Colima City is the home to several neat festivals. These are always a highlight and very colorful. Ferias Charro Taurinas San Felipe de Jesus is held in late January and early February every year. It is held to celebrate the Virgen de la Candelaria. It actually takes place in the Villa de Alvarez - about 2 and a half miles north of Colima. Giant figures parade around, representations of the mayor and his wife. These large figures are … [Read more...]
Colima, Mexico – Side Trips
Part of the experience of staying in Colima City is being able to explore the surrounding regions through a variety of day trips. It is the friendliness and simplicity of the locals that has always attracted me to this part of Mexico - along with the fact this is not a heavily touristed part of the country. I love walking through some of the small villages, where the local people rarely if ever see tourists. On warm days in the afternoon sun, I … [Read more...]
Chamonix, France – History
During the Paleozoic Era another mountain range stood above what is now the current Mount Blanc. Over the years it eroded and eventually filled in with several seas. Marine sediments have been uncovered by present day geologists at high elevations. Then 40 million years ago a new mountain range formed due to a folding in the earth's crust in this part of the country. Mount Blanc took its present general shape about 15 million years ago as this … [Read more...]
Chamonix, France – Aiguille du Midi
Aiguille du Midi, the world's longest and highest tramway, is well worth the price of admission. The views from the top of the Chamonix Valley, and of Mt. Blanc and the nearby mountains are spectacular. This natural rock spire is pictured in numerous places in Chamonix. Tourist shops sell paintings of it, postcards, and photographs. It is situated at about 12,600 feet in the shadow of Mount Blanc which rises another 3000 feet or so higher. If … [Read more...]
Chamonix, France – Other Attractions
The town of Chamonix offers plenty of shopping, relaxing or people watching. Chamonix reminds me of Whistler, British Columbia. It has the feel of being a high mountain village when in actuality it sits only approximately 3400 feet above sea level. Many local tourist shops sell stunning photographs of the surrounding mountains. These photographs are often only a few euros and are good presents for friends and family. However purchasing frames … [Read more...]
Chamonix, France – Hotels & Lodging
There are several nice places to stay in Chamonix. I was in Chamonix in the middle of July and had no problem finding a hotel at the last minute. All the locals I spoke with agree that July and August are the busiest months for the summer season. The following hotels and hostels are listed as basic references for where to stay in Chamonix, covering a wide range of budgets. If you have stayed at a hotel in Chamonix not listed on this page, … [Read more...]
Monterey, CA – Wine Tasting
Monterey wineries often focus on a number of lighter style varietals including their well-known Pinot Noir (especially from the Santa Lucia Highlands - above the Salinas Valley) and Chardonnay. One can find wines made from numerous other varietals. At last count, over 42 unique wine grape varietals were being commercially grown in Monterey County. Rather then dominated by winery tasting rooms, much of Monterey County is dominated by stand … [Read more...]
Monterey, CA – Carmel
Carmel is a picturesque small town with a variety of art galleries, boutique hotels and tucked away restaurants. To some people Carmel may be categorized by only two words: art galleries. This town was established in 1904 by a group of artists and writers as a retreat center. The original flavor of the town is still preserved today. It has a unique individuality and small village charm. There are many different architectural styles, many … [Read more...]
Monterey, CA – Carmel Hotels
The prices listed below range from the lowest (the off season rates/single person - 1 room) to the highest (holidays and weekends /double person - one room). Properties in Carmel tend to be a bit more expensive then those in Monterey. Make sure you ask if a minimum stay is required as most of these hotels do require that you stay at their place a minimum number of days. Carmel is generally a pet friendly town - with a number of the hotels … [Read more...]
Oaxaca, Mexico – Markets
Oaxaca is known for both its artisan crafts and local foods. Brilliantly colored wood carvings are much sought after by visitors. These carvings often differ dramatically in both quality and price. A general rule is to spend time shopping around - do not purchase the first item you see just because you like it. With so many similar items available, competition is high for your peso. Perhaps you will return to that original item but chances are … [Read more...]
