Sunday, February 28, 2010

Gonzalo Guerrero

An awesome historical article pertaining to the Mayan Riviera. See link below for full article and more pictures.

"This fascinating story actually begins with the birth of Gonzalo Guerrero back in the early 1470’s at Palos, Andalusia, Spain.

Trained as a military combatant he fought to drive the last of the Moors out of the Iberian Peninsula by 1492 ending eight centuries of Islamic occupation. Then he took up his next position of soldier/sailor on Columbus’s first ocean crossing expedition aboard the small open carvel vessel, Niña.

This soldier of fortune’s story did not reappear in the annals of history again until 1511. Gonzalo set sail in good weather from the Gulf of Darien on the Colombian coast of South America north bound with looted treasure and slaves.

What happened next is one of the worst nightmare stories that could happen to anyone.
Forty year old Gonzalo was plummeted into the sea aboard a makeshift raft with no food or water, one of eighteen men and two women to survive the wrath of a hurricane that dismasted his ship and sunk it.

Only eight lived to make landfall, having to resort to cannibalism in order to survive.

Salvation did not happen. The group of eight survivors were apprehended and enslaved by their Mayan Cocom captors on the Yucatán coast.

Four of these survivors were sacrificed and eaten immediately. The others were caged and fattened for a future festival of flesh feasting. The fattening gave the remaining four the strength to escape to the Tutul Xiues tribe of Mayas who were enemies of the Cocom’s.

(An interesting fact of logistic history; in the recorded accounts of the first encounters of these Europeans arrival in Yucatán it was noted that hammocks were in use by the natives.)

Tutul Xiues made slaves of these surviving Spaniards. Due to extreme hard work and exhaustion only Gonzalo Guerrero and Geronimo de Aguilar survived.

Geronimo de Aguilar kept his religion and cultural ways but Gonzalo Guerrero took up the Mayan ways and became a military advisor and trainer teaching the Maya the combat tactics of the Spanish. It has been speculated that this Spanish combat training gave the Mayan people of the eastern jungle part of the Yucatán peninsula the ability to drive out the conquistadors. The Mayan of the Quintana Roo region, (eastern jungle) have never been completely subdued and it wasn’t until Méxican federal forces put down the protracted Caste War in the early 1900’s that this area became a territorial part of México."

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Tulum French Restaurant

I can't wait to try this French restaurant in Tulum! (See the link below for the full article from Tulum Living.)


http://www.tulumliving.com/2010/02/le-bistro-french-fare-in-tulum.html


mayanrivieragringa@yahoo.com

So Close To Heaven

The pictures of this Puerto Vallarta villa evoke strong "I wanna lay back and take it all in" feelings in me. I wish I was there. Right now.





mayanrivieragringa@yahoo.com

Monday, February 15, 2010

Bungalows Lydia

These suites are about 45 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta. Look at the view! Here's the link: http://www.bungalowslydia.com/


mayanrivieragringa@yahoo.com

Puerto Vallarta House

I found this vacation villa located in Sayulita, Mexico. I love the simplistic design -- especially the bathroom. And look at that deserted, remote beach.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Snow Thoughts

It has been snowing in Texas. Yep. It's weird. It's cold. I do not do snow. As the soft, white snowflakes were falling gently outside my window, I was inside with my feather blanket and my laptop--dreaming beaches. I went through old photos, and have found a few gems that I will add to this post. Good times.

I discovered a fellow Twitterer (@StayAdventurous) and blogger (http://stayadventurous.wordpress.com/) today. Reading his blog has brought back many memories of my travels around the world: the people; the sunsets; the beaches; the plane rides. All of the adventures. As I sit here with my wool socks and hooded sweatshirt, he sits on a beach in Cabo San Lucas, Twittering pictures that make my green blood boil. StayAdventurous - don't you need an assistant?

Here's a few old pics...Share the dream!

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Royal Haciendas, Playa del Carmen

Royal Haciendas, Playa del Carmen
2BR/2BA, Sleeps 6
March 6-13/2010
$1,100 for the Week!

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Deal of the Day

The best deal I saw today was at the Royal Mayan in Cancun -

March 6-13, 2010
2BR/2BA
SLEEPS 6
$900/Week


Contact me if you are interested! ~ mayanrivieragringa@yahoo.com

Monday, February 8, 2010

Mexican Rice

I found this article here - http://www.mexicovacationtravels.com/food/mexican-rice.html


The Mexican Rice, also known as the Spanish Rice is a side dish that is basically made white rice, tomatoes, garlic, onions, parsley, cilantro and other ingredients that you would wish to add. The dish is simply called arroz which means rice in Spanish. And it is usually served as a side dish alongside other Mexican cuisine.

And so to be able to enjoy this delicious side dish I’m talking about, here is an easy and step by step procedure you can use to try out and cook it yourself. Enjoy!

Ingredients

* 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
* 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
* 1 teaspoon garlic salt
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1/4 cup chopped onion
* 1/2 cup tomato sauce
* 2 cups chicken broth

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat and add rice. Cook, stirring constantly, until puffed and golden. While rice is cooking, sprinkle with salt and cumin.
2. Stir in onions and cook until tender. Stir in tomato sauce and chicken broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

Friday, February 5, 2010

Blog Favorite: ISLA MUJERES-GRINGO IN PARADISE

I've "discovered" this blog - thought I'd share! (Note: photo below posted w/ permission.)

Check out the blog at: http://bnwisla.blogspot.com/

Cozumel - Las Ventanas del Mar

If you choose to stay in Cozumel for a day or two during your Mayan Riviera trip, consider this resort.

PDC Valentine's Day 5k

For those of you crazy people (like some of my close relatives!) who like to go on vacation and RUN!

Monday, February 1, 2010

Mexico Monday - FEET

There's something about being in Mexico and taking pictures of feet. Mostly mine. But sometimes other people's, as well. :) Here's a few I've taken...





And sometimes, the view is so incredible that you just have to snap that shot. With or without feet. ;)