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New to Merida? You Must Have These Important Phone Numbers!

Good Golly its Holly!
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New to Merida? You Must Have These Important Phone Numbers!

New to Merida & not sure where to start? These important phone numbers should be in your back pocket should you find yourself in need of an emergency cup of awesome coffee or just need to get your roots colored. These are all businesses that we as seniors traveling have used here in the Montecristo area, Merida & can quite frankly recommend quite highly!

Because we do know what it is like to be ‘new’ in town & not know where ‘things’ are we felt that it was only fair to pay it forward, so to speak, & share with you our must have phone numbers for the Montecristo area of Merida! These were found by our walking the streets, following signs or just referrals from locals along the last six months.

We truly just want to share these numbers with you [no referral fees, etc to us]. Whether you ever use, that is up to you. So, here we go, in no particular order!

  • 1] Coffee beans – Corazon Cafe on Calle 22 Montecristo is the place to go for fresh roasted coffee beans in a huge selection of flavors & you can buy whatever size bag you need. Rafael, owner & roaster, is the man! This is a small shop with little seating so it is mostly a walk in/out shop for a bag of beans or a great cup of coffee hot or cold.
  • 2] Best Coffee Shops in Merida/Restaurants
    • La Casa de los Abuelos [roughly translated – House of the Grandparents]- variety of coffees – hot & cold – plus you can order a sweet bread to go with your drink. Located under Walmart at Uptown, there is street parking & you can’t miss the large gold letters on the ouside. Located at Av. Correa Racho 104, Sin Nombre de Col 3, Merida.
    • Voltacafe – located at Calle 20 por 15 235, Col. Altabrisa. Hot/cold variety of coffee drinks. Tables in & out doors, plenty of room to spread out. Great cookies to go with coffee. Have not had a meal here so…
    • Barra de Cafe [Condessa] – Located at Calle 61 no. 299 local A, Por 48 y 50, colonia unidad habitacional, revolucion, almost straight across the street from the Mayan Museum. It has a bold burgundy exterior that pops & makes it easy to see from a distance. This is a small place to drop in for coffee, hot or cold as well as teas & blended drinks. Small selection of sandwiches, cookies. Daniel & Johny are awesome barristers. Dine in/Takeout.
  • 3] Restaurant
    • Pistache located on Calle 5 100-local 2, Residential Montecristo. Fabulous touch of France in Mexico! Souffles, Quiche, sweets, coffees – all A+! Absolutely Love this little cafe! The customer service is just very welcoming.
    • Habaneros – for a taste of Yucatan food, get over here quick. Great food & customer service! Located on Calle 20-A Num 302 x 5b y5c in Xcumpish neighborhood.
  • 4] Fruits/Vegetable Stand – Although you can find fruit stands on basically every several blocks here in Montecristo, our favorite is Select Fruits/Vegetables on Calle 18.
  • 5] Laundry Service – Lavanderia on Calle 18 in corner strip off Calle 7. You have to drop off & pick up but this is the one we really like compared to several others that we used [items lost or laundry didn’t smell good]. Lulu at this particular laundry always has our clothes folded, soft & smelling good! Price can’t be beat. Can’t miss the blue window/door.
  • 6] Trazende Spa – For The BEST massage in Merida this is the place to go! We tried several places in Merida & were so disapointed! We found Pedro when he was referred by someone on Expats in Merida & we have not been disappointed. The Big Guy loves the deep tissue massage from Pedro. We have gone to other spas in Merida & were so disappointed in their services. NOT HERE! For THE BEST acupuncture session, Elsa is the queen bee. There are so many things that massage & accupunture can help with that I can’t even go into that here but I would highly recommend either or both for a full rejuvenation of your soul. Honestly i love a good massage, but there is something about acupuncture – for me….hard to describe…wakes me up…energizes me… Whichever you prefer, massage or acupuncture give them a call. Located directly across from Star Medica Hospital in Altabrisa & at the end of the sidewalk next to the Hotel Meson de la Luna, Calle 26 #216 x 15. The number is +52 999 370 2727. Trazendespa.com. Check out our YouTube video with Elsa re the Spa services!
  • 7] Pedicure/Manicure – You can’t beat Paulina & she comes to your residence. Excellent work. Speaks some English but Google Translate works when needed. Priced right & just a great lady to share a couple hours with! Her What’s App is +52 999 391 6515. Send her a text.
  • 8] Vision Care – Opticas Alfred was our happy place for glasses! For more & his contact info on Renee check out our YouTube interview we did with Renee.
  • 9] Hired Driver – Rodney is awesome. His what’s app is +52 999 297 3650. We have used him for short around town trips & longer drives to ruins, etc. Rate is dependent on length of trip – few hours or all day – you pay gas. Very affordable, dependable & personable!
  • 10] Hair Salon – Paola Barrosa Salon located at por 10 y 12, Calle 27 76, Col. Mexico & her what’s app # is +52 999 738 7469. I’ve used her salon multiple times for color [come on ladies, you know what I’m talking about – I am vain when it comes to my root color. ha.] & trims. Awesome team.
  • 11] Spanish Teacher – Georgette is awesome instructor. Price is very affordable & the Mexican history you will learn along the way is tremendous. Cannot speak highly enough of Georgette’s technique. I was very basic beginner & she has given me such a good foundation to learn more as we travel. She can be reached on What’s App +52 999 528 2130.
  • 12] Hospital – Star Medica locatd in Altabrisa. Very impressed with this hospital during my stay there. I believe it is considered private & one of the more ‘important’ Merida hospitals. Plus, this one was basically down the street from our rental.
  • 13] Orthopedic Surgeon – Dr. Jorge Luis Diaz Gutierrez [Dr. Diaz] was the surgeon who handled my broken arm which required surgery. Awesome surgeon with a great personality & priced right. He thoroughly explained what & why he was going to be doing during my surgery. His team was excellent! I felt very safe in their ‘hands’. His office is also located Star Medica 9th floor.
  • 14] Physical Therapy – Fisio Care was great. Easy to set appointments & very cost efficient. They were also located in Star Medica 7th Floor. Therapy was also offered at Cruz Roja Hospital – less expensive but quite the distance for me to travel each trip.
  • 15] In-house Doctor – not feeling well but don’t want to leave your house? Rodney [above] has contact for that as well. We used the doctor for general services but I can’t find his name at typing of this.
  • As seniors traveling on a budget, we appreciate a great service at a great price. This list of contacts above are the ones who passed our ‘smell’ test. Awesome Customer Service, Very Reasonable Price & Clean! These are just intended to get you started. Once you get settled in your new neighborhood, you will find shops that will make you happy. We have lived for the most part of our stay here in Merida in the Montecristo neighborhood. You do You!

Craving A French Breakfast in Merida? Then You Better Run to Pistache!

Good Golly its Holly!
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Craving A French Breakfast in Merida? Then You Better Run to Pistache!

If you are craving a French breakfast or a taste of France – in Mexico – than Pistache is where you need to be! Nothing better after a morning walk than a great cappucchino served along side an awesome pastry, quiche, omelettes or sandwich!

We found a little piece of heaven here in Merida in the form of #Pistache_Merida, a little French cafe within easy walking distance from our casa. When we travel we are always on the look out for a good breakfast place. There is nothing like starting your day with a good walk followed by a great coffee & breakfast. We found it at Pistache’s, a taste of France that cannot be denied.

The waitstaff, Emmanuel, always has a smile on his face – yes even with the mask on you can see his eyes smiling- & always greets us with a ‘Hola’. On one of our visits, Emmanuel introduced us to the owner, Chef Vincent of Lyon, France who was so nice to share a little history with us on the cafe.

Emmanuel at Pistache in Merida
Emmanuel at Pistache in Merida, Pistachio topped muffin.

What is your favorite breakfast?

The Big Guy’s favorite meal of the cafe is the omelet so he was ecstatic to taste Chef Vincent’s various omelette dishes. Huge portion & more than enough to hit that hungry pit.

huevos con jamon - a taste of French breakfast
Omelette Souffle – French breakfast

I, on the other hand, would rank the Jamon & Queso on Croissant as one of my top two meals!

Jamon Serrano on Croissant at Pistache - a taste of France in Merida!
Jamon Serrano on the flakiest Croissant at Pistache

The other would be the Espinacas [Spinach] Quiche. Talk about tasting a little bit of heaven! A nice crust & yummy spinach & cheese filling. Really, a nice breakfast, brunch or even early supper.

A little taste of France - Espinacas Quinche.
Espinacas Quiche

A French Classic Pastry!

I cannot end this post without discussing a French classic pastry – Millefeuille [pronounced ‘meel-foy’]! Oh my goodness, this is a taste of France you will not soon forget! Multiple flaky layers with a vanilla/custard type filling. Chef Vincent told us this was also known as “thousand sheets” & is a very important French dessert. It is heaven & you must try one when you visit the cafe.

Classic French pastry - Millefeuille found right here in Merida at Pistache!
Absolutely tasty Classic French pastry – Millefeuille found right here in Merida at Pistache!

A Taste of France in Mexico?

Never in my dreams would I associate a touch of France by way of bistro in Merida. Shame on me for that shallowness. French cafes are not normally ‘our thing’ but I have to say that these two traveling seniors found a goldmine at Pistache! With a wide variety of sweets, breakfasts, hot & cold drinks – I am sure you will fine something for you.

As seniors on a budget we love a good deal when we see it & this little cafe is perfect from the service to the food to the price! Tell Emmanuel & Chef Vincent that Travels With The Big Guy sent you! You are going to love it!

Cafe hours. Located in Montecristo neighborhood right off Calle 5 y 22 [behind the corner OXXO shop].

Til next time!

#Pistache_Merida #TasteofFrance

Uxmal – Jewel of the Puuc – Breathtaking Mayan Ruins!

Good Golly its Holly!
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Uxmal – Jewel of the Puuc – Breathtaking Mayan Ruins!

Uxmal, The Jewel of the Puuc, is simply breathtaking & considered one of the most important of Mayan ruins! This Puuc ancient city had the element of surprise as we walked the path that opened up to the most awesome view nestled with the surrounding jungle.

Uxmal is very definitely a site that should be on your bucket list as far as visiting Mayan ruins! Uxmal dates back to pre 6th Century & is an amazing collection of Mayan ruins. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. Uxmal is no doubt one of the most important Mayan sites in Yucatan Mexico. Here is a rundown of the structures we viewed.

The City of Uxmal name means “built three times” representing the past, present & future of the Mayan history. The ruins are an easy drive from Merida & entry fee was very reasonal for what you will see & learn. Absolutely amazing visit for these two senior travelers. Grounds were easy enough to walk, stairs steep here and there but all in all easy to navigate!

Pyramid of the Magician

Uxmal = Pyramid of the Magician
Mayan Pyramid of the Magician

The Pyramid of the Magician is well over 100 ft high consisting of five temples! The story goes that the Pyramid was built overnight but with the many temples & size, I have my doubts but who knows for sure? Although not that long ago these ruins were open to tourists, you can no longer climb this Mayan site.

House of the Governor

Uxmal - House of the Governor
Uxmal – House of the Governor

The House of the Governor took thirty-three years to build using over 1200 workers. The “House” served as the residence of the Ruler of Uxmal & sits atop five levels.

La Casa de las Tortugas

Located within a short distance of The House of Governor is the La Casa de las Tortugas or The House of the Turtles decorated with you guessed it ‘turtles’.

Uxmal -House of Turtles
Uxmal -House of Turtles
House of the Turtles Info
House of the Turtles Info

For

To Mayans the turtle represented water & the earth. Held in esteem by the Mayans along with the jaguar & snake, the turtle had a role in the conception of life for the Mayans. The House of Turtles was built between 800 & 900 & is the simplest of buildings as far as adornment. For more on this very interesting subject check this out.

Turtles across top of House of Turtles Uxmal.
Adornment of different turtles on House of Turtles

House of the Doves

House of Pigeons structures, Roof top architecture amazing.
House of the Pigeons thought to date to 900 c.e.

Uxmal – Quadrangle of the Nunnery

The Nunnery consist of four palaces, each a different level from the others. It was built around 900-1000 & is named after the Nuns who were assigned there in the 1500’s because it did resemble a nunnery. For more info on this check this out.

Intricately carved walls included images of Chac.
Walls full of intricate carvings including images of Chac.
one side of nunnery quad
one side of nunnery quad
Nunnery description

Pok-ta-pok or Ball Court

This Mayan ball game Pok-ta-pok was played with a hard rubber ball using only their hips, elbows & knees – no hands – no head butts. It was not only a ‘game’ of entertainment but also a way to settle disagreements with what I can only imagine might end with a sacrificial death[s]. For a little more detail on this game check this out. Here is a shot of the ball court at Uxmal. Neither side of the court was level so not sure if this is due to settling over these thousands of years or not?

pok ta pok ball court Uxmal
pok ta pok ball court Uxmal

Other Photos from Uxmal trip!

black iguana Uxmal
black iguana Uxmal. We several of these ‘little’ guys in different colors & patters!
Red hand prints found on wall of the main access to large arch of main entry to Nunnery is thought to have been left by the god Zamna!.
Red hand prints found on walls of the main access to large arch of main entry to Nunnery is thought to have been left by the god Zamna!.

Uxmal bldg
Uxmal bldg
Arch with handprints Uxmal
Uxmal bldg
Uxmal Carvings
Uxmal Carvings

Surgery in Mexico – Do I Need Medical Insurance While Traveling?

Good Golly its Holly!
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Surgery in Mexico – Do I Need Medical Insurance While Traveling?

We were into the third month of our stay here in Merida when I broke my arm that required surgery in México & put to the test the advantages of having medical insurance while traveling! Prior to this trip, The Big Guy did his due diligence & purchased travel insurance for this trip so we were covered, right?

I knew I would write about having surgery in Mexico & the process of getting reimbursed from medical insurance while traveling but I really wanted to wait until all the dust had settled. I think I naively thought it would be a somewhat smooth process but again thats on me. In this, I will share my account of surgery, cost of surgery & how U.S. travel insurance works here in Mérida, Mexico. Be assured, my arm is healing far better than I would have dreamed of especially being a senior.

I have been known to ramble so I will definitely try not to make this personal BUT it is a pretty serious issue. Pardon me if I lapse here or there. Here we go!

1] The Fall that Caused the Surgery in Mexico

A perfectly lovely day until I tripped over my own two feet & ended up having surgery in Mexico! It had been a much needed walk to one of our favorite coffee cafes. I normally let The Big Guy take the lead but for whatever reason on this particular morning I was in the lead with not a thought in my head. None.. Not paying any attention period..Next thing I know I am face first on the sidewalk. A piece of stone stopped me from full facing the walkway catching my forehead instead. Blood pouring down my face. I do know when I raised my head & looked at my left arm & saw the very not natural way it was bent that this could be bad.

It seemed to happen pretty fast but this is just my recollection. Within moments an Angel stopped & was helping The Big Guy get me setting up against a pole. I’m holding my dangling arm the best I can but it hurt so bad. Ever prepared, The Big Guy had a towel & cold water from his thermos to try to stop my forehead from bleeding & the Angel was busy on her cellphone calling an ambulance. Several cars stopped & asked if they could help but the Angel had it under control & The Big Guy was helping as much as he could. An officer stopped & stayed with us, I think, until I got in the ambulance. He told The Big Guy that he recognized us from seeing us out walking every day.

As a side note: The Big Guy told me later that the Angel informed him she was calling a government ambulance as it was free. Otherwise, we would have been charged for the ambulance ride! The Big Guy also old me later he tried to get her name from her so we could properly thank her later but she was just happy she was able to help…Love Merida neighbors.

Second side note: The Officer had evidently asked The Big Guy to see our passports. I only had my passport card & that was not what he wanted but I did have my Texas drivers license on me… The Big Guy always carries the required documentation. So point taken: I always carry my passport or photocopy of it with me now when I leave the casa.

2] Star Medica Hospital

To all of you who have heard conflicting information about the health system & surgery in Mexico, let me set you straight – at least about Star Medica Hospital here in Merida. I can say from a patient’s standpoint, I could not have been treated better. Honestly! A male bilingual nurse was by my side the entire day from emergency room to operating room later that evening. He explained why & what they were doing all along the way from the trip to cutting my shirt & sports bra off to trip to the x-ray room to translating for the nurse who pulled blood & put needle into my arm for drip. The hospital was clean. Dr. Cheng, the anethiologist, explained in great detail what his part would be in the surgery & how he would be numbing, my arm, etc. The entire team of my trip to emergency, operation, recovery & dismissal treated me great, from my one sided view.

Dr. Diaz, my surgeon, was there shortly after I made it to emergency room & he put my arm into a soft sling to keep it still & for x-rays. Afterwards, he explained to The Big Guy what he saw & that I would require surgery. I had a (Helicodial fracture, distal third of the left humerous displaced &an internal rotation of the distal fragment) badly fractured humerus & my elbow had technically rotated around leaving nerves caught in the bones. Yikes. Yes, it hurt. I don’t know if it was because of the nerves caught in the fractured bones but I can only describe my arm as feeling like it was flapping in the wind & I would without looking move my right hand to hold it still against me when it was actually still but the nerves were going crazy.

surgery in mexico on arm
surgery in mexico on arm
x-ray of arm after surgery in mexico
x-ray of arm after surgery in mexico

Dr. Diaz was awesome! He checked in with The Big Guy after the operation to fill him in on what he found. The waiting game was the morning after surgery when Dr. Diaz came in to see if I could move my fingers & wrist! Yes! No nerve damage! My follow up appointments with Dr. Diaz have been smooth sailing & scar is fading a little more each day!

Dr. Diaz stressed the need for us to be satisfied with him & his team. The hospital administrator & financial office checked in with us on release day to be sure we were happy with their services & their team. Just spectacular customer service!

3] Cost of Surgery for Seniors Traveling in Mexico

While I was in emergency room & waiting for room to open up, The Big Guy along with Elsa was dealing with the payment for the cost of surgery in Mexico! Yes, the hospital wanted to be sure they were getting paid before any surgery, etc. We were foreigners so I totally get this. As a side note, Elsa had text us during the ‘fall’ to see if we wanted to meet for lunch later. When The Big Guy told her what was happening, a short time after we made it to the hospital Elsa was there! She reviewed every single charge on the hospital invoice, stopping & asking the accounting office detailed questions about each individual charge on the six page invoice of charges. The hospital stated that the initial payment was only a deposit & additional charges would be posted to the bill. Elsa made it clear to the hospital that she was going to carefully review each charge. We cannot begin to thank Elsa for spending basically the day with us being the accountant, translator & holding the hospital accountable for anything put on the billing invoice. The Big Guy said that Elsa was amazing. Not being fluent in Spanish was definitely a weight on his shoulders that day.

Star Medica Hospital in Merida where surgery in Mexico took place. Wonderful hospital with top care for me!
Star Medica Hospital in Merida where surgery took place

Since the Hospital could not work out a direct bill agreement with our Travel Insurance, The Big Guy had to pay all potential hospital charges in advance. The Big Guy & Elsa asked the hospital accounting office for a discount on hospital expenses since they could not work something out with the U.S. Travel Insurance provider to have the charges direct billed to the U.S. Travel insurance company. The hospital staff stated the Big Guy & Elsa would need to talk with the surgeon & the hospital management. The Big Guy was advised that the hospital would not start treatment until they received the initial payment for hospital expenses.

The hospital accepted our credit card for the initial charge, however I don’t think they were expecting the Big Guy & Elsa to head directly to the hospital administrator’s office to begin negotiating for a discount to the hospital charges. The estimated hospital bill was given to The Big Guy on release day [& I’m sure with Elsa’s presence] one person started adding additional charges to the initial bill.

Elsa took the now eight (8) page invoice & began questioning each charge. As she was doing an item by item review of each charge a person from the hospital administrator’s office came over & took the eight (8) page invoice, After she reviewed the invoice she reprinted an invoice that was back to six (6) pages, but contained a 35% on certain services and supplies. The final bill was reduced to $55,000 MXN for the hospital and $50,000 MXN for the surgeon and his staff.

The hospital required payment in full before they released me. The last bill we had to pay before release of me from hospital was for the titanium plate in my arm. The Big Guy negotiated with the surgeon to pay the company directly for the titanium plate. It was initially $32,000 MXN but they reduced it to $20,000 MXN making our grand total for emergency room, x-rays, labs, surgery, meds, recovery & overnight in hospital – less than $130,000 MXN. Let me state for the record Elsa was not being paid & we only met her a few weeks before the accident. Elsa’s took us under her wing & showed us what true friendship is all about.

During this time frame, The Big Guy was in constant contact with our travel insurance provider. More on that below.

4] My Personal US Medical Insurance

We have recommended from day one that you really must have medical insurance while traveling. For a little more info seniors traveling & the need for travel insurance, check out this article. This section will be short & sweet. Medicare did not cover anything. My secondary insurance would have covered if accident had happened within first sixty days out of the states. This incident happened around the 77th day or so day so no help on that insurance.

Thank goodness we had the travel insurance right? After all, emergencies are the reason you purchase travel insurance – correct??

5] Was Purchasing Travel Insurance While Traveling Worth It?

Bless The Big Guy for being a patient man since dealing with the travel insurance while traveling has not been smooth sailing. On top of that his worrying about me…

The Big Guy contacted the travel insurance company immediately & they were concerned with my care since we were in Mexico. I believe if I remember correctly, they asked The Big Guy more than a few times if he wanted the insurance company to ‘send down their jet to get me back to the states?’ The Big Guy told them that the surgeon was going to do surgery & again the insurance company asked if they needed to send a plane down to get me back to the states.

After numerous calls, The Big Guy continued to send the insurance company what they asked for. Dr. Diaz & Star Medica Hospital were very accommodating & assured The Big Guy that they would complete whatever paper work insurance needed & they did EVERYTIME. Initially, I believe The Big Guy was told we would have response in ten days from the insurance company. Then another ten days. We are now told that they should have answer for us next week. Almost two months since the fall & they are silent.

There was no way I could have traveled with my arm fractured with the nerves caught…

Bottom Line for Seniors Traveling Internationally

It is so above my scale of making any sense why the travel insurance company didn’t think twice about offering to come get me to take me back to states in their plane but seem to be looking for a reason not to reimburse us for any of what we thought was covered? I don’t get it but I’ve always thought of insurance (of any kind) as a ‘necessary’ evil so my take on this whole saga is tainted by that. Thank goodness The Big Guy has the patience of a saint!

Anyone can fall & hurt themself, correct? But as we all age into senior traveling, the risks mount. I was simply walking with The Big Guy to a coffee shop when I had my fall. Lesson learned? I will definitely keep my mind on what I am doing instead of day dreaming!

I am in the midst of ten (10) physical therapy visits (Travel Insurance company told us upfront they do not cover) right now so that I at some point will be able to straighten my arm. I started my therapy at the Cruz Roja Mexicana Hospital de Ortopedia here in Merida which cost $120 pesos per visit which was very affordable BUT the distance we had to Uber was costly when you add up three trips per week round trip so I am now back at Star Medic for physical therapy. A few pesos more but I can easily walk to the appointments. I am happy with results that I am seeing in just this short period of time!

At posting of this, we are still waiting to hear back from the US Travel Insurance company. IF, they decide to deny our coverage, I will be posting their name in an update as an insurance company that is not – in my eyes – worth the ink on this paper. IF, they decide to reimburse us, anything, I will be happy to post their name as an insurance company who is worth that salt. Right now it is still a waiting game! I’ll update when there is a final decision from the travel insurance company!

Take care & until next time, Happy Travels With The Big Guy!

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