Travel Your Life Away
Columns by Leslie Rubio
"Nothing so liberalizes man and expands the kindly instincts that nature put in him as travel and contact with many kinds of people." 1867...Mark Twain.
How could Mark Twain have known just how true this statement would be 143 years later? I have always loved travel; from my childhood days in the family pop-up tent to easy-going day trips, and the excitement of international travel with all of its adventure and the expectation of what a different country will be like. Traveling in 2010 is far different than 10 years ago, and certainly radically different 20 years ago. I am dating myself now, but in the 1960's, travel was more or less limited in that one had to come up with large sums of cash to view the world or travel outside of one's own borders. Folks were content to camp back then and head out to one of our nation's state parks in search of adventure, seeking something other than the familiar. Times have changed and what was once a luxury is now more affordable than ever. With Internet sites such as Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz and others, we can travel near and far. We can choose domestic or international and we can include day trips, cruises, and car rentals as part of our trip choice. We can stay in big, fancy resorts that include everything from meals and entertainment to unlimited beverages and activities, or we can choose a smaller boutique setting or more rustic Eco friendly environment. The choices are limitless. The fact is, wherever we choose to travel to, we will most certainly meet new people and learn new things; whether that means learning from others, the places we travel to or learning more about ourselves. Travel expands our minds and is as important if not more important than education alone. Other than school, where else can you learn about history, cultures, and traditions? Where else can you try new fruits and vegetables and native dishes? Where else can you experience a different religion, different architecture, new customs and clothing? Travel offers us all a glimpse of something old, something new and something that brings us out of the place where we are most comfortable. "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness."...Mark Twain Like Mark Twain, I believe travel can shape us, our thoughts and our minds if only we allow it. |
Mahekal Resort
Spanish for magical, Mahekal Resort is just that-MAGICAL! This ocean front resort is located in Playa del Carmen, about 45 minutes from Cancun on the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico. Mahekal is the resort’s “new” name. Formerly Shangri La Caribe, the resort was purchased in December 2008 by a group of U.S. investors led by Circa Capital Corp.
Mahekal is a unique resort featuring 121 intimate thatched roof palapa style bungalows. Boasting 800 feet of beach front space on the turquoise blue Caribbean, Mahekal’s beach village is designed with a Mayan influence. The resort features over sized rooms (air conditioning and ceiling fans provided) with accommodations ranging from Ocean front and Garden view to Penthouse suites, each complete with private porches or terraces hung with Mayan style hammocks for total relaxation. Each space is one-of-a-kind with Mexican tiled bathrooms and hand crafted wooden furniture. Truly an escape from everyday life; Mahekal’s rooms do not offer television, radios or telephones creating the perfect opportunity for guests to absorb nature, tranquility and the peaceful sound of the ocean’s waves. Read more...
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Where can you go that costs little, or better yet getting there is FREE? It’s a place that begins with you. It’s a place that you create. I’m talking about your “own back yard.” Whether you are afforded the expanse of acres of land, a modest spot in suburbia, or a tiny square of space in front of your Fan apartment; each of us has the opportunity to make our piece of green truly unique and beautiful. There are so many choices available today from hanging gardens to window box planters, composting to sun catching ornaments, flowering gardens and vegetable gardens. We are in charge of the space we call our own and we can make it as elaborate or as simple as we choose. 
I am fortunate enough to live in a place where outdoor space is ample. But even if this weren’t the case, I would create a space that was my own; a place that allowed me to be in touch with nature and where I could paint the landscape with color, decoration, practicality and beauty. In my backyard I have chosen a small area for an herb garden. It’s only a few steps from my door, and caring for these hearty plants is fairly maintenance free. The great reward of having fresh herbs readily available is apparent when the menu is assembled and the aroma of basil, oregano, mint, rosemary or thyme fills the air.
