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Travel Writing with Chip and Peg
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Pacific Coast

On the Way to the Pacific

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Our itinerary was challenging.  We would visit Mexico’s West Coast by beginning on its Caribbean Coast.  We hopped a quick flight from WDC to Cancun, a common destination for “adventurous Americanos,” but this was a way station on our way to the Pacific.

We checked into a “traditional” hotel in Old Cancun called Xbalamque.  It was like spending the night in a museum.  The walls were covered with hand painted murals depicting Mayan culture.  Each floor was a history lesson. We also had our first exposure to the kindness and warmth of the people here.

Peg meets a Mayan princess

On the night of our arrival, an earnest young porter guided us by fascinating paintings to our room.  He graciously accepted a modest tip and left.  Soon the phone rang with the desk clerk offering a better room.

We were content where we were but he insisted.  Soon our same efficient bag handler moved us to a room with a superior view.  I offered him another small “propina” (tip) which he shyly declined.  I tried again but he refused, assuring me that he had been previously thanked well enough.

Never have I seen a tip turned down before or since.  It was a small, but telling preview of the hospitality and generosity we experienced throughout our trip.

AUTHOR

chiptrac
Chip Hunter is a travel writer located in Quintana Roo, Mexico who focuses on debunking myths about current travel trends. He, and his travel partner Peg, have traveled to 6 continents (living on 4) for work, recreation and adventure.

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