Early Starts
Trip Start
Dec 17, 2007
1
4
20
Trip End
Jan 26, 2008
Los Angeles,
California,
United States
Friday, December 21, 2007
Talk about Pablo being a great host... due to my early flight departure of 10am from LAX, Pablo and I left Palmdale at 6.30am to make the 90 minute journey to LAX, once again navigating the notoriously busy traffic. At one stage, I was a little nervous at missing the flight but Pablo assured me that it would only be another 20 minutes or so. We made it in good time at 8.10am. I was totally taken aback by Pablo`s patience and calmness at navigating the traffic.
I don`t know why Americans sometimes get a negative wrap, because from what I`ve experienced during my 4 trips to the US, they definitely rule with being such hospitable hosts (probably some of the best in the world). I have felt very welcome on all my visits to the US, and I for one, LOVE the American accent, especially the Southern ones. It goes back to my first trip to LA in 1992 when I met a friend in Hawaii who ended up putting me up in her apartment in Beverly Hills - at the time of a minor earthquake in LA. My time in Columbia, Missouri as a student in 1995 was also a great introduction into American hospitality with Clint and Steve (local bar owners) who took me under their wing. And my relatives, both in Indiana and London (Wendy who moved from the US to marry her English husband) just recently... now Pablo and his family. Pablo did anything and everything to ensure my positive stay... and I know youŽre reading this so thank you Pablo for being such a terrific host... Let`s hope I can return the favour by showing you my city of Perth one day! Such a more relaxed city than that of LA...
LAX was quite efficient at getting people through customs and immigration, and I don`t think the security checks were as severe as what I was thinking they`d be. I did, however, have to remove my thongs! Travellers be warned... don`t take any liquids in your carry on luggage, including water. It will get confiscated. Buy your water upstairs at the gate.
I am definitely over the plane travel. I arrived into Cancun 4 hours and 20 minutes later. I lost 2 hours today because of the time difference, but not to worry. Cancun appears to be one huge resort with a huge conglomerate of hotel chains. I have decided to bypass the beaches here to carry through on Pablo`s recommendation to see the pyramids at Chichen Itza, about 2 hours from Cancun. It took forever to get from the airport to my hotel, about 2 hours because of the ridiculous traffic. From what I`ve read, Cancun doesn`t really have much to offer except to those platinum card users who want to relax in a 5 star hotel for a week and get a tan.
The Mexicans appear to be very attractive people... I love the darker skin. The hotel I`m staying at, Kin Mayab is situated right in the middle of it. Very busy, lots of touts and less facilities to that of the western world.
I`m writing this at 6am the next morning because I had a very restless sleep last night... probably 2 hours all up. I think my body is all stuffed up now because of the lost sleep, hectic travelling schedule etc. I have a tour today which should take me through to 7pm. My tour is suppose to start today with an induction and meal tonight... but given that I have 32 days with these people, I don`t mind missing it. I`m sharing with a guy called Antonin... Like most people, I`m a little anxious at doing a tour, but judging from the names on the list, it appears to be a very culturally diverse group.
I can`t wait to return to normal after the massive trip from Perth to Cancun... about 25 hours flying all up. I`ve already decided that I will be travelling to a nearby destination next Xmas... SE Asia!
Photos will come... eventually... when I have time!
Comments
Goodbye LA, Hello Cancun
Well, well, it's looks like you enjoyed the wonderful weather of Palmdale . . . which was 'very, very cold and very dry' . . . just kidding :). I'm glad you enjoyed your 2-day visit in LA, which turned out to be LA, Hollywood, Santa Barbara, and Palmdale.
My goal was to maximize your stay based on location, proximity of destinations, timing, and of course . . . 'the weather.' As you know, I am very 'detail-oriented,' but flexible at the same time. Like you, I was quite impressed with my superb driving and tour guide abilities!
I find it interesting that in your travelog for Rome you mentioned that you hope to meet up with me again (written after you left Rome by rail). That wish or hope came true. It was a pleasure to be your host and personal travel guide. Take care and God Bless You.
From Your Friend and Travel Buddy,
- Pablo
Re: Goodbye LA, Hello Cancun
So glad to receive your message Pablo... as I kept saying to you, even though teaching is an rewarding career, you are in the wrong profession... become a travel guide (even part time for that matter), youŽd be absolutely fantastic at it:) Chichen Itza was absolutely fantastic, thank you for the tip; has enriched my trip already. Keep in contact mate and have a great Xmas - hope you enjoy our Margaret River wine.