Credit Card Loyalty Programs: Is This For You?

A lot of us collect points with our credit card spending, in hopes of 'winning' free trips, merchandise, accommodation, etc.  While one must remember that these perks are never 'free', it makes us feel better to know that we may be getting something in return for our loyalty.  If you are living in Canada, this site provides a overview of the options available. 
 
http://www.rewardscanada.ca/choosing-a-travel-credit-card.html

We put everything we can on credit cards AND pay off the balance when our statement arrives. Here are a few more tips for accumulating points:

• sign up for your reward program email newsletter to take advantage of bonuses (we still only purchase what we need. . . getting sucked into making purchases you had otherwise not planned is counterproductive.  Print the coupons you can use and keep them in your vehicle;
• put everything you can on a credit card; it's a good way to understand where your money goes to help you budget all the while earning points;
• Use your Airmiles card and credit card whenever you can.  If you are buying groeries, Sobeys in the east and Safeway in the west honor the Airmiles program;
• pay your mortgage and loans on your credit card;
• ask your bank whether your accounts accumulate points.  Be aware of minimum balance requirements;
• sometimes paying an annual fee for your credit card makes sense.  Review the benefits and see if you can make it pay.  We use the travel insurance the most.  If you do not want to pay a fee, this site rates the best 'no fee' reward programs:  http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/top-no-fee-rewards-credit-cards-in-canada.htm
• most gas stops have some kind of reward program; 
• you can often accumulate points just by stopping in to a retailer; you don't always have to make a purchase;
• If you are planning on using your rewards for travel, keep in mind, many cards have black-out dates, when you can't travel or different point values for travel during high season.  Book well in advance when you can and travel when you get the most bang for your buck.  By paying your travel expenses with your credit card, you will continue to earn points.

Just as I have given you some ideas how to accumulate points, here is a link of what NOT to use your rewards for:  http://blog.credit.com/2013/04/what-not-to-do-with-your-credit-card-rewards/.  The best tip I have to offer for this category is:  NEVER EVER EVER! SPEND MONEY YOU DON'T HAVE.  Living beyond your means is not going to get you anyway anytime soon.

Happy Travels!

Have You Hugged your Chicken Today? The Continuing Urban Chicken Debate

 

I admit, watching this video  brought back some pretty fond memories for me.  As a kid, there was no animal that I didn't try to turn into a pet.  Kittens were easy; chickens required a lot more work (they aren't very smart); calves (you can ride them); piglets (nothing cuter particularly when dressed in pink); magpies (extremely smart); mice and gophers (short-lived--my parents kept feeding them to the cats). I'm currently reading Bryce Courtenay's The Power of One, about a small English boy is South Africa.  When very young, his best friend was Granpa Chook, a rooster hypnotized by a great Zulu medicine man.  My sister, brother and I often 'hypnotized' our chickens, though with less success.  Perhaps our medicine wasn't quite strong enough?

 

With Easter on our doorstep, one just might have the urge to present their children with a couple of cutely colored baby chicks to start their own personal foray into urban chickenery (that's a word, right?).  The truth is, like any other mammal, chickens can become a pet; it's just a matter of ensuring they understand who provides the food.  But food is only one ingredient to being successful at keeping backyard chickens.

 

Backyard chickens is by no means a new concept.  Keeping livestock of all shapes and sizes, just a few short generations ago, was not only common practice but a necessity.  My father told a story about returning from overseas after WWII and being very uncertain of his future.  In only a few short years, the country had mechanized.   No longer would he be hitching the horses up to the plow; tractors had replaced them.  Alas, he had never driven a tractor.  Granted, my father was a farmer and in those days there was no such thing as a farm without livestock.  My mother, however, was raised in the city and not only did her family have a horse, they had chickens, pigs and cattle too.  So how did they do it?

 

First and foremost, families were introduced to the caring of livestock at a very early age.  While their initiation may have started with sprinkling a bit of feed, collecting eggs from the hen house or brushing the legs and underbelly of their horse, it wasn't long before they graduated from small tasks to chores which almost always encompassed the less pleasant aspects of animal husbandry, including cleaning the pens, learning the fine art of composting aka building and maintaining a manure pile.  That's right folks, I said art.  As with any compost, a properly layered and maintained manure pile doesn't smell much different than your average household waste.  And if you think manure is the worst thing to be experienced, think again.  When referring to chickens, there is always the slaughtering, gutting, plucking and all those other aspects of food preparation that many of us remain blissfully aware of before it reaches our dinner plate.

 

Don't get me wrong; I'm not advocating for the reintroduction of horses, cows and pigs into our communities.  But I do think many of us have lost our connectivity to our food production system, starting with the most basic levels of animal husbandry.  There is sufficiently little thought given to getting a puppy or a kitten that our communities struggle to contend with all those that are abandoned.  Not only do our animal welfare agencies have to contend with dogs and cats, but rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs and, on occasion, reptiles.  Are we now going to expand these facilities to care for poultry?  

 

Making the acquisition of a few chickens is not a short-term commitment.  With proper care, a chicken's lifespan is not much different than a dog.  As with a dog, all breeds are not equal.  Some are bred specifically for laying eggs, while others are for meat production.  Some breeds are hardier than others.  If you have a breed with relatively few feathers, it will not only need protection from sunburn, but may not fair well in cold climates.  You  might want to check out local (much hardier) heritage breeds.  Chickens adopt their own 'pecking order' which can easily get out of hand.  As the more dominant peck their way to the top, 'first blood' can trigger a pack mentality, ultimately ending in one dead chicken.  Just like your dog, chickens are susceptible to certain diseases and parasites:  coccidiosis, scaly leg, an impacted crop, bumble foot, mites, lice and worms.  Are you ready for this?

 

This is not meant to discourage communities from adopting policies to allow the keeping of backyard chickens.  In fact, I firmly support urban chicken programs and applaud my own urban municipality, the City of Red Deer, for endorsing and monitoring its pilot project.  That being said, I'm also a strong advocate for education before you jump in with both feet.  I truly wish everyone were required to take a crash course in animal husbandry before they were allowed to keep any animal, including cats and dogs.  While we will never eradicate deliberate mistreatment and cruelty to animals, I would like to think we have a chance at exterminating or at least reducing stupidity and ignorance.  If people understand what they are getting into when they take responsibility for another life, be it animal or human, they may think twice.

 

Anyone seriously considering venturing into the world of backyard chickens should first arm themselves with every bit of education they can.  Here are some opportunities to do just that:

• enroll in a municipally sponsored course or program (personally, I believe this should be a required part of the licencing/approval process);
• websites offering a myriad of information on the subject such as this one:  http://www.mypetchicken.com/default.aspx.  It has a ton of information.   I have to admit, it kind of blew me away to discover that you can actually get diapers, saddles and leashes for chickens!  I kid you not!
• join a local backyard chicken support group
• try it on for size first.  Seek out opportunities to train with or chicken-sit for someone already involved in backyard chickens. I'm not aware of any kennels currently accepting chickens; keep this in mind if you plan on going away any time soon.
• Have a Plan B in the event you discover this is not for you, whether it be harvesting your poultry for your own table or having a sourced out rehoming plan beyond our local SPCA.
• revisit some of my previous posts on this subject:
  http://hpdsinc.blogspot.ca/2014/01/its-back-great-chicken-debate.html
  http://hpdsinc.blogspot.ca/2013/09/the-dark-side-of-urban-chickens.html
  http://hpdsinc.blogspot.ca/2013/02/red-deer-advocate-city-says-ok-to-urban.html
  http://hpdsinc.blogspot.ca/2013/02/red-deer-advocate-council-looks-at.html
  http://hpdsinc.blogspot.ca/2012/10/crack-crack-crackdown-and-other-tales.html 

There are many success stories on this subject.  Unfortunately, there are also many failures and it is these examples that dampen the spirit and enthusiasm of lawmakers and regulators when it comes to trying something new (or in this case, trying something old).  We can do it. . . it just needs to be done responsibly. 

Good luck, and remember, never count your chickens before they are hatched!

 

 

 

 



Travel Talk: How to Plan a Great Vacation

For years I have informally documented our vacations as it provides a nice little reminder of what we enjoyed most and what portions we might like to have as a 'do over'.  Every once in awhile, I revisit an old report from a previous holiday as a means of travelling vicariously, if only in  my own imagination.   Mainly, I'm a huge supporter of information sharing.  I mean, really, what's the point of having information if you don't share it?  I'm interested in others' experiences because it helps me determine whether it's a place I might like to visit.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not above a spontaneous destination vacation, some of which have worked out beautifully and others, not-so-much. Nobody wants to come back from a vacation feeling as if they didn't get their dollar's worth or, worse yet, that it may have been better had they stayed home.  It's those odd 'trips to Hell' that have taught me the importance of research, and particularly so when planning a vacation for a group adventure.  Most of us don't really relish the thought of having all of our travel friends disappointed and, while I don't think we would experience any nasty finger pointing, why take the chance? 

 I have been the primary vacation planner, whether it be for the two of us or with a group.  Some might say it's because I'm a control freak; others would say it's because I'm good at it.  I suspect it's a bit of both.  When travelling with a group, it can be a lot of pressure simply because it's not easy to please everyone.  While we might not travel in the same style as others may be seeking, I believe I have slowly but surely stumbled upon some winning strategies to find destinations and accommodations to suit.  It's not really a secret:  it takes time and effort, pure and simple.  Here's a few tips that might help you on your way to your own amazing holiday.

  Budget:  You simply can't plan a vacation if you have no idea how much money you are prepared to spend.  The monetary value of your holiday will directly influence where you go and what type of accommodation you will be staying in.  Remember to take into account extra spending money.While there are some activities included in an all-inclusive (AI) resort, many are not.  Parasailing, jet boats, snorkeling, hair braiding, etc. comes at an additional cost and there's always some shopping that you will want to do.  For me, food at an AI resort gets boring fast.  Remember to plan for a few drinks or a couple of meals off a resort.  Most off-site excursions will cost approximately $80-$120 US per person.  Take some time to decide how active you like to be.  In our experience, most people will do something off resort, once or twice a week, even if it's as simple as going into one of the local villages for a look-see and lunch.

Vacation Time:  It's not only about how many days you have but whether the dates can be flexible.  There is a vast array of preplanned vacations which bundle flights, accommodation, meals and even vehicle rentals.  Most of these packages not only fly on specific days of the week but are often limited to 7 or 14 days.  By booking airfare and accommodation separately, or working through a travel agent, you may be able to tailor your vacation to your specific needs but this will be dependent on how frequently the airlines fly to that destination.  You should also be aware that tinkering with these packages may ultimately cost as much or more.

Most destinations will not have a direct flight; as such, you need to consider what your personal limits are regarding time spent in getting

to and from your destination.  If you have only a 1-week window, you may not be willing to spend 15 hours to get to your destination, only to turn around 5 days later and spend 15 hours getting home.  As an example, a direct flight from Edmonton AB to Montego Bay, Jamaica is about a 7 hour flight.  If it's not direct, you may be catching the Red Eye to Toronto, and sitting around the airport for several hours until your connecting flight departs.   Depending on the popularity of the route, packages may only be offered during peak tourist season.  If you are travelling with friends that will depart from other cities, what works for you may not work for them.  While Western Canadians can readily access all of Mexico and Hawaii, for example, it's not such a simple matter for Eastern Canadians.  By the same token, they have easy access to most of the Caribbean whereas Western Canadians are routed through Toronto.  If you have enough time and interest in a destination, you may consider long hauls well worth it; it's not a question of whether you should go, it's about what you are prepared to do to get there.  We often chuckle at our Maritime friends, who have become accustomed to 2 and 3-hour flights to our destinations.  If we Western Canadians restricted our travel time to 3 hours we are going to find ourselves somewhere in Northern Ontario!

Expectations: 
For many years, I told myself all I needed was a clean room and a comfortable bed when I travelled.  After a number of consecutive years treating ourselves to 5-star accommodations, I have come to know the ugly truth:  I was just kidding myself.  We have come to expect certain perks:  an ocean view that doesn't require craning one's head at an unnatural angle in order to catch a glimpse of the sea sandwiched between buildings; a 2-man in-room jacuzzi AND walk-in shower;  easy walking distance from key resort amenities -- beach; lobby; theatre; restaurants, were, for many years on the 'must have' list.  We have, over time, learned the art of compromise. . . sort of.   Especially when considering an all-inclusive resort, there is one thing we are not prepared to compromise on and that is quality food.  

Food: 
Trust me, nothing ruins a vacation faster than unappealing, unappetizing food unless, of course, it's poorly prepared and maintained food that causes illness.  Hence, the reason the subject of food rates a category of its own.  Yes, we have experienced our share of food poisoning.  While I would agree, illness is often a result of over-indulgence, when one or both of us have been sick every time we ate at a certain establishment, sick to the point of not being able to leave the room for one or more consecutive days, then it makes sense to us that the culprit is most likely food preparation and handling.  And believe me folks, there is nothing that strips the good from 'good time' faster than spending a profuse amount of time running between your bed and the bathroom.  No doubt, you are now wondering how one can be certain of getting good food.  We will come to that but it all boils down to  the one important element which is a theme throughout:  research!

 Health & Safety: 
Not only do we have different safety needs as individuals, there is the issue of different health requirements.  When planning a vacation with anyone with serious health issues, I eliminate destinations that don't have a full scale hospital.  While all vacation packaged destinations I'm aware of  have good hospitals, like Canada or the US, many cities' medical facilities have limitations.  In severe cases, patients would need to be transported to major centres for treatment.  While I'm quite prepared to accept this fact of life, not only where I live, but when travelling throughout most of North America, I am not keen on experiencing this in a foreign country where I do not speak the language and am unfamiliar with its customs.  If you think this one through, if you or a travel partner become critically ill and require specialized medical care, in all likelihood, someone is going to need to find their own way to that major centre and around that major centre.  Personally, that isn't something I'm really interested in experiencing.  While there are no guarantees it couldn't happen to anyone, why risk it when you are travelling with someone whose health is compromised.  There are similar considerations in travelling with very young children.  While you might not limit yourself to destinations offering full medical care, you may decide backpacking through jungle is, perhaps, not on the list in the short term.   The point I'm trying to make is, be aware of your own comfort levels and working within those parameters.

With a bit of legwork, you can also find out how safe the area is when it comes to wondering around on your own.  We have stayed at AI resorts where we were told to avoid certain areas at night or altogether.  I have a rule about personal safety; stay in well lit areas where there are other people, particularly, in tourist destinations and, when my spider senses tingle, I heed the warning.  If I find myself in what feels like a precarious situation, I move immediately to extricate myself.  It's all about using the common sense you were born with; if ou happen to have been born without it, then take someone along who was. 

Back to the issue of food safety, we have eaten at everything from high end restaurants to Mexican truck stops and the only places we have ever suffered as a result of poor food management are in those 5 star resorts and on airplanes.  If you are travelling to a tourist destination, all restaurants generally offer bottled water and prepare their food with purified water.  The best preventative advice I have is to visit your local pharmacist at least two weeks before you leave and discuss the benefits and risks of a vaccine called Dukoral.  You usually need two separate doses, after which you may qualify for a booster dose.  Because bacteria in warm, tropical countries has no natural enemies, everything you touch is contaminated so it's also important to be a bit more hypersensitive to good hygiene habits such as washing your hands with soap often, keeping your hands away from your face, etc.  If you find yourself with a bout of Travelers' diarrhea, we also carry significant quantities of OTC anti-diarrheal drugs such as Loperamide.   If all else fails, we travel with a prescription of ciprofloxin, a broad spectrum antibiotic.  Don't just follow my advise; discuss these options with your physician or pharmacy.  If you are travelling off the beaten track, check through your local Travel Healh Clinic whether you require vaccinations, information on water quality and national health standards, etc. 

If you are going to a warm destination, consider taking all the sunscreen you think you will need.  Not only is it very expensive to purchase in most tourist destinations, you never have it when you need it.  There is more, however, than just making sure you have it with you; you actually need to wear it.  Novel

concept for some, I know.  I tend to put it on as soon as I get up in the morning and, as I am susceptible to sunstroke, I keep my head covered if I'm going to be in the sun for very long and if we are out on the beach or at the pool, you will most likely find me in the shade.  Nothing feels worse on a holiday than sunstroke. . . unless its food poisoning.  I still get a comfortable shade of brown without the uncomfortable aspect of burning. . . now if only I can figure out how to avoid the dreaded 'racoon eye'. . .

Vacation Style:  Finding one's vacation style has been, for us, by trial and error; sometimes, you have to try it to know whether or not you like it.  I used to think large, all-inclusive resorts was the way to go.  Eventually, we discovered that we preferred smaller, well organized properties.  They are usually more intimate and, while not offering as many options such as on-site sports activities, we have found they excel in our top two priorities, being food and accommodation).  All-inclusive (AI) resorts, though expensive, have their place.  For the most part, they are no-brainers.  Once booked and paid for, all you really need to do is get yourself to the airport; the rest is pretty much done for you until you are deposited back at the airport a week or so later.  The typical questions of where you will sleep tonight and where you will eat have all been answered.  Some people are less worried about personal safety as AI resorts employ their own security.  Having strolled through several where I was not even a guest, I'm not convinced security is quite what it might appear to be on the surface.  That is not to say I have not felt safe at a resort; I still believe one needs to travel 'smart' even in an AI.  For example, if you wouldn't send your 12-year-old wondering around a hotel alone in your own country, why would you do so in a foreign country?  AI resorts afford you the luxury of excursions with professionals who have planned your every step.  They can offer a taste of a destination and introduce you to the local community.  Cruises, in my opinion, are similar, with the major difference being it floats and not everything is 'all inclusive'.  Whatever the preference, these businesses are built on what sells and the risk of calamity is much less likely than when choosing your own transportation, accommodations, etc.

If opting for a condominium, the process is similar, though more complex.  We have enjoyed condominiums that are similar to an all-inclusive resort in that they offer nice accommodations, pools, beach front and a snack bar, but we get our own living space with a full kitchen.  I get sick of restaurant food very quickly and I love being able to crawl out of bed, sip my coffee, eat my toast and peanut butter, and never be out of my pajamas.  I'm also content to have a meal or two in as a change of pace but that's about as much cooking as I'm in for.  If I had a young family, or there were special dietary considerations, that might be a different story.

Some of the questions you need to ask:  Does the complex offer the level of amenities you desire such as a pool, beach front, food and beverages? Are are other services within walking distance or is public transportation adequate?  These questions are key if you don't plan on cooking all of your meals or renting a vehicle.  A car may provide more flexibility in where you stay and allow you to fly by the seat of your pants with multiple destinations.  Are you comfortable driving a car?  That may depend on your destination.   The availability of accommodations will depend not only on where you go  and your personal preferences (2* vs. 5*) but on the time of year you go.  If you are going to a tourist destination during peak season, options may be limited as your choice facilities may already be fully booked.  In low season, some may be closed and, as it is here at home, if there is a special event going on in the community, rooms may not be readily available.  If you are travelling in a shoulder season, you can likely always find a place to stay provided you are willing to compromise.  A little research will go a long way in helping you decide which plan is best for you. 
If your budget allows, you may want to consider your flight arrangements.  If its a long haul, we sometimes splurge and upgrade if the seats are larger and there are other perks.  In traditional seating, we now choose aisle seats across from each other.  They're larger, easier to get up and down, if only to stretch your legs, and nobody has to sit in the dreaded middle seat. 

Destination: 
Once you have a solid understanding of your budget, time constraints and travel style, you are ready to explore destinations.  Once again, it's about having realistic expectations and gaining the knowledge you need to make the right choices.  If you go to the Rockies in October, don't be surprised if it snows.  If you go to a tropical country during its wet season, make sure you take rain gear.  In choosing a destination, there is an order of magnitude:  continent, country, broad location, region,  and eventually working all the way down to the physical location of the place you want to stay.  As we rarely rent a vehicle, we have restricted our destinations to well developed tourist areas.  By now, we have developed a 'must have' and a 'wish list': a nice beach, preferably safe for swimming (this cannot be assumed); within walking distance of a few amenities such as stores and restaurants; and a good public transportation network.  We like to explore the community, preferably on our own, so we like to assure ourselves that the community is friendly and safe. 

Our first, second and third languages are English, though we have, over time, acquired a hint of Spanglish.  We are not adverse to wondering around in areas where English is spoken very little; in fact, we love the challenge it brings.  A word of advice: it's unrealistic to visit a foreign country where English is not the first language and expect the local population to address you in English.  It simply isn't going to happen.  Do not assume that, because you are staying at a resort frequented by English speaking tourists, that the staff will be fluent.  Think about it:  positions such as housekeeping and kitchen staff are not going to be well paying; just like they are at home, they are often filled by individuals that are not well educated in their own language, let alone in yours.  If being addressed in your native language is important to you, then add it to your list of priorities and choose your destinations accordingly.

By the way, 'destination' is synonymous with 'wherever your fancy takes you'.  It can, in fact, be right out your back door.  While I love to experience new cultures, I am almost as excited to explore any place I am unfamiliar with, be it quadding in the west country or a Saturday afternoon road trip.  Eric just bought himself a fancy-ass sports car and, while I honestly don't 'get' what that is all about, it brings him great joy and I am totally stoked to find out where we go in it!   In fact, I'm mentally putting together a local bucket list this very moment!  

It's All In the Details: 
Once again, the level of success you have in planning your vacation will be directly related to the time and effort someone puts into it.  I am always happy when I receive a recommendation from individuals I know well and have an idea of their travel style.  But beware; the onus is on YOU to ask the right questions.  Use the advice of a good travel agent but, here again, the emphasis is on the word, good.  This usually means someone with many years of experience and an extensive client base.  When they book a trip, a good agent will contact you upon your return to ask how it was.  If you give a place a glowing report, they are likely to recommend it to other clients.  If you don't have a good travel agent, give ours a try.  Her contact information is:  Luana Johnsgaard, luana@travelonly.net.  No matter where you live, because this service is now internet based, she will likely be able to help you and handle any arrangements you might desire.   We are religiously faithful to Luana and use her services every opportunity we have, even to book airfare.  It costs us nothing and helps support her business.  We experienced a family emergency while on vacation and I can tell you now, she is the only reason we got home when we did.  It made us realize the value of having someone with her skills in emergency situations.  While there are many opportunities to book your own vacations on-line, remember that you will be relying on YOU if anything goes wrong.

There are a multitude of sites, such as TripAdvisor and Lonely Planet offering first-hand accounts.  Read enough of them and you will eventually know how to dig through the verbiage to find what you need to know.  There is always someone that complains about everything but if everybody complains about the food, then likely, the food is bad.  One thing I have noticed, while many will comment on the condition of the beach, it's often difficult to find out whether the beach is safe for swimming.  It's used to be hard for me to fathom but there are people who desire a beach front resort but never step foot in the ocean.  There's a reason you can join these sites, people.  It allows you to send a quick email, and ask questions of people who have been there.  Those who take the time to post reviews are trying to be helpful.  It may take a few days, or even a few weeks, but they always answer.  We often exchange contact information with people we meet on vacation.  I never discard it because one day, they might come in handy as another valued resource in the quest for the perfect vacation.

If you are considering renting a condominium, check out sites like HomeAway or VRBO.  Used by private vacation homeowners and rental agencies alike, most encourage users to comment.  There is safety in someone telling you, 'the condo looks exactly like it does in the photos' or that it met or exceeded all their expectations.   There are many owners who like to provide a few extras, such as a couple of days of coffee, laundry and dish detergent.  We have seen it both ways.  When we book a condo, we take a supply of everything we will need for the first few days, right down to the toilet paper.  If you think that's being excessive, spend a night without toilet paper and let me know how that works for you.

Compromise: 

We have had everything from driving vacations to winter destination vacations and still, the best piece of advice I can give you is get out there and do it!  Eric and I have different preferences.  He loves to fish and hunt or, alternatively, lie under a palapa listening to his iPod.  He would be happy returning to the same destination every single year, providing it delivered what he went for -- fish, animals, palapas on the beach.  I, on the other hand, like to experience new places and new things.  Sometimes that can be accomplished by returning to a familiar destination, but seeking out new experiences; usually, that means trying something new.  It's a big old world out there and it's on my bucket list to experience as much of it as I possibly can.  Not only is there a compromise in where we go, we both realize, as we extend our winter vacation time, we are going to have to revisit our list of priorities because we simply won't be able to afford it any other way.   We know we could both be quite comfortable in a little casita somewhere within walking distance of the beach; where is what we are stuck on for the moment, but it will come, I'm sure.

When travelling in a groups, you need to expect compromises.  Sometimes the compromise is simply letting someone else make the plans and going along (okay, perhaps I'm not 'there' yet).  When you are the one making the plans, sometimes, it's about trying to find the place that will meet the majority of expectations within the limits of an agreed upon budget.  While we've had some interesting times, we've never had a bad vacation.  We've had bad experiences, but even that is in the eye of the individual.  Some people consider it a bad experience when you're flying club class and the first thing you discover is that they didn't stock Baileys. . . .okay, that would be me. . .okay, that WAS me. . . .and while it WAS disappointing, the stewards were great and did everything they could to make up for it. . . .

So!  I think I've shared all the tidbits and travel nuggets that I've presently got up my sleeve.  The next step is up to you.  I encourage you to share this information, ask questions or correct me.  It's all about sharing information, right?  Meanwhile, get out there and get going!  Happy Trails to You!

Travel Talk: How We Spent Our Winter Holiday - 2014

 

Where We Went:  Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo:

The beautiful Playa la Madera, Zihuatanejo
Home of the Zihuatanejo International Guitar Festival

In past years, I have provided an overview of the sister communities of Ixtapa and  Zihuatanejo, located on the Pacific Coast of Mexico.  Ixtapa is a planned community, developed in the 1970's by Fonatur, much like Cancun.  Whereas Cancun has taken off like a house on fire,  Ixtapa's growth has been slow to develop which we consider an asset as the community continues to retain the ambience of a true Mexican community.  Zihuatanejo is occupied primarily by Mexicans.  Although tourism is clearly evident, there is still very much a Mexican vibe.  Working with United Nations, this community is not simply a beach destination, it is a “Culture of Peace Community”, where all segments of the population are working to instill basic human values throughout. While we can't speak toward any official peace-loving status, we can certainly attest to the basic kindness and genuine interest in the wellbeing of the tourists that we have experienced on each of our visits.  Although English is not widely spoken, the desire to connect is strong; all you need to do is demonstrate a little interest.  We have learned much about the community simply by interacting with everyone and anyone.  If you would like to read more about our experiences, check out my blog post,  http://hpdsinc.blogspot.ca/2013/03/how-i-spent-my-winter-vacation.html

 

What We Did:

Zihuatanejo International Guitar Festival http://www.zihuafest.info/:

A little vino, a little dancing on the beach
Opening Concert, Zihuatanejo International Guitar Festival

 

If you have followed our travel experiences, you will know that, in 2012, we opted for a spontaneous trip (as in booked it Thursday and arrived Saturday 'spontaneous') to Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo.  We are music lovers and, as I cruised various websites, I stumbled upon the Zihuatanejo International Guitar Festival (ZIGF).  That first year, we caught about half of the festival and we were so impressed that we returned for the entire event in 2013.  Although we couldn't possibly see ZIGF delivering the same level of service and quality of music two years in a row, we were dead wrong.   With a combination of repeat performances and new musicians, we were just as wowed.  We love the host community, the informal venues--usually open air restaurants and beach--and the music. . . well, what is there to say except that one rarely has opportunity to experience so many world class musicians at such a ridiculously low price, in such an awesome setting.

 

Collaborations are the Greatest
Josue Tacaronte, Cuba/Mexico; Kai Kurasawa, Japan/USA;
Paul Pigat, Canada; Adrian Raso, Canada; Goh Kurosawa, Japan/USA

 

Shortly after fundraising for the 2014 festival began, Eric and I made a conscious decision to sponsor ZIGF.  We are not, by any means, wealthy people; we are your average, everyday working class, middle income couple that saves up for each and every holiday.  We do, however, try to support activities within and outside of our community, that we feel has a broader benefit.  ZIGF met our criteria; it operates on a shoestring budget; relies heavily on volunteerism; and it benefits the broader community.  Not only does ZIGF have a loyal (if small) group of followers, it continues to bring new people to the lovely City of Zihuatanejo.  The Festival hosts a school concert where community children are introduced to music and the world of guitars, and interact with the musicians, as well as a public free concert for everyone to enjoy. 

Our Founders Club Passes with
the 2014 Program

Fundraising proved to be a bit more of a challenge this year; in fact, sufficient funds were raised only 23 short days prior to the Festival.  In that time, a goodly chunk of change was raised; the musicians confirmed; accommodation and venues booked; and all the little extras that must be addressed (permitting, licenses, food& beverage venues, sound, seating, etc.) were attended to.  Suffice to say, for the third year in a row, we were, once again, not disappointed. To show our support, we joined a group of nine to become the Festival's inaugural 'Founders Club', entitling us to a few extra perks such as access to all venues and galas, inclusion in the Musician's Welcome Dinner and reserved front row seating at the Opening and Closing Concerts.   This year, the evening concerts were held on beautiful Playa la Madera, while galas were interspersed amongst several of the area's popular restaurants.  We also made a purchase of a guitar, handmade by fine Paracho luthier, Fernando Ganzales, and signed by all the musicians.  In Paracho, skills are often passed down through multiple generations.  What makes our guitar special for us is that it is the first guitar Fernando constructed with his son.  It was a great honor for us to have them sign the guitar as well. 

Folk meets Heavy Metal
Gliese 229, Mexico City

 

Although the festival suffered a small shortfall, it was successful enough to draw the attention of the State, which recognized the event as an opportunity to continue attracting visitors to the community.  The dates for the 2015 Zihuatanejo International Guitar Festival have already been set to run March 6-15.  We haven't actually booked our return, let's just say, there's talk. . .  and we will continue to support this wonderful little event in any way that we can.  If I have sparked your interest in any way, shape or form, here are the questions you need to ask yourself:  are you a lover of great music of all genres?  Does the vision of being serenaded by world class musicians, on a world class beach, in a world class destination do anything for you?  Let's add the intimacy of small venues where everybody seems to know your name. If the answer is yes, to any (or all) of these questions, you owe it to yourself to check it out; we are confident you will have no regrets.  The Zihuatanejo International Guitar Festival has both a website (above) and Facebook page if you want to keep yourself abreast of its progress towards next year's event.

Touring the Zihuatanejo Area:



Contemplation

We learned many years ago to spend as much time as possible elbow to elbow with the group leader of any guided tour.  While each guide may have a 'canned' presentation, they are a huge well of knowledge about the area which they are more than willing to share if one shows the interest and asks.  I happen to be a bit of a history buff and have a strong desire to understand the culture we are imposing upon.  No doubt, you have seen people like us on other tours.  We are the ones that run to the bus so we can get the seat right behind the driver.  When we don't have our noses flattened against the window, we are plying the driver with questions.  It's amazing what one can learn. . . but you do need to ask as your escort will be careful not to get in the way of your personal experience and we each have different needs.

our friend and
guide Miguel Martinez

On our first visit to Zihuatanejo (often referred to as Zihua), we had the immense fortune of connecting with one of the best guides we have ever been privileged to travel with.  What sets Miguel Martinez apart from his colleagues is, he is not only passionate about his country and his community, but loves its history as well.  If he senses you have an interest, he will take the time to explain cultural innuendos and various landmarks regardless of their significance.  He is somewhat akin to a walking encyclopedia on every subject that has a local implication, from plants and wildlife to archeology and architecture, to culture and religious importance. Believe me, we have tried!   If you have been blessed with an enquiring mind or you just want to be sure you are travelling with someone who will take very good care of you, is fluent in English and truly knows what he is talking about, we highly recommend you contact Miguel  at saldivar66@gmail.com.  We were so impressed that we have kept in touch, used his services on each of our visits, and are honored to regard him as our friend.  I assure you, you will not be disappointed.

In previous visits, we explored the beautiful neighbouring state of Michoacán, well known for its abundant craftsmen.  We visited, Paracho where guitars are built; Santa Clara de Cobra (copper); Patzcuaro, which is architecturally stunning and located in a beautiful setting, the Paricutin Volcano and the nearby village of Angahuan.  An unexpected highlight of that particular trip was when Miguel wrangled us an invitation into one of the local homes  Not only did they provide us with a tour, we sampled their food, came away with a gift of tea leaves, picked and dried in the hills.  We were able to help them out by purchasing their handmade items that they would otherwise have sold in the street.  This was a very cool day for us, completely instigated by Miguel.

We will, one day, return to Michoacán, but we thought it time we explored our host community, Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo.   Prior to the 1970s, economic activity was based on fishing and agriculture.   Today, almost 3/4 of the population is engaged in the tourism sector and, with the lag in this sector over the past few years, you can only imagine how this has affected the local economy.  Geographically, the area is mountainous and rugged; much of the developed area hugs the shoreline or is situated in the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains.  As we explored the local area, Miguel would often take the time to orient us, referring to a particular beach or community as being 'just over that hill'.  It became a bit of a standing joke for us that everything in the area was 'just over that hill'.  Visit, and you will get my drift.

 


Playa Blanca, Barra de Potosi

We provided Miguel a couple of ideas of what we might find interesting and then we were off.  First, we headed for the village of Barra de Potosi, on the lovely Playa Blanca, for lunch, making a quick stop at Playa Larga, a 15 km stretch of unspoiled sandy beach.  Barra de Potosi is a fishing community of about 600, located on a large lagoon, where it meets with the ocean.  You can pick up a tour of the lagoon, a large mangrove estuary teeming with wildlife; go on a fishing adventure; or, as we did, simply enjoy lunch at one of the many beachside restaurants and stroll the beach.  There is a laid-back vibe to this little village, right down to the hammocks suspended between the tables, just in case you need a little 'after dinner' siesta.  One can look across the inlet and see a restaurant located on a small jetty of land.  During the dry season, the lagoon recedes and one can walk to the restaurant but, when the water is high, access is by way of boat or a bit of a swim.  While one might think this a bit of a deterrent to patrons, we not only witnessed people swimming across but, even from a distance, one could see a good number of customers.  This beautiful beach has also attracted its share of ex-pats who, I am happy to report, have not only been well received by the local community but contribute to the community by lending support to the school and teaching English,  not to mention, frequenting the local establishments.  We would seriously consider staying here as there is a variety of accommodations and places to eat.  I would be remiss if I didn't also mention this community is also home to the highly regarded El Refugio de Potosi, a private, not-for-profit ecological conservation initiative promoting conservation, preservation, education and research.   

need a little siesta time?  we have the place for you

Backtracking toward Zihuatanejo, is the community of Petatlan.  It's downtown district is built around a church located atop a hill, said to be a ruin.  Friar Juan Bautista founded the first church here in 1555, however, it was destroyed by an earthquake caused when the Paricutin volcano erupted, some 350 miles northeast, in 1943. The present church was constructed in 1949, badly damaged by another earthquake in 1985, and repaired in 1990.  It is dedicated to Padre Jesús de Petatlán who's sculpture of the Christ, located inside the church, is considered to have produced many miracles. Petatlan is a regional pilgrimage site, particularly visited during Holy Week by as 30,000 people.



Mirrors on the Ceilings, Pink Champagne on Ice. . .

Earlier this year, I stumbled upon a blog post about a replica of the Greek Parthenon located on Playa la Ropa, Zihuatanejo and I wasn't going home without at least trying to get in to see it.  As it turns out, the guards were kind enough to allow us to wander the premises at will, provided we offer up a small token of gratitude to the caretakers.  Dubbed the Palace of Corruption, El Partenon y el Negro Durazo was a vacation home of Arturo "El Negro" Durazo, a Mexico City Police Chief who successfully converted his police force into a racketeering empire.   Although his salary could never have supported his habits, he acquired two palatial homes, a collection of vintage automobiles and properties in both Canada and the U.S.  Durazo amassed a fortune in illicit wealth from the bribes paid by every cop in the City, the drug trade, and kickbacks .  The law eventually caught up with him; he was apprehended while 'on the lamb' in Costa Rica, jailed for several years, and his properties confiscated.  Due to ill health, Durazo was granted a $3M pesos bail in 1992 and released, having completed 6 of a 16 year-sentence.  He died in 2000 at the age of 76.  Rumour has it, his ghost keeps watch outside the massive front gates.  If true, he didn't bother us and, perhaps, was thankful for the company.  If nothing else, you have to admit, it makes for one heck of a story.

El Partenon is truly something of an architectural if somewhat garish sensation.  With dozens of roman sculptures, and frescos, reportedly imported from Italy, this 4-bedroom 5 bath home quite literally screams bordello, right down to the mirrored ceilings of each bedroom.  Besides the front yard swimming pool, and outdoor entertainment area, there is a large cage where Durazo is reported to have kept a pet lion; what appears to be a parking structure; and staff quarters, complete with outdoor cooking area sufficient for preparing copious quantities of food.

Guerrero State eventually claimed the property which was gifted, in turn, to the local university, in hopes that it could be reclaimed as a local community treasure.  We understand this acquisition is wrapped in red tape and litigation so it's unclear what the outcome will be.  Although not exactly on the official roster of 'Things to Do and See in Zihuatanejo', if you are even remotely interested in architecture and folklore, or just want to subject yourself to perhaps the most stunning views of Playa la Madera you will ever experience, it might just be a highlight of your excursion.  Personally, it's these unexpected little gems that totally make my day.

 

We continued about 30 minutes north of Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo to Troncones. Known for its many miles of unspoiled, virgin surfing beaches, Troncones is home to about 500 people.  The village includes a school, church and cemetery, in the Mexican fashion, as well as a few stores offering basic necessities.  Reportedly, until only a few decades ago, the area was completely undeveloped; one man built a home and today, the beach is lined with large vacation homes, many available for rent.  There is no public transit; cab fare is about $75 US one-way.  I suppose beauty is in the eye of the beholder but, for all I have read about this area, I admit some disappointment.  While the beach is truly beautiful, nothing but the beach represents 'real Mexico', although that's often what one reads about it.

Heading south, back toward Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo, we stopped at Playa Linda, home to a beachside RV park, condominiums and resort hotels. The area is frequented by locals and tourists alike and is supported by public transportation to Ixtapa Commercial.  There is also a 5+/- mile walking/bike path between Playa Linda and Ixtapa, where it is easy to connect to public transportation or cabs into Zihuatanejo.  Patio chairs, tables and beach umbrellas are available for rent at la Langosta Loca, which also provides free showers to its beach customers.  Playa Linda is also where you can catch a boat to Ixtapa Island which, we have been told by many, is an absolute 'must see'.  The Habitat Natural de Cocodrilos provides viewing platforms where you can observe crocodiles, iguana, turtles, and several species of birds, including pink spoonbills.  For the most part, the sanctuary is fenced off from the public but make no mistake, away from the public eye, these critters are free to roam.  Though we have yet to see a crocodile in the wild, there are many signs warning of their presence, particularly in the vicinity of golf courses.  That would certainly make searching for lost balls a challenge, wouldn't it!

Habitat Natural de Cocodrilos

Our excursion with Miguel was approximately 8 hours long and we loved every minute of it but you can make it what you want.  His vehicle is an 8 passenger SUV so there opportunity to share the expenses with others; we just enjoy hoarding him ha! ha!

 truly hope you have found the information I've provided useful or, at the very least, entertaining and informative.  I'm a huge supporter of information sharing.  I like to read about the travels of others, in hopes of learning something new and discovering a new destination, if only in my imagination.  Sometimes, I'm inspired and make an opportunity to check their destinations out for myself.  I encourage you to share this information and provide feedback, whether you find yourself motivated to visit any of the mentioned sites or you have a differing opinion.  Like I said, it's all about sharing the knowledge in order to help us plot a new adventure.