Hurricane season started officially in June, and we have certainly had a lot more rain. Where in the previous months I can't remember more than 1 rainy day, since June the rain has never been too far away. Sometimes there doesn't seem any warning, like the sudden storm during my yoga class on Friday. By the time I came out the sun had returned and the roads had already dried. But I've learned to carry an umbrella in my bag.
It's great that I don't have to water the plants on my balcony now, and the bougainvillea is really taking off.
The temperatures have been a few degrees lower, somewhere between 23 and 25 C, but the most noticeable difference is the reduction in the humidity. It's such a pleasant change.
I've not heard anythng yet about whether hurricanes are expected, but there is information up at the Council about the various types of warnings, and what to do for each. There are shelters spread around Playa so I know where to go if there is a red alert. Although there are always hurricanes in the Caribbean at this time of the year, many of them are out at sea and pose no danger to the populated areas. And even those heading this way sometimes turn at the last minute. It's been several years since there was a serious one here, and I hope several more before the next!
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Girls Rule at Coral Maya Suites
There are 6 condos in the block where I live in Playa, Coral Maya Suites. So far, 5 of them have been sold, but it's only this week that 2 of us worked it out. All 5 sold so far are owned solely by women! I find that quite amazing. We are pleased because we all have ideas of how we want our block to look, and once the developer hands it over next month we can start adding those female touches.
I say "owned solely by women" because not all the women owners are single, My neighbour downstairs lives with a partner, and Margaret from upstairs also has a partner but he's not always there. We don't know the person who owns the other downstairs unit, only that she's female.
The woman next door to me is a mexican diplomat to Guatemala and appears to be single like me. As long as she is working there, her place will be rented out, but I have her details and we can keep in touch.
So, one penthouse still to go - any (female, of course) takers for the last one?
I say "owned solely by women" because not all the women owners are single, My neighbour downstairs lives with a partner, and Margaret from upstairs also has a partner but he's not always there. We don't know the person who owns the other downstairs unit, only that she's female.
The woman next door to me is a mexican diplomat to Guatemala and appears to be single like me. As long as she is working there, her place will be rented out, but I have her details and we can keep in touch.
So, one penthouse still to go - any (female, of course) takers for the last one?
Friday, June 24, 2011
Pharmacy savings
I tried here in Playa to get a repeat of some pills my Doctor in Australia has prescribed for me, but they told me that I needed a prescription. I think this is quite a new thing as you used to be able to get almost anything over the counter without a script. There were probably too many people self-medicating.
The pharmacist said don't worry there is a doctor next door, no actually there she is waiting outside the surgery. The doctor turned around and asked if I needed a script, then motioned me to her lovely air-conditioned room. She asked why my doctor had prescribed these pills, and some general questions, then wrote out the note. For that, she charged me 35 pesos (less than $3). When I checked the script later, this doctor is a surgeon, trained in Guadalajara, and she gets paid only $3 for a consult (and no co-payment from the government). Mexico doesn't seem to be the place to be if you have a medical degree.
I was then able to buy the pills for 45 pesos (less than $4) for a pack of 40. In Australia I had paid about $20 for a pack of 30. They gave me back the script so that next time I need them I just show it again.
It's great that it's so easy to see a doctor when you need to, no appointments, rarely do you need to wait, no hassles. It also turns out that literally across the road from casa mia, there is a medical centre with a skin specialist and a gynecologist. So I can have my regular pap smears done, and skin cancers treated here too. It just keeps getting better.
The pharmacist said don't worry there is a doctor next door, no actually there she is waiting outside the surgery. The doctor turned around and asked if I needed a script, then motioned me to her lovely air-conditioned room. She asked why my doctor had prescribed these pills, and some general questions, then wrote out the note. For that, she charged me 35 pesos (less than $3). When I checked the script later, this doctor is a surgeon, trained in Guadalajara, and she gets paid only $3 for a consult (and no co-payment from the government). Mexico doesn't seem to be the place to be if you have a medical degree.
I was then able to buy the pills for 45 pesos (less than $4) for a pack of 40. In Australia I had paid about $20 for a pack of 30. They gave me back the script so that next time I need them I just show it again.
It's great that it's so easy to see a doctor when you need to, no appointments, rarely do you need to wait, no hassles. It also turns out that literally across the road from casa mia, there is a medical centre with a skin specialist and a gynecologist. So I can have my regular pap smears done, and skin cancers treated here too. It just keeps getting better.
Shoe repairs
My favourite shoes got soaked when I got caught in a sudden downpour a few weeks ago, and the sole inside one shoe has started to break down. I've been wearing them anyway but now it's starting to hurt my foot. They are really comfy leather sandals and I'm reluctant to say good bye to them, so I took the shoe to my favourite bootmaker who has a tiny stall a few streets away.
He saw the problem immediately and told me I'd need a new sole. Digging around in his boxes he brought out a piece of soft leather and explained to me that he would cut it from this, was that OK? Fine, I said, shall I pick it up on Monday? No, no, he says, come back tomorrow, about the same time "when the sun is high in the sky".
Wondering whether I'd need to go to the bank again, I asked how much. "30 pesos senora", he tells me. That's $A2.50. I'm sure the piece of leather must cost more than that, and I can't see any self-respecting bootmaker in Australia getting out of bed for $2.50.
Ah, I love Mexico! If you had all your shoe repairs done here it would probably pay for your air ticket!
He saw the problem immediately and told me I'd need a new sole. Digging around in his boxes he brought out a piece of soft leather and explained to me that he would cut it from this, was that OK? Fine, I said, shall I pick it up on Monday? No, no, he says, come back tomorrow, about the same time "when the sun is high in the sky".
Wondering whether I'd need to go to the bank again, I asked how much. "30 pesos senora", he tells me. That's $A2.50. I'm sure the piece of leather must cost more than that, and I can't see any self-respecting bootmaker in Australia getting out of bed for $2.50.
Ah, I love Mexico! If you had all your shoe repairs done here it would probably pay for your air ticket!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Whale shark season
From June to september the whale sharks appear around the top of the Yucatan peninsula, and there are various tour operators who will take you out to swim or snorkel with them.
I've been reading a bit about the creatures, they are not whales, but the largest filter feeder fish on the planet, and they can grow to 30 feet long. They swim along the sea at 5kph with their mouths wide open to swallow algae, plankton and various yummy treats like that. Their mouths are large enough to swallow a man whole, but they are gentle vegetarian creatures with tiny teeth and absolutely safe to swim with. This is apparently the largest concentration of whale sharks in the world.
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Only 2 people at a time are allowed in with the sharks, but you get about 4 goes in each trip which costs around $120. Not sure whether we have them in Aus, but I think this would be a great experience and I'm looking forward to seeing them.
I've been reading a bit about the creatures, they are not whales, but the largest filter feeder fish on the planet, and they can grow to 30 feet long. They swim along the sea at 5kph with their mouths wide open to swallow algae, plankton and various yummy treats like that. Their mouths are large enough to swallow a man whole, but they are gentle vegetarian creatures with tiny teeth and absolutely safe to swim with. This is apparently the largest concentration of whale sharks in the world.
Only 2 people at a time are allowed in with the sharks, but you get about 4 goes in each trip which costs around $120. Not sure whether we have them in Aus, but I think this would be a great experience and I'm looking forward to seeing them.
New neighbours
In the last few weeks new owners have moved into 2 of the condos in my block. I am REALLY pleased to be able to tell you that both ladies are great!
My next door neighbour works in Guatemala for the Mexican consulate, so she won't be here all year, but will try to rent her condo for 2-3 month periods. She's about my age and seems really nice, quiet and friendly.
My neighbour upstairs and across is a mid-30s Canadian of Polish descent. She's a livewire and bundle of energy, and has been back and forth to my condo for advice and discussion about lots of things here. It's great having been here only 4 months to be the one giving advice and helping out! We have eaten together a few times, and in fact I'm going shopping with her this afternoon to get some electronics. She will also only be living here 4 or 5 months each year and is hoping to find some medium-term renters. In fact, we have both been talking to agencies about rentals, and some of them are just outrageous! One of them wanted $100 a month PLUS 35% of the rent, and she wanted me to buy 2 bicycles for the renters too lazy to walk the 6 blocks to the beach!!!! plus other things like a washing machine and numerous beach towels. In the end she'd take half the rent and I'd lose more than the other half buying all this extra stuff, not to mention where am I going to store 2 bikes?
My place is still on the internet but I think I might concentrate on houseswaps.
But I'm SO happy that this time I have good neighbours. There are now people in 5 of the 6 condos and so far so good. Fingers crossed!
My next door neighbour works in Guatemala for the Mexican consulate, so she won't be here all year, but will try to rent her condo for 2-3 month periods. She's about my age and seems really nice, quiet and friendly.
My neighbour upstairs and across is a mid-30s Canadian of Polish descent. She's a livewire and bundle of energy, and has been back and forth to my condo for advice and discussion about lots of things here. It's great having been here only 4 months to be the one giving advice and helping out! We have eaten together a few times, and in fact I'm going shopping with her this afternoon to get some electronics. She will also only be living here 4 or 5 months each year and is hoping to find some medium-term renters. In fact, we have both been talking to agencies about rentals, and some of them are just outrageous! One of them wanted $100 a month PLUS 35% of the rent, and she wanted me to buy 2 bicycles for the renters too lazy to walk the 6 blocks to the beach!!!! plus other things like a washing machine and numerous beach towels. In the end she'd take half the rent and I'd lose more than the other half buying all this extra stuff, not to mention where am I going to store 2 bikes?
My place is still on the internet but I think I might concentrate on houseswaps.
But I'm SO happy that this time I have good neighbours. There are now people in 5 of the 6 condos and so far so good. Fingers crossed!
Sunday, June 19, 2011
108 Sun salutations to celebrate the summer solstice!
Yesterday the whole yoga community of Playa gathered on the roof of one of the hotels with a wonderful sea view, to celebrate the summer solstice by offering 108 Salutes to the Sun. For those not familiar with yoga, each salute is made up of several different postures from forward bends to lunges, planks, cobras, and downward dogs.
I reckon there were about 250 yogis there, men and women all dressed in white, there was a lot of chanting, singing and probably a few mumbled curses when your spine starts to complain about the prolonged movement. It was a pretty amazing experience, the sharing of group energy with so many people, and a lot of exultation when we finished.
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Fortunately, yesterday was an overcast day with almost no humidity (a nice change after 4 months of hot hot days and 90%+ humidity) so it was cool to exercise. Unfortunately the Rain Gods smiled down on us and the skies opened, once before we started, and twice during the offering, so by the end our yoga mats were soaked and most of us looked like drowned rats. It's the first time I've ever been cold in Playa!
The number 108 is a sacred number and has special significance and occurs often in nature. For example, the distance between the earth and the moon, divided by the moon's diameter, is 108. Similarly the distance between earth & the sun, divided by the sun's diameter, is 108. The diameter of the sun is also 108 times the diameter of earth.
It is also 1 to the first power, by 2 to the 2nd power, by 3 to the third power (1 x 4 x 27). There are 108 beads on a rosary, and on an Indian mantra chain.
There are 108 stiches on a baseball.
In astrology there are 12 houses and 9 planets, 12 x 9 = 108
It is a Harshad number because it is divisible by the sum of its digits
well, I could go on and on, but you get the message.
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Not everyone did all 108 salutes (me included, I reckon I completed between 60-70), and it's OK to do 1 or 2 and breathe through the next 5, or whatever suits your body. Yogis believe in Ahimsa, looking after your body, honouring and respecting it - like "First do no harm". There was a suggestion that if 108 of us each did one salute .....
But in the end, the group energy just carried you along, the chanting, the singing. It's an experience I would not have missed. This is the 5th year it's been done in Playa and I look forward to the next one. Maybe I should start training now to do all 108!
I reckon there were about 250 yogis there, men and women all dressed in white, there was a lot of chanting, singing and probably a few mumbled curses when your spine starts to complain about the prolonged movement. It was a pretty amazing experience, the sharing of group energy with so many people, and a lot of exultation when we finished.
The number 108 is a sacred number and has special significance and occurs often in nature. For example, the distance between the earth and the moon, divided by the moon's diameter, is 108. Similarly the distance between earth & the sun, divided by the sun's diameter, is 108. The diameter of the sun is also 108 times the diameter of earth.
It is also 1 to the first power, by 2 to the 2nd power, by 3 to the third power (1 x 4 x 27). There are 108 beads on a rosary, and on an Indian mantra chain.
There are 108 stiches on a baseball.
In astrology there are 12 houses and 9 planets, 12 x 9 = 108
It is a Harshad number because it is divisible by the sum of its digits
well, I could go on and on, but you get the message.
Not everyone did all 108 salutes (me included, I reckon I completed between 60-70), and it's OK to do 1 or 2 and breathe through the next 5, or whatever suits your body. Yogis believe in Ahimsa, looking after your body, honouring and respecting it - like "First do no harm". There was a suggestion that if 108 of us each did one salute .....
But in the end, the group energy just carried you along, the chanting, the singing. It's an experience I would not have missed. This is the 5th year it's been done in Playa and I look forward to the next one. Maybe I should start training now to do all 108!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
What you should really worry about when visiting Mexico
Following my post on safety in Mexico, I found this article by travel writer Susie Albin-Najera, who is often asked about that exact subject. She has come up with some things you SHOULD worry about. Number 6 is my favourite, but I manage to handle it by doing both.
"People ask me everyday if Mexico is safe. “Is Mexico safe? Will I get shot?” Well, I suppose it’s like if a person from Mexico asked me if they would get shot if they traveled to Los Angeles. Is it possible? Yes. Is it probable? No.
The fact is, you have a 1.3% chance of being a victim of crime in Mexico.
But, as a frequent traveler to Mexico, I think it’s only fair to let you know that there are some warnings to traveling in Mexico.
So, here is a list of things you just might have to worry about while you’re visiting Mexico:
"People ask me everyday if Mexico is safe. “Is Mexico safe? Will I get shot?” Well, I suppose it’s like if a person from Mexico asked me if they would get shot if they traveled to Los Angeles. Is it possible? Yes. Is it probable? No.
The fact is, you have a 1.3% chance of being a victim of crime in Mexico.
But, as a frequent traveler to Mexico, I think it’s only fair to let you know that there are some warnings to traveling in Mexico.
So, here is a list of things you just might have to worry about while you’re visiting Mexico:
- You might overeat at the endless Sunday brunch and get heartburn
- You might trip and fall on the cobblestone streets
- You might get acid indigestion from too much fresh squeezed lemonade
- You might get sunburned and have to spend extra money buying aloe vera gel
- You might lose your hearing if you are sitting next to a 26-piece mariachi band
- You might have a hard time deciding whether to go to the beach or get a massage
- You might hit someone with a golf ball because you were blinded by the sun
- You might get really tired from having so much fun, that you forget to buy souvenirs for your family back home, and they might get mad
- You might fall completely, head-over-heals in love and never want to leave which causes you to be depressed when you have to go to the airport to go back home
Angel Notion bows out
I was so excited just a few weeks ago to start volunteer work with Angel Notion. This week I discovered that the local council has taken back the premises that they had been using for some years to help the local community. I've spent the last few days helping pack everything in boxes. Maybe they can team up with another charity in a suburb south of here, but nothing seems definite.
I was really disappointed that the council would do something like this to an organisation that has done so much good work for many years. But I also discovered that Angel Notion had known about this possibility for some months and neither told anyone, nor done anything. Head in the sand attitude. It seems that Mexicans don't like to deal with unpleasant things. To the point where even last week, the volunteer coordinator was talking about planting a vege garden.
So it seems my volunteer career with AN is over for the time being. Back to the drawing board.
My work with Coco's cat refuge continues. May the kitten has grown so much and has much more confidence. I'll miss her. She will be collected tomorrow and I have been promised two ginger kittens, but one is still quite ill and not ready to be discharged from the clinic yet, so I will have a few cat-less days. It will no doubt feel quite strange!
I was really disappointed that the council would do something like this to an organisation that has done so much good work for many years. But I also discovered that Angel Notion had known about this possibility for some months and neither told anyone, nor done anything. Head in the sand attitude. It seems that Mexicans don't like to deal with unpleasant things. To the point where even last week, the volunteer coordinator was talking about planting a vege garden.
So it seems my volunteer career with AN is over for the time being. Back to the drawing board.
My work with Coco's cat refuge continues. May the kitten has grown so much and has much more confidence. I'll miss her. She will be collected tomorrow and I have been promised two ginger kittens, but one is still quite ill and not ready to be discharged from the clinic yet, so I will have a few cat-less days. It will no doubt feel quite strange!
Dirty Martinis and hot Tamales!
Joining the water aerobics class has really improved my social life. Not only do the participants like to have a drink after each class, but on Fridays they often have lunch together.
On the first week, they went to the Dirty Martini Bar (owned by one of our co-exercisers) where the choice of different flavoured martinis was enough to make your head spin.
Last week, a huge pot of tamales was deposited for us in the restaurant in front of the pool. I've heard the expression "hot tamale" but didn't know what was in it and had never had one. It's an interesting concoction of a spicy pork or chicken stew wrapped in corn meal, then in a banana leaf, and steamed.
Personally I enjoyed the filling but found the corn coating rather doughy and heavy.
So, wonder what's in store this week?
On the first week, they went to the Dirty Martini Bar (owned by one of our co-exercisers) where the choice of different flavoured martinis was enough to make your head spin.
Last week, a huge pot of tamales was deposited for us in the restaurant in front of the pool. I've heard the expression "hot tamale" but didn't know what was in it and had never had one. It's an interesting concoction of a spicy pork or chicken stew wrapped in corn meal, then in a banana leaf, and steamed.
Personally I enjoyed the filling but found the corn coating rather doughy and heavy.
So, wonder what's in store this week?
SAFETY IN MEXICO!
This is a subject I get asked about all the time, and so I was pleased to have some good statistics to be able to reassure my friends who worry about me.
Here it is:
"The official number of 111 U.S. citizens who were killed in Mexico last year may seem scary at first, but this was out of the almost 8 million U.S. citizens who visited Mexico last year. In comparison, Boston, Las Vegas and Orlando also had 111 murders last year, and almost 1,000 U.S. citizens were killed in Puerto Rico (a country that gets far less press). The statistic becomes even more grounded once other facts are presented, namely, that a third of those 111 murders happened in just 2 cities and almost all of them were involved “in illicit vocations, usually the trafficking of guns, drugs, or people across the border.”
Best of all, Lonely Planet has published a list of the 8 places to safely visit Mexico now:
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/mexico/travel-tips-and-articles/76638
and I'm happy to see that Playa del Carmen has come in at no 6 - actually I don't think they are even in order of safety.
The San Francisco Chronicle adds some interesting statistics. Mexico City has been considered a relatively dangerous place for years. In 2010, Mexico City's drug-related death rate was 2.2 per 100,000 people. Washington DC's homicide rate is 24 per 100,000. Yes that's right, more than 10 times more. Kinda adds some perspective doesn't it?
The Yucatan peninsula where I live is one of the safest in the country.
So, please don't worry about me, either at home or travelling within this wonderful country. I research places I'm interested in visiting so I'm aware of the likelihood of any dramas. And as we all know, unfortunately none of us are really safe anywhere any more. Accidents happen and when your time's up... I just hope I'm not flying when the pilot's time's up!
I hope more of you might reconsider visiting Mexico. It's a wonderful place with happy, good-hearted people and some wonderful history. Look beyond what the media like to sensationalize to what's true. I look forward to welcoming you soon.
Here it is:
"The official number of 111 U.S. citizens who were killed in Mexico last year may seem scary at first, but this was out of the almost 8 million U.S. citizens who visited Mexico last year. In comparison, Boston, Las Vegas and Orlando also had 111 murders last year, and almost 1,000 U.S. citizens were killed in Puerto Rico (a country that gets far less press). The statistic becomes even more grounded once other facts are presented, namely, that a third of those 111 murders happened in just 2 cities and almost all of them were involved “in illicit vocations, usually the trafficking of guns, drugs, or people across the border.”
Best of all, Lonely Planet has published a list of the 8 places to safely visit Mexico now:
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/mexico/travel-tips-and-articles/76638
and I'm happy to see that Playa del Carmen has come in at no 6 - actually I don't think they are even in order of safety.
The San Francisco Chronicle adds some interesting statistics. Mexico City has been considered a relatively dangerous place for years. In 2010, Mexico City's drug-related death rate was 2.2 per 100,000 people. Washington DC's homicide rate is 24 per 100,000. Yes that's right, more than 10 times more. Kinda adds some perspective doesn't it?
The Yucatan peninsula where I live is one of the safest in the country.
So, please don't worry about me, either at home or travelling within this wonderful country. I research places I'm interested in visiting so I'm aware of the likelihood of any dramas. And as we all know, unfortunately none of us are really safe anywhere any more. Accidents happen and when your time's up... I just hope I'm not flying when the pilot's time's up!
I hope more of you might reconsider visiting Mexico. It's a wonderful place with happy, good-hearted people and some wonderful history. Look beyond what the media like to sensationalize to what's true. I look forward to welcoming you soon.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Busy days
My new schedule is keeping me busy.
It rained on Monday, so water aerobics was cancelled and I spent a few hours trolling the internet for flights "home" for Christmas - tick!
On Tuesday I got up early for the 8.30am yoga class, then went out to Angel Notions to volunteer. A friend came with me and we started on 2 big tasks - cleaning out the storeroom, and updating a spreadsheet for the medical files.
I got home about 2.30 and had a bit of time to relax before salsa lessons at the Havana club from 7.30 till 9pm.
Today has been a VERY hectic day. I started yoga at 8.30 and finished at 11.20, then did a mad dash home to change into my swimmers and bolt down to the pool for aquarobics at noon.
Thursday is a sleep-in because yoga doesn't start till 10, then I'll go back to Angel Notions.
Friday is another 8.30am yoga class, and I'll have time to have a coffee at home before aquarobics at noon. I usually go to the Sensi bar on Friday night to listen to a friend's band.
I have my massage on Saturday morning, then down to the beach.
Sunday is library and movie day - I'm planning on Pirates of the Caribbean 4 this week.
I hope I can keep up this pace!
It rained on Monday, so water aerobics was cancelled and I spent a few hours trolling the internet for flights "home" for Christmas - tick!
On Tuesday I got up early for the 8.30am yoga class, then went out to Angel Notions to volunteer. A friend came with me and we started on 2 big tasks - cleaning out the storeroom, and updating a spreadsheet for the medical files.
I got home about 2.30 and had a bit of time to relax before salsa lessons at the Havana club from 7.30 till 9pm.
Today has been a VERY hectic day. I started yoga at 8.30 and finished at 11.20, then did a mad dash home to change into my swimmers and bolt down to the pool for aquarobics at noon.
Thursday is a sleep-in because yoga doesn't start till 10, then I'll go back to Angel Notions.
Friday is another 8.30am yoga class, and I'll have time to have a coffee at home before aquarobics at noon. I usually go to the Sensi bar on Friday night to listen to a friend's band.
I have my massage on Saturday morning, then down to the beach.
Sunday is library and movie day - I'm planning on Pirates of the Caribbean 4 this week.
I hope I can keep up this pace!
Cost of living spreadsheet
I finally got around to doing a spreadsheet with the dockets from purchases I've made since I've been here in Playa, and was pleasantly surprised.
My calcs show that I'm spending on average $A35 on food every week here, and a bit over $9 on drinks. Now while that might seem a bit out of proportion, I have to tell you that I currently have 9 bottles of wine, 2 cartons of sangria, an almost-full bottle of Tequila and the same of Vodka, in my little stash, so it's not like I've actually drunk all that expense. The wine in my "cellar" alone would probably last me a few months and the spirits considerably more. And that's not including what's in the fridge. I did stock up a bit with the anticipation that friends would come and visit, so if you are considering doing that, better let me know before I drink the lot!
I've spent so far $650 on household equipment, things like small electrical, sheets, towels, light globes, etc and that works out so far to $40 a week, but that expense will drop off now that I have everything I need. There was a bubble at the start to get crockery, cutlery and glassware, and then again when I got the equipment required to rent out the place, such as blender, toaster & electric jug, plus 8 towels and 6 sets of sheets - stuff I normally wouldn't have bought.
My next task is to work out what it cost me to furnish the condo, including blinds, ceiling fans and large appliances. I had budgetted for $10,000, but my guess is that I've probably come in under $5K, even with my 46' TV and huge fridge.
My calcs show that I'm spending on average $A35 on food every week here, and a bit over $9 on drinks. Now while that might seem a bit out of proportion, I have to tell you that I currently have 9 bottles of wine, 2 cartons of sangria, an almost-full bottle of Tequila and the same of Vodka, in my little stash, so it's not like I've actually drunk all that expense. The wine in my "cellar" alone would probably last me a few months and the spirits considerably more. And that's not including what's in the fridge. I did stock up a bit with the anticipation that friends would come and visit, so if you are considering doing that, better let me know before I drink the lot!
I've spent so far $650 on household equipment, things like small electrical, sheets, towels, light globes, etc and that works out so far to $40 a week, but that expense will drop off now that I have everything I need. There was a bubble at the start to get crockery, cutlery and glassware, and then again when I got the equipment required to rent out the place, such as blender, toaster & electric jug, plus 8 towels and 6 sets of sheets - stuff I normally wouldn't have bought.
My next task is to work out what it cost me to furnish the condo, including blinds, ceiling fans and large appliances. I had budgetted for $10,000, but my guess is that I've probably come in under $5K, even with my 46' TV and huge fridge.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
The Global Peace Index
The Global Peace Index has just been released, and I found it interesting to compare Australia at no 18 with Mexico at no 121. I guess that was to be expected with the Mexican government's attempt to rid themselves of the drug cartels, the hornet's nest has opened and there has been a lot of violence in some parts of the country. Hopefully, as the cartel members are killed or jailed, the safety issues will improve and Mexico will move up the list.
http://www.visionofhumanity.org/gpi-data/#/2011/scor/IT
So it seems that my life expectancy in Mexico is only around 75 years, but in Australia it's more than 81, and interestingly even higher in Italy. Whereas stress will kill you in Australia, hard work and poor medical treatment particularly amongst the indian population, shortens their lives here, not stress. The infant mortality rate here is alarmingly high, but our unemployment levels are similar.
Congratulations to New Zealand who came in at No 2, but their unemployment is higher and their life expectancy lower. I guess you can't have it all ways.
http://www.visionofhumanity.org/gpi-data/#/2011/scor/IT
So it seems that my life expectancy in Mexico is only around 75 years, but in Australia it's more than 81, and interestingly even higher in Italy. Whereas stress will kill you in Australia, hard work and poor medical treatment particularly amongst the indian population, shortens their lives here, not stress. The infant mortality rate here is alarmingly high, but our unemployment levels are similar.
Congratulations to New Zealand who came in at No 2, but their unemployment is higher and their life expectancy lower. I guess you can't have it all ways.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Volunteering at Angel Notions
I went along today to have a look at Angel Notions and see whether I could be useful as a volunteer there, and came home with 1000 ideas spinning through my mind.
They do need help in the office updating their client files onto a spreadsheet. There are also 2 storage areas which need cleaning up and cataloguing, one for medicines and another for general stuff.
They also need someone to set up a compost system and look after a proposed vegetable and medicinal herb garden.
I have some thoughts about how to get the community involved and targeting businesses who deal with tourists so that we could get donations of clothing and books - you know how when you come to repack not everything fits and you end up jetissoning some things? We could do pickups in hotels.
We could also get the large supermarkets involved and have a table for donations - I know I donated milk, rice and beans last year to a charity table at Walmart in Merida.
i think the volunteer co-ordinator was also quite excited about the possibilities. He has lots of good ideas but seems to get waylaid by other things. It's a bit of a case of where to start? and trying to do a bit of everything means that actually nothing gets finished.
I suggested I could go out there either Tuesday or Thursday afternoon, but it sounds like they might be expecting me now on both days. Well, I'll see how it goes. With yoga 5 mornings a week and aquarobics 3, my week is filling up quite rapidly. At least I can see that I will be really useful there.
Anyone coming to visit me will get a list of extra things to pack in their suitcases. It's just a matter of everyone doing a little bit. I'm excited by the prospects.
They do need help in the office updating their client files onto a spreadsheet. There are also 2 storage areas which need cleaning up and cataloguing, one for medicines and another for general stuff.
They also need someone to set up a compost system and look after a proposed vegetable and medicinal herb garden.
I have some thoughts about how to get the community involved and targeting businesses who deal with tourists so that we could get donations of clothing and books - you know how when you come to repack not everything fits and you end up jetissoning some things? We could do pickups in hotels.
We could also get the large supermarkets involved and have a table for donations - I know I donated milk, rice and beans last year to a charity table at Walmart in Merida.
i think the volunteer co-ordinator was also quite excited about the possibilities. He has lots of good ideas but seems to get waylaid by other things. It's a bit of a case of where to start? and trying to do a bit of everything means that actually nothing gets finished.
I suggested I could go out there either Tuesday or Thursday afternoon, but it sounds like they might be expecting me now on both days. Well, I'll see how it goes. With yoga 5 mornings a week and aquarobics 3, my week is filling up quite rapidly. At least I can see that I will be really useful there.
Anyone coming to visit me will get a list of extra things to pack in their suitcases. It's just a matter of everyone doing a little bit. I'm excited by the prospects.
My first headstand!
Well my week of new beginnings continues, and today in yoga I did my first headstand! I say "did" but it was very much a team effort with the teacher Claudia who encouraged me and then basically insisted and helped get my legs vertical. I'd always been afraid that it would hurt my neck, which is a bit dicey at the best of times, but actually once I was vertical most of the weight was on my arms anyway. It was a great feeling, and I'll probably have the courage now to keep trying it.
i seem to have lucked out with the aquarobics group. They not only meet for a drink after each class, but tomorrow they are celebrating the new month with a lunch party at "Dirty Martini". The bar is owned by one of the students, so it seems we order food which then gets delivered to the bar, and it sounds like the party could take up the rest of the afternoon.
Have also received an invitation to Thank God Its Friday drinks with a group of expats and locals, expanding even more my circle of acquaintances and hopefully, friends.
I think I'm going to need that massage on saturday with Dalilah.
i seem to have lucked out with the aquarobics group. They not only meet for a drink after each class, but tomorrow they are celebrating the new month with a lunch party at "Dirty Martini". The bar is owned by one of the students, so it seems we order food which then gets delivered to the bar, and it sounds like the party could take up the rest of the afternoon.
Have also received an invitation to Thank God Its Friday drinks with a group of expats and locals, expanding even more my circle of acquaintances and hopefully, friends.
I think I'm going to need that massage on saturday with Dalilah.