I'm home and unpacked. I decided to continue here until I defeat the inertia at Virgin Mobile just to have a place to vent.
I have not, as yet, heard back from the man I bought my backup phone from.
Not to be deterred, I found the old phone number in the phone internal memory and called it. It rang and went to voice mail, indicating the number was still in use.
After a few calls, I left a voice mail and received a call back this morning. I explained the situation and she offered to call virgin and release the phone. Then, she called me back to tell my I was all set "but, they said you may have to wait up to an hour tof the changes to get into the system.
Three hours later, I'm still unable to swap. I've written a snotty email to the service reps. The battle goes on.
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Sunday March 1
Well, I got the local time thing wrong. Mexico City and Puerto Escondido are the same time zone. NO big problem, just got an early start on my day by getting up at 4 AM. I never sleep real well while traveling anyway.
I ate dinner in the hotel restaurant. Pretty good. Chicken leg quarter which they cut off the bone pound flat and grill. I went for a walk before eating, looking for a place to catch my eye. This hotel is in a pretty basic area. Big park across the street. Kids playing, but a fair sized number of street people. No stores of any kind with any image at all. Decided to stay inside my hotel's walls.
Flight went perfectly. Left on time landed 12 minutes early.
Suprise!! Suprise!! US customs is greatly improved. Step one they scan your passport and take your picture. Step 2 they look at your "arrival reciept" step three they ask if you have anything to declare and you're done.
No one rifled through my bags or looked at my dirty underwear. Nice. It took longer to get my bag.
My son in law, Randy, showed up right on schedule about 5 minutes after I reached the drive through. It was raining cats and dogs, but soon stopped.
On the way home, I stopped at Walmart and bought the cheapest phone available, a Trakphone, for $10. Also bought a 60 minute air time card, for $20. The sales girl activated it for me. somehow, I ended up with 130 minutes.
This bottom dollar pay as you go looks fine to me. it can access the web. Only down side is you can't load contact lists in via USB. Everyone I ever called in the last 5 years or so is in the Google list. I manually loaded the close family and friends. It'll do until I clear up the SNAFU at virgin mobile.
I ate dinner in the hotel restaurant. Pretty good. Chicken leg quarter which they cut off the bone pound flat and grill. I went for a walk before eating, looking for a place to catch my eye. This hotel is in a pretty basic area. Big park across the street. Kids playing, but a fair sized number of street people. No stores of any kind with any image at all. Decided to stay inside my hotel's walls.
Flight went perfectly. Left on time landed 12 minutes early.
Suprise!! Suprise!! US customs is greatly improved. Step one they scan your passport and take your picture. Step 2 they look at your "arrival reciept" step three they ask if you have anything to declare and you're done.
No one rifled through my bags or looked at my dirty underwear. Nice. It took longer to get my bag.
My son in law, Randy, showed up right on schedule about 5 minutes after I reached the drive through. It was raining cats and dogs, but soon stopped.
On the way home, I stopped at Walmart and bought the cheapest phone available, a Trakphone, for $10. Also bought a 60 minute air time card, for $20. The sales girl activated it for me. somehow, I ended up with 130 minutes.
This bottom dollar pay as you go looks fine to me. it can access the web. Only down side is you can't load contact lists in via USB. Everyone I ever called in the last 5 years or so is in the Google list. I manually loaded the close family and friends. It'll do until I clear up the SNAFU at virgin mobile.
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Saturday, February 28
"All my bags are packed , I'm ready to go"
The new guest who arrived Thursday night was never seen again by me. And no lights or coming and going that I noticed last night or this morning. Strange.
The trip is about done. I am still trying to activate my extra phone, but, Virgin Mobile support is not up to it.
They put my service on hold when I reported it was stolen, but apparently kept the subscription meter running. After getting instructions to activate, I couldn't get anything to work, I then tried to make a payment but that wouldn't work either. Customer service verified that there was a problem and offered to do it for me. That's the last I've heard.
Since customer service is somewhere "over there" I probably have to wait until that person comes back to work "tomorrow". Oh well! The phone service itself is fine and cheap. I looked into getting a pay as you go cheapie phone when I return to buy time. Apparently as cheap as $10, but not stocked in the store. I'll have to wait until I'm stateside.
I can't set the time on my backup phone. It's a vicious circle. No service. Can't download apps without service even though I can access net via wifi. This means I don't have a clock without booting the laptop.
I really meant to buy a cheap wrist watch, but I haven't needed to know the time for the last month. I just look at the sun. Kind of nice, really.
A lot of sitting coming as I travel home. I will have time to look around in Mexico city this afternoon and have a nice dinner. Alain (the rental agent) thinks I should take a tour. We'll see. I'll probably just walk around and explore a little bit.
Later, in Mexico City
Today's flight went wonderfully. The airplane is just perfect for this type of flight. We had thirty or so. full load is 50 I think (12x4+2). It is amazing how big Mexico City is from the air. I got a taxi with no problem he drove here straight away without getting lost. The people in the Hotel are friendly and even let on they understand a little English. And, there is an hour time zone between Puerto Escondido and Mexico City.
It's a nice looking room. No?
And , on the cellular front. No News. To reply. Looks like I'm going in phone-less. Dumb shits. Oh Well. My son in law is a competent man. He'll be there.
Virgin mobile thinks my phone is stolen. sheeesh. When I bought it, It checked okay. Luckily, I have the email address of the previous owner.
AAAK!
It turns out the previous owner isn't. He bought it used from from some senior citizens from New Port Richy and never used it. He is looking for their contact info. "No problem" he says!!
I think a $20 flip phone is in my immediate future.
The new guest who arrived Thursday night was never seen again by me. And no lights or coming and going that I noticed last night or this morning. Strange.
The trip is about done. I am still trying to activate my extra phone, but, Virgin Mobile support is not up to it.
They put my service on hold when I reported it was stolen, but apparently kept the subscription meter running. After getting instructions to activate, I couldn't get anything to work, I then tried to make a payment but that wouldn't work either. Customer service verified that there was a problem and offered to do it for me. That's the last I've heard.
Since customer service is somewhere "over there" I probably have to wait until that person comes back to work "tomorrow". Oh well! The phone service itself is fine and cheap. I looked into getting a pay as you go cheapie phone when I return to buy time. Apparently as cheap as $10, but not stocked in the store. I'll have to wait until I'm stateside.
I can't set the time on my backup phone. It's a vicious circle. No service. Can't download apps without service even though I can access net via wifi. This means I don't have a clock without booting the laptop.
I really meant to buy a cheap wrist watch, but I haven't needed to know the time for the last month. I just look at the sun. Kind of nice, really.
A lot of sitting coming as I travel home. I will have time to look around in Mexico city this afternoon and have a nice dinner. Alain (the rental agent) thinks I should take a tour. We'll see. I'll probably just walk around and explore a little bit.
Later, in Mexico City
Today's flight went wonderfully. The airplane is just perfect for this type of flight. We had thirty or so. full load is 50 I think (12x4+2). It is amazing how big Mexico City is from the air. I got a taxi with no problem he drove here straight away without getting lost. The people in the Hotel are friendly and even let on they understand a little English. And, there is an hour time zone between Puerto Escondido and Mexico City.
It's a nice looking room. No?
And , on the cellular front. No News. To reply. Looks like I'm going in phone-less. Dumb shits. Oh Well. My son in law is a competent man. He'll be there.
Virgin mobile thinks my phone is stolen. sheeesh. When I bought it, It checked okay. Luckily, I have the email address of the previous owner.
AAAK!
It turns out the previous owner isn't. He bought it used from from some senior citizens from New Port Richy and never used it. He is looking for their contact info. "No problem" he says!!
I think a $20 flip phone is in my immediate future.
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Thursday, February 26
Getting close to the end of my visit here.
This morning, I heard Andrew's voice in the courtyard and went out to say hello.
He was out here to take a walk on the beach with the dog loving man, Alesandro and his girl friend and her friend Sara. I was invited along.
He was also here to say goodbye and commiserate with the other couple who live downstairs. They had been scarce for a few days, staying inside. (Sam and Tessa)
Turns out they got arrested for smoking pot on the beach, spent a day or so in Jail and were leaving today. The girl, being young and cute, had a particularly unpleasant time in a Mexican jail with almost no Spanish. They are getting out of town and returning to the states.
Interestingly, the resident meeting on local crime the other day (remember a week or so back) resulted in a general Police toughening of enforcement. That might explain why the police were hassling the fishermen the other day too.
In typical police fashion (as I sadly understand it ) they hassle all the common people. The actual thieves, who tend to be stupid but clever are unaffected. I'd like to be wrong. But "eso si que es" in my humble opinion. (that is it.)
I am the only tenant here now. I have no idea how Andrew is so aware of the local news while I remain unaware. Age and linguistic abilities, I suppose.
This morning, I heard Andrew's voice in the courtyard and went out to say hello.
He was out here to take a walk on the beach with the dog loving man, Alesandro and his girl friend and her friend Sara. I was invited along.
He was also here to say goodbye and commiserate with the other couple who live downstairs. They had been scarce for a few days, staying inside. (Sam and Tessa)
Turns out they got arrested for smoking pot on the beach, spent a day or so in Jail and were leaving today. The girl, being young and cute, had a particularly unpleasant time in a Mexican jail with almost no Spanish. They are getting out of town and returning to the states.
Interestingly, the resident meeting on local crime the other day (remember a week or so back) resulted in a general Police toughening of enforcement. That might explain why the police were hassling the fishermen the other day too.
In typical police fashion (as I sadly understand it ) they hassle all the common people. The actual thieves, who tend to be stupid but clever are unaffected. I'd like to be wrong. But "eso si que es" in my humble opinion. (that is it.)
I am the only tenant here now. I have no idea how Andrew is so aware of the local news while I remain unaware. Age and linguistic abilities, I suppose.
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Wednesday February 25
Up and ran before eating. bought two pan dulce con rado baya (one for tomorrow. HA!) went home and ate them both.
Today's mission it to go to the centro, get a hair cut and buy a raft of tee shirts for friends and family. I will remember my mochilla this time.
I will also try to buy one of those roasted whole chickens like I got the first week here.
New observation. casual street greetings alternate reply "Hola. Bien"
As I read it, you answer as if you heard "como estas?" and reply "Hello. I'm well".
Today's vocabulary for hair cut:
donde esta Peluqueria?
Lo quero corte cerca mitaad de lo que. Y recortar la barba del mismo.
tienes bloques par su maquinilla?
The trip went pretty well. I found a barber shop near the mercado. The barbers are women. Cost was 35 pesos. I apologised for my terrible Spanish and read from my notes. She read over my shoulder. Anyway, it came out good. I have been cutting my own hair since 1971, so this broke a long string. I tipped an extra 10 pesos.
Then I asked the attendant at the mercado where to buy souvenir tee shirts. He thought a shop on the adoquin would be the best deal and gave me direction."turn right and eight blocks. At nine or ten blocks I reached the carreterra (highway). So I began to ask every five minutes. Maybe he meant go straight 8 blocks and then turn right.
I finally stumbled on what I thought was it and a Senora confirmed. I walked up and down and picked a store. A girl helped me. I bought ten in total in sizes from xl to 2 year old. cost averaged out to 59 pesos each, much cheaper than I had estimated.
Then I went to Graco's fish Taco place for lunch , Only to find they don't open until three. It was one PM. Andrew's sky nest across the street looked closed up so I went home. I suppose I could have climbed up 4 flights to be sure. HA!! I took the collectivo home.
There is a street side cafe just off the carreterra that always has locals eating, so I went in and stumbled my way through ordering breakfast. I ended up with fried eggs and tortillas cooked in a comal (like the one below) over a wood fire with beans and salsa rado. Really good.
The cook had a picture perfect Mayan profile.
Today's mission it to go to the centro, get a hair cut and buy a raft of tee shirts for friends and family. I will remember my mochilla this time.
I will also try to buy one of those roasted whole chickens like I got the first week here.
New observation. casual street greetings alternate reply "Hola. Bien"
As I read it, you answer as if you heard "como estas?" and reply "Hello. I'm well".
Today's vocabulary for hair cut:
donde esta Peluqueria?
Lo quero corte cerca mitaad de lo que. Y recortar la barba del mismo.
tienes bloques par su maquinilla?
The trip went pretty well. I found a barber shop near the mercado. The barbers are women. Cost was 35 pesos. I apologised for my terrible Spanish and read from my notes. She read over my shoulder. Anyway, it came out good. I have been cutting my own hair since 1971, so this broke a long string. I tipped an extra 10 pesos.
Then I asked the attendant at the mercado where to buy souvenir tee shirts. He thought a shop on the adoquin would be the best deal and gave me direction."turn right and eight blocks. At nine or ten blocks I reached the carreterra (highway). So I began to ask every five minutes. Maybe he meant go straight 8 blocks and then turn right.
I finally stumbled on what I thought was it and a Senora confirmed. I walked up and down and picked a store. A girl helped me. I bought ten in total in sizes from xl to 2 year old. cost averaged out to 59 pesos each, much cheaper than I had estimated.
Then I went to Graco's fish Taco place for lunch , Only to find they don't open until three. It was one PM. Andrew's sky nest across the street looked closed up so I went home. I suppose I could have climbed up 4 flights to be sure. HA!! I took the collectivo home.
There is a street side cafe just off the carreterra that always has locals eating, so I went in and stumbled my way through ordering breakfast. I ended up with fried eggs and tortillas cooked in a comal (like the one below) over a wood fire with beans and salsa rado. Really good.
The cook had a picture perfect Mayan profile.
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Tuesday February 24
No big news. I suppose you're getting used to that. I'm in the slow lane and liking it.
Yesterday, I went to the centro for a haircut and meat. There are no barbershops of butcher shops in the Punta area. One would think , since it costs 14 pesos to ride the Collectivo round trip and that represents quite a bit of food, that someone would open up. quien sabe?
Anyway, I got there without drama and bought tasajo and another Mojarra (fish) and some rolls and pan dulce,(the bakery wasn't open this morning for some reason). I had forgotten my mochilla/backpack so I had a load of individual bags. I went home, forgetting my haircut entirely. (Memory is the second thing to go). another trip is in order soon.
Ran and read. In the afternoon, I was standing on the second floor balcony in the rear corner, when the old man who lives there called up to me. He began talking animatedly. I tried to tell him I didn't speak spanish. His stupid dog, who barks incessantly, was giving me hell. I understood nothing, trying as hard as I could to pick out words. I told him again "no habla" . I even called myself an"estubido gringo que no habla". he was not deterred. I didn't want to be rude, so I stayed and listened. Finally, he ran down and must have felt better. I sure wish I could "chat"
This morning, the water jug was empty. The water truck drove by, headed down the dead end street. I high tailed it down and set my empty 5 gal. bottle by the gate. The truck came by. I shouted "AGUA!!" and he stopped. quince pesos and I am set for the duration. Water use has gone down since I figured out the coffee maker boils water and doesn't need agua purificado. This bottle will last all week plus.
Well, it's past time to run. later.
Those who know me, know I tend to procrastinate. Today, contrary to my natural tendencies, I began to make arrangements for the return trip Saturday by reserving a room for Saturday night.
The place I stayed at on the trip down was called "Mini Suites". Using that email confirmation, I found a link and Expedia suggested Mini Suites "Sounds good to me." I said, so I followed along the prompts and soon had a room. The rate was $414, which I assumed was in Pesos. I remember thinking "No way this could be dollars."
BAD ASSUMPTION!!!
Assume equals "Makes an ASS of U and ME".
Luckily, I checked my bank account soon after to check and a charge of $492 US Dollars stunned me!!!
I had two days for a free cancellation. Which privilege I promptly used.
It turns out the "standard rooms" were sold out and only Deluxe remained. Better lucky than good, I guess. I wonder if the ruse ever works.
I found another place and made a reservation for $45 US.
My lazy Mexican life continues.
Yesterday, I went to the centro for a haircut and meat. There are no barbershops of butcher shops in the Punta area. One would think , since it costs 14 pesos to ride the Collectivo round trip and that represents quite a bit of food, that someone would open up. quien sabe?
Anyway, I got there without drama and bought tasajo and another Mojarra (fish) and some rolls and pan dulce,(the bakery wasn't open this morning for some reason). I had forgotten my mochilla/backpack so I had a load of individual bags. I went home, forgetting my haircut entirely. (Memory is the second thing to go). another trip is in order soon.
Ran and read. In the afternoon, I was standing on the second floor balcony in the rear corner, when the old man who lives there called up to me. He began talking animatedly. I tried to tell him I didn't speak spanish. His stupid dog, who barks incessantly, was giving me hell. I understood nothing, trying as hard as I could to pick out words. I told him again "no habla" . I even called myself an"estubido gringo que no habla". he was not deterred. I didn't want to be rude, so I stayed and listened. Finally, he ran down and must have felt better. I sure wish I could "chat"
This morning, the water jug was empty. The water truck drove by, headed down the dead end street. I high tailed it down and set my empty 5 gal. bottle by the gate. The truck came by. I shouted "AGUA!!" and he stopped. quince pesos and I am set for the duration. Water use has gone down since I figured out the coffee maker boils water and doesn't need agua purificado. This bottle will last all week plus.
Well, it's past time to run. later.
Those who know me, know I tend to procrastinate. Today, contrary to my natural tendencies, I began to make arrangements for the return trip Saturday by reserving a room for Saturday night.
The place I stayed at on the trip down was called "Mini Suites". Using that email confirmation, I found a link and Expedia suggested Mini Suites "Sounds good to me." I said, so I followed along the prompts and soon had a room. The rate was $414, which I assumed was in Pesos. I remember thinking "No way this could be dollars."
BAD ASSUMPTION!!!
Assume equals "Makes an ASS of U and ME".
Luckily, I checked my bank account soon after to check and a charge of $492 US Dollars stunned me!!!
I had two days for a free cancellation. Which privilege I promptly used.
It turns out the "standard rooms" were sold out and only Deluxe remained. Better lucky than good, I guess. I wonder if the ruse ever works.
I found another place and made a reservation for $45 US.
My lazy Mexican life continues.
Saturday, February 21, 2015
Saturday, 21 February
It is quiet at the apartment today.
I did the normal morning routine. Bought two pan dulces . Now all I have to do is not eat the second until Sunday morning. They were sold out of baguettes. I have a half left, which should be enough til Monday
Got hungry for Fish Tacos, so I walked down to the "Other" Brisas de Zicatela and ate at Cafe Olita again. Dang!! Those Tacos are good. All kind of veggies sliced and chopped on top.
Andrew saw me and stopped to say hello. Apparently they had a meeting about crime in our neighborhood. Andrew and Nina went to it. He said no big news or developements were revealed. Kind of typical of that sort of thing.
The picture below is the apartment he rented. Apparently the entire top floor. Looks good if the climb doesn't kill you. The right side is open air, viewing the beach.
On my way home, there was a BIG motorcycle ride leaving the area 50 to 100 bikes, Many were full size American style.
I did the normal morning routine. Bought two pan dulces . Now all I have to do is not eat the second until Sunday morning. They were sold out of baguettes. I have a half left, which should be enough til Monday
Got hungry for Fish Tacos, so I walked down to the "Other" Brisas de Zicatela and ate at Cafe Olita again. Dang!! Those Tacos are good. All kind of veggies sliced and chopped on top.
Andrew saw me and stopped to say hello. Apparently they had a meeting about crime in our neighborhood. Andrew and Nina went to it. He said no big news or developements were revealed. Kind of typical of that sort of thing.
The picture below is the apartment he rented. Apparently the entire top floor. Looks good if the climb doesn't kill you. The right side is open air, viewing the beach.
On my way home, there was a BIG motorcycle ride leaving the area 50 to 100 bikes, Many were full size American style.
Kind of made me miss my motorcycle back in Florida.
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