December 27, 2008
20 Foot Fence
On my travels from Weslaco, Texas to Nuevo Progreso, Mexico I was introduced to the latest means of preventing illegal immigrants from entering the United States. At first sight, a million thoughts raced through my head. One day later, I am still perplexed.
The Rio Grande River constitutes the entire Texas-Mexico border. Traditionally, the international border has been guarded by fences, armed border agents, 
and video survelliance. In 2006, the United States federal government passed the Secure Fence Act. This legislative bill permitted the construction of a 1,100 kilometre fence along strategic areas of the US-Mexico border "prone to illegal immigration". I recall hearing of this development a few years ago in the news, however, never visualized or considered the consequences. This changed on the trip to Nuevo Progreso yesterday.
and video survelliance. In 2006, the United States federal government passed the Secure Fence Act. This legislative bill permitted the construction of a 1,100 kilometre fence along strategic areas of the US-Mexico border "prone to illegal immigration". I recall hearing of this development a few years ago in the news, however, never visualized or considered the consequences. This changed on the trip to Nuevo Progreso yesterday. 
The United States has begun construction of the double-reinforced fence in Texas. The fence will consist of a two 20 foot segments: (a) 20 ft cement wall below the surface of the ground and (b) a 20 ft high fence above ground. As we approached the Rio Grande River/international border an obtrusive structure rises from what appears to be a levee. The levee, upon further investigate is the 20 ft cement wall undergound. The start of the 20 ft fence extends like fingers from the ground. The wall is no where near completion, however, this didn't stop my mind from racing between thoughts. Accordin to President George W. Bush, "This bill will help protect the American people. This bill will make our borders more secure. It is an important step toward immigration reform" Understanding the need for immigration reform, I am not sure a 20 foot fence will reform the immigration system. Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas from Texas
After digesting breakfast I am now sitting on the patio with a glass of fresh squeezed orange juice checking my email. Later tonight I will walking two blocks down the street to another trailer for a potluck Christmas supper. Beyond that, my plan is simply to sit here and relax in the great weather!
Merry Christmas from the Citrus Capital of Texas.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Visit to the Sand Bar
With the temperature hovering around 80 F, I ventured down the highway to the southeast corner of Texas for the first time. My destination was the sand bar/island barrier of South Padre Island.
The island was approximately 1 hour due east from my new 'home base' in Weslaco. I anticipated the small island to be wall to wall with tourists, however, I was shocked to find the island half empty. Restaurants were closed for renovations, store fronts were empty and for sale/rent, and the streets had very few people walking around. In a few weeks this atmosphere will completely change as tourists and seasonal residents return for winter holidays. Damage from Hurricane Dolly was clearly evident throughout the island. Boarded windows, torn roofs, and new renovations greeted all visitors to the island. Compared to the damage in Galveston from Hurricane Ike, South Padre Island faired very well. I spent the day walking around the Gulf of Mexico beaches, walking some of the sand dunes, and driving around the island. I have a few photographs below.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Winter Home
Weslaco is a small city of approximately 30,000 people 7 miles north of the Texas - Mexico border. Known as the Citrius Capital of Texas, the streets are lined with various fruit trees of organes, grapefruit, and lemons. The city populations includes a significant number of "winter Texans" or snowbirds. The snowbirds come from across Canada (Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Ontario) and the northern United States (Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Idaho). At first glance on the city map I counted 27 'snowbird parks' - small communities of 500-750 people who reside in the community from December - April annually.
Anything you could possible need (or dont need) is available in Weslaco or one of its neighbour cities of Mercedes, La Feria, McAllen, or Donna. There are huge multi-national box stores open 24 hours, ma and pa stores, and roadside food stalls. I can admit to only visiting one store and one food outlet since my arrival, but will most likely visit a few more!
I have no idea what the plan for the remainder of my travels. Something that will need to be determined in due time (mostly likely over coffee and breakfast). I will keep you posted.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Winter Driving to the Twin Cities
The drive from Brandon to Grand Forks, North Dakota was a test in winter driving. The highway was full of drifting snow, fresh snow, and ice. It was not reassuring to see very few other cars on the highway. Four hours later with a pit stop for lunch and gas, we drove out of the crappy weather. From Grand Forks, North Dakota to St Cloud, Minnesota the road conditions were great. No drifts, clear roads, and lots of traffic. As we (my mother and I) got closer to Minneapolis the weather began to warm up and there was actually standing water on the interstate.
The drive was made easier knowing that by lunch the next day there would be no snow. Texas (hopefully) will have beautiful warm weather, sunny filled days, and lots of fresh citrus fruit. The only thing standing in the way is a 4:30 AM wake up call to catch the flight south!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Manitoba in Washington DC
The National Museum of the American Indian is four floors of exhibits dedicated to preserving and documenting the histories, cultures, and languages of American Indians. However, a section of the three floor has a recent exhibit showcasing Aboriginal communities from across the world. The collection includes the communities of Kahnawake (Quebec), , Kalinago (Dominica), Pamunkey Tribe
Nation (Washington State), Igloolik (Nunavut), and the Saint-Laurent Metis (Manitoba). The Saint-Laurent Metis exhibit provide an overview of the Metis, their culture, and language. It highlighted changes in the way of life for the Metis over the past 100 years. The display included three snowmobiles - starting with a small tractor on skis to the modern skidoo.
Never would I have imagine to stumble across a piece of Manitoba history in Washington DC.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Photos from DC
I arrived in Washington DC without any further delays. Friday evening and Saturday walking around the city, visiting a few museums, and taking in a hockey game. Here are a few photographs from Saturday's hike. 
Friday, December 12, 2008
Who Would Have Thought?
I am now hoping to catch a flight to Washington DC via Montreal, however, I do not have a confirmed seat to Montreal - just standby. If everything goes according to the new plan, I will be in DC late this afternoon.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
DC Bound
Tomorrow morning (at the crack of dawn) I will head out Washington DC. Unlike many of my recent adventures, this will not involve any work! A short holiday in the US capital. I had a few credits with Air Canada that would have expired at the end of the year. Rather than simply forfiet my money to the airline I booked a weekend vacation in DC.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
8th Time a Charm
I had planned to take the metro/subway from downtown Mexico City to the airport but since the winter festivities continued into Sunday, the thought of being packed like sardines on the metro (with my luggage) persauded me to seek an alternative. Having taken a number of taxis throughout my stay it seemed to be the logical choice.
The hostel was kind enough to arrange a taxi. I am certain the "taxi" that arrived was simply a friend of a hotel clerk, not a regulated taxi. The car and the driver appeared to be in better condition than any previous taxi in Mexico (there were a few real 'winners' along the way). Once we got going, the driver informed me the airport would be only 15 minutes away thanks to the new raised highway. Apparently, the driver had no been on the new raised highway as I would later discovered.
All in all, I arrived at the airport well before my flight. The 15 minute journey ended up being about an hour long and I am sure the driver was happy to see me leave!
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Festival Navideño de la Ciudad de México
One month before Christmas, the Mexican government goes all out to create seasonal festivities for the entire family in the Zocalo (central square) - a short two block walk from my hotel. While having breakfast, one of the other travellers wished me the best of luck in dealing with the festitivities. I later learned that they had planned their travels around the festitivities. I would soon realize why.
Saturday was the official start of the festivities. La Plaza de la Constitución (240 m by 240 m) is completely full of winter activities. When I approched the plaza this afternoon is was a very surreal feeling as I witnessed a giant tobagganing hill, a ice rink, and three igloos. The plaza represented everything that I thought I escaped in Manitoba! I was impressed the outdoor rink 
and the tobaggan hill survived the balmy 25 C heat. Once I had come to my senses, I was astounded by the number of people that had descended on the plaza. There were people from corner to corner, jam packed. You could read the excitement on children's faces and the frustration on the face's of parents. The hostel clerk conservatively guessed between 50,000 - 60,000 people descended on the plaza and will continue to do so every weekend until the middle of January. The fairly quite neighourhood of my hotel has become the epicentre for foot traffic to the plaza due to the metro station around the corner. The streets have been completely taken over by pedistrians. Huge lines accompany every business and restaurant. Street performers, clowns, dancers, painters, and singers are scattered throughout the thousands of people. It is like the (winter) circus came to town overnight!
Friday, November 28, 2008
Around Mexico City
Without any plans, I spent the majority of the day walking around Mexico City. Since I was not able to fly off to Flores to visit the Mayan ruins, I explored the areas of Centro Historico, Roma Norte, Juarez, and Polanco. A few photos below.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
No Flight to Guatemala
As instructed, I contacted the airline this morning to find out if a seat to Flores, Guatemala had become available. But much like the day before, I could only get a confirmed seat to Guatemala City. Rather than take my chances in Guatemala City, I opted for a refund. I will now spend the remainder of my travels in Mexico.
Leia Mais…Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Unexpectantly back in Mexico City
After arriving at the Benito Juarez Airport in Mexico City I confirmed that my flight to Flores had indeed been cancelled. The airline offered to fly me to Guatemala City (notorious for violent crimes against foreigners) and put me on standby to Flores. Based on my poor Spanish and the airline clerk's equally poor English I discovered that the Guatemala City to Flores flight is completely booked, the first empty seat is Saturday. Although I am often up for an adventure, Guatemala City is one that I will tackle another day. My new plan (as of 10 minutes ago) is to stay in Mexico City. I have no absolutely no plans, however, have no doubt I will find all sorts of things to do.
Guatemala?
Who knows ... Guatemala might have fallen off this travel plan!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Puebla, Mexico
My meetings have come to an end in the City of Puebla. My presentation was received positively. Somehow I ended up with considerable more work from this meeting than I anticipated! Below are a few photographs from Puebla. On Thursday, I will head from Puebla to Guatemala (pending unforseen circumstances).
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Pulled Over by Police
The "ten minute" ride, as described by the taxi driver, turned into a forty minute snail's pace crawl through the city. We were fortunate to have plenty of time to catch our bus. At times, the taxi (actually a car owned by a friend of the hotel bellman, not an 'official' taxi) did not physically move with a green light due to congested streets. Traffic was literally bumper to bumper, horns honking, and random people trying to sell munchies and other propaganda to the people waiting in the cars. As we proceeded on our slow pace our taxi driver followed all the airport directions. The further we continued, the more we believed that he would drop us off at the airport, rather than at TAPO bus terminal. Just as we could read the welcome sign to the airport the taxi driver veered off on a side road. Our thoughts of arriving at the airport was dissolved upon turning on the side road as we could see the bus terminal, however, it was on the opposite side of the divided road/highway. Our innovative "taxi" driver pulled a U-turn at an intersection to put us within 100 metres of the bus terminal only to have the lights, sirens, and speaker phone of the local police come on.
I am sure everyone in the taxi wanted to simply get out, collect our luggage, pay the driver, walk the remaining distance and leave the driver to deal with the police. That however did not transpire! The police officer questioned our driver and requested to see all sorts of paper work. After 5 minutes of discussions (which didn't seem overly friendly from my seat in the car) the driver returned and we continued the final 100 metres to the bus terminal. After all said and done, we had only 10 minutes to spare to catch the bus from Mexico City to Puebla.
Unlike Greyhound services, the local bus to Puebla required all luggage and carry on items be scanned (similar to Canadian airports) and every passenger had to be patted down by a security officer before being allowed on the bus. The two hour bus ride provided an opportunity to rest. I have included a few photographs from along the bus ride.
Broken Water Pipe = No hotel room
After a frustrating discussion with a taxi driver (in my broken Spanish), we (myself and 2 other Canadians) made it to Centro Historico and our hotels. Unfortunately, the three of us were split into two different hotels. We knew that going in, so no big surprise (just wait though). The taxi driver dropped off the other two people at their hotel and then proceeded to drop me off at my hotel. When we pulled in front of the hotel, the lights were off, front doors locked, and not a person to be seen. After ringing a door bell and rattling the front door a hotel clerk arrived. The look on his face as he arrived at the door indicated there was a problem. In his broken English he informed me they have my reservation but no room for me! The water pipe burst in the evening and the entire floor was wet and consequently no room for me (or the other 20 people scheduled to stay on that floor).
There I am at 1:30 AM on a dark street chatting to the hotel clerk without a hotel room. The reason we had two hotels was a result of the high demand for rooms on Saturday evening (later found out there was an important soccer game on Sunday nearby). The hotel clerk was very apologetic and offered to arrange a reservation at a nearby hotel. After 15 minutes of standing on the street, the clerk returned with the name of a hotel 3 blocks away. He assured me the hotel would be of the same high quality and similar price. It is now almost 2 AM and I couldn't really care what the hotel looked liked - I just wanted a bed to sleep in!
Forunately, the taxi driver waited on the street. He agreed to deliver me to yet another hotel. When we drove up to the hotel, it looked promising. A hotel staff member was quick to greet me and get me checked in. The place looked respectable and it appeared a number of large celebratins were taking place in the meeting rooms. My opinion of the place dramatically changed when I entered the room. The room was very large, but with very few amenities so it looked quite empty. To get water running in the sink it required leaving the taps wide open for a good 5 minutes before you see water. I am not sure when the last time the room was cleaned, but I could have easily written my name in the dust on any surface. The security in the rooms was somewhat lacking, however, the arm chair was easily pushed up against the door for a litle added sense of security. Being so tired from all the travel I simply crawled into bed.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Bienvenidos Mexico
I landed in Mexico City without any incidents. The flight was uneventful and allowed me to catch up on some work and more importantly my sleep. The continuous flow of lights amazed me as we flew over the city. With over 20 million people I was expecting big, but the view of lights for as far as you could see was impressive. Two thirds of Canada's population was below me, in one (very large) city. I flew through Mexican Immigration and Customs in what I would consider record time. A balmy 14 C will greet me as I leave the airport.
Good bye snow!
This trip will be a nice change. Over the past couple of years, my work trips have usually taken me to northern communities in the dead of winter. My first visit to Whitehorse was February 2006 and the weather was a balmy -47 C (with the wind) the first morning. Traveling south in the winter will be a nice change of pace. I suspect this may be the only southward travel for work, so I best enjoy it!
The walk from the airport parking lot to the terminal reminded me that I will not miss winter for the next couple of weeks. Since my winter parka, mitts, and toque are not making the trip to Mexico, my walk was a 'bit' chilly and brisk in my summer jacket. With my hands bare to the wind, the desire to return to snow sunk lower and lower. To be honest, if all the snow is gone by the time I return there will be no disappointment or complaints from me.
Pending any dissruptions in Toronto (always possible), I will be in Mexico City by midnight tonight.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
packing, packing, and more packing
Monday, November 17, 2008
Free Guatemala breakfast?
After two weeks of emails to find (decent) accommodations in Flores, Guatemala, I have received a flood of responses. Unfortunately, all responses are confirming my reservation! After weeding through the emails, I finally selected a 'hotel' in Flores that offered a private bedroom, private shower, and a "great view" (their words). I am not sure what the view is of, but I am sure it is great.
For $10 American per night, the 'hotel' will provide a free Guatemala breakfast. This free breakfast has made me wonder, what does a Guatemalan breakfast consist of? After much deliberations, I concluded that I will have to wait a few days to find out! I will keep you posted.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Central America Bound
In just a couple of weeks, I will retrieve my passport for international travel once again. It has been a while since my last significant journey, however, I have been busy traveling throughout Canada and the United States. Since I returned from South America last summer, my travels have taken me to: Calgary (Alberta), Carcross-Tagish First Nation (Yukon), Chicago (Illinois), Denver(Colorado),Edmonton (Alberta), Gatineau (Québec),Halifax (Nova Scotia), Inuvik (Northwest Territories), Kingston (Ontario), Montréal (Québec), Nebraska City (Nebraska), Omaha (Nebraska), Ottawa (Ontario), Percival (Iowa), St. John's (Newfoundland), Toronto (Ontario), Tuktoyakuk (Northwest Territories), Vancouver (BC), Whitehorse (Yukon),Yellowknife (Northwest Territories).
My international travel will commence with an international rural policy conference in Mexico and then a holiday in Guatemala. I need to finalize travel plans for both countries, but will keep you up to date on my travels.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)