Our 5 week stop-over in Canada was due to the fact that after coming out of Costa Rica we really didn't have our next place lined up. We thought at one point it would be back to Alberta.Then there was a break. A couple were looking for a sitter from end...
Our 5 week stop-over in Canada was due to the fact that after coming out of Costa Rica we really didn't have our next place lined up. We thought at one point it would be back to Alberta.Then there was a break. A couple were looking for a sitter from end of Oct to May in Ixtapa/Zihautanejo, Southern Mexico. We had wanted to return to Mexico and now the opportunity had come up. We were offered the sit so here we are. Situation being to care for a house (with pool) and keep it ready to show for potential buyers.
As the days dragged on and got shorter in Canada turning everything into a sodden mess we longed for the upcoming warmth of Mexico. Throw in fresh fruit,cheaper living, white sands (and of course the pool)and you have a most relaxing situation.
Our final evening in Canada was spent over supper with our 2 daughters before departing around 10pm. Three hours later we were at SEA. Flight via Phoenix with US airways (1st time I've paid for bags) Airport chairs are constructed so as passengers are unable to sleep, and if one does, the announcements, heard in a voice like molasses dripping from a mouth, are timed to ensure you don't fall asleep. Who wants to hear in the departure lounge what there is to do in Seattle.
Hence our sleepy frames on arrival in Ixtapa (ZIH) Met our new property owners, had a quick tour, did shopping, had a meal and into bed by 9pm. Got up at 5:45am ,so we thought only to find out that while we were in the land of Nod, little elves had been busy turning all the clocks back an hour.So 4:45 it was. Breakfast was a little early that morning and so was the swim. Did I mention there is a pool here?
We are now into week 6 (around 8th December). The towns of Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo are slowly, very slowly filling up. Talked to a waiter in Zihuat. who said that last year there were very few tourists but thinks things will be better this year.I'll be supried if they are.
Again we will be on our own for Christmas. We have joined an English speaking church so that will bring us into contact with more people.
Our days are made up of me doing my online school and Jan either embroidering or reading. We usually go out for a meal in Ixtapa on Thursday or Friday night, spending about $35 which will include drinks, a meal and taxi ride home. The normal thing when going into Ixtapa is to walk via the golf course path. We never come back that way as it is dark and there are crocodiles about.
We've been to beachs both in Ixtapa and Zihua. They have the usual vendors but are nowhere near as aggressive as in Mazatlan. There are restaurants on the beaches so when we need to cool off we just buy a beer and sit under the shade.
This area is now on our radar to retire to. We've looked at a couple of houses but they are renting for 5-6,000 pesos/month. I thought they would have been cheaper as they were quite away from the beach. Strangely however, we've seen a sign to buy a new one level condo for $31,500, go figure. All we need now is $31,000. We can scrape up the $500. But there again, do we want to be tied down? I'm not sure that we have finished wandering.
On the subject of houses. Some of the houses where we are back onto the golf club's fairway. During our walks we see many for sale or rent, some uncared for and even some not completed and abandoned, the jungle repossessing them. One large house has been on the market for over 5 years so what chance this place ?
It is now the week between Christmas and New Year and what a change in the weather from last year. Plus 31C this year, minus 30C last year. However, as with last year nothing too exciting happening. Last year I bought Jan a hair curler and she bought me a battery operated nose-hair trimmer. This year nothing. In fact we had no decorations and couldn't get the ingredients for mince pies,sausage rolls or buy a pork pie. We did have ingredients for me to make Jamaican rice and peas which our grandaughter now makes too.
Christmas is a little subdued here as New Near is the big celebration. So we await the all night parties and fireworks exploding with much !!!excitement!!!.
Christmas day being a Sunday found us at the English speaking church in Zihuatanejo. We were entertained by some local kids who sang a couple of carols to us. They were rewarded with a pancake breakfast afterwards. A treat for them as they come from very poor local families. After church we had a ride to Ixtapa beach where we rented chairs and an umbrella for 60 pesos a day($4.50). Jan sat under the shade and I frolicked ( does a 63 year old frolick ?)in the sea. Huge breakers too. Maybe I'll get me a body board or am I too old for that ?
Next week we have rented a car for a week to look around the area. We'll spend time at the beach but also look for potential rental property. The difference, when hiring a car can be huge if you don't check things out. A minimum security deposit is $1,000 US on your credit card. Which of course ties up that amount while you have a rental. The other thing is paying online versus at the counter. We booked at a Europcar counter and the total for a compact Atos type car was $340. We went on line and got the same car for $217. Quite a difference. Nearly 50% reduction or increase whichever way you look at it. Needless to say we cancelled the reservation for $340. That's not all though. We went to Thrifty who wanted $415 for the week plus a $2,370 credit card deposit. To think that you can get a car in Canada for about $25/day and a lot smaller deposit.
Went to a small town (Alamos)where we house sat a year ago as there were 2 rental properties we wanted to check out. Access to the first one was up a muddy hill and through someone's yard which could have consequences if they ever decided to fence off their property. The other one was the landlord from hell. Actually a woman with huge attitude problems. Needless to say, we chose neither. Our trip was 3 full days and 3300 klms plus $550 in tolls, food, gas and accomodation. Plus the car rental. Was it worth it ? I believe so as now we know where we don't want to live.
On the way back we spent our Anniversary driving, and a cheap hotel to get our head down. We set off the following morning returning by a different route than going and found ourselves coming upon one of the many police, military or agricultural checkpoints. except that it wasn't. We came to the barrier and was greeted by a civilian with an automatic rifle. Couldn't turn around so smiled, waved and said good morning in my best Spanish. Up came the barrier and we drove through the almost deserted town, passing a burnt out truck. At the other end of town we zig-zagged through rocks and logs to pass under the next barrier. A few miles down the road it looked like the police were regrouping to take back the town. It was probably a town controlled by the Narco's. Overall, a scary situation and one that I really don't want to experience again. Visions of being kidnapped and lying in a ditch somewhere with a hole in my head, crossed my mind.
So, the outcome of this jaunt is that we will return here after our next house sit in April/May, then go back to Canada for a 2 month sit in November, returning here in January 2013. We are occasionally looking for rental accommodation. Fully furnished apartments including utilities are running about $650/month which I think is too much. We are also on the look out for a vehicle.
As regards Jan, she has taken on a job at the local English school Monday to Friday. The money is only 70 pesos/hour but she says that it is because she is bored when I am teaching.
OK well after all that the job for Jan never worked out. The school promised 2 classes each morning for four days a week but couldn't get the second class off the ground. Sound it wasn't feasible for her.
We were offered a 2 level 2 bedroom house in a complex of six right on the golf course for $320/month a brilliant deal where you would expect to pay $800-$1,000/month. We are now leasing for a year. Travels will be limited as we are also planning our next RTW scheduled for January 2015, God willing. Hopefully to include NZ, Sri Lanka,South Africa and the Bavarian region of Germany
We have finally left our house sit about a month early which was great news when received. The pool maintenance was getting to be too much, especially with all the leaves falling. Pity the owner didn't put a cover over the pool.
We are looking forward to our upcoming trip to Canada. See the kids, their kids and their kids.
THIS WILL NOW BE MY LAST ENTRY ON THIS SlTE. It was originally set up to remember our RTW trip in 2009/2010. It went beyond that and has served its purpose.So...adios and TTFN.
Posted by colin stray on Mon 31 Oct 2011 03:52:14 PM EDT
Recent comments
Our 5 week stop-over in Canada was due to the fact that after coming out of Costa Rica we really didn't have our next place lined up. We thought at one point it would be back to Alberta.Then there was a break. A couple were looking for a sitter from end...
Our 5 week stop-over in Canada was due to the fact that after coming out of Costa Rica we really didn't have our next place lined up. We thought at one point it would be back to Alberta.Then there was a break. A couple were looking for a sitter from end of Oct to May in Ixtapa/Zihautanejo, Southern Mexico. We had wanted to return to Mexico and now the opportunity had come up. We were offered the sit so here we are. Situation being to care for a house (with pool) and keep it ready to show for potential buyers.
As the days dragged on and got shorter in Canada turning everything into a sodden mess we longed for the upcoming warmth of Mexico. Throw in fresh fruit,cheaper living, white sands (and of course the pool)and you have a most relaxing situation.
Our final evening in Canada was spent over supper with our 2 daughters before departing around 10pm. Three hours later we were at SEA. Flight via Phoenix with US airways (1st time I've paid for bags) Airport chairs are constructed so as passengers are unable to sleep, and if one does, the announcements, heard in a voice like molasses dripping from a mouth, are timed to ensure you don't fall asleep. Who wants to hear in the departure lounge what there is to do in Seattle.
Hence our sleepy frames on arrival in Ixtapa (ZIH) Met our new property owners, had a quick tour, did shopping, had a meal and into bed by 9pm. Got up at 5:45am ,so we thought only to find out that while we were in the land of Nod, little elves had been busy turning all the clocks back an hour.So 4:45 it was. Breakfast was a little early that morning and so was the swim. Did I mention there is a pool here?
We are now into week 6 (around 8th December). The towns of Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo are slowly, very slowly filling up. Talked to a waiter in Zihuat. who said that last year there were very few tourists but thinks things will be better this year.I'll be supried if they are.
Again we will be on our own for Christmas. We have joined an English speaking church so that will bring us into contact with more people.
Our days are made up of me doing my online school and Jan either embroidering or reading. We usually go out for a meal in Ixtapa on Thursday or Friday night, spending about $35 which will include drinks, a meal and taxi ride home. The normal thing when going into Ixtapa is to walk via the golf course path. We never come back that way as it is dark and there are crocodiles about.
We've been to beachs both in Ixtapa and Zihua. They have the usual vendors but are nowhere near as aggressive as in Mazatlan. There are restaurants on the beaches so when we need to cool off we just buy a beer and sit under the shade.
This area is now on our radar to retire to. We've looked at a couple of houses but they are renting for 5-6,000 pesos/month. I thought they would have been cheaper as they were quite away from the beach. Strangely however, we've seen a sign to buy a new one level condo for $31,500, go figure. All we need now is $31,000. We can scrape up the $500. But there again, do we want to be tied down? I'm not sure that we have finished wandering.
On the subject of houses. Some of the houses where we are back onto the golf club's fairway. During our walks we see many for sale or rent, some uncared for and even some not completed and abandoned, the jungle repossessing them. One large house has been on the market for over 5 years so what chance this place ?
It is now the week between Christmas and New Year and what a change in the weather from last year. Plus 31C this year, minus 30C last year. However, as with last year nothing too exciting happening. Last year I bought Jan a hair curler and she bought me a battery operated nose-hair trimmer. This year nothing. In fact we had no decorations and couldn't get the ingredients for mince pies,sausage rolls or buy a pork pie. We did have ingredients for me to make Jamaican rice and peas which our grandaughter now makes too.
Christmas is a little subdued here as New Near is the big celebration. So we await the all night parties and fireworks exploding with much !!!excitement!!!.
Christmas day being a Sunday found us at the English speaking church in Zihuatanejo. We were entertained by some local kids who sang a couple of carols to us. They were rewarded with a pancake breakfast afterwards. A treat for them as they come from very poor local families. After church we had a ride to Ixtapa beach where we rented chairs and an umbrella for 60 pesos a day($4.50). Jan sat under the shade and I frolicked ( does a 63 year old frolick ?)in the sea. Huge breakers too. Maybe I'll get me a body board or am I too old for that ?
Next week we have rented a car for a week to look around the area. We'll spend time at the beach but also look for potential rental property. The difference, when hiring a car can be huge if you don't check things out. A minimum security deposit is $1,000 US on your credit card. Which of course ties up that amount while you have a rental. The other thing is paying online versus at the counter. We booked at a Europcar counter and the total for a compact Atos type car was $340. We went on line and got the same car for $217. Quite a difference. Nearly 50% reduction or increase whichever way you look at it. Needless to say we cancelled the reservation for $340. That's not all though. We went to Thrifty who wanted $415 for the week plus a $2,370 credit card deposit. To think that you can get a car in Canada for about $25/day and a lot smaller deposit.
Went to a small town (Alamos)where we house sat a year ago as there were 2 rental properties we wanted to check out. Access to the first one was up a muddy hill and through someone's yard which could have consequences if they ever decided to fence off their property. The other one was the landlord from hell. Actually a woman with huge attitude problems. Needless to say, we chose neither. Our trip was 3 full days and 3300 klms plus $550 in tolls, food, gas and accomodation. Plus the car rental. Was it worth it ? I believe so as now we know where we don't want to live.
On the way back we spent our Anniversary driving, and a cheap hotel to get our head down. We set off the following morning returning by a different route than going and found ourselves coming upon one of the many police, military or agricultural checkpoints. except that it wasn't. We came to the barrier and was greeted by a civilian with an automatic rifle. Couldn't turn around so smiled, waved and said good morning in my best Spanish. Up came the barrier and we drove through the almost deserted town, passing a burnt out truck. At the other end of town we zig-zagged through rocks and logs to pass under the next barrier. A few miles down the road it looked like the police were regrouping to take back the town. It was probably a town controlled by the Narco's. Overall, a scary situation and one that I really don't want to experience again. Visions of being kidnapped and lying in a ditch somewhere with a hole in my head, crossed my mind.
So, the outcome of this jaunt is that we will return here after our next house sit in April/May, then go back to Canada for a 2 month sit in November, returning here in January 2013. We are occasionally looking for rental accommodation. Fully furnished apartments including utilities are running about $650/month which I think is too much. We are also on the look out for a vehicle.
As regards Jan, she has taken on a job at the local English school Monday to Friday. The money is only 70 pesos/hour but she says that it is because she is bored when I am teaching.
OK well after all that the job for Jan never worked out. The school promised 2 classes each morning for four days a week but couldn't get the second class off the ground. Sound it wasn't feasible for her.
We were offered a 2 level 2 bedroom house in a complex of six right on the golf course for $320/month a brilliant deal where you would expect to pay $800-$1,000/month. We are now leasing for a year. Travels will be limited as we are also planning our next RTW scheduled for January 2015, God willing. Hopefully to include NZ, Sri Lanka,South Africa and the Bavarian region of Germany
We have finally left our house sit about a month early which was great news when received. The pool maintenance was getting to be too much, especially with all the leaves falling. Pity the owner didn't put a cover over the pool.
We are looking forward to our upcoming trip to Canada. See the kids, their kids and their kids.
THIS WILL NOW BE MY LAST ENTRY ON THIS SlTE. It was originally set up to remember our RTW trip in 2009/2010. It went beyond that and has served its purpose.So...adios and TTFN.
Posted by colin stray on Mon 31 Oct 2011 03:52:14 PM EDT