Donnerstag, 26. Januar 2017

Holbox


After crazy L.A. we decide to slow down – what’s better than a chilly island! We choose peaceful Holbox, a less known but still pretty touristic, almost Caribbean island north of Cancún. See for yourself how beautiful Holbox is.











The streets are out of sand and there are no cars, just golf carts and a lot of bicycles.

 

It is a really relaxing island, life and everything goes slow. Just the lodgement prices are totally unchilled for us – really expensive and you don’t really get more for your money. But nature is perfect and for free :-) So is the sunset at the beach bar… Well the bar costs ;)







But nature is for free...





A great speciality from here: Marquesitas! The cousin of crepes – We love ’em with Nutella and cheese. You head right, they mix ’em and it tastes great!!


Of course we make a boat excursion to see the islands nearby…


 
Again we see beautiful wild flamingos...
 


And Isla Pajaros (Birds Island) is a great spot to make some bird watching. 



Lots of pelicans are everywhere...


And frigate birds..




On another small island there is the Yalahao Cenote with its amazing fresh water pool. From wholes out of the ground there is fresh water bubbling out. Yalahao Spring is considered a magic place in local folklore and history. The spring was originally important to Mayan fishermen and travellers who used the spring as a source of fresh drinking water. 





Last island we visit is Isla de los Amantes – Don’t ask why it’s called that way… Again we see a lot of Birds. Nature is just breathtaking!








Our next stop will be Havana! So see you again in Cuba!

Sonntag, 22. Januar 2017

L.A. Baby!

So why on earth would we leave Mexico and go to L.A.? Did we win the lottery? No! Well, the reason is that Alfredo is a big Doors fan and Robby Krieger (the guitar player of The Doors) is playing a concert at the Whisky à Go Go – that’s where The Doors became famous. Alfredo couldn’t resist and here we are in L.A., baby! Besides, there’s a lot to do besides Doors stuff :-)

First stop is Venice Beach. Here we are in our rented car.

 
 
  
A few days before we arrive, The Doors were given an official “The Doors Day” on January 4th in Venice – that’s why their logo is hanging there.


 

Muscle Beach and some crazy muscle guy! 
 

 

Palmtrees and lots of beach!




 
 
Playing Baywatch ;-)




Venice wouldn’t be Venice without its canals.



Here we are at our Motel in West Hollywood having a drink before the big concert. 
 

  
The concert is at the Whisky, a famous concert house in L.A. The concert is great and the house is packed!


 
 
  
Before the concert we meet Phil Chen – a legendary bass player he plays bass for Robby Krieger. He’s a really nice guy and after the show he invites us to go backstage with him – crazy!!! So here we are with Robby Krieger (middle) and Phil Chen (right) backstage at the Whisky.



Here's us with Phil and his daughter Lindsey. Phil has played on over 50 gold records and with nearly every big musician of our time (Bob Marley, Ray Charles, Jeff Beck, The Who etc. etc.) – but he’s so humble and nice!


The next morning we need a strong breakfast – pancakes time! 
 

 We only have little time to see some more of L.A. because Phil Chen invites us to the next Robby Krieger concert. This time it’s in a place called “the Coachhouse” in South L.A. – it’s a 1,5 hours drive! The concert is seated and they serve food, which is kind of weird...
 


Again, the gig is great and we get to go backstage. Unforgettable moments for Alfredo! ;-)



 

The next morning we need a good breakfast again – this time we go to Canter’s diner! Guess it's time to thank our friends Tucki and Christine & Bene for all the great recommendations Thanx guys!


Then it’s time for some Hollywood action :-)




 

 

In the evening Phil invites us for some delicious homemade dinner – so yummie!! He's not only a great bass player but also a grand cook! It stays in the family, as Lindsey is a excellent cook, too. 
A magnificent evening with great people and a lot of fun! 






L.A. was a great and intense 4 days trip with lots of haunting memories. We especially want to thank Phil Chen and his family for being so generous and making this trip really unique and special!!