tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45321255110130723702024-02-07T22:28:18.358-08:00My TripsOavcechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05078261874208329656noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532125511013072370.post-90446341532628989372013-08-06T18:29:00.000-07:002013-08-06T18:30:30.670-07:00Day I and Day II<br />
<br />
<a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.mx/2013/07/cabo-trip.html">Introduction</a><br />
<a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.mx/2013/07/arrival-and-hotel.html">Arrival and Hotel</a><br />
<a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.mx/2013/08/introduction-arrival-and-hotel-day-i.html">Day I and Day II</a><br />
Day III and Day IV<br />
Going back home<br />
<br />
For our first "actual" day in Cabo we decided to do the "typical Cabo".<br />
<br />
Yes!<br />
<br />
We went to the Marina and to take a bout tour to the Arch and the Lover's Beach.<br />
Gladly for us the hotel offers a shuttle to their sister property next to the Marina.<br />
We were told by our concierge to buy the tickets at the Marina as they can be cheaper, at least for the national tourist.<br />
We got a pretty great rate of 10 USD pp for a tour but the great thing is that I didn't got a normal glass floor boat, but a mini-yacht. Not that luxurious but pretty nice.<br />
The tour takes you around the very edge of the coast, passing through great rock formations and of course the Arch.<br />
Now, at the airport or at the timeshares sales they will tell you "Yeah right now you can cross under the Arch, it only occurs each 4,7 10 years" FALSE!<br />
By seeing Tripadvisor photos it occurs every year, but no one knows in which specific month, so it is luck.<br />
We didn't have the luck enough and it was impossible to cross under, but still pictures are pretty beautiful.<br />
<br />
The boat, like all the tours, will leave you in some beach there, where you can walk to Lover's Beach.<br />
It's one of the most amazing beaches I've seen, Hawaii is kind of short against this beauty.<br />
<br />
Then they come back and get you.<br />
My recommendation is at least get 2 hours there, and take food and water and beverages.<br />
And towels too.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXGoqrGpBAQ7QOwG9Y89e4EHCwYxcua4TTpPneWeI9apVaGBjI76hD7iSo5hP6mq1c0fFjPGPY8wd5QGpZeDC-5T85zi76FyfoqQyfhaC7MDOaNVsZGhMtGL0baZ397h51jlreSgXbobR/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXGoqrGpBAQ7QOwG9Y89e4EHCwYxcua4TTpPneWeI9apVaGBjI76hD7iSo5hP6mq1c0fFjPGPY8wd5QGpZeDC-5T85zi76FyfoqQyfhaC7MDOaNVsZGhMtGL0baZ397h51jlreSgXbobR/s320/photo+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Lover's Beach</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxdMN38lZ-KH0UOI0YoooV9-gX0EhI1QoDFfV2biYYASGdM8Sow3Lt8CGLRA7ygLd9eOF7E0ZVHokQBgVbaIbkgP4asZQyiy6zxsJ_KJUkTZ6h6fIiIO3gE-k6bnYMKy-hiuWqBULn-STm/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxdMN38lZ-KH0UOI0YoooV9-gX0EhI1QoDFfV2biYYASGdM8Sow3Lt8CGLRA7ygLd9eOF7E0ZVHokQBgVbaIbkgP4asZQyiy6zxsJ_KJUkTZ6h6fIiIO3gE-k6bnYMKy-hiuWqBULn-STm/s320/photo+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>The Los Cabos "Statue of Liberty"</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvF0jcmcR6k3RqgjE04F9Hg-7tLAf4pAbaS_dNBBBWvIlToDb_6Fb4sFH-yjPisrLGf7r3Jts6WLG5y5xYgO4ZAp4BAaOnJZOLgNnx9j2kmeos7zfrvNnQeg_4I8Xz88HJpC5l44rHUqr9/s1600/photo-15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvF0jcmcR6k3RqgjE04F9Hg-7tLAf4pAbaS_dNBBBWvIlToDb_6Fb4sFH-yjPisrLGf7r3Jts6WLG5y5xYgO4ZAp4BAaOnJZOLgNnx9j2kmeos7zfrvNnQeg_4I8Xz88HJpC5l44rHUqr9/s320/photo-15.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>The 5th Avenue of Los Cabos</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We then toured around and headed back to the hotel, kind of late, for lunch. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I mean if everything is included we will take advantage of that. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For the evening we headed to San Jose del Cabo, which is 20 minutes away. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's the "typical" small Mexican town, but there are much better ones.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There is a church and that's it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It was also sad to see all the people offering tours and activities in a desperate way.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
How can a city with so much tourism can host a large poor population?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Day 2. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Uhm... Relaxing Day...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sorry, but not a lot to tell. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We took some activities in the hotel such as the cooking class and the meditation one. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There is something missing in these classes. Staff? Maybe</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Anyways, I leave you with some more photos of the resort. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YTOrNFF_sfi2rDEzkXJMFeNWDB33bKD4tgpQRclG1zBs9Ez8KITdMPe_QY5RJOa1HiZypi309U5JNKcLfSZ8ShsWjgbq7PB035CP8NLaDPm3aRQaFp2YrO_kfCpkCt3-LLFufYgWWp3o/s1600/photo+2-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YTOrNFF_sfi2rDEzkXJMFeNWDB33bKD4tgpQRclG1zBs9Ez8KITdMPe_QY5RJOa1HiZypi309U5JNKcLfSZ8ShsWjgbq7PB035CP8NLaDPm3aRQaFp2YrO_kfCpkCt3-LLFufYgWWp3o/s320/photo+2-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Pool</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_HTseDbp2UYSzAMenmNgl37w1Wxkae-YDVzIZL8UFNDua6LdaMS5EjlPGlXEcSzoQlPaTSPjS9bQ0h3TufB5axhO0tn-SbKnEJv6PrZptHjd-pJIYgiL2WuEEC9t47dG0_Z7aqRAan8MT/s1600/photo+1-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_HTseDbp2UYSzAMenmNgl37w1Wxkae-YDVzIZL8UFNDua6LdaMS5EjlPGlXEcSzoQlPaTSPjS9bQ0h3TufB5axhO0tn-SbKnEJv6PrZptHjd-pJIYgiL2WuEEC9t47dG0_Z7aqRAan8MT/s320/photo+1-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>There isn't really beach. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>It's full of rocks and the sea in "unfriendly"</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<br />Oavcechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05078261874208329656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532125511013072370.post-20575668273207219922013-07-17T09:26:00.001-07:002013-08-06T18:34:26.617-07:00Arrival and Hotel<br />
<a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.mx/2013/07/cabo-trip.html">Introduction</a><br />
<a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.mx/2013/07/arrival-and-hotel.html">Arrival and Hotel</a><br />
<a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.mx/2013/08/introduction-arrival-and-hotel-day-i.html">Day I and Day II</a><br />
Day III and Day IV<br />
Going back home<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As soon as I woke up, me and my family headed to Toluca Airport - just as a FYI, it is Mexico City's smaller regional airport-. </div>
<div>
The check in with Interjet was pretty fast, they offer a very good service, though they just have some routes to the U.S. (O.C, Miami, Las Vegas and NYC).</div>
<div>
Gladly for us, the airport has an American Express Centurion Lounge (there are 6 in Mexico, only one in the U.S.), where if you have any American Express card you can access. They offer small breakfasts, internet, Tvs, free (short) massages. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpYzcNAUQ9YMUMnmDF1PlroUOWSyVXYXmxODWISRB2VqNGeuEJvDrMmS6CGSFW4TFiqenBRQTL4MW4NDa7XDHuBgW3U3oz4WUnvkoWmKzkbIf3AQaHR91GllllvoZbCPgtmWqg_mqdEjpW/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-07-17+at+11.08.57+AM+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpYzcNAUQ9YMUMnmDF1PlroUOWSyVXYXmxODWISRB2VqNGeuEJvDrMmS6CGSFW4TFiqenBRQTL4MW4NDa7XDHuBgW3U3oz4WUnvkoWmKzkbIf3AQaHR91GllllvoZbCPgtmWqg_mqdEjpW/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-07-17+at+11.08.57+AM+1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I've been to several lounges all over the world, and I haven't seen any (I'm sure there are) that the security point is actually inside the lounge. </div>
<div>
So of course, the security process was a bliss and within minutes I was seated on the plane.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The flight was under two hours, but I was next to a 5 kids flying alone (all siblings) and they treated the steward like their own butler and sang One Direction Songs, not cool. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyways we arrived at the airport and headed straight to our rental car: Alamo.</div>
<div>
We found a great price, 34 USD for 4 days, for a midsize car! </div>
<div>
Pretty great, huh?! </div>
<div>
Specially in a place where the taxi to the hotel costs over 80 USD roundtrip.</div>
<div>
Well, of course no insurance was included, and because our credit card included some (no CC includes 3rd person accidents) we weren't really going to pay for insurance, but apparently it was compulsory. No I have rented cars in Miami and Vegas with no insurance from them, so I was a bit shocked to see my 34 USD rate go up to a 120 USD rate. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We were given a 2009 Nissan Sentra that wasn't in the best shape, but at least it worked.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We took the "toll" Highway (waste of money) and arrived at the hotel 30 minutes later. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We chose the Hotel Hacienda Encantada, because of the offer we found at Jetsetter.com </div>
<div>
200 USD, with taxes included, and All-Inclusive. http://www.jetsetter.com/invite/83914758ap9742vd9xz9</div>
<div>
Now, the rate was great, but I did not see the small print</div>
<div>
I selected 3 people, and still in small letters it said that the reservation was quoted for 2 !</div>
<div>
So I ended up paying 36 USD more per day, which for what it includes it's ok. </div>
<div>
Still, it's not great to be charged extra, and be treated badly by a bitchy front desk girl. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I wrote a pretty large review on the hotel on Tripadvisor, which I hope it will be helpful to any one going to Cabo. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g152515-d671119-r166556337-Hacienda_Encantada_Resort_Spa-Cabo_San_Lucas_Los_Cabos_Baja_California.html</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Our day ended with a nice lunch by the pool and basically an afternoon of pure relaxation. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqimk3GGZjnWQhG-aS3IkJWOFNbQHABReCZ0Lfkv2j2TFjNcFr_A09wVqUzLrVJFV5VUN-PYA-uVODem1c7Nvh_aR5-3BUE3zSih8e0UZivn3FoRaMzItAOR8_9ccS2Yl9rxUaQbtSx8d/s1600/la+foto-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqimk3GGZjnWQhG-aS3IkJWOFNbQHABReCZ0Lfkv2j2TFjNcFr_A09wVqUzLrVJFV5VUN-PYA-uVODem1c7Nvh_aR5-3BUE3zSih8e0UZivn3FoRaMzItAOR8_9ccS2Yl9rxUaQbtSx8d/s1600/la+foto-4.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Room</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgO8KjZDkMokkr8OIGbYF7CzCQMASUTRXwNQaIzagXa0Rs6fwSAd1ZqsNefAzQrBndNV5t3-aDb1GvpjtX8a54hN2kztT90pMznozCImOUPKRZ4BwiXVJLQC9as_-m2yb_qBEXiRyRYyWf/s1600/la+foto+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgO8KjZDkMokkr8OIGbYF7CzCQMASUTRXwNQaIzagXa0Rs6fwSAd1ZqsNefAzQrBndNV5t3-aDb1GvpjtX8a54hN2kztT90pMznozCImOUPKRZ4BwiXVJLQC9as_-m2yb_qBEXiRyRYyWf/s1600/la+foto+3.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Hotel Grounds</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<br /></div>
Oavcechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05078261874208329656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532125511013072370.post-79495525180304448532013-07-16T17:46:00.001-07:002013-08-06T18:34:36.602-07:00Cabo Trip !!!<a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.mx/2013/07/cabo-trip.html">Introduction</a><br />
Arrival and Hotel<br />
<a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.mx/2013/08/introduction-arrival-and-hotel-day-i.html">Day I and Day II</a><br />
Day III and Day IV<br />
Going back home<br />
<br />
<br />
How many Californians have ever been to Cabo?<br />
A lot<br />
How many Americans have ever been to Cabo?<br />
Many<br />
How many Mexicans have ever been to Cabo?<br />
Not many<br />
And not surprisingly, this was my first time in Los Cabos.<br />
And yes, I do live in Mexico City with a flight less than 200 USD roundtrip and 2 hours away, and I've never been to this amazing place.<br />
<br />
So a bit of background, shall we?<br />
<br />
Summer was coming pretty fast, ( FYI it was already June), so we wanted to do something for July, preferably in Mexico.<br />
The common, cheapest option for us is Acapulco, but we searched some flight options and found a nice 200 USD roundtrip flight from Mexico City to Los Cabos, and also found an awesome deal at Jetsetter (please visit http://www.jetsetter.com/invite/83914758ap9742vd9xz9) 200 USD for an oceanview room All-Inclusive rate in a Non-Inclusive hotel (which makes everything better).<br />
<br />
So, we booked it and we were ready to goOavcechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05078261874208329656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532125511013072370.post-20582354171786980032012-08-22T19:40:00.000-07:002012-08-22T19:48:17.848-07:00Day 3 Cruise At Sea<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.mx/2012/06/celebrity-cruise-introarriving-at-chile.html">Introduction/ Arriving at Chile</a></div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.mx/2012/06/1st-day.html">1st Day</a></div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.mx/2012/06/day-2.html">2nd Day La Serena/Coquimbo</a></div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.mx/2012/08/day-3-cruise-at-sea.html">3rd Day At Sea</a></div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
4rd Day Puerto Montt- Christmas Eve</div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
5th Day At Sea</div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
6th Day At Sea (Straight of Magellan)</div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
7th Day Punta Arenas</div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
8th Day Ushuaia</div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
9th Day At Sea</div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
10th Day At Sea</div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
11th Day Puerto Madryn</div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
New Years Eve</div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
12th Day At Sea</div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
13th Day Punta del Este</div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
14th Day Montevideo</div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
15th Day Buenos Aires</div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
2nd Day in BA and flight back to Mexico</div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
Well first of all the sea sickness didn't go completely so we didnt have a very good day.<br />
But we did went to the Bingo, I'm not going to lie, it's like the best thing for a first time cruiser, even for kids. But it is wasting money, pretty damn fast!<br />
But this is an adult's cruise, so although 1/4 of the cruise were minors, there were not a lot of activities. I heard that there was a club where you could play Wii and Xbox, but seriously, why would your kid come all the way from America just to play Wii :/<br />
Fortunately, the weather was still nice, middle 80's, so the pool was a nice option.<br />
<br />
Apart from that, we just rested, tried to defeat sea sickness, and relax (kind of boring for kids).Oavcechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05078261874208329656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532125511013072370.post-15010392698514405252012-06-27T10:46:00.002-07:002012-08-22T19:48:29.402-07:00Day 2<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.mx/2012/06/celebrity-cruise-introarriving-at-chile.html">Introduction/ Arriving at Chile</a></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.mx/2012/06/1st-day.html">1st Day</a></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.mx/2012/06/day-2.html">2nd Day La Serena/Coquimbo</a></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://introduction/%20Arriving%20at%20Chile%201st%20Day%202nd%20Day%20La%20Serena/Coquimbo%203rd%20Day%20At%20Sea%204rd%20Day%20Puerto%20Montt-%20Christmas%20Eve%205th%20Day%20At%20Sea%206th%20Day%20At%20Sea%20(Straight%20of%20Magellan)%207th%20Day%20Punta%20Arenas%208th%20Day%20Ushuaia%209th%20Day%20At%20Sea%2010th%20Day%20At%20Sea%2011th%20Day%20Puerto%20Madryn%20New%20Years%20Eve%2012th%20Day%20At%20Sea%2013th%20Day%20Punta%20del%20Este%2014th%20Day%20Montevideo%2015th%20Day%20Buenos%20Aires%202nd%20Day%20in%20BA%20and%20flight%20back%20to%20Mexico">3rd Day At Sea</a></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
4rd Day Puerto Montt- Christmas Eve</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
5th Day At Sea</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
6th Day At Sea (Straight of Magellan)</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
7th Day Punta Arenas</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
8th Day Ushuaia</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
9th Day At Sea</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
10th Day At Sea</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
11th Day Puerto Madryn</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
New Years Eve</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
12th Day At Sea</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
13th Day Punta del Este</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
14th Day Montevideo</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
15th Day Buenos Aires</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
2nd Day in BA and flight back to Mexico</div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 16px; margin-right: 16px; margin-top: 8px; min-width: 0px; width: 653px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Well after a bad night of seasickness of my kids, we got to La Serena, Coquimbo.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
First of all we had breakfast, and after that we decided to descend to La Serena, well practictly is Coquimbo but the nice city is La Serena, like New Jersey and NYC lol.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
When we arrived at the port we went to the exit were bunch of taxis were and for 20 dollars per hour we made a city tour, to different points of the city. The church, the center, the little market, there was not too much too see, but well we finish up in 3 hours, for 60 dollars, and Celebrity was giving the same excursion for 45 dollars each person, but well they have a professional tour guide, but personally I will save the money for other parts.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZUFuykT82Uwa-5yWfuMhn73qKujFHe6K55xFqluv6u_HTs7kjzPW3-mJJ2ZP3v_DEnfbYd20HlydXvLK3By2b9ZL8GjTcoSU-DGmSnFSWVD1hTVE60_fMcXsq9EdHeOHn2R0Y2-HWKA86/s1600/43c1833900794f12e7f8a844aacaaade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZUFuykT82Uwa-5yWfuMhn73qKujFHe6K55xFqluv6u_HTs7kjzPW3-mJJ2ZP3v_DEnfbYd20HlydXvLK3By2b9ZL8GjTcoSU-DGmSnFSWVD1hTVE60_fMcXsq9EdHeOHn2R0Y2-HWKA86/s320/43c1833900794f12e7f8a844aacaaade.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The principal attraction</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
v.s.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQ6FvypQFzXYwV_M5H0wyjoEzbSpMvUQy8c38eYUl7zgQSGvF0Nk82syZBr3woOn6CBvyB_c1l4ANuR1IB9McRIhZk_zVr3B8BaNpfaXo8xb6kQ4X9vQ8GKB-vemorS0Zj6RQAVHp-lnx/s1600/images-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQ6FvypQFzXYwV_M5H0wyjoEzbSpMvUQy8c38eYUl7zgQSGvF0Nk82syZBr3woOn6CBvyB_c1l4ANuR1IB9McRIhZk_zVr3B8BaNpfaXo8xb6kQ4X9vQ8GKB-vemorS0Zj6RQAVHp-lnx/s1600/images-1.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The "adult" pool (On the cold sea days, expect kids)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
If you ask me I would not go to La Serena. Some cruises offer Port Stanley instead of this small place. So enjoy the nice hot weather and stay by the pool, which was kind of cold when we came back (or the jacuzzis) </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The worst part of this day was leaving the port, not because we liked the city, but because of the movement of the ship. We all felt bad, took pills, chocolate and nothing! </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
So I wouldn't imagine feeling like this the whole trip.</div>
</div>
Oavcechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05078261874208329656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532125511013072370.post-74917692593168357212012-06-26T11:03:00.001-07:002012-08-22T19:49:36.094-07:001st Day<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.mx/2012/06/celebrity-cruise-introarriving-at-chile.html">Introduction/ Arriving at Chile</a></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.mx/2012/06/1st-day.html">1st Day</a></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.mx/2012/06/day-2.html">2nd Day La Serena/Coquimbo</a></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://introduction/%20Arriving%20at%20Chile%201st%20Day%202nd%20Day%20La%20Serena/Coquimbo%203rd%20Day%20At%20Sea%204rd%20Day%20Puerto%20Montt-%20Christmas%20Eve%205th%20Day%20At%20Sea%206th%20Day%20At%20Sea%20(Straight%20of%20Magellan)%207th%20Day%20Punta%20Arenas%208th%20Day%20Ushuaia%209th%20Day%20At%20Sea%2010th%20Day%20At%20Sea%2011th%20Day%20Puerto%20Madryn%20New%20Years%20Eve%2012th%20Day%20At%20Sea%2013th%20Day%20Punta%20del%20Este%2014th%20Day%20Montevideo%2015th%20Day%20Buenos%20Aires%202nd%20Day%20in%20BA%20and%20flight%20back%20to%20Mexico">3rd Day At Sea</a></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
4rd Day Puerto Montt- Christmas Eve</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
5th Day At Sea</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
6th Day At Sea (Straight of Magellan)</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
7th Day Punta Arenas</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
8th Day Ushuaia</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
9th Day At Sea</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
10th Day At Sea</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
11th Day Puerto Madryn</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
New Years Eve</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
12th Day At Sea</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
13th Day Punta del Este</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
14th Day Montevideo</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
15th Day Buenos Aires</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
2nd Day in BA and flight back to Mexico</div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 16px; margin-right: 16px; margin-top: 8px; min-width: 0px; width: 653px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br />
To start I arrived like at 4:00 p.m., so I had the "luck" to be escorted to my room.<br />
And I had quite a surprise when I entered my room , I thought it was going to be super small and it was a little more longer, and it was the smallest room category with a balcony. After that I went to make a tour of the ship.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNcWQCCwSXnzxL9lU4I4uQJ5mlaB1wVQU3MBOReUNlmgVd3n6fSRsNelgEvW2mrc1JC1az6Qx10pbM0Exh-vqm9LuZZMPJPv5sO5q7m9Vc5-AAR4kDIk9ZHd7uR4W13cK25uWaqM6ljkC/s1600/cabin1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNcWQCCwSXnzxL9lU4I4uQJ5mlaB1wVQU3MBOReUNlmgVd3n6fSRsNelgEvW2mrc1JC1az6Qx10pbM0Exh-vqm9LuZZMPJPv5sO5q7m9Vc5-AAR4kDIk9ZHd7uR4W13cK25uWaqM6ljkC/s320/cabin1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Wow!, was the only word that came into my mind. The Infinity is very big but still not overcrowded as some of the Royal Caribbean Cruises. At first, like everyone else, I got lost and to be honest it was so tiring to go from one point to the opposite one, but we finally we did it and in a few word its a very good ship and Celebrity is an excellent cruise line.<br />
And after touring the ship around we had the typically drill and then the cruise ship left Valparaiso. And I don't know if it's because we were on the Pacific Ocean, but right away you could feel the ship moving A LOT! So we hit the room early and went to sleep</div>
</div>
Oavcechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05078261874208329656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532125511013072370.post-63262048376784665072012-06-25T10:26:00.000-07:002012-06-27T10:48:38.647-07:00Celebrity Cruise Intro/Arriving at Chile<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.mx/2012/06/celebrity-cruise-introarriving-at-chile.html">Introduction/ Arriving at Chile</a></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.mx/2012/06/1st-day.html">1st Day</a></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.mx/2012/06/day-2.html">2nd Day La Serena/Coquimbo</a></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
3rd Day At Sea</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
4rd Day Puerto Montt- Christmas Eve</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
5th Day At Sea</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
6th Day At Sea (Straight of Magellan)</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
7th Day Punta Arenas</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
8th Day Ushuaia</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
9th Day At Sea</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
10th Day At Sea</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
11th Day Puerto Madryn</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
New Years Eve</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
12th Day At Sea</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
13th Day Punta del Este</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
14th Day Montevideo</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
15th Day Buenos Aires</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
2nd Day in BA and flight back to Mexico</div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
Introduction<br />
<br />
A couple of years ago I took a cruise from Chile to Buenos Aires through Cape Horn with Celebrity Cruises. I also blogged about it but in a very simple way.<br />
So I'm changing some stuff and putting it all on my blog<br />
<br />
Arriving at Chile<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK8mZyJZyJri5JutNILygQ3WUob_BAX89auxwV0uEi_GPtmGavVLSXhCVSjaIQmrV4VKBqQXmn1xOeNTy9b3k8uF1zcnNl9lEZKFBukKJW849WneV97qunLPmdgC3PxS8xjNt14cpYZlB3/s1600/vap_pmc_chj_mae_puq_ush_hne_pmy_pdp_mvd_eze.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK8mZyJZyJri5JutNILygQ3WUob_BAX89auxwV0uEi_GPtmGavVLSXhCVSjaIQmrV4VKBqQXmn1xOeNTy9b3k8uF1zcnNl9lEZKFBukKJW849WneV97qunLPmdgC3PxS8xjNt14cpYZlB3/s320/vap_pmc_chj_mae_puq_ush_hne_pmy_pdp_mvd_eze.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 16px; margin-right: 16px; margin-top: 8px; min-width: 0px; width: 653px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
After arriving from an 8 hour flight I arrived at Chile.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The bad thing was that they received us with another hour just to pay a tax for Mexicans, U.S., Canada and Australia citizens. After that I met with some friends that they just moved there, and they took us to the hotel (you can check my reviews at http://www.tripadvisor.com/members-reviews/charal95).</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
I stayed 3 days at Santiago. I went to the Turistik in the mall, and took a tour in the city, we also went to the Cerro San Cristobal. We also want it to go to a Viña (Vineyard ) but we didn't have reservations </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Well the 3 days passed fast and Im sad because Santiago is a beautifull clean city.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
On the last day we went to Valparaiso, (I notice something in Chiles ports, that they have the port city and next to it a nicer city: Valparaiso and Viña del Mar, Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas, Coquimbo and La Serena)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
We only went to Viña to the beach and to eat and after that we went to the cruise, when we get in Valparaiso it looks like a insecure city and also a not world heritage. When we get to the port we did the fast check in (oh if you were Captains Club you need it to wait more) and then boarded a bus and finally to the ship.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1haSRG5DfUg9_b0XwRrGUN61e6aNA89k4gunFATWTjVsSOIhvQQXyLAeRESowN2uNAlU4rd_c93JGSFEpsP8-uEOrZIcgZN5V4CHMysCAXrk30ab2tUT0otnA6aks1FzZZUNa7azmOoMa/s1600/IMG_6387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1haSRG5DfUg9_b0XwRrGUN61e6aNA89k4gunFATWTjVsSOIhvQQXyLAeRESowN2uNAlU4rd_c93JGSFEpsP8-uEOrZIcgZN5V4CHMysCAXrk30ab2tUT0otnA6aks1FzZZUNa7azmOoMa/s320/IMG_6387.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
For all the info about the ship wait for my next days.</div>
</div>Oavcechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05078261874208329656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532125511013072370.post-31316877158191748422012-06-14T20:58:00.001-07:002012-06-14T20:58:30.962-07:00Analysis: US Airways merge with American AirlinesLast year I was actually pretty excited about the merge of United and Continental, but little did I knew that mergers do affect travelers' economy... A LOT!<br />
Flights that were 330 USD (almost all the time) went to 550 USD.<br />
Now a flight that was 380 USD from Mexico City to Houston (2 hours) is now over 650 USD!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtuLioE16BrPFGSNYCuYkzXptvrSh-oF9Yvx2xOt_YolUuIScFfzBTRUXEZCIRl8uf9ku3slvkk4Lb6j1Mx2Kc5t3lXlB8_iCSqpSaJf4aHgo9TFK4eIkpNARvs7MIPXnCt-UwRlqWxGf/s1600/510452066_24698887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtuLioE16BrPFGSNYCuYkzXptvrSh-oF9Yvx2xOt_YolUuIScFfzBTRUXEZCIRl8uf9ku3slvkk4Lb6j1Mx2Kc5t3lXlB8_iCSqpSaJf4aHgo9TFK4eIkpNARvs7MIPXnCt-UwRlqWxGf/s320/510452066_24698887.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
So I'm totally against this merger,<br />
Yes it would save thousands of jobs, although many jobs including those at US Airways will be lost.<br />
And I wouldn't imagine in just 4 mayor airlines (UA,DL,SW,US Air).<br />
Of course prices will be higher, and not only from US Airways but from the others too.<br />
<br />
And of course I would feel bad for OneWorld, that if this merger would go on, it would lose the only North-American carrier and one of its most important members.<br />
<br />
So this just means<br />
<br />
*Higher prices<br />
*Less flight options<br />
*Less award-flight availability<br />
*Lost of US Airways jobs.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/SDSSj1GeYwk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Do you think the merger should happen?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Do you think that one of the current airlines can become one of the big main airlines? Which one?</div>
<br />Oavcechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05078261874208329656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532125511013072370.post-18591371936105480462012-06-14T13:30:00.002-07:002012-06-14T19:13:35.701-07:00Airport Review/Guide: Denver International AirportAs something new I decided to create airport reviews. I do reviews for hotels, attractions, restaurants, so why not review airports?<br />
<br />
To start off, Denver International Airport or locally known as DIA is very different than any airport in the U.S. The check in, TSA check -point and baggage claim of all airlines is located in one medium size terminal: Jeppesen Terminal.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZtLJiGm-T5-il9k7ikfxDsMSLJ_qb3L8c5mnlOOC2vctV2CHrZS3_sAF8iDxAFoae6UiT4th0_pIKeLp7gG2wlei8SJOsPlmqz8fz7amT1lkreWnVUKNLyCr8EeIIejc5tJB2KSinvZtf/s1600/denver-airport-code.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZtLJiGm-T5-il9k7ikfxDsMSLJ_qb3L8c5mnlOOC2vctV2CHrZS3_sAF8iDxAFoae6UiT4th0_pIKeLp7gG2wlei8SJOsPlmqz8fz7amT1lkreWnVUKNLyCr8EeIIejc5tJB2KSinvZtf/s320/denver-airport-code.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Here you can find Rental Car options, restaurants, etc...<br />
And here is where you have to arrive to do the check in and to be picked up.<br />
United is the main airline here, Southwest and Frontier are also the big bosses.<br />
United offers plenty of room to check in with almost no-wait at all even if you fly in coach.<br />
<br />
One of the great features is that in the TSA checkpoint there is a Pre-Clear line plus a Business/First Class/Premier line, which saved me at least 15 minutes.<br />
<br />
After the TSA checkpoint you can proceed to your terminal.<br />
You can walk or take the train if using terminal A.<br />
And you must take the train (ONLY OPTION) to go to terminal C and B(United and US Airways only).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi44fOKAjhBMJEu60aOsb0hS0d6weewOusru4bgNnksDnnclv4IZDLbwGJE1PVkKcYSUs8Czx73xXmFN61-AprKK25XkPVpzWcWiL1XPrFEbfUxevvL0n70OUuR6tDrXjYK9DsSasMBLjGh/s1600/413px-Denver_terminal_map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi44fOKAjhBMJEu60aOsb0hS0d6weewOusru4bgNnksDnnclv4IZDLbwGJE1PVkKcYSUs8Czx73xXmFN61-AprKK25XkPVpzWcWiL1XPrFEbfUxevvL0n70OUuR6tDrXjYK9DsSasMBLjGh/s320/413px-Denver_terminal_map.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Of course I just visited terminal B, which is huge. And thankfully there are two well located United Clubs. But apart from that there aren't too many options. The only shops are the typically airport stores but it does have a lot of restaurants but only one Starbucks and it's not in the middle of the terminal.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This airport is good to say the least. Although because you do have to take the small train and walk a bit more, I would arrive at the airport at least 1 hour and 15 minutes before the flight. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW73Alc07UpfGOc3QpxtIDECLaRUQ-iWh_6XZxVOnsMCMsF0Yt7KtPhek285hRHBBGDB9zckc4bZc-yVIcO72HJ1iVu7cJAbRJ3yFcIvwCn8j1ZHnjyFauNXZPyg-WOiOC_8fEp-YHZocx/s1600/denver-airport-address.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW73Alc07UpfGOc3QpxtIDECLaRUQ-iWh_6XZxVOnsMCMsF0Yt7KtPhek285hRHBBGDB9zckc4bZc-yVIcO72HJ1iVu7cJAbRJ3yFcIvwCn8j1ZHnjyFauNXZPyg-WOiOC_8fEp-YHZocx/s320/denver-airport-address.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But most important, it offers one thing that I think we all look at an airport:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
FREE INTERNET</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(although it didn't worked on mobile devices)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
FOOD: 4.5</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
SHOPS: 3.7</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
ENTERTAINMENT: 4.4</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
SERVICE/EFFICIENCY: 4.5</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
LOCATION: 4.0</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"WALKING"(the least, the better): 3.7</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>OVERALL:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>4.1</b></div>
<br />Oavcechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05078261874208329656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532125511013072370.post-22900309144329960682012-05-31T10:49:00.001-07:002012-05-31T10:49:12.025-07:00A day in Denver and an adventure with GreyhoundDuring my vacations in Vail, CO, I had the opportunity to spend a day in Denver and it was amazing.<br />
I visited the Denver Art Museum, the Colorado Capitol, the Denver Botanic Gardens and even the Cherry Creek Mall.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmysFSsw05fv-8MR6L2hyxdCCa8SISFTQj951iwDsdlchewc6zzEzPVF8qVR1i9wrPrcPu36eOKIpAfiX35xI9sM7DeZsb7XqUPgKJs9oEIgFCZhzNNc4Ry107MCLvAsFr52Px1L_tClh/s1600/denver-art-museum-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmysFSsw05fv-8MR6L2hyxdCCa8SISFTQj951iwDsdlchewc6zzEzPVF8qVR1i9wrPrcPu36eOKIpAfiX35xI9sM7DeZsb7XqUPgKJs9oEIgFCZhzNNc4Ry107MCLvAsFr52Px1L_tClh/s320/denver-art-museum-.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Here are just some of my thoughts about the city<br />
* Fantastic atmosphere, people are very nice<br />
* Although is a medium city, it has a lot of parks, little pollution and a good weather (except on Winter).<br />
* The Denver Art Museum is a must, is one of the best Art museums in the country<br />
*The Denver Botanic Gardens are beautiful and huge. I'm not sure how nice they are during winter, but if you are in the city try to visit.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvdnEHlvGqpiF85jRtaeEXfN8IXOwmMONfggR23-LEeNBKgY7wb5n4yuS08clzTN585vwjzpMKiTSi14HfzcYOZW4pJrnmSpzmpOLgdciR5foqfHCDl140VCOldnebsMWG7q4e4Rhhmgw/s1600/1.-Denver-Botanic-Gardens.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvdnEHlvGqpiF85jRtaeEXfN8IXOwmMONfggR23-LEeNBKgY7wb5n4yuS08clzTN585vwjzpMKiTSi14HfzcYOZW4pJrnmSpzmpOLgdciR5foqfHCDl140VCOldnebsMWG7q4e4Rhhmgw/s320/1.-Denver-Botanic-Gardens.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
* The Colorado Capitol is a very nice building but the best thing is that there is almost no limits in where to go. You can even knock the governor's office door and watch the Senate Sessions.<br />
* If you want to go shopping, then Cherry Creek Mall is the answer.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5AVLZ2kIQOb73wvkLmEJjvqxz2h2ZyeIclXDwNq9gnZ9To2FPIkEyZXrXidoEkVDL3j98uQuSuoGS74K6wgjwZrKEUPKFW1W4Vt6lDm0oSXfXyH7npxco2OT6GEwxJ_fRKiAz5deH_y70/s1600/downtown-denver-2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5AVLZ2kIQOb73wvkLmEJjvqxz2h2ZyeIclXDwNq9gnZ9To2FPIkEyZXrXidoEkVDL3j98uQuSuoGS74K6wgjwZrKEUPKFW1W4Vt6lDm0oSXfXyH7npxco2OT6GEwxJ_fRKiAz5deH_y70/s320/downtown-denver-2a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Denver might not be a huge city but it sure is a nice city with a lot of things to do. So if you have a long layover or happen to be here, visit this city.<br />
<br />
<b>My experience with Greyhound</b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP0F50lg6SsAB4J3rdDHRZd04uMOywvjNMEHyXc8fhXsPhybFoWG7ZKiCdrzrWYSWhQ2_xQo4mJariwKV0nsFk1i7Q4ElVq1ZO-x7cn91pWtw_guepbi0G5qwmfgQQdfYrgAcXJsuzkvgM/s1600/greyhoundbus_300x210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP0F50lg6SsAB4J3rdDHRZd04uMOywvjNMEHyXc8fhXsPhybFoWG7ZKiCdrzrWYSWhQ2_xQo4mJariwKV0nsFk1i7Q4ElVq1ZO-x7cn91pWtw_guepbi0G5qwmfgQQdfYrgAcXJsuzkvgM/s1600/greyhoundbus_300x210.jpg" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
I have been to several countries using several airlines, from Lufthansa to Cubana (the world's most dangerous airline). I have never taken a bus in another country apart from Mexico, but I have taken the Amtrak Train and the SBB train in Switzerland.<br />
<br />
Prior to my small trip with Greyhound I heard really bad comments. But the reality is that the company is not that bad, it's their passengers.<br />
On the first journey, the bus departed on time, arrived on time and practically everything was fine.<br />
On the second journey everything was different.<br />
<br />
Because the Denver public transportation bus arrived 10 minutes late, I almost didn't make it, I did not even had a ticket and it was already 7:05 and the bus was schedule to depart at 7:00. And when I asked the person in the front of the ticket line, if I could be first because my bus was leaving (almost crying) he just said no.<br />
Fortunately, the 2nd person in line did let me in, and because of Karma, God or luck I obtained my ticket first than the "nice" guy in front of me.<br />
<br />
On board the bus, the only problem I had was the lady next to me. Apart that she had her feet uncovered almost touching me, she was swearing/talking to the seat in front.<br />
<br />
And btw this was a comment from another passenger:<br />
"Wow, this station is the same like an airport"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGCNMUxUj7JcXbPa5cuBXAqQf63dtZBa0MGeY4l6EjYgdEUw5zcbsnpzws5c1Au5pJ_g7rq7E4ZlHgU8pw1taeuEeV-58Ze7Oh_tJle4n2swuxVPG3LczPNq0L7azz0oUIV6XMr4hKzhPa/s1600/DenverBusStation60210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGCNMUxUj7JcXbPa5cuBXAqQf63dtZBa0MGeY4l6EjYgdEUw5zcbsnpzws5c1Au5pJ_g7rq7E4ZlHgU8pw1taeuEeV-58Ze7Oh_tJle4n2swuxVPG3LczPNq0L7azz0oUIV6XMr4hKzhPa/s320/DenverBusStation60210.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I don't know to which airport he has been to, but not even the ugly Argentinian airports look like this.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Oavcechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05078261874208329656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532125511013072370.post-17371124735559060042012-05-23T20:33:00.003-07:002012-05-23T20:33:59.300-07:00New Flight to TokyoAs reported yesterday by USA TODAY, United will be flying next March their new dream liners from Denver hub to Tokyo.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9hr33p5WxVnW4oVt9n_6JpR2FhgcY3TXcw_1fmEaVpUKXwWt7_M9ukSAAF5rq4sM5JLdSJw2tcoI3Vu4MNNxaUODZiC-QVaW-V7xwND4hKJb7UHLwdBMligj_MbyRrblfqzSU33TMW8XK/s1600/United_Airlines_Dreamliner-250x167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9hr33p5WxVnW4oVt9n_6JpR2FhgcY3TXcw_1fmEaVpUKXwWt7_M9ukSAAF5rq4sM5JLdSJw2tcoI3Vu4MNNxaUODZiC-QVaW-V7xwND4hKJb7UHLwdBMligj_MbyRrblfqzSU33TMW8XK/s1600/United_Airlines_Dreamliner-250x167.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
This route is not the only one that United will have using their new dreamliner. Earlier on the year United also announced their route Houston to Auckland, New Zealand.<br />
<br />Oavcechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05078261874208329656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532125511013072370.post-7057111778768944642012-05-21T09:15:00.002-07:002012-05-21T17:59:09.923-07:00Long layover in LAX?When trying to find a cheap flight it's almost impossible to fly non-stop so you do have to have a layover, usually a long layover.<br />
<br />
Last weekend I flew from Mexico City to Denver via LAX with a 5 hour layover! It is a long layover but there are definitely longer.<br />
Many people did recommend me to go to Santa Monica or Venice Beach, but that would cost me about 50-70 USD in a roundtrip taxi, and a shuttle would take a lot of time. And I don't think it's smart for people that take this cheap flights save 100 dollars and then spend them on a taxi.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifVgn8vkHiY4fdqSJ4kJnZOMQqeS-ks4cnGPvHPSIZ9JAto2LW34D_u60TjR-4CBx4fKKGGC7sIKFSAojozbqoBnew34D_Ha8VQbffSL_Ackg1ELT-cv71u-PcLf2WkuFV4XdiazEyEmQY/s1600/IMG_3980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifVgn8vkHiY4fdqSJ4kJnZOMQqeS-ks4cnGPvHPSIZ9JAto2LW34D_u60TjR-4CBx4fKKGGC7sIKFSAojozbqoBnew34D_Ha8VQbffSL_Ackg1ELT-cv71u-PcLf2WkuFV4XdiazEyEmQY/s320/IMG_3980.jpg" width="239" /></a>So I decided to stay, so what should you do if you want to stay at LAX?<br />
If you are a bit hungry you should definitely go to Encounter.<br />
Remember that strange building at the middle of the airport? Well, that's a restaurant.<br />
<br />
The food is ok, the service is good and to be honest the prices are a bit high but do remember it's an airport restaurant.<br />
So what is the special thing about this restaurant?<br />
THE VIEWS!<br />
You are able to see tons of airplanes arriving and departing LAX and time just flies by.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
You can also check out the several<a href="http://www.lawa.org/newsContent.aspx?ID=1576"> new stores that will open in this year.</a> Specially in Terminal 7 and 8 and you can find a Food Court at TBIT,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidrd804phgiCCSpzMl-gzm6POlHeoLp5wVKgcJQbVaeKlrRAyW7w8GFgXhgBKx7bsct9keQ0u970uAd3gKJCoVQWRgAHNoko5dh71xhLxBgZnSCKF5Mg6v1F4U9N_ldxWfX1HH3IeKZMPq/s1600/store_12_picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidrd804phgiCCSpzMl-gzm6POlHeoLp5wVKgcJQbVaeKlrRAyW7w8GFgXhgBKx7bsct9keQ0u970uAd3gKJCoVQWRgAHNoko5dh71xhLxBgZnSCKF5Mg6v1F4U9N_ldxWfX1HH3IeKZMPq/s320/store_12_picture.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<br />
Oavcechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05078261874208329656noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532125511013072370.post-76004787840578595812012-05-01T07:34:00.001-07:002012-05-01T07:37:40.147-07:00New TV show coming! And you can win!It's always nice to see a TV show of something you like, and more if it's a competition ... and even more if YOU CAN WIN.<br />
<br />
Bravo TV (yes, the same of the Real Housewives) has announced that starting on May 9th a new show will be on air.<br />
Each week, through their website a map of the U.S. will appear and each time someone uses the # on Twitter (<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">#80plateschallenge) the map will zoom in.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">After the location is finally revealed, competitors will have to leg it. The first person to find them in an Infinity car's windshield, wins them. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">So it's not the typically competition but it's sure creative.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">For more visit:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">http://intransit.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/05/01/a-tv-travel-show-offers-challenge-to-come-along/</span>Oavcechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05078261874208329656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532125511013072370.post-35033148747544238822012-03-10T13:08:00.002-08:002012-03-10T13:11:04.003-08:00A big thanks<div>I just want to say thanks, to all the people that have seen my reviews. I hope I can get to the 100,000 views</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhattVU5I12bcNd7TVMH0sliolg4yymF0pWuXCn7qRhdgRf26AMCa5IZCeXpccqvqA4lflhyphenhyphenLbTg27vDV4d-DwHVzx9RdrcboWvy2oKLa9baMlpnWVo72S-1WjJ8PtSpVbrl5AYZvSii1as/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-03-10+at+3.06.18+PM.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhattVU5I12bcNd7TVMH0sliolg4yymF0pWuXCn7qRhdgRf26AMCa5IZCeXpccqvqA4lflhyphenhyphenLbTg27vDV4d-DwHVzx9RdrcboWvy2oKLa9baMlpnWVo72S-1WjJ8PtSpVbrl5AYZvSii1as/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-03-10+at+3.06.18+PM.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718378943657983074" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 189px; " /></a></div>Oavcechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05078261874208329656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532125511013072370.post-14190335956726585762012-01-26T19:45:00.000-08:002012-01-26T19:52:14.605-08:00New American Airlines 777-300I know that I just blog about my trips, but I found the new AA design to be quite elegant and really nice so take a look<div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-lHCRfTJNsVKtKDLUadrgz9RUvX75ctEMe8Mpv9pyt9Rnlvowyr01oWTMR_R6JJBKiIHTzw9AuK7Rk6um6v-p909UqREskj__zznde7MK2HDWmzTpQcWe_kEArBd3yh-SLUeFR7UStAK/s1600/Screen-shot-2012-01-26-at-1.57.09-PM.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-lHCRfTJNsVKtKDLUadrgz9RUvX75ctEMe8Mpv9pyt9Rnlvowyr01oWTMR_R6JJBKiIHTzw9AuK7Rk6um6v-p909UqREskj__zznde7MK2HDWmzTpQcWe_kEArBd3yh-SLUeFR7UStAK/s320/Screen-shot-2012-01-26-at-1.57.09-PM.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702153304477635522" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 319px; " /></a><br /></div><div>Really nice design but it somehows doesn't looks 100% fresh and new</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDTgBr2iwL-al0kVGBwLG8O9b67UsbpcfnpNytQt38pDwER93qI1ZLGBeQ0BhUQNJgT0UDAeZiKumhJhf0cTtPcKGGG4_fPHNaQWvvdOWcrL7ZQVoJUA6vwNQ6VT5UG0-qBjI5vM9uyTT/s1600/Screen-shot-2012-01-26-at-1.54.07-PM.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDTgBr2iwL-al0kVGBwLG8O9b67UsbpcfnpNytQt38pDwER93qI1ZLGBeQ0BhUQNJgT0UDAeZiKumhJhf0cTtPcKGGG4_fPHNaQWvvdOWcrL7ZQVoJUA6vwNQ6VT5UG0-qBjI5vM9uyTT/s320/Screen-shot-2012-01-26-at-1.54.07-PM.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702153488562148370" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 194px; " /></a></div><div>It looks good, and better taking in comparison that it's American, but for me it's kind of senior (less cool) design of the Air New Zealand premium economy.</div><div><br /></div>Oavcechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05078261874208329656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532125511013072370.post-17654127996700718022012-01-12T14:48:00.001-08:002012-01-13T21:45:24.649-08:00IX A day in Cancun<a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/10/2011-cuba-trip-introduction.html">I Introduction</a><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/ii-flight-mex-cun-volaris-cun-hav.html">II Flight MEX-CUN (Volaris) CUN-HAV (Cubana)</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/this-is-probably-best-hotel-in-all.html">III Hotel Parque Central</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/i-introduction-ii-flight-mex-cun.html">IV Day 1 and 2 in La Havana</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/v-day-3-and-4-in-hav.html">V Day 3 and 4 in HAV</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/vi-day-1-in-varadero.html">VI Day 1 in VAR</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/vi-hotel-riu-varadero.html">VI Hotel Riu Varadero</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2012/01/vii-day-2-and-3-in-varadero-including.html">VII Day 2 and 3 in Varadero (including Xmas Eve)</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2012/01/viii-day-4-and-return-to-la.html">VIII Day 4 and return to La Havana/Flight to Cancun</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2012/01/i-introduction-ii-flight-mex-cun.html">IX A day in Cancun/ JW Marriott , CUN-MEX (Volaris)</a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(44, 44, 44); line-height: 19px; font-family:Arial, Tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif;"><p id="review_122896236" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; word-wrap: break-word; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p id="review_122896236" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; word-wrap: break-word; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Well after waiting a lot for my bags I decided to take a shuttle to take us to the hotel. </span></p><p id="review_122896236" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; word-wrap: break-word; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">And the hotel is just awesome here is part of my review, to see the rest go</span></p><p id="review_122896236" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; word-wrap: break-word; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"> to http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g150807-d209428-r122896236-JW_Marriott_Cancun_Resort_and_Spa-Cancun_Yucatan_Peninsula.html</span></p><p id="review_122896236" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; word-wrap: break-word; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">This hotel is great and it's one of the best in Cancun. Right below I'll write my review in separate parts.<br /><b><br />Check in/Check out</b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">As soon as I arrived I was asked my last name and the whole check in process was a breeze. Just 2 minutes after I arrived I was already going to my room. The actual check out process was kind of slow because of all the people doing the same thing. But it did took 20 minutes for a bell boy to get to my room<br />4.6 points out of 5<br /><br />Room<br />Although the size is average, the room is beautiful. It might not have some details and extras as some of the others 5 star hotels around the world, but it's great. I was apparently upgraded to a room with a better view but I was just in high floor and the view was nice. The bed is really comfortable but the sofa bed is not great. The tv offers several channels but the movies on demand option did not worked. There is also a nice desk where you can connect your computer to the internet (16 USD per day, a bit expensive). The bathroom is just beautiful but the door has some glass so you can see from the outside everything that is inside.<br />The room is great but there is something missing from other 5 star hotels rooms<br />4.7 points<br /><br />Service<br />Service was always good sometimes even excellent, but in a 5 star hotel service needs to always be excellent. What I really appreciated is that whenever I went to the front desk or called them, or even sometimes when at the restaurant, is that I was addressed by my last name, and it is a big plus, specially because not a lot of hotels in Mexico do that. I never had any problem with any of the employee, they were all very courteous and provided me a very good service. The only 2 small complaints that I had were: Because I was during a very busy week (between Christmas and New Years) the hotel was almost full and the service at the bars at the pool was slow, it was just that there was only one person preparing 20 drinks at once.<br />The other complaint is that I did not received a turndown service and there was one, and just to remind everyone, this is a must for a 5 star hotel.<br />Oh and of course, that it took 20 minutes for a bellboy to get to my room<br />4.8<br /><br />Location<br />It's not the best but it's not bad. Although the Cancun Strip is extremely long most of the Shopping Malls, nightclubs and restaurants are between the 13th km and the 9th km. The hotel is located in the 14.5 km so is not that bad. If you are staying here is probably because you are not on a budget, so if you take a taxi from the hotel (only vans and Suburbans) it will cost about 100-150 pesos to that zone (for me as Mexican, that's very expensive), so if you want to save some bucks, just ...<br /></span></p><p id="review_122896236" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; word-wrap: break-word; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p id="review_122896236" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; word-wrap: break-word; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b>24 hours in Cancun.</b></span></p><p id="review_122896236" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; word-wrap: break-word; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Cancun is a great place but it doesn't really feels Mexican, which can be good or bad. Personally I think Cancun is much more American than Puerto Rico. It's very expensive, comparing it to other Mexican cities and everybody speaks english, use dollar, etc..</span></p><p id="review_122896236" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; word-wrap: break-word; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">I've been to Cancun several times before, so this time apart from going to La Isla Shopping Mall, which is the best Shopping Mall in Cancun I spent the whole day relaxing at the beautiful white beach. After all the stress that CUBANA caused I was happy to be just sitting at the beach with a beautiful view.</span></p><p id="review_122896236" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; word-wrap: break-word; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b>Cancun v.s. Varadero?</b></span></p><p id="review_122896236" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; word-wrap: break-word; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Many people try to decide wether to go to Cancun or Varadero for Winter Break. Both of them have pros and cons. If you of course are the typically "business" pro-capitalism person you will prefer Cancun. The medium city in Mexico offers great beaches and endless options of lodging wether is All inclusive or not. You will also find many options for shopping, good restaurants and nightclubs.</span></p><p id="review_122896236" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; word-wrap: break-word; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">In Varadero is very different. 99% of the hotels are all-inclusive, in my opinion their beaches weren't as I expected and although you might find several restaurants there are not a lot of options for Shopping or nightclubs. But it does offer a more relaxing experience. You will not find Americans everywhere which for some people can be good. </span></p><p id="review_122896236" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; word-wrap: break-word; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><b>Flight to Mexico City.</b></span></p><p id="review_122896236" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; word-wrap: break-word; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">My flight, again with Volaris was not great. It was delayed 1 hour and I had to wait 45 minutes for my bags to come. But they are a good airline.</span></p></span>Oavcechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05078261874208329656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532125511013072370.post-83074807848550005402012-01-10T13:07:00.000-08:002012-01-13T21:06:57.554-08:00VIII Day 4 and return to La Havana/Flight to Cancun<a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/10/2011-cuba-trip-introduction.html">I Introduction</a><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/ii-flight-mex-cun-volaris-cun-hav.html">II Flight MEX-CUN (Volaris) CUN-HAV (Cubana)</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/this-is-probably-best-hotel-in-all.html">III Hotel Parque Central</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/i-introduction-ii-flight-mex-cun.html">IV Day 1 and 2 in La Havana</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/v-day-3-and-4-in-hav.html">V Day 3 and 4 in HAV</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/vi-day-1-in-varadero.html">VI Day 1 in VAR</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/vi-hotel-riu-varadero.html">VI Hotel Riu Varadero</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2012/01/vii-day-2-and-3-in-varadero-including.html">VII Day 2 and 3 in Varadero (including Xmas Eve)</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2012/01/viii-day-4-and-return-to-la.html">VIII Day 4 and return to La Havana/Flight to Cancun</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2012/01/i-introduction-ii-flight-mex-cun.html">IX A day in Cancun/ JW Marriott , CUN-MEX (Volaris)</a></div><div><br /></div><div>So as soon as we woke up, we went directly and had our final buffet breakfast!!. After we called for bell-boys to help us with our luggage and in less than 10 minutes they came in a golf-cart and took us to the lobby. </div><div>Check out was a breeze and then we waited for our driver. He was supposed to be at 9:00 but we didn't saw anyone until at 9:15 a young man approached to us and asked if we were the family going to Havana Airport. </div><div>This time it wasn't a Hyundai, it was a smaller one a Geely. This time the average speed was 100 km/hr but all of a sudden the AC stopped working. So there we were in a hot 25 C "humid" day with no AC. </div><div>We arrived at Havana about in just 1 hour and 25 minutes, and we still had 2 hours and 20 minutes for our obviously late flight so we decided to go to the Cafe Escorial to see if we could buy and take some of the delicious chocolates they offer.</div><div>But when we arrived there disappeared, no more chocolates :(.</div><div>So back to the car, the driver told us that the airport was about 15 minutes away but no, our flight was leaving in 2 hours and 10 minutes and there was a lot of traffic to the airport. </div><div>I know that it was probably not responsible for us to take a small detour but the good thing is that we mad it to the airport.</div><div><br /></div><div>At the Cubana check-in counter we had a quite funny conversation with the old person doing the check in ago</div><div><br /></div><div>Me: "Escuse me, can I take this Run bottle on-board"</div><div>Cubana agent: "I think so"</div><div>Me: "But are you sure"</div><div>Cubana agent: "Well, they even sell those near the gates, so I think you can bring them"</div><div><br /></div><div>At this moment we were just lost</div><div><br /></div><div>Me: "Well but that doesn't matter, if they sell rum after security or not"</div><div>Cubana "If they sell liquids after Security then why people can't bring them into the plane"</div><div>Me :"Because you can cause an explosion" </div><div>Ups, I probably said the word I shouldn't say at an airport but I did</div><div>Cubana agent "What? what kind of person would bring an explosive and kill himself"</div><div>Me: "Well.. many people but it's fine I'll not take it on-board. The thing is that in the U.S. and in Mexico they don't aloud this"</div><div>Cubana agent: "Why? I don't understand, do Mexicans do that only because they are near the U.S.?</div><div>Me: "Europeans airports also do it...."</div><div><br /></div><div>So we just decided to put the Rum in my checked bag.</div><div>At Cuba, you have to pass through exit "customs" in which you have to pay 25 CUC per person. Then we had 1 full hour, well actually 2 hours because... surprise! our flight was delayed.</div><div>Near our gate there was only one "Duty Free" store, and 2 "cafeterias". </div><div>There is also a very small "VIP" lounge.</div><div><br /></div><div>We finally took off and had a really bad flight and it was only 1 hour long.</div><div>First the crew was extremely rude and second... well it was just a bad flight but we got to Cancun pretty fast.</div><div><br /></div><div>This was my first time arriving at Mexico from an international flight, at a different airport than Mexico City. I arrived at the international terminal which 99% it was full of Brits, Americans, Canadians, Cubans, Latin Americans, etc.. </div><div>But there were very few Mexicans, so immigration just took 10 seconds. But guess what? I was coming from Cuba, and all bags coming from Cuba are opened and searched by the Mexican Navy. So we had to wait more than 1 hour.</div><div><br /></div><div>1 hour delay</div><div>1 hour flight</div><div>1 hour of waiting for bags</div><div>What a trip!</div>Oavcechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05078261874208329656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532125511013072370.post-53138198040558779112012-01-01T18:15:00.000-08:002012-01-13T21:07:04.499-08:00VII Day 2 and 3 in Varadero (including Xmas Eve)<a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/10/2011-cuba-trip-introduction.html">I Introduction</a><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/ii-flight-mex-cun-volaris-cun-hav.html">II Flight MEX-CUN (Volaris) CUN-HAV (Cubana)</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/this-is-probably-best-hotel-in-all.html">III Hotel Parque Central</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/i-introduction-ii-flight-mex-cun.html">IV Day 1 and 2 in La Havana</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/v-day-3-and-4-in-hav.html">V Day 3 and 4 in HAV</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/vi-day-1-in-varadero.html">VI Day 1 in VAR</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/vi-hotel-riu-varadero.html">VI Hotel Riu Varadero</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2012/01/vii-day-2-and-3-in-varadero-including.html">VII Day 2 and 3 in Varadero (including Xmas Eve)</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2012/01/viii-day-4-and-return-to-la.html">VIII Day 4 and return to La Havana/Flight to Cancun</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2012/01/i-introduction-ii-flight-mex-cun.html">IX A day in Cancun/ JW Marriott , CUN-MEX (Volaris)</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Day 2 in Varadero</div><div><br /></div><div>So because there is basically only 3 things to do in Varadero (chill at the pool, go to the "town, or book an activity) we decided to book an excursion with Sunwing. </div><div>We did the reservation with Sunwing, but I'm pretty sure any guest can book an expedition with them. From the 7-8 options we had, we chose the Catamaran Experience, which apparently, along with the Havana Tour, is the most popular excursion.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've been to other catamarans but I kind of liked a bit more this catamaran than others. </div><div>All catamarans (the ship itself) are almost the same, they will offer snacks, music, a net were you can be, but what makes a catamaran different than the others, is where it stops (snorkel, etc..) and the service.</div><div>The service was ok/good, but the only "entertainment" they gave, which was basically put everyone to dance, was... just vulgar and not appropriate for well... everyone that is not horny or is not between the ages of 21-29 .</div><div>But I have to say that the rest of the trip was very good. We first stop and did some snorkel, but they did not had a lot of snorkel equipment and by the time we were on the water, they were already telling us to get out of the water.</div><div>The stop at the dolphinarium was awesome and we also had about 1 hour and a half to rest on a beautiful warm white beach, were we had a pretty good lunch.</div><div>The full trip ended at around 5:00 p.m. and it was pretty refreshing from being all day on a resort</div><div><br /></div><div>Then we went and changed clothes (prepare) for the Christmas Eve dinner. Although it was on the buffet restaurant, they added some special stuff, like turkey and lobster. The dinner was fine but nothing special.</div><div>The only music there was, was a group of violins from 9:30 to 10:30 and after that there was nothing to do but to be on your room or at the lobby.</div><div><br /></div><div>Day 3 in Varadero (Christmas Day!)</div><div>After a long night of sleep and our typical breakfast, we decided to start our day outside of the hotel.</div><div>Our original plan was to chill by the beach and then go to the small town, but it was raining! Although it wasn't that bad, it's not that comfortable being on the beach while raining.</div><div>This time, instead of taking a very expensive taxi, we took the typical double decker red bus which is only 5 CUC per person and you can use it the whole day.</div><div>We first stop at the only "Shopping Mall" the "Las Americas" Mall. Of course we knew this wasn't going to be the typical American mall, but there was just a supermarket, 3 clothing stores, a souvenir store and a coffee shop. </div><div>So unless you need some average clothes, do not come here. </div><div><br /></div><div>Later we took the the bus to the 49th Street where you can find so many souvenirs, cuban music, artwork, etc.. But to be honest I thought the city would be bigger.</div><div>Then we went back to our hotel, had lunch and just about we were going to the beach (it wasn't raining) it started raining and temperature went down.</div><div>So we got some rest and packed the bags.</div>Oavcechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05078261874208329656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532125511013072370.post-41120387651892743752011-12-30T16:20:00.000-08:002012-01-13T21:08:34.501-08:00VI Hotel Riu Varadero<a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/10/2011-cuba-trip-introduction.html">I Introduction</a><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/ii-flight-mex-cun-volaris-cun-hav.html">II Flight MEX-CUN (Volaris) CUN-HAV (Cubana)</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/this-is-probably-best-hotel-in-all.html">III Hotel Parque Central</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/i-introduction-ii-flight-mex-cun.html">IV Day 1 and 2 in La Havana</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/v-day-3-and-4-in-hav.html">V Day 3 and 4 in HAV</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/vi-day-1-in-varadero.html">VI Day 1 in VAR</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/vi-hotel-riu-varadero.html">VI Hotel Riu Varadero</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2012/01/vii-day-2-and-3-in-varadero-including.html">VII Day 2 and 3 in Varadero (including Xmas Eve)</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2012/01/viii-day-4-and-return-to-la.html">VIII Day 4 and return to La Havana/Flight to Cancun</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2012/01/i-introduction-ii-flight-mex-cun.html">IX A day in Cancun/ JW Marriott , CUN-MEX (Volaris)</a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Riu is a nice hotel, it's suppose to be like a 4 star hotel, but there are some stuff missing. My main reason of choosing the hotel was that the price was great comparing it to other 4 star hotels. And the facilities were totally new</div><div>So here is my review, already posted in TripAdvisor.com</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;">This hotel is kind of a mix. Because its a new hotel their amenities are in very good but also the service sometimes is not that great.<br /><br />Check in/Check out<br />Both of them took less than 3 minutes. At the check in, the lady just gave us the keys and a map of the city. It was after that our driver, that took us in a gold cart, explained us more about the resort. We were also offered drinks at the check in<br />4.5 out of 5 points<br /><br />Room<br />It disappointed me. The whole resorts is very nice and new but it seems that not a lot of effort was put into the rooms. They were 2 beds and a sofa bed which was hard as a rock. The tv does offer plenty of channels. There is also a mini bar which is stocked with free sodas, beers and bottles of water. The bathroom was ok, never had a problem with the hot water, but the toilet did not functioned and we had to call someone to fix it. So it does offers all the basics a hotel room needs but it's just very basic and they seem a bit old.<br />The only "mayor" problem was that 2 times a frog came into the room. Although the first time we handled it, the second time we had a bit of a problem and we were not going to sleep in a room were a frog was jumping around. (And if a frog was there, god know what else could be there). So we called for help and although we solved the problem, the guy laughed at us as we were exaggerating.<br />So just saying, a hotel which was built in 2009 and have "old" rooms, it's not the best thing<br />I give 3.9</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:16px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEjzH0Jy97v4W58fstGdr6rKDjhe65h_-is8_5vrmzkE4gcOlmn7yxFUQB_Sw0I4UzxStEW7noqxnQ_ZfHv4X0250Ea-rreaC0BdxYqDO45MyUqiGPjFYWGy5Lg5ILNTZQFSRcUbZQ77k3/s1600/IMG_1967.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEjzH0Jy97v4W58fstGdr6rKDjhe65h_-is8_5vrmzkE4gcOlmn7yxFUQB_Sw0I4UzxStEW7noqxnQ_ZfHv4X0250Ea-rreaC0BdxYqDO45MyUqiGPjFYWGy5Lg5ILNTZQFSRcUbZQ77k3/s200/IMG_1967.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692083197099781842" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></a></span><br /><br />Food<br />Because its an All Included Hotel, the food quality isn't excellent but it is quite good. There is a general buffet restaurant and 5 more specialty restaurants. The buffet was almost the same every day, except for Christmas, and the food was good, but not the desserts. The breakfast was the same every day, which of you are planning to stay for more than 5 nights, it kind of s%cks. And for the Specialty restaurants... Well I was lucky enough to get a reservation for only 1. Because I stayed only 4 nights, and you have to make reservations one day before, there was nothing available. But the lady "got" us a place at the seafood restaurant which was very good, but Im sure the others are better.<br />So for being All Included, the food quality is good<br />I give 4.2 pts<br /><br />Amenities<br />This resort is big and it has a lot to offer. The main pool has activities the whole day long, which are kind of fun. There is also a bar and plenty of available chairs around the pool (not like in other reviews).<br />There is also a "relaxing" pool, which is more like a boring pool for older people. There is a kids club and tennis courts but we did not used them. The walk to the beach is long, at least from the rooms at the relaxing pool is about a 7 minutes walk! So ask for a room near the MAIN pool. The beach, although is nice, it's very small, not even 20 meters. All of the amenities are in very good shape and are examples of a 4 star hotel<br />4.4 pts<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:16px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6dek-0AAq-aNVvrTON9xGaVst5MJG7YZIkUOKTUKAjS_QsCXN43ylZB6WQFHSnyKHyzgCKuFcwJ8bh9GKA5-EEPNAr51OS5i2wzkMCIqPRcFe1yM6CzwzgCK1D6VF8BR_jKC5ntpw-Zn/s1600/IMG_1970.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6dek-0AAq-aNVvrTON9xGaVst5MJG7YZIkUOKTUKAjS_QsCXN43ylZB6WQFHSnyKHyzgCKuFcwJ8bh9GKA5-EEPNAr51OS5i2wzkMCIqPRcFe1yM6CzwzgCK1D6VF8BR_jKC5ntpw-Zn/s200/IMG_1970.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692083883790797810" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></a></span><br /><br />Location<br />It's bad. The hotel is located at the very end of the Strip, although its 1 mile away from the end point. If you want to go downtown, it will take you 15-20 minutes and it costs 15 CUC one way! I spent more on a taxi than on the restaurant. You can also take the red bus which stops outside the hotel and costs 5 CUc pp all day long. But you might end up waiting the bus up to 22 minutes.<br />Is it the worst location? No, but it's not a good one either.<br />3.8 pts<br /><br />Service<br />Some people are very nice and helpful, but others are sleepy with an attitude of "do it yourself". For example, the waiters at the restaurants are very lazy, I even asked the chef if they had a cheesecake and his answer was : You can check over there, were the desserts are. But I actually asked him because there are no signs at the buffet. But most of the people are hardworking and have a good attitude.<br />4 pts<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:16px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgBpBPqMNvwRzWXCxmb_wVJUfn1u097LgCeGdWhEwu8dh87jXX58SwOnyYqOxcNeHKdVVdcZrDfRzQEXsSFB3FzoOmsL1K3etjWk8kJTlzcp60en9FmEqfdF1tOrxzk6L0CZImFW9W0q1/s1600/IMG_1969.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgBpBPqMNvwRzWXCxmb_wVJUfn1u097LgCeGdWhEwu8dh87jXX58SwOnyYqOxcNeHKdVVdcZrDfRzQEXsSFB3FzoOmsL1K3etjWk8kJTlzcp60en9FmEqfdF1tOrxzk6L0CZImFW9W0q1/s320/IMG_1969.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692084170170071058" style="cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px; " /></a></span><br />Sorry frog, you can't come with us, we aint going to Miami :)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><br />Value<br />Cuba is not cheap, it's actually the most expensive island in the Caribbean, and Varadero is probably the most expensive city in Cuba. For my dates, all the hotels were very expensive. The Riu was at the same rates as some of other 3 star hotels. So what was my rate? 240 USD per night for 3 people, so it is a normal rate an actually good considering that it's a "4 star hotel" and everything is included. But I wouldn't stay here if it was more than 260 USD per night.<br />So for Cuba standards, this hotel was worth it.<br />4.6<br /><br />Overall<br />The hotel is pretty and in good conditions. 80% of the time service was very good but there is still something missing so it can be a real 4 star hotel. But remember that is Cuba.</span></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Check out more than 100 reviews of hotels, restaurants and attractions from across the globe.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">http://www.tripadvisor.com/members-reviews/charal95</span></div>Oavcechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05078261874208329656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532125511013072370.post-10417292634645855592011-12-30T13:28:00.000-08:002012-01-13T21:08:26.750-08:00VI Day 1 in Varadero<a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/10/2011-cuba-trip-introduction.html">I Introduction</a><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/ii-flight-mex-cun-volaris-cun-hav.html">II Flight MEX-CUN (Volaris) CUN-HAV (Cubana)</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/this-is-probably-best-hotel-in-all.html">III Hotel Parque Central</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/i-introduction-ii-flight-mex-cun.html">IV Day 1 and 2 in La Havana</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/v-day-3-and-4-in-hav.html">V Day 3 and 4 in HAV</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/vi-day-1-in-varadero.html">VI Day 1 in VAR</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/vi-hotel-riu-varadero.html">VI Hotel Riu Varadero</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2012/01/vii-day-2-and-3-in-varadero-including.html">VII Day 2 and 3 in Varadero (including Xmas Eve)</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2012/01/viii-day-4-and-return-to-la.html">VIII Day 4 and return to La Havana/Flight to Cancun</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2012/01/i-introduction-ii-flight-mex-cun.html">IX A day in Cancun/ JW Marriott , CUN-MEX (Volaris)</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Let's put in simple words: It was a relaxing day. </div><div>Varadero is not like Cancun, there is not really a town. You can find a street full of cuban artwork and souvenirs but thats about it. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>So the whole day we decided to relax by the pool and the small beach. </div><div>But because we are not big fans of the buffet we decided to have dinner at the <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g147275-d2248042-Reviews-Casa_Nostra_Cubana-Varadero_Matanzas_Province_Cuba.html">Casa Nostra</a>. Which is supposed to be the best restaurant in Varadero. It was good but I'm pretty sure there are better.</div><div>The only complaint about the hotel, is that it's at the very end of the Strip so a roundtrip taxi to the small town costs about 30 CUC, and dinner was 25 CUC.</div><div><br /></div>Oavcechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05078261874208329656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532125511013072370.post-82721821801114393802011-12-28T12:46:00.001-08:002012-01-13T21:08:13.397-08:00V Day 3 and 4 in HAV<div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/10/2011-cuba-trip-introduction.html">I Introduction</a><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/ii-flight-mex-cun-volaris-cun-hav.html">II Flight MEX-CUN (Volaris) CUN-HAV (Cubana)</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/this-is-probably-best-hotel-in-all.html">III Hotel Parque Central</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/i-introduction-ii-flight-mex-cun.html">IV Day 1 and 2 in La Havana</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/v-day-3-and-4-in-hav.html">V Day 3 and 4 in HAV</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/vi-day-1-in-varadero.html">VI Day 1 in VAR</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/vi-hotel-riu-varadero.html">VI Hotel Riu Varadero</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2012/01/vii-day-2-and-3-in-varadero-including.html">VII Day 2 and 3 in Varadero (including Xmas Eve)</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2012/01/viii-day-4-and-return-to-la.html">VIII Day 4 and return to La Havana/Flight to Cancun</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2012/01/i-introduction-ii-flight-mex-cun.html">IX A day in Cancun/ JW Marriott , CUN-MEX (Volaris)</a></div><div><br /></div></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><div>Day III</div><div>We started the day a bit late but after having breakfast we were off to see some of the tourist attractions we were missing. </div><div>Our first destination was the Rum Factory. We were told by Alex that the factory was working but he was wrong. The factory was closed because of the holidays but a small souvenir store, a rum shop and a cigar store were open. </div><div><br /></div><div>We then went to a big market full of Cuban artwork and souvenirs at great prices, where we were asked by a very gentile old woman if we had any toothpaste or medicine, and indeed we did, so we told her to meet us outside the hotel in the afternoon.</div></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpaMKxoc0MjVhZFHoldJAeIbQKJtK0neAsL4UmXMR6IHOBL3P68MibBenVwk_lZ1R037FrZy58le6Ftoqlzmy8STHmptNF1F9nrmntrwNLDnniUw_s302eI2Ut2RBvbcc3-K0FjfURlxvx/s1600/IMG_1927.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpaMKxoc0MjVhZFHoldJAeIbQKJtK0neAsL4UmXMR6IHOBL3P68MibBenVwk_lZ1R037FrZy58le6Ftoqlzmy8STHmptNF1F9nrmntrwNLDnniUw_s302eI2Ut2RBvbcc3-K0FjfURlxvx/s200/IMG_1927.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691296051702791714" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><div>For lunch we picked El Mercurio which is a pretty restaurant with good food but higher prices. </div><div>And after we headed to the "Camara Obscura" in which you see great views of all Havana.Later we rest and met with the old lady we went to "Fortaleza de San Carlos" to see the cañonazo. This typical event is a must. It is a representation of the old times and you can see it every day at 8:30. But be sure to arrive 45 minutes later, to see the "house" of the Che Guevara and the souvenir market and get a good place to watch the show. You can even pay 3 CUC to enter a "VIP" place where you can get drinks, snacks and a good view of the show.</div><div>But unfortunately we had dinner at the worst restaurant of the city: the Bodegon. It's also located in the Fortaleza but offers bad food, my lobster was rotten and the chef said it tasted good, and there was a small cockroach on the plate. So don't eat here.</div><div><br /></div></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz-s1YWuLQAiLjWviUk9vwlNUZfceJZunERYO0J0obLN5zvzsabugiJeH7zxA5Q-VjIndCvuqAkJAwyx1FIFLx_0iCqocGVNxXbSMBa1KEfGh1MTP8uCLHBLxTJJTuzvg6N6MY8vGpxqxD/s1600/IMG_1945.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz-s1YWuLQAiLjWviUk9vwlNUZfceJZunERYO0J0obLN5zvzsabugiJeH7zxA5Q-VjIndCvuqAkJAwyx1FIFLx_0iCqocGVNxXbSMBa1KEfGh1MTP8uCLHBLxTJJTuzvg6N6MY8vGpxqxD/s200/IMG_1945.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691286458916949778" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><div><br /></div><div>Day IV</div><div>Although we departed from Havana around 12:00 we still went to the "Museo de la Revolucion" and I was a bit disappointed. This is suppose to be the museum that shows all the good things from Cuba and should explain all the events during the Cuban Revolution pretty well, but it didn't. Although the building is very nice, it's just a collection of photographs and clothes from the revolution. The only information provided is about the photos or the clothes and it's not very clear. And their car/plane collection is nice but a bit small. But the best part were these images </div></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh22NgrOYKprz-VD8j0qgOQLwcmDwx-IyoBK1P7HSqX_G24jf1I-Wc5rQuhRav0bEU8oYqFyL2eKb1nLgdkdloz6w8Hc-ZNJlqqKt_KkSNLodxLJz6ycIbB2YN96GPZOUX89ZYSv4LmHdmQ/s1600/IMG_1960.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh22NgrOYKprz-VD8j0qgOQLwcmDwx-IyoBK1P7HSqX_G24jf1I-Wc5rQuhRav0bEU8oYqFyL2eKb1nLgdkdloz6w8Hc-ZNJlqqKt_KkSNLodxLJz6ycIbB2YN96GPZOUX89ZYSv4LmHdmQ/s200/IMG_1960.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691284784443539778" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px; " /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxR7XmgPYPKijG65zyzxeFYN388OsXp1dKitjy3E6utdWZHBIKcaV-w-gd6F5ZEFLdr3WBkjeCAef_ou7CjUrzZtQTyhQsIbL7FOKoqtSh31_2z7di5aQOLHbh44zaBnyMr2FIvRTgFtt8/s200/IMG_1956.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691285927584303042" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;color:#0000ee;">Ronald Reagan, George H.W Bush and George Bush</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><div>After the museum, a taxi organized by Jorge took us to Varadero. Although Varadero is just 150 km away from Havana, it takes 2 hours to get there. The main reason is that the average speed is about 85 km/hr. And we were in a Hyundai Accent but we never went faster than 100km/hr (60 miles per hour). The highway is in very good conditions and the views are extraordinary. </div><div>We arrived at the Riu Varadero which is almost at the end of the strip around 2 pm. </div><div>We settled in our room few minutes later and went to have lunch at their buffet. </div><div>So because Varadero is like a Cuban Cancun, one of the must is to relax at the pool and at the beach. And that's what we did the whole afternoon. And of course like many All Included hotels in the world, they offered an entertainment show. Each night was different, and this one was a Cuban show. And although it did entertained us, it wasn't as great.</div></span></div>Oavcechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05078261874208329656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532125511013072370.post-45668165644060564352011-12-26T20:44:00.000-08:002012-01-13T21:08:04.297-08:00III Hotel Parque Central<a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/10/2011-cuba-trip-introduction.html">I Introduction</a><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/ii-flight-mex-cun-volaris-cun-hav.html">II Flight MEX-CUN (Volaris) CUN-HAV (Cubana)</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/this-is-probably-best-hotel-in-all.html">III Hotel Parque Central</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/i-introduction-ii-flight-mex-cun.html">IV Day 1 and 2 in La Havana</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/v-day-3-and-4-in-hav.html">V Day 3 and 4 in HAV</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/vi-day-1-in-varadero.html">VI Day 1 in VAR</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/vi-hotel-riu-varadero.html">VI Hotel Riu Varadero</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2012/01/vii-day-2-and-3-in-varadero-including.html">VII Day 2 and 3 in Varadero (including Xmas Eve)</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2012/01/viii-day-4-and-return-to-la.html">VIII Day 4 and return to La Havana/Flight to Cancun</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2012/01/i-introduction-ii-flight-mex-cun.html">IX A day in Cancun/ JW Marriott , CUN-MEX (Volaris)</a></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial, sans-serif;"><div>This is probably the best hotel in all Havana. Cuban standards may not be that high but if this hotel was to be in a city in the US it will be a 4 star hotel. I will describe my visit in parts</div><div><br /></div><div>Check in/Check Out</div><div>I stayed at the new hotel but arrived at the old part. When I arrived a a guy opened the door, and I asked him if I could change currency, but he thought I was not a guest so he just told me no in a very impolite way, then he saw my bag and he was just embarrassed.</div><div>Then I walked all the way through a tunnel to the other side of the hotel. The check in there was fast and so the check out. </div><div>4.5 points out of 5 points </div><div><br /></div><div>Room</div><div>I'm sure that the rooms at the new part are the only hotel rooms build in this century. The design is basic but modern and it offers all the necessities you need. It has a small hd tv with a working desk and a so so comfortable bed. </div><div>The things I did not liked was the small space to put our clothes and a very weird bathroom. The shower doesn't has a door and there is a window in front of the bed. </div><div>Another negative point was that all of the furniture, even the closets, were dirty. And the view was not great.</div><div>And a big hint: DON'T TAKE THE WATER FROM THE MINI BAR, just go out of the hotel take a right and cross the Paseo del Prado there is a small grocery store with bottle of waters for only 40 cents!</div><div>4.6 out of 5</div><div><br /></div></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi37JYvCbLvVb24go6N90vRQJZD49zwI8FzzjFrwN60sP-9prW5_hqKRUNK65RkcacU31MXi4V6mf60PlBBK4H3eUapYyhwH-j3SV1rDpyBk63doQE5aKCYrlURsv7m2zScdkIPUj3neKR8/s1600/IMG_1794.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi37JYvCbLvVb24go6N90vRQJZD49zwI8FzzjFrwN60sP-9prW5_hqKRUNK65RkcacU31MXi4V6mf60PlBBK4H3eUapYyhwH-j3SV1rDpyBk63doQE5aKCYrlURsv7m2zScdkIPUj3neKR8/s320/IMG_1794.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690667788340662738" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial, sans-serif;"><div><br /></div><div>Location</div><div>In my own opinion, the location is great. It's just next to the Central Park/Capitolio and the Paseo del Prado, in conclusion, the hotel it's in a very nice zone. It's also blocks away from Obispo Street and the Plaza Vieja with the best coffe shop: Cafe Escorial.</div><div>5 out of 5</div><div><br /></div><div>Restaurant</div><div>The hotel, at least the new part, offers free breakfast. The buffet basically has cereal, cheese and ham, rice with milk, juices, coffee, and a chef that can do you several types of eggs.</div><div>There is also an ice-cream "store" but they are not that good. The bar at the old part is great, specially in the afternoons where you can enjoy the live music</div><div>My only complaint was the the very short room service menu, they only have 3 salads and 2 snacks.</div><div>4.4</div><div><br /></div><div>Amenities</div><div>Both pools are nice. The one at the new part is more much calmer and slightly bigger. The other one it's a bit more crowded but offers great views of the Capitolio.</div><div>I did not used the business center, because this hotel is one of the very few hotels in all Havana to have wi fi. They will sell you an ETECSA wi fi card, ( 1 hour 8 CUC, 5 hours 35 CUC) but you can only use it at the lobby of the old hotel. </div><div>There are also computers for you to use but more expensive.</div><div>4.7</div><div><br /></div><div>Service</div><div>Service was great, Cuban people are very courteous and hard working people. I did not had any problem with any employee, from the porter to the front desk clerk to the waiter, they were all absolutely great.</div><div>My only small complaint was the impolite porter at the old section.</div><div>4.9</div><div><br /></div><div>Value</div><div>It was around 240 USD per night, a bit expensive, but this is because we were 3 people and in the reservation it was marked only 2, so make sure to book your reservation with the exact number of people to don't get higher prices.</div><div>All of the other "5 star hotels" will be cheaper but they will not be as nice as this one. The only rival is the Saratoga which is an old hotel, very very pretty but extremely expensive. The Nacional is a nice historic hotel but it's ... old.</div><div>The price for other things, except the mini bar, was appropriate. I think that the rate I paid was more than appropriate and after all, it is the best hotel in all Havana, even the Air France ladies and "hot" Virgin Atlantic ladies come here.</div><div>4.8</div><div><br /></div><div>Overall.. A 5 star or a 4 star?</div><div>It depends.. If you are based on Cuban standards this will be a 5 star hotel right away. But if this hotel was to be in a US city, the new part would be a 4 star hotel and I'm pretty sure the old part too. </div><div>If you want the best hotel with with all the basics you need, great service and a good location then this the hotel. </div><div><br /></div><div>Tips:</div><div>Get a good cell phone package. If you </div><div>dont find a cheap one, you can get a cellphone (25 CUC) and rent a line (3 CUC per day) and you can receive calls for free (1.20 CUC to USA)</div><div><br /></div></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV8IrXnNvtV1EduXpd45kIJuXBM5ZR4K36rm9_cryusmN9Xd02IUjpXN8ci7SVO_QCgYvX_lCULJoYzck9E_xgHySvhLWXy_2uMYE-2LfbUahLj_Gwk7Kp32T5Y3TM8f9NuRo5di2ezoD9/s1600/IMG_1788.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV8IrXnNvtV1EduXpd45kIJuXBM5ZR4K36rm9_cryusmN9Xd02IUjpXN8ci7SVO_QCgYvX_lCULJoYzck9E_xgHySvhLWXy_2uMYE-2LfbUahLj_Gwk7Kp32T5Y3TM8f9NuRo5di2ezoD9/s320/IMG_1788.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690669793535592530" style="cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px; " /></a><div>View from the pool</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6r3-BGxQBpRKGkn1XpW6C1odokuOlNe8DDQwfKn2s8BbM0mPMCcy728N1nexck2ZYclAoZSchNqe1NdfRl_PonqFWZn58wwIxK2ZAsJoRTvo6p750IE9IUkfwkw8SnJ_jYcd5UuPZ6Nx/s1600/IMG_1878.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6r3-BGxQBpRKGkn1XpW6C1odokuOlNe8DDQwfKn2s8BbM0mPMCcy728N1nexck2ZYclAoZSchNqe1NdfRl_PonqFWZn58wwIxK2ZAsJoRTvo6p750IE9IUkfwkw8SnJ_jYcd5UuPZ6Nx/s320/IMG_1878.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690672313247816434" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial, sans-serif;"><div><br /></div><div>Old and New part</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></span></span></div>Oavcechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05078261874208329656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532125511013072370.post-91211468928721195102011-12-21T19:40:00.001-08:002012-01-10T15:51:24.766-08:00Day 1 and 2 in La Habana<div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/10/2011-cuba-trip-introduction.html">I Introduction</a><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/ii-flight-mex-cun-volaris-cun-hav.html">II Flight MEX-CUN (Volaris) CUN-HAV (Cubana)</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/this-is-probably-best-hotel-in-all.html">III Hotel Parque Central</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/i-introduction-ii-flight-mex-cun.html">IV Day 1 and 2 in La Havana</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/v-day-3-and-4-in-hav.html">V Day 3 and 4 in HAV</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/vi-day-1-in-varadero.html">VI Day 1 in VAR</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/vi-hotel-riu-varadero.html">VI Hotel Riu Varadero</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2012/01/vii-day-2-and-3-in-varadero-including.html">VII Day 2 and 3 in Varadero (including Xmas Eve)</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2012/01/viii-day-4-and-return-to-la.html">VIII Day 4 and return to La Havana/Flight to Cancun</a></div><div>IX 1 day in Cancun/ JW Marriott , CUN-MEX (Volaris)</div></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial, sans-serif;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Day 1</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">After waking up we headed to a Cadeca to change money and later we had breakfast at the hotel, which is included. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Then we met with Jorge and our tour guide at the lobby and started our first tour, a 4 hour walking tour in Old Havana.</span></div></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCM3kXjuA4aXzZC3We86hxXRvOqWCvdWmZp-xaR0mNoTx1-6f4JaiG2dZHXJd146fY14Llv5gy-XBCY_0zOoinwB0SP3vm7TFXC6VM4fXMAcSqcDIX_ndCOYPb9-ErqJ5a8wR9mxbEdInv/s1600/IMG_1918.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCM3kXjuA4aXzZC3We86hxXRvOqWCvdWmZp-xaR0mNoTx1-6f4JaiG2dZHXJd146fY14Llv5gy-XBCY_0zOoinwB0SP3vm7TFXC6VM4fXMAcSqcDIX_ndCOYPb9-ErqJ5a8wR9mxbEdInv/s200/IMG_1918.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691281672325142562" style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px; " /></a><div>Amaizing prices!</div><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial, sans-serif;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Our tour guide, Alex knew everything and more, he explained a lot of the history, architecture and more things found in this region. What I liked more about the tour was the flexibility of the tour, you can choose were you want to go. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">We had lunch at Jardin del Oriente, which is very good typical Cuban food, specially the ropa Vieja, for great prices (menu)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">For the dessert, we headed to the Cafe Escorial at the Plaza Vieja (old plaza), and if you happen to come , you have to eat the small chocolate/coffee candies and of course a Cuban coffee. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">We then went back to the hotel and rest.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJ3gvRDtVQ4yCwhOohqHUmofLp1ixElwIkQX3Gdq_tUPek804D7vwZOcYbjkKyfnPKLMl_-l3vrvlqtbhE5SlXUEcBWUN_7JkI2hpawBhbrZroqUf2B-9yBg9OaJs96IGTiohDk-giFXx/s1600/IMG_1821.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJ3gvRDtVQ4yCwhOohqHUmofLp1ixElwIkQX3Gdq_tUPek804D7vwZOcYbjkKyfnPKLMl_-l3vrvlqtbhE5SlXUEcBWUN_7JkI2hpawBhbrZroqUf2B-9yBg9OaJs96IGTiohDk-giFXx/s320/IMG_1821.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691280163801881266" style="cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial, sans-serif;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Day II</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">After our free breakfast we started our 3 hours tour with Alex in a car. We were able to see all of the rest of Havana and places such as :Monumento a Jose Marti, Hotel Nacional, Vedado, 5th Avenue, Malecon and more.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicgl_lhW1J0ZMR09Dg0Mt0klyJzhsNOsRtBAKWOUgH1oBIVGDgWvtg-GiyOzb6-hRYRI_ndCnZVzZnMnb1ryhBEFrWnCEOo3HN7LgU2m765KoJrU0l7LFx9Okn7fR6Xf0uRC9rkJrEmsWM/s1600/IMG_1836.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicgl_lhW1J0ZMR09Dg0Mt0klyJzhsNOsRtBAKWOUgH1oBIVGDgWvtg-GiyOzb6-hRYRI_ndCnZVzZnMnb1ryhBEFrWnCEOo3HN7LgU2m765KoJrU0l7LFx9Okn7fR6Xf0uRC9rkJrEmsWM/s320/IMG_1836.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691278410982621122" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial, sans-serif;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Beautiful parks.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">We were able to learn a bit more about the daily Cuban life. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">After the great tour we went back to the great restaurant Jardin del Oriente and walked around old Havana. We then had dinner at the Paladar Vista Mar in Miramar. Jorge organized this and took care of the transportation, a red old Buick convertible. And the restaurant was great but I wished I was there during the day to take advantage of the great views.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg91fJkNBwnrEKsbL3Fu6egTibulEi0ybA0NCS2EJotd6Fuy8NtOLa8Lp5qsKiscmrwBuFRguIz08rhG9xkj5lEYBfg0xxvKs2kHOZ5sGuYsi160o5JK1B84-uc3WQaLv5XznHP5ottJzti/s1600/IMG_1826.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg91fJkNBwnrEKsbL3Fu6egTibulEi0ybA0NCS2EJotd6Fuy8NtOLa8Lp5qsKiscmrwBuFRguIz08rhG9xkj5lEYBfg0xxvKs2kHOZ5sGuYsi160o5JK1B84-uc3WQaLv5XznHP5ottJzti/s320/IMG_1826.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691279904538823202" style="cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px; " /></a></div>Oavcechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05078261874208329656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532125511013072370.post-60971775574942542112011-12-18T12:10:00.000-08:002012-01-13T21:07:53.362-08:00II Flight MEX-CUN (Volaris) CUN-HAV (Cubana)<div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/10/2011-cuba-trip-introduction.html">I Introduction</a><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/ii-flight-mex-cun-volaris-cun-hav.html">II Flight MEX-CUN (Volaris) CUN-HAV (Cubana)</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/this-is-probably-best-hotel-in-all.html">III Hotel Parque Central</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/i-introduction-ii-flight-mex-cun.html">IV Day 1 and 2 in La Havana</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/v-day-3-and-4-in-hav.html">V Day 3 and 4 in HAV</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/vi-day-1-in-varadero.html">VI Day 1 in VAR</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/vi-hotel-riu-varadero.html">VI Hotel Riu Varadero</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2012/01/vii-day-2-and-3-in-varadero-including.html">VII Day 2 and 3 in Varadero (including Xmas Eve)</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2012/01/viii-day-4-and-return-to-la.html">VIII Day 4 and return to La Havana/Flight to Cancun</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2012/01/i-introduction-ii-flight-mex-cun.html">IX A day in Cancun/ JW Marriott , CUN-MEX (Volaris)</a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">1st Flight MEX-CUN</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">Volaris is actually the 2nd biggest airline in Mexico; although it's a low cost airline, it's a premium low cost airline. Their service is great and they offer a lot of extras.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">Check in was very quickly (3 mins) considering that it's high season. The bad part, was when I saw at the tvs and saw that the plane was going to depart 50 minutes late. And although we just arrived 40 minutes late, the good thing is that Volaris will refund you certain percentage of your ticket if they arrive 30 minutes or more late. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">So I had the cheapest ticket, but I'm still going to get 50% of my ticket.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">After arriving at the Cancun Airport, I picked my bags and went straight to the Cubana check in. <div>Something I did notice, was the quantity of tvs, games, that Cubans were taking in. One was even taking a tire!</div><div>The check in was ok, (15 mins) and we even asked why did they changed the aircraft and the guy told us that the other one (Yak40) was so old that was scary to fly in. The sad thing is that they couldn't change my ticket, so I actually went with option 1. I decided to pay about 360 USD to change my volaris ticket and stay about 30 hours in Cancun at the JW Marriott, using my Marriott points. So, I guess it wasn't all bad after all.</div><div>But now the bad part.. Again. There was another delay, my plane was delayed about 45 minutes, and 10 of those we were stocked in a bus. </div><div><br /></div><div>The flight wasn't that bad. Cubana has reviews of having the worst service, but on board the crew was very nice and polite. And they even gave some Canadians candies and Cuban drinks. But something that impressed me was at the end, I believe it was the co captain, he passed to every seat offering candies. And I've never seen this in my entire life.</div><div><br /></div><div>The arrival at Cuba wasn't that good. First we were 45 minutes at customs/immigration. Then we waited 20 minutes for our bags. Then I finally got out and met with our great taxi driver that Jorge organized for us. And although we planned before in changing the currency at the airport, the lines were so long (1 hour) that we decided to go to the airport.</div><div><br /></div><div>The drive to the hotel was about 25 minutes long but it seemed that it took for ever. </div><div>But as soon as I arrived to the hotel, I knew it was a good option. Although I arrived at the old part and had a reservation there, I had already sent an email if a room at the new part was available and they replied with a yes. So I went through the underground "trail" and did the check in with a small problem. In Cuba it's very important to put the exact number or guests even for kids, but everything was solved.</div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe my arrival wasn't that good, but I'm ready to have a great time.</div><div><br /></div><div>And wait for the next post and some pictures.... </div></span></span></div><div><br /></div>Oavcechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05078261874208329656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4532125511013072370.post-75690468525921818662011-12-16T14:14:00.000-08:002012-01-13T21:07:25.762-08:00Cuba is here... with some changes<a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/10/2011-cuba-trip-introduction.html">I Introduction</a><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/ii-flight-mex-cun-volaris-cun-hav.html">II Flight MEX-CUN (Volaris) CUN-HAV (Cubana)</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/this-is-probably-best-hotel-in-all.html">III Hotel Parque Central</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/i-introduction-ii-flight-mex-cun.html">IV Day 1 and 2 in La Havana</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/v-day-3-and-4-in-hav.html">V Day 3 and 4 in HAV</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/vi-day-1-in-varadero.html">VI Day 1 in VAR</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2011/12/vi-hotel-riu-varadero.html">VI Hotel Riu Varadero</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2012/01/vii-day-2-and-3-in-varadero-including.html">VII Day 2 and 3 in Varadero (including Xmas Eve)</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2012/01/viii-day-4-and-return-to-la.html">VIII Day 4 and return to La Havana/Flight to Cancun</a></div><div><a href="http://my-tripss.blogspot.com/2012/01/i-introduction-ii-flight-mex-cun.html">IX A day in Cancun/ JW Marriott , CUN-MEX (Volaris)</a></div><div><br /></div><div>So I'm just 48 hours away from getting to Cuba and I'm very excited. But I'm also angry at Cubana (the arline).</div><div>So last Monday I checed the schedule and everything was fine, but it wasn't until today that I saw a change in both of my flights with Cubana (CUN-HAV, HAV-CUN) Both were bad. In the first flight I was going to be at the Cancun airport for 3 hours and 45 minutes, now I'm going to be 4 hours and 20 minutes. </div><div><br /></div><div>But for my returning flight, I had 2 hours and 50 minutes and now I have 1 hour and 50 minutes. The problem here is that I have to pass through customs (might take 5 or 50 minutes) and then I have to check my bags at least 1 hour before my flight. So if I was flying a normal airline, this could be done without a problem but I'm flying Cubana. I've heard that 99% of its flights are at least 15 minutes delayed, so if the plane arrives 30 minutes after, I would have less than 20 minutes to get off the plane, pass customs and run to another terminal. And if I don't make it, I totally loose my plane and have to pay for new tickets.</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course Cubana will not pay me anything. So then I have this 2 options</div><div>1) Change the flight with Volaris (Cancun- Mexico City) 485 USD</div><div>2)Forget about the Volaris flight and pay for a new ticket on Aeromexico 360 USD</div><div>3) Try to change my Cubana flight from Havana to Cancun, to Havana to Mexico City.</div><div><br /></div><div>So I might go with the 2nd option, because the 3rd isn't very possible and I'm very mad and my trip hasn't even started yet.</div>Oavcechhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05078261874208329656noreply@blogger.com0