Hotel
Morelos, San Blas , Mexico, 31-01-09
Slow start to the New Year
Santiago Ixcuintla to San Blas (1 cycle day; 43km; 39m)
I can't quite put my finger on what it is about mainland
Mexico that makes it appealing. Road etiquette and rubbish
levels certainly bring about the same daunting sentiment
from our India experiences, so it can't be that. But
the relaxed tropical feel reminiscent of Thailand; the
ruralness of the countryside akin to Nepal; and a hospitality
that, up until now, only the Iranians knew how to give,
create a melting pot that you can't resist dipping your
finger into.
Leaving Motel Lerma on the outskirts
of Santiago Ixcuintla, we are amazed to feast our eyes
on an exquisite mosaic mural running both lengths of
the road. I think we are more surprised that we had
not seen this yesterday, when we cycled into town. Just
shows you how heavy traffic can distort your perception
of things. Today is New Years Day and there is no-one
but this intricate piece of artwork to escort us back
into the city centre. We turn off onto cobble stone
paths leading us through the poorer side of town before
gravel tracks send us along canal irrigated farmland
and ...
Tip of the month: the perfect female travel mate
While there is no real remedy
for the moody spells and uncomfortable disposition,
there is the revolutionary Diva
Cup to end those other hassles associated
with that time of the month. A menstral
cup is so clean, reliable and convenient:
no more being caught off guard without that
bulky supply of sanitary napkins or tampons,
no more leakage problems and you can wear
it safely for up to twelve hours at a time.
All you need is a bit of water to wash it
with and a few cycles to get used to using
it in the beginning.
What you also shouldn't
forget is you'll not only be saving yourself
loads of money, but you'll be doing your
bit for the environment as well. It has
to be the perfect female travel mate, but
whether you're on the road or not, I'd still
recommend giving it a go: I'm pretty sure
you won't ever want to go back!
Santiago Ixquintla - San Blas (Mexico)
Kilometres: 44 kilometres and 920 metres
Riding days: just one! On January 1.
Alti meters: 39 metres
Weather: sunny, hot and sunny
Best accommodation: Hotel Morelos: bright, airy,
clean rooms with television, fan and all
the added extras that comes with staying
in a hotel room: plus the use of a share
kitchen and refridgerator.
Special thanks to:
All the guests at Hotel Morelos, who made our
stay way more entertaining than
if we had rented a private place by ourselves • Maria Magdelena, Patricia and the family at
Hotel Morelos for their friendly hospitality • Arjen and Jan for the paradontax toothpaste; the big
packet of Douwe Egberts coffee;
and the company in San Blas.
Breakdowns:
seeing as we haven't cycled more than one day: none!
