Beaches of Yucatan, Mexico

Tulum

Tulum was our first stop in the Caribbean part of Mexico. It is a small town with gorgeous beaches and stunning Mayan architecture. However, our time did not start very well. We had booked a private room in a hostel called La Cigala through Hostelbookers.com for 4 days before arrival. 

When we arrived, we were told that our room was occupied until the next day but we were upgraded to a bigger room with a kitchen, fantastic! After a quick shower and renting some bicycles from the hostel we visited some spectacular beaches around Tulum. When we came back to our room after a long day, we noticed a couple of cockroaches. We notified the owner, who did not seem to care too much but agreed to provide a pesticide spray. After spraying the whole room with Baygon, we went out for dinner and tried some local street food, yummy! Did you actually know that Mexicans are now the most obese nation in the world? We learned this through a local shop owner who was very proud to show us an article in a magazine and stated that they have finally beat the USA. Well, no comment on this!

Once we got back to our room, we discovered more bugs, unusual spiders, and flies. It was like a zoo. In addition, the bed sheets were not clean either. Unfortunately the reception was closed after 10 pm, so we had a terrible night fighting off different bugs. In the morning, we told that we were checking out and asked for a refund for the next 3 days which was already paid for. It was a big hassle, but we managed to get our money back and moved to another hostel called Casa del Sol.

Mayan ruins in Tulum

During our time in Tulum, we visited the Mayan ruins of Coba, La Reserva and some other beautiful beaches. In the hostel, we met a nice Australian-Canadian couple, Matt and Camille, who were also travelling around the world. We had a short but great time with them. It is amazingly easy to make new friends when you are travelling.       

Ruins of Coba

Tulum, unfortunately, wasn't as authentic as Valladolid. It was a lot more touristy, and we felt that the locals were after the money. However, it was still enjoyable and relaxing to spend a couple of days in those idyllic beaches.

Our next destination was the Holbox Island which is located on the north coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. We took a bus and a boat to get there. It is an amazing little island without any cars. Horse carriages are used for transport. Holbox had a very relaxed vibe and was an ideal place to wind down. We stayed at the Tribu Hostel, which was a good choice.

Swimming with whale sharks

A must do in Holbox is to book a tour to swim with the whale sharks. We organised our tour through the hostel. The boat left around 7am and we were a group of 8. It took 3 hours to get to the site where we got to snorkel with huge whale sharks. It was a very bumpy ride and a lot of people, including Alex, got sea sick. It is definitely a good idea to bring some tablets against sea sickness to prevent surprises. Swimming with these gigantic animals which peacefully eat plankton on the surface of the sea was absolutely a once in a life time experience we would never forget. On the way back, we stopped in a mangrove where we served ceviche (a typical seafood dish in Central and South America) for lunch. The habitat was like a paradise with lots of pelicans, flamingos and some other tropical animals. After the tour we were very joyful but sunburned.

Mangrove

We left the Holbox Island the next day to catch our flight to Havana, Cuba. My emotions in Mexico were joy, freedom, connection with the Pachamama (the Mother Earth), and happiness. When we were leaving this beautiful country, I felt a big wave of gratitude to be able to experience the magnificence of our planet and the wisdom of the Mayan culture. At that time, however, little did we know about the awful surprise that was waiting us in Cuba...

A local shop in Holbox

The Mayan Land: Mexico

We landed in Cancun in the afternoon of July 26th 2013. There was a sudden shift of energy compared to Miami. The ambient and the people seemed much more alive, relaxed and authentic. We felt welcomed in this friendly country from the beginning. Even the immigration and customs officers were  humorous. When we got out of the airport, we were greeted with a vibrant and colourful country.

Cancun is a very touristy town, therefore we took the first bus to Valladolid, a colonial city of Spanish arcades in Yucatan Peninsula. The bus ride (2nd class bus) was our first challenge in Mexico due to a strong smell of urine. Luckily, Alex had some essential oils which were very helpful during the 2 hour ride.

Cathedral San Servacio of Valladolid

We checked into a fantastic hostel called La Candelaria. Jose greeted us at the reception. He was very friendly and had a calming energy. It was a great spot with spacious rooms, nice colours, a lovely garden and a functional kitchen. 

The authentic city of Valladolid (also known as the Sultaness of the East)  was a great start to our Mexican adventure. Yucatan's third largest city offers incredible architecture, colourful buildings, great food and a fantastic ambiance. It is also an excellent hub to visit infamous Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, Ek Balam and a number of nearby cenotes.  Our fist day came to an end with an excellent dinner at the Conato restaurant.

Cenote

We had an early start the next morning, as we wanted to discover the incredible cenotes of Dzitnup. After renting our bicycles, we were on our way to witness the beautiful wonders of Yucatan. Cenotes are natural sink-holes resulting from the collapse of limestone bedrock that exposes groundwater underneath. They are incredible formations and it is a unique experience to swim in them. Depending on the popularity, they charge an entrance fee. Apparently, there are around 7,000 cenotes in Yucatan district. For more information on marvellous structures, you can visit Jack and Jill’s travel blog. Visiting 3 cenotes by bicycle took most of our day, and left us with some heat exhaustion and a big smile.   

Upon our return to the hostel, we met a lovely couple, Annalies and Ricardo, who have been travelling in South America for 6 months. They were full of great advices on things to do in this amazing continent. We connected very well with them, and decided to check out the pre-Hispanic city of Chichen Itza the next day.

Pyramid of Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza is one of the greatest Mayan sacred centres in Yucatan peninsula. It is world 

heritage listed by UNESCO and is the 2^nd most visited archaeological site in Mexico. According to our tour guide from Mayan origin, the area was settled by the Mayan civilization around 455 A.D. Towards the end of the 10^th century, Toltec warriors from central Mexico took over the city. The conquest of the Yucatan region caused a fusion of Mayan-Toltec culture. He mentioned that due to the Toltec influence, there were human sacrifices especially for the Rain God. A colossal pyramid was built for Kukulkan (feathered serpent deity) which still dominates the grounds of this incredible site. According to our guide, a cast system existed in Mayan culture and these grounds were only used by the elite. No one from the lower casts was allowed in. The area was mainly used for astronomy, maths and religious ceremonies.   

Our new friends 

We spent 3 hours on these impressive grounds. It is prohibited to climb the pyramids or any other structure as according to some stories a tourist fell down and unfortunately died a couple of years ago.

Mayan Ruins of Ek Balam

The next day, visited another amazing Mayan site, Ek Balam. On Sundays and Wednesdays, there is a bus organised by the council that goes there directly. The ruins of Ek Balam is definitely smaller than Chichen Itza but you can climb the temples. The view from the top of the tallest structure was just spectacular. I felt more connected with the energy in Ek Balam than in Chichen Itza. The entrance fee was also cheaper and it was definitely less touristy.      

Ek Balam

On our last day in Valladolid, we visited a chocolate factory which produces extraordinary raw chocolate with traditional Mayan recipes. It was established by a French man who extensively researched the Mayan culture to obtain the method.  According to our guide, Mayans were the first people who discovered the chocolate. It was an incredible experience to try different samples of traditional Mayan chocolate. Of course, we couldn't help buying a couple of packets which unfortunately did not last very long. 

Destileria Artesanal de Agave

It would have been a shame to leave this fantastic city without visiting the Destileria Artesanal de Agave where we learned all the processes to make tequila. The tour was naturally followed by a free tasting of their unique brands. They produce 4 different types of tequila aged between 1 day and 5 years. My favourite was the 10 months old one. 

Valladolid was a wonderful introduction to Mayan and Mexican cultures. I felt very connected with this land, its people and the incredible energy, especially in the Mayan ruins. After 4 fantastic days, we were ready to discover the magnificent beaches of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Atlanta and Miami

We flew out of London on the 15^th of July 2013. Our trip to Atlanta via Chicago was long and unpleasant. If you plan to fly with American Airlines, please think twice as they had one of the worst services I have ever experienced. Our flight was delayed, so we missed our connection. More importantly, their staff was very unfriendly and not welcoming at all. Sometimes it is better to pay a little more and fly with a better airline, especially if it is long distance flight.

Catching up with Atinc

In Atlanta, we were picked up by a high school friend of mine, Atinc, who has been living in the U.S. for over 10 years. Now, Atlanta isn't really the touristy city that you would want to visit, however we didn't want to miss a golden opportunity to catch up with good friends. 

Upon our arrival, Atinc's wife, Burcin, found out that she was pregnant. It was wonderful to be with them at that moment when they received this life changing news. Unfortunately, there were some complications with the pregnancy and we spent a lot of time at the hospital. I am very happy that we were there to support them during those difficult times. After 9 complicated months, they have extended their family with two gorgeous little men. I wish them all the best and lots of happiness for the future.

Coca Cola Museum

Besides hospital visits, we checked out CNN Headquarters, the Coca Cola Museum, and the down town area of Atlanta. 

At the weekend, another high school friend, Aycan, joined us from San Francisco for two days and we all had a brilliant time together. Although we see each other once every couple of years, we never lose the deep connection we developed over the time. I consider myself very lucky to be connected with such wonderful people all around the world.   

During one week in Atlanta, I caught up with another dear friend, Rachael, whom I met in Munich more than 8 years ago. She found out through Facebook that I was in town and we managed to see each other for a couple of hours. It was great to witness that both of us have progressed in our spiritual paths and we were able to exchange valuable information to help us move further.

When we meet someone we have not seen for a long time, a great opportunity arises to reflect back on our lives. We can notice our progresses, failures, and accomplishments. When I saw Rachael again after 8 long years, she said that at the time, I was miserable and lacked clear direction in life. She continued by stating “now you made it”. Well, I am not sure if I made it or not. I believe, life is an ongoing journey and we never stop learning and growing till the end. I am still full of fears and anxieties but it is true that I can manage the ups and downs of this human experience better. Very grateful to Rachael for providing me the opportunity to reflect back! 

Dinner with friends

A week in Atlanta passed quickly. It was full of fun, intense emotions, support and love. A big thank you to Atinc and Burcin for their hospitality and friendship. Also many thanks to Aycan who came over to see us during his busy schedule. 

Soon, we found ourselves in the heat of Miami. I have to admit that the U.S. is not the best place to visit if you are on a tight budget. The distances are far too long to walk and we felt very limited by not having a car. I also did not connect with the life style in Miami which seemed superficial. We rented 2 bicycles and visited the South Beach, Ocean Drive, down town and Bay side areas. It was an awkward feeling using bicycles or walking around the city, as the majority of people were in their cars. Nevertheless, we managed to have fun and enjoyed the beaches and the ocean which were luckily free.

My new friend in Miami

During our 4 days there, we met with a good friend of Alex, Boris from Cuba who settled down in Miami many years ago. Boris and his friend showed us great Cuban hospitality and invited us to the best Cuban restaurant in town, Versailles. We had an incredible dinner with an authentic Cuban flair. Another remarkable dinner we had with them was at Flanigan’s SeaFood Bar and Grill. If you like ribs, you need to visit this place.

Dinner with Cuban Friends

Our limited time came to an end in Miami very quickly and it was time for us to check out Central America. Overall, we were happy to leave the U.S. as it is definitely not a country to visit on a limited budget. Well, you can but, you probably won't go very far in South America later on. Even though we couldn't stay long, it was wonderful seeing our dear friends and spending some quality time with them.  

Miami Beach

Vibrant London!

Big Ben

Soon it was time to say goodbye to our family in France and go to the other side of the English Channel. Our trip started at Gare du Nord and in less than 3 hours, we were in the intriguing city of London.

I was excited to be there as it was my first visit to the UK. We booked a room in Kensal Green through Airbnb. It was a typical 2 storey English house with a nice room not too far from the tube (that’s what the Brits call the metro).

After dropping off our luggage and a quick shower, we were ready to conquer this exciting city. Alex lived in London for 2 years before moving to Australia, so I was lucky to have my personal tour guide during the next four days. The first stop was a small coffee shop in Spitalfield where we met some of her old Spanish friends, Miguel and Bea, who live in the UK. It was a short but great catch up.

After a delicious coffee, it was nearly dinner time. I was delighted to meet up with a former high school friend, Aydin, whom I haven’t seen for more than 5 years. He kindly invited us to a nice restaurant in Covent Garden. After dinner, we continued our joyful conversation over a couple of pints in a pub next to the Thames River. I feel very fortunate to have good friends all around the world.

Notting Hill

The next morning started with a fantastic breakfast served by our landlord which included home-made muesli, fruits, yoghurt, orange juice and of course some English tea. After this feast, we had enough energy to visit some of the tourist attractions in London, such as the Tower Bridge, Big Ben, London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, St Paul’s Cathedral and Hyde Park.

We also caught up with another good friend from Sydney, Siki Daha, who moved to London to promote his insprational music. He combines smooth soulful vocals with organic lounge beats to create the perfect soundtrack for chilling out and intimacy. Feel free to check out his Facebook fan page to get a taste of his art. Together with him, we enjoyed some of the yummy delicatessen offered in Borough Market followed by a great coffee.

Soho by night with Siki and Serge

At night, we checked out the vibrant atmosphere of Piccadilly Circus with Siki and Serge, another friend of Alex, and went to a bar in Soho followed by a groovy dance club. The night life in London is fascinating. After a long night full of dancing and fun, we managed to catch one of the last tubes to get some rest in our typical English house.

Picnic with friends at Hyde Park

We had a slow start to the next morning due to our big night out. Alex organised a picnic to catch up with her friends and former colleagues at Hyde Park. What a great idea! We spent a wonderful afternoon eating delicious tapas and chatting away with lovely people. As for me, it was wonderful to see some old friends and make new ones. 

The next morning, I was invited by Aydin to visit the Windsor Castle while Alex was spending some quality time with her close friends, Swati and Nene. After an hour drive, we arrived at the royal residence in the English county of Berkshire. Apparently, it is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world where the Queen spends her weekends. It was a spectacular visit and if you are in London, it is worth the extra drive to Windsor to check out this fantastic place. A big thank you to Aydin who took the time to show me around in the countryside.

Visiting Windsor Castle with Aydin

Our limited time of 4 days in London came to an end very quickly. London was vibrant, dynamic and fun. It is definitely a city for the young and career oriented people who enjoy a fast paced life-style. I didn't see many children or older people during our stay. There is certainly a lot of stimulation for your senses and you can easily lose track of time in this exhilarating city. It was wonderful to see the beauty of the world which reminded me the saying “Life is not meant to be lived in one place”.

On our last night in London, my wife and I had a serious fight. You might think that it is easy to hold a relation when you are travelling together for a long time. Actually it is pretty challenging. We were almost together 24/7 which got strenuous. We were already experiencing some difficulties in our marriage, and this last fight tipped us over the edge. Marriages are living entities that need continuous nourishment and we seemed to have lost the connection we used to have. After a long discussion, we decided to have a 3 months trial period to find out if we could save our failing relationship. If you like to learn more about building a better relationship with your partner, you can check out the useful information on my blog post "Tips for Happy Relationships". Another interesting article in Psychology Today by Jay Dixit addresses some of most important issues a couple can face.

Tower Bridge