traveltales: QUAINT COLONIAL TOWN

Sunday, October 16, 2011

QUAINT COLONIAL TOWN

EL FUERTE, MEXICO

El Fuerte, Mexico is the southern terminus of the Copper Canyon Railroad. We arrived in the lovely colonial city after our week in the Sea of Cortez and after a short flight from La Paz to Los Mochias.

El Fuerte is a small, old, quaint town which we easily explored on foot. The city was established as a fort in the late 1500’s to protect the colonists from native North American attacks. We arrived on some kind of a holiday so we were lucky enough to see a parade and some native dancing in the street. It doesn’t take long to see most of the town as it is pretty small. Many of the stores were closed for the holiday which precluded any shopping which disappointed us not a bit. There was a lovely gazebo in the small town park.

We took some pictures after the parade and then decided to walk up to the old fort. It wasn’t very far. At the top after a fairly easy hike I gasped, “What a gorgeous view! I’m so glad we didn’t miss this. That’s a pretty good size river running down there.”

Lake Miguel del Hidalgo is a man-made lake 15 ½ X 6 miles. The dam built in 1956 was expanded in 1963. The lake holds 350 million cubic meters of water and houses a hydroelectric plant which generates 270 million kilowatts of electricity a year.

Before dinner we returned to the El Fuerte Lodge to enjoy margaritas in the lovely courtyard before dinner.

The train was due at 7:30 AM the next morning so that meant an early start to have breakfast, check out of the hotel and get to the station.

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Travel Tips

Wet feet, who has rubbers these day? To dry wet shoes put crumpled newspaper inside the shoe and it will wick out all the moisture. If you expect your travels to take you where your feet are likely to be walking in puddles or streams, pack a section of newspaper in the bottom of your suitcase.
In many places in the world the tip is included in the restaurant bill---good to know!
In Europe bathrooms are referred to as WC or toilet. Any other term is not understood.
When hiking, stop to tighten shoe/boot laces before starting down hill.
When traveling by plane be sure to wear all cotton clothing, which today is no problem. In case of fire, man-made fibers melt, cotton burns instead, leaving a clean burn vs one with all kinds of junk melted into it.
Didn't expect a sunburn and have no Rx for it? Dab the area with a cool wet tea bag. the tannin in the tea will reduce inflamation.
I bet you travel with a small bottle of hand sanitizer either in your purse or pocket. Did you know that when you spill something in your lap or wear part of your lunch that a few dabs of hand sanitizer on the spot will make it disappear like magic!
Speaking of shoes, I do not recommend removing them on a long flight. Untie and loosen them. I have actually seen people not be able to get their shoes back on because their feet have swollen during a long flight. Oach!
As painful as it may be limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. You are not traveling to make a fashion statement. Wear your heavest pair which should be a good pair of walking shoes. Pack a lighter pair or sandals.
Make a copy of all your documents and credit cards before leaving home and carry seperately. Also before leaving home leave a copy of your itinerary including hotels and their phone numbers and dates of stay with a family member.
It's always tempting to take a sleeping pill on a long overseas flight, BUT I never do because in the unlikely event of problems I want to have all my senses about me!
Afraid of bedbugs these days? Carry a small squirt bottle of lavender along with your other liquids. Spray your pillow and around your bed and mattress. This will give you a good visual and also repel the little devils.
I carry a couple of aspirin in my pocket and once the plane is in the air I swallow one. I feel this is especially important on long overseas flights to avoid leg problems.
If you do need to do laundry when traveling wring it as dry as possible by hand, then lay the article flat on a bath towel and roll tightly. Unroll and hang. It should be dry by morning.
I carry a small empty water bottle when traveling. I place it in the tray along with my plastic bag of liquids. Once through security I fill it from the water fountain. I always have water to take a pill or a drink when I'm thirsty.
Beware that European bath tubs are very deep and water is often scalding hot. Be careful especially if you have hip or knee problems.
If you're going to be gone more than a few days water your indoor plants well then cover with a large plastic bag tucking the edges well under the pot. If you use a laundry bag simply knot the area where the hanger protrudes. When you return your plants will be healthy and well.
In the largest print possible print your last name and hotel on a sheet of paper and place it on the top of your clothes before closing your suitcase. If your bag gets way laid hopefully it will make it to your hotel.
If you are the owner of the common black bag personalize it by adding various cut outs from colored duct tape. It will be easier to identify than if it carries a bit of ribbon.