Travel

Tulum 2013

The town of Tulum, about an hour south of Cancun, is probably why we keep returning to Mexico’s Mayan Riviera.  The Mayan ruins in Tulum are the nearest to the popular Playa del Carmen destination — the place is simply other worldly.  I experience a calm longing to be a part of its past.

One of the temples in Tulum

Vegetation sprouting among the ancient

Another gorgeous view of the Tulum beach. The color of the blue is amazing.

Puerto Vallarta 2010

Another Bustamante sculpture. I just wanted to be melodramatic. I could just hear my kids now. Oh Mom!

Panama City 2013

Panama is an interesting country.  It has a large American expat community.  There are actually many people of European and American descent who have lived in the country for two or three generations because their families were a part of the Canal project.  The Americans we met were very friendly.  They reminded me of very warm people from small towns in the U.S. — just very neighborly and welcoming.

I overheard a tourist say that the Old Town of Panama, commonly referred to as Casco Viejo, reminded them of New Orleans.  I thought this was an interesting comparison.

It was interesting to see many homes with clothes lines.

D. doing his thing

The tour bus in Panama

Downtown with all the classic skyscrapers of a modern city

Top of the On-and-Off city tour bus

D. took cool shot of a hat stand.

Panamanian family and friends gathering outside their home.

These families were not too happy with D. taking their picture.  But I think they give us an understanding of their country, the people that are truly Panamanian.

One of the buildings in Casco Viejo

Children being safe and free

A mother

Another part of town

A public art display: metal sculpture

Some church with a gold altar

A view of the skyscrapers.  Do see me shopping for something?

A stall of crafts — somethings may be made in China LOL

D. and I having lunch. Guess who took the picture?

Another view of Panama downtown

Travelers Can Actually Bypass The Endless Line at Immigration

This is my favorite shot Dmitry took of Panama city.  It is nostalgic, reminiscent of a simpler life that merges with the modern world.

So you think you’re a savvy jet set traveler.  Then why are you stuck in that long immigration line?  Did you know you can bypass that part of your travel?  How – you may ask.  Well I will tell you.  Get something called a Nexus Pass.  You apply for this online: usa.immigrationvisaforms.com/   

It will like this:

Just follow the online instructions.  All you need to do is fill out the application, submit it online and then the office will notify you of when you will be interviewed.  Once the interview process is done, you wait to be approved;and then pay $50 (U.S. — rates may have increased).  The card is good for five (5) years.

They have recently attached the Nexus Pass to the Global Online Enrollment System (GOES)-Official U.S. Government https://goes-app.cbp.dhs.gov/

For more information regarding the CBP Trusted Traveler Programs, please click on the logos below. Thank you for your interest in Customs and Border Protection.  

past travels w/ children
past travels w/o children
Yucatan Mexico
Puerto Vallarta
Sayulita
Teopotzlan
Argentina
Brazil
Europe
Canada
Northwest
A pilot friend is working for some Chinese billionaire — he is encouraging us to see our prospects in Beijing.  He claims that China is in need of skilled workers to train their workers.  How true, I don’t know.  Should D. and I find out after Francie graduates?
On our way to Panama this Xmas