Clear Planning

I am a planner!  I am one of those people who likes surprises but not the kind that come with a vacation.  You know like losing your luggage, your wallet or forgetting to bring along the information about where you are staying or where it is at!  One reason is actually laughable...I am that person that would forget their head if it were not attached...It's a joke in my household that I either forget my wallet or my cell phone... You get the picture... I know I am not the only one out there, so I am going to share a few of the items that really will help your life and your vacations go smoother!  Trust me; there is help for a vacation with no surprises.  

First let's address that wallet/phone issue.  I am not a purse carrier.  I see no reason to; especially when traveling. Purses will be addressed here but I honestly think I have an even better idea!  For me there are times when I just want my phone, id and a credit card.  I received a gift a few Christmas's back that initially I thought silly.  That gift the Card Nija has become my best friend.  There are many other card holders that will stick on the back of your phone and perhaps do the same things; but this one really works.  It doesn't interfere with your phone or its functions.  It will hold as many cards as you need, money too, and you only have one thing to worry about!  

Don't worry, they come off easily with a good pull but won't come off if filled too full or caught on a pocket.  This little item has been a life saver for me!  

Traveling today is all about safety.  We will be traveling to Italy soon and have heard all the warnings about pick pockets, luggage snatchers, or back pack thieves.  A little preparedness is all at your fingertips; it simply takes a little forethought. In our case, we are traveling with carry-on luggage only! I know that in today's travel circles ~ luggage with wheels is the only way to go.  We don't roll that way ~ The past few years we have been traveling with only a back pack.  Mind you we have carried enough clothes for a ten day stay in the Dominican Republic, a week at a time in Mexico and planning on twenty plus days in Italy!  We travel with a back pack  ~ think "Amazing Race" style. Wheels can really slow you down when running to catch a flight that is two terminals away and you only have twenty minutes! Rolling bags are much easier to steal as they can easily be grabbed right out our your hand.  Finally, have you ever attempted eight flights of crowed stairs with a wheeled case? Clunky, heavy and annoying ~ much easier with a well balanced pack on your back ~ just add the weight you feel comfortable in carrying!  We love the versatility and capacity of our Porter 46 by Osprey.

Amazing how much fits into this pack!  The straps are comfortable and can be tucked inside and then carried as a case.  It cinches and expands, is durable but most important; it is the EXACT size for carry on!  All  Osprey products are waterproof and have a life time warranty!  They stick by their products AND they are staffed at their 800 number with REAL people.  A strap holder broke on one of our packs.  Nothing that would have really bothered the function of the pack but none the less I was curious to see if they really stood by their warranty.  A real person answered the phone and a real person took my information and the piece is on its way!  I even learned they are releasing a new model of the Porter 46 in August that will have, the same roomy carry on legal dimensions, better internal pockets for computers, iPads and phones along with even more safety features against theft!!  There is an Osprey back for everyone; even ones WITH wheels!

Always lock your luggage!  Use TSA approved locks to avoid hassles with the screeners just in case they think they see something!  They have the special tool to open the lock, quickly look inside and let you go happily on your way!  Any time your lock is opened without your special combination, whether it be by TSA or thief, you will know because the lock shows red!  These can be found many places, PacSafe, Magellan's and TravelSmith to name a few!

Once at our destination our pack is left in the hotel room and we are off to see sights! Many women would carry a purse in these situations...I choose to carry a smaller pack. Easy to sling over the shoulder along with my carry on.           

 

The best thing about this is they virtually can not be compromised.  The straps have metal cording through them so they can not be cut.  The bag itself has a mesh to stop slashing...NO, they are not heavy!  The cool technology makes them safe and lightweight! Zippers are hidden and can not be opened with one hand.  The inside pocked is RFID lined.  This will stop anyone from hacking into your computer or smart phone if you are carrying it AND not allow hackers to steal your credit card information from hot spots that are popping up all over the world surprising unsuspecting travelers! When at a restaurant or train the straps have special locks that can be undone and then attached to a chair or seat. This type of pack will carry me through my sight seeing needs, holding my camera, jacket, water bottle and papers with room for souvenirs! PacSafe has something for everyone to keep their personal items safe and out the hands of thugs.  So whether it be a purse or day pack, order before your next trip! 

Another PacSafe necessity is a cut proof camera strap.  I know I have a day pack big enough to hold my camera but if you are like me, it's on your shoulder waiting to take the next picture!  I shudder to think what I would do if someone slashed and ran with my "baby"!  I have been a photographer for over thirty years and feel pretty secure about how guarded I hold my camera when walking around sight seeing...but if someone were to slice my strap; would I be able to continue that grip if they took off running with it? Thus the purchase of this strap and the thought that $30.00 may not only give me peace of mind but keep my camera out of the hands of someone else!     

Now keeping my money safe is another matter!  We had batted around all types of scenarios about what we bring in the way of cash, credit cards and cash cards in foreign countries.  So many cards charge outlandish fees for foreign transactions.  Getting cash with your bank card usually means high transactions fees...and one can't carry around enough cash for vacations over a few days long!  So the homework began!  Don't just guess; really check into your card and bank fees because they can add up to hundreds, even thousands of dollars over time! One of us has a Capitol One credit card that has no foreign fees!  The other...Chase's Mileage Plus Explorer card offers no foreign transaction fees.  Both have low interest and seemingly good customer service.  Alert your card of your travels, giving them specifics and dates to eliminate any fraud!  As far as cash goes, it's a little more difficult.  Most banks just don't offer check cards that can be used in foreign countries without fees.  That said, I found that Capitol One does! The Capitol One 360  offers you everything you will need!  It is a strictly online bank card that allows you to add and transfer funds online or with your smart phone.  It can be used anywhere in the world that has a cash machine, it carries the Master Card logo and there are NO fees, hidden or otherwise!!  Again, make certain you give them the heads up to your foreign travel and you are perfectly travel safe!  

There's always the basics in safe travel...

Make two photocopies of all your travel documents in case of emergency or if your documents are lost or stolen. Leave one copy with a friend or relative at home. It is always a great idea to let at least one person know exactly where you will be staying and how to contact you in an emergency. Carry the other copy with you stored separately from the originals. Documents to make copies of include:

• Passport ID page
• Foreign visa (if applicable)
• Itinerary
• Hotel confirmation
• Airline ticket
• Driver's license
• Credit cards brought on the trip
• Traveler's check serial numbers 

If you are traveling abroad, add your trip and information to Smart Traveler Enrollment. One never knows what could go wrong and it's best to be prepared!  

Do a little homework...know where you're going and what you should be prepared for.  Whether it be Trip Advisor Forum, online blogs or articles, travel magazines or Rick Steves, get familiar with your destination before you get there and find surprises you were not expecting!  

The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.

Saint Augustine

  

Sometimes Nice isn't easy!

Sometimes it does not pay to be nice!  Today was one of them!  Grrrrr!  Let's just say this writing is a means to alleviate some of the day's Hotel Drama and frustration!  I am sure I am not the only one that has had this happen! Comments welcome on this topic because I am curious...Here goes...

Tara's birthday falls on a three day weekend.   Always does. This year we thought we would venture over to Mendocino. it's a little over a four hour drive.  Tara works Friday so we thought we would get up early on Saturday, meander over to the coast slowly, stopping along the way at a couple of wineries and a brewery.  We know the area is very dog friendly so Fenway got to go as well.  

We had loved our stay at the Stanford Inn and Tara thought it a great idea for her birthday.  So my Tuesday began...I called to make a reservation.  The receptionist, Ann was a little scattered on the phone but that's okay.  First she noted that we were return guest and then she lost all our information. Still not a problem, we all have bad days.  I made my two night reservation in one of the mid level rooms (not cheap I might add) gave her my credit card information and she gave me confirmation.  She thanked me, said she looked forward to seeing us and we finished our conversation.  

Excited, I called Tara to tell her of our reservation.  Same room as we had stayed in last time!  I was just about to call back to schedule two massages when the phone rang.  "Hi, this is Ann," she began..."I have to cancel your reservation because it's a three night minimum on three day weekends!"
WHAT!  I had just noticed that I had received an email from them.  It was a CONFIRMATION email.  Now she was canceling!!  I asked why when you confirm can you call and cancel?!  She said that was the policy and it had come up after she had confirmed!  Does this make any sense to you? I asked to speak with a manager or the owners who had "signed" my confirmation email and she informed me no one was there.

Bewildered, I hung up.  I was mad!  I checked my credit card and sure enough they had even charged that for the one night required reservation holding fee!  After speaking with Tara, I called back and asked to speak with one of the owners or another manager.  This time Ann told me she was on the phone with the manager and that the manager would be calling me back from her house..."Let me get off of here so she can call you..."  We're getting somewhere, I thought. Surely no good business person would think this a positive way to run a business.  This was a hotel that prides itself on service and taking care of people?!  A business that thrives on having folks return to their establishment!!

Almost two hours past...thought I was "getting off the phone" so that this Manager could call me?  I began to wonder what phone number was on the registry.  Ann had been very scattered...who knew?  I called back.  At that time the Manager, Jill was coming into the office and took the phone. I began nicely.  Nice did nothing!!  The woman on the other end of the phone who called herself a manager had the customer service skills of a rattle snake!!  First, wouldn't you apologize and try and make this right?  Not her, she said her employee made and mistake and well, all humans make mistakes!!  I asked why I got a confirmation...you got it...A MISTAKE!!  Instead I was told why after this... would you even want to come here?  Really?  I get that mistakes happen, but I didn't make the mistake...Isn't customer sales about making good on ads or misprints or even "HUMAN ERROR"! I wasn't trying to do something wrong. I didn't do this...I was not the  untrained employee or glitch in the computer!! Wasn't it just last month that the airlines made good on $10 flights that were a computer error?  Heck, in this case I was attempting to spend well over $800 at their establishment when all would have been said and done! Funny, my Daddy used to say money talked ~ these days with customer service the way it is ~ I would tell him you can't even give money away!!

I would wager to bet that all their rooms do not fill up for the three night minimum during Memorial Day.  We are a Nation that is traveling less as gas prices rise and not everyone can afford hotel rooms that begin at over $200 a night for three nights.  Grant it; we could but we work we only had two nights and three days. That leads us back to my opening...at this distance who can expect folks to stay three nights without taking off work?!  Wouldn't Stanford Inn have been better booking one room for two nights at the premium price, selling us our cocktails that we always had when staying there, having us as guest at their restaurant, The Raven; and having us enjoy their relaxing spa massages?  Oh, not to mention that famous and effective advertisement campaign...WORD OF MOUTH.  We were repeat customers for goodness sake...even Fenway! They knew this was a special occasion and still they could not swallow their OWN mistake!  Bad business...gets a complaint made to the Better Business Bureau and a negative review in Trip Advisor!!  Saying, you know we blew it...let's make it right gets happy travelers and more repeat business!  Not to say a good Trip Advisor review and positive blogger!

As it is I have a bad taste in my mouth from this experience. We have a few spring trips planned; Healdsburg at Healdsburg Inn ~ A Four Sisters Inn for a weekend of wine at J Vinyards, where we are members ...and repeat guest (ha).  Also for a beach weekend in Monterey at The Sanctuary Beach Resort where we are again repeat guest...even our Baseball weekend has us repeating stays; and the last  adventure at that hotel had a down spot when our car was broken into during our 4th of July stay last year...But the Waterfront Hotel and Joie de Vive knew how to make a bad "mistake" that happened on their watch better...and we didn't even have to ask?!  I name drop only because good customer service gets folks coming back over and over... But these trips don't make Tara's birthday better...I'm still looking for "that perfect" place...it WAS confirmed...but now...the rattle snake bit!

Clearly We Will Return

Okay; so I said I would be posting about the town of Puerto Vallarta yesterday.  Figured since it was President's Day, I would do nothing...that I did and I do nothing well!  Sorry about the delay but  I'm back and it's my goal to enlighten you about this little gem in Mexico!  I always hear folks rave about Cancun but I have to tell you....we spent eight days in Cancun two years ago and 'tho I did have a great time...it may not see me again...it just didn't have that intimate atmosphere to lull be back.  Puerto Vallarta on the other hand had us planning our next visit on the plane ride home!  The little village of PV wowed me.  I was staying in the Hilton Resort, located within a five minute taxi drive away...Five dollar ride or a 50 cent bus ride!  We decided to venture the city on a Saturday morning with the plan to rent scooters and tool around all day. That didn't happen. The cobblestone roads and rented scooters were trying enough in the busy weekend travel, we decided to travel to the rain forest area!  Rental scooters are not always in the best alignment! Add a scooter that pulls to the right, a narrow, winding downhill road and heavy traffic and you have the recipe for a disaster!  Let's just say, "I am lucky to be alive" and I know what it looks like to have a taxi almost run over my head!  Scooters returned and they had no scratches ~ and the exploration began!  

First off, PV is quaint, clean, charming and colorful!  It seems to be a place where folks visit and keep coming back!  It stretches the beach, has excellent restaurants, cheap drinks, friendly people, shopping and more!  It's a very eclectic crowd and made me wish all vacation spots had its diversity!  Initially a little known get away for Hollywood giants like John Houston, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton it has become a mecca for Canadian's, U.S. snowbirds seeking winter warmth, young and old, gay and straight.  Many have moved to become residents others return yearly.  Everyone; locals, returnees and tourist coexist with wonderful dynamics! Whether you are mid city, on the Malecon or in the Zona Romantica district this town has an abundance of good vibes!


We began our day having breakfast on the Malecon at Vieta's http://viteapv.com/  sitting outside people watching.  My all time favorite breakfast is Eggs Benedict.  Even though I cook it's not in my wheel well ; so whenever I am out, I order it.  Up until PV, my favorite for the past eight years has been at Fire Sign Cafe in Tahoe.  Well move over...Vieta's has taken over that top spot!   

  Okay so it wasn't the traditional

breakfast,  Tara had that and her's was equally as tasty!  Seems the huevos revueltos con totopos or Chilaquiles was equally the flavor burst for the pallet!   Just in case they ever read this..."I'LL BE BACK!"

Lots of restaurants to choose from and most just as good~ There was a lot of hype about Joe Jack's Crab Shack and it was probably my least favorite.  Tara is a non meat eater and they had little for her there.  Perhaps I ordered wrong but my fish tacos just didn't make me jump with joy but it may have been the timing...my camera had just survived a dropping and I was a little off!  Good thing that Nikon can take some jolts...first the scooter than...

One could say I ate my way through PV...there's food everywhere.  Try the local's shrimp on a stick!  

Tasty!!  

You might also want to try their food carts.  Street food is a booming business in PV.  They offer tours, with guides taking you to the best of the best or you can do it yourself.  Some of these places give new meaning to the local Taco Truck! http://www.vallartasource.com/street_food.php

You can even try out a delicious drink right on the corner.  Be brave and try it!!  How many fruits can one put in a drink...think of the nutrients?! 

We enjoyed eating in PV so much that we decided to skip the hotel food the following day and continue making our way through our new favorite beach town!  That night's dinner was highly recommended and it was excellent.  The Margarita Grill https://plus.google.com/111874992785404552413/about?gl=us&hl=en is an outside restaurant situated on a central corner under a thatch roof that will not disappoint.  From the moment your lips touch your hand mixed margarita or your server begins smashing ripe avocados at your table in the mort and pestle you will be relaxed, happy and glad you chose this hot spot!!  

Drinks are cheap almost everywhere you go...and nothing is better than a bucket of dollar beers, whether inside at a lively bar like The Cheeky Monkey http://www.cheekymonkeypv.com/    or outside beach side like Burro's Bar http://www.mexonline.com/burros.htm.  People watching is a must and if you are the friendly type you will meet all sorts of folk with just a little mingling!  If you are simply wanting to put your toes in the sand and watch the sun set, I highly recommend  purchasing a beer at the Oxxo (PV's 7/11 and they are everywhere) and pulling up a piece of sand.  We did this two nights in a row...the view is totally amazing!

Puerto Vallarta offers lots of shopping.  One can wander through the cobbled streets and find everything from high end shops to basic tourist traps.  Shopping brings about the other tourist trap...the Time Share Sharks!  From reviews I have read they are not as rampant as they used to be and for us they provided a little humor!  It was quite amusing that these staunch Mexican citizens have learned to adapt to their clientele...or Mexico has a larger gay population than I had realized.  Tara and I seem to look enough alike that some think we are sisters but the "Sharks" led with the opening line assuming we were a couple!  The friendly Mexican fellows would then add, "my husband and I..."  This tickled me because it may have been a ploy but these guys genuinely had found acceptance of the gay crowd that flock to their fine city!  I know if you bought into the time share sales these guys could be a pain in the butt, but the few that did catch our attention were fun and friendly!  Much better than the guys trolling the beach with their goods wanting you to buy...these folks were annoying!!

Once you get past the stores, I strongly urge you to hit the LOCAL Farmer's Market located in Parque Lazaro Cardenes  http://www.oldtownfm.com/pages/en/visit_the_market.html.  It's here you will most likely  find something you really want to take home.  Something one of a kind and made in Puerto Vallarta by the vendor who is selling it to you!  It's on Saturday's only but it's so worth the stroll!!  We came home with the most wonderful and useful reminder of our trip...A Color Pod made from local Palm waist.  We found these hand painted pods that were once headed to the land fill striking!  Kathryn has made recycling trendy, useful and art! Not only is she an artist but she is a transplant that has made PV her home.  Not only did we leave with a pod but we left feeling like we had made a friend.  http://colorpodpv.com/  Super Bowl Sunday saw ours holding the goods for guac!  

A  much more useful "trinket" to bring home than a refrigerator magnet!  These pods are waterproof and scooter proof!!   

Good food, good drink, good people, good stuff!  We were ready to come back before we ever left!  Bottom line...if you are seeking a get-away that is sun filled; maybe it's time to look at this side of Mexico rather than Cancun.  Sure the ocean is a different one, but its time zone is much closer for many vacationers, it offers a quaintness that Cancun is shy of...you can't help but be taken by this easy going community!!  

Have the tequila and Pacifica Light ready...We will be back next January!! 

  

The Clear Skies of PV

The many skies of Puerto Vallarta!  

Over Martin Luther King's holiday we decided to take a quick and warm get away!  It had come with a lot of thought.  We wanted good weather, but we wanted a closer time zone!  That made Cancun or the Caribbean out.  Cabo was an idea...but it soon became clear to us that PV was our destination!  
My spouse is in Pharma and has to stay away from home at least ten days each month.  With that comes hotels and points.  The thought was Hilton points could lead to a trip to Hawaii but my God, the Hawaii Hilton takes more points than any average person would ever gather!!  I looked into their web site and noticed an all-inclusive that had recently opened in PV.  We had enough points, it was new and free is good...no great!!  Room booked!!

That's when I began reading reviews.  That's when I began to get worried!  Some reviews were horrible!  Then I began to really read!  Folks were granting this hotel one star for its size, for the fact that they gave you canned beer at the pool side, that it was too quiet!!  The resort itself states it is small!  Bottled beer is not safe at pools...sometimes quiet is what you look for!  So we decided to think for ourselves!  

Our flight to PV got us there by 3pm and since all the flights arrive at the same time; it was chaos!   Same when entering any country!  I had read all the Trip Advisor hints such as how to avoid the time share fellows (they were not that bad....keep head down), how to walk out of the airport parking lot to the main road and hail a cab...easy and much cheaper ($5.00 to get to our hotel!).  We arrived, our upgraded room was ready!  Note to self:  when your hotel sends you emails prior to your trip, fill them out and send them back!  If reviews say things like make dinner reservations ahead of time ~ call the hotel and make the next few night's dinner reservations!  A vacation is to vacate thoughts...make that happen!!  


Into a gorgeous room we walked.  Hot tub on the balcony, claw foot in the bathroom, separate shower, great view!!  And again FREE!!  








We soon learned that PV is a hot spot in January for Canadian tourist!  They come down to get away from the freezing temps!  Can't blame them.  We felt quilty telling folks we had left a Northern California hot spell of mid 60's and 70's!  Crazy!  It quickly became apparent that this little gem of a hotel was perfect for us!  Yes, it was small but it had everything we needed...complete with all the food and alcohol one can consume...FREE!  Of course we thought of all those bad reviews...Hmmmm...yes we are in a different country...guess what they speak Spanish; something that pissed off many reviewers!  Yes beer was served at the pool in a can...a VERY COLD can!  I was quite happy to learn that Pacifica made a light beer! Who knew?!  I could not drink as fast as our server was delivering them...all for one $5.00 tip early in the morning! Kindness is such a valuable tool...we watched people boss the servers around, grunt and groan at them ~ basically ask them to kiss their ass ~ and then they wondered why they did not get big smiles and feel good service.  No complaints from us!  Throughout the long weekend we would discover that PV had tons to offer (all to be discussed later) but this little hotel could make one learn all about the act of relaxation!!

Italian food, Tapas, sushi, French, Brazilian and all American cuisine...sunsets to kill for, the sound of the ocean waves crashing against the shore...certainly good use of those Hilton Points!  Travelers out there you may want to give this some thought!!  More about the details tomorrow!! 

Finally getting with it...

Here goes nothing!  Back when no one was blogging, everyone said I should blog.  Well, as usual I never listen!  I find myself reading blogs, reviews, and articles about every place I travel, eat or even just drive through.  I read about everything!  Then I shuffle through the BS and biased opinions and make what I think is the "right" decision... Why?  Because I think many people write what they want you to hear, they often don't look at the situational picture, or they just don't know better.  Me...Let's just say I am not known for my shy, hold back approach.  I get in a lot of trouble for "telling it like I see it." I'm a photographer by trade and I guess verbally I believe in the same approach...showing what's really there!  So why not blog about what I see and add a few photos along the way!!  Hopefully both my words, thoughts, suggestions, and photos are "Clearly Candid".  Maybe even interesting, informative and fun.

About me...Small town girl, 53 years young.  Pretty average but with a twist.  You see, I am gay but have never really given it much thought.  I don't see me as different; why should you?  Chico, CA, where I grew up didn't seem to care that I was gay...I'm just CC;  so let's not make this blog about that.  But you have to know because I am married to a wonderful woman and she may be the topic from time to time and most certainly she is my traveling  companion!  I do have a BA in Public Administration and a Master's in Communication.  Never have used my education!  I am a photographer. I own a little business called "Clearly Candid Photography",  I have a camera with me everywhere I go.  It is my plan to use words and photos to take you along my journeys.  Join me in my discoveries! Tomorrow it's all about Puerto Vallarta our latest trip.  Best part of the trip was living!!

http://www.clearlycandid.com/