Driving from San Antonio, Texas USA to San Ignacio, Cayo District, Belize

After being disgusted paying all the tolls driving through Mexico the last two times, I decided to take the “librementos” as much as possible this time.  It was a partial success since I’ve always wanted to drive through a lot of the tiny little villas along the way.  However as time came to a stop several times I decided to take the toll roads between Villahermosa and Mititlan.

I’ve come to a few of conclusions regarding the drive. First, toll roads are worth it if you want to get there at top speed but you will miss out on some of the most beautiful scenery or desolate wasteland.  Second, it is far better to go around a major city than through it. The exceptions are if you want to see the city or a major highway goes straight through it. Third, the coast along Veracruz is worth seeing and staying for awhile. Fourth, If you break a law, don’t bitch. Just pay the bride and hold out for $20.00 USD as long as possible. Fifth, if you get lost in a major city, have a GPS and a good map. Sixth, take the toll roads between Villahermosa and Mititlan.

In a nutshell, I drove when I wanted and stopped when I felt like it. The drive took about 4 ½ days but I only drove during daylight hours and some early evening hours.  I've done the drive in 2 1/2 days. I drove 1,870.9 miles and slept at one Sam’s Club and three PEMEX gas stations in my camper shell. I'll write down the route and some cool places to stop tomorrow but for now there's a numeric breakdown below.

• Total Days:  4.5
  
• Total Miles: 1870.9 
  
• Total Hours Lost: 3.5 
  
• Food:  $21.69 ( mainly grocery)
• Fuel:  $169.49
• Bribes:  $40.00
• Insurance:  $97.10 (4 days in Mexico and 30 days in Belize)
• Tolls:  $14.71
• Temporary Import Tags:  $31.04
• Total Costs:  $374.13

Regards,

Benedict Kim

www.esotericvision.com

My PEMEX Room Mates

When I go through Mexico I often stay at the PEMEX gas stations. I think a lot of people do. It's a little noisy but pretty safe.  I've camped out so often in my life that it's easier (and much cheaper) for me to just pull over and hop in my little bed. I've added some shots below.

Reflection Time...

I'm heading south again. I'll be heading straight for Belize this time. It's time to work and I'll probably be busting my ass. I've got some pretty big hurdles to clear but it does look doable.  I've got some friends on my side both here and in Belize.

My time here in Texas went way over. Not enough information gathering and planning on my part. I spent six weeks here and it was way toooooo lonnnngggggg. I got a lot done and had to get a lot done. I dealt with everything from medical issues to automotive issues. It's really fairly complex living on the road like this as a photographer. 

I did catch up with most all of my friends but spent Christmas alone. I think it's my fate. A price I pay for my freedom. Money well spent in my opinion. I did work a little while here and shot for Massage Heights Corporate. That one should be a great reference and sample online for me. Overall it was good but I don't think I'll spend more than a week here next time. Better planning will let me move in and out of the area just pass through San Antonio and Austin instead of getting stuck here.

Regards,

Ben

Pet Photography 101

My first adventure in pet photography. Now that I have a real camera (5D Mark II). I've got to start really trying to expand my portfolio. I've been a bit one dimensional and it's been just panoramas for the last three years. Back to still work. I was commissioned by some friends to take pictures of Bruno and Brinkley.  This one is of Bruno sulking next to the door since he can't go outside.  (5D II, ISO 800, 50 mm f 1.4, 1/60 sec, hand held)

Regards,

Ben

Assignment: Massage Heights Franchise

view Panoramic photography of USA

Since I can now show my work on my blogs. I think I'll show at least one panorama from each place. I just got done with an assignment for Massage Heights Corporate in San Antonio, Texas. Nice people. I don't seem to get to do a lot of my work here in the USA. I guess it would help if I'm around more. 

Regards,

Ben

Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico: Beh-Ha Cenote

view Panoramic photography of Mexico



I forgot this one. So here it is now. Really late. It's Beh-Ha Cenote. If you're near the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve "Arch". It's the entrance to the reserve. This cenote is clear clean freshwater on a sunny day. It's about 100 yards in the mangroves behind the entrance building. Theres a well marked trail, well known, and free. Check it out. Oh by the way, if you want to embed my panos from 360Cities.net thats free too! It's quite easy. My work is can also be seen on Google Earth. You'll need Google Earth 4.2 and you'll have to check the "photo layer" box on the left menu.

Regards,

Ben

Service American Style...

I am usually amazed at the lengths that some waiters and waitresses will go to let you know that they are attending to you. I don't frequent the high dollar establishments. I wish I could. Oh well. Here's commentary on main stream American dining since I've been here for a bit again.

I go into a restaurant (main stream ones) and the thing that I've noticed more than anything else is the staff wants to pour that glass of water or serve that Pepsi while in front of you. Most seem to have routine down. I have to wait a little extra for the show to commence. You know that they've got to get the angle on you for the best tip.

In contrast, I really enjoy my Indian buffets. Not just for the value but the insanely good service. I'm still not sure how they do it but they do. I leave my table for the buffet. By the time I get back everything I want is there. No show. No bullshit. Just insanely good service. Water is refilled before I can verbalize the thought. Plates disappear by magic.  And look, one of the staff is always watching and waiting. No cigarette breaks or disappearances. I always tip better there. I feel I should.

Regards,

Ben

Broadway Camera: Grey Marketing Dealings

It's interesting being back here in the USA. As a traveler, I get to see quite a few different subcultures.  I find that the bottom end of the spectrum is no different than other countries. For example, I was in a bind to get my new camera. I ordered the 5D Mark II from Precision Camera in Austin, Texas. If I could have waited, I'd have gone that route. 

Instead I cancelled and went with Broadway Camera (www.broadwaycamera.com) of New York. I ordered and confirmed verbally with the salesman that I'd get a domestic model 5D Mark II. They shipped a chinese kit stripped of it's lens. Since I'm in a bit a crunch for time I'll keep it. 

Here's the warning I'll give about Broadway Camera and their kind.  First, a grey market purchase like mine is NOT covered by the manufacturer warranty. You'll have to find your own insurance. Second, they ALWAYS try and up sell you after the purchase. It's ALWAYS a crappy add-on item that's way too expensive. Basically, buyer beware. Broadway Camera is dishonest. Oh, check out B&H Photo and Video or Beach Camera. Both of those are honest. 

Regards,

Benedict Kim

www.esotericvision.com

Hidalgo, Nuevo Leon, Mexico: El Potrero Chico

Bret, Tiffany, and I left for El Potrero Chico on December 31st late in the evening around 8pm. After stopping for gas, water, and some food we didn't hit the border at Laredo, Texas until just before the new year. I guess it was kind of lucky since we got to drive through Nuevo Laredo as half the town shot up fireworks. VERY nice timing.

It's about a 6 hour drive from San Antonio to the climbing area and I wouldn't recommend taking the international bridge through town since it's pretty convoluted to get to the immigration office. The personnel at this particular Mexican immigration office were REALLY rude too. It's usually not like that. Maybe the Columbia Bridge just out of town would be better. We drove till 3 am and slept at a PEMEX gas station in the vehicles.

The climbing is great and the park is beautiful. There are plenty of places to camp within walking distance to the routes. We stayed at Posada El Potrero Chico for $55.00 pesos a night ($5.00 USD). They've got hot showers and a restaurant. The showers are filthy but the food is reasonably priced and very good. Portions are big too. If you want to sleep don't camp near the restaurant.

view Panoramic photography of Mexico

The routes run from 5.6 to 5.12? and go from single pitch to 12 or so pitches. There are much longer climbs. Our friends we were meeting with had a guide book that is locally available. Over the Christmas and New Year season it's packed with people. Many got up before dawn to get the routes they wanted to climb. We've seen 4 teams on the same popular climbs at once. They say it's much better at other times of the year and there are a lot of routes.

The drive home sucks.  Sunday is the big day to head home across the border for everyone vacationing by car in Mexico. Bret and Tif left Saturday around 5 pm and started waiting in line on the toll road before Nuevo Laredo.  Damn. They managed to cross the Columbia Bridge border Sunday at 6pm or so. All said and done, 21.5 hours waiting in line. They said the bridges in Nuevo Laredo were supposed to be worse.

That's the worst I've ever seen for the crossing. I wouldn't have believed it but we were in contact via email and phone much of the time. The other half of our group left Sunday around 9am, detoured 1.5 hours to the Falcon View Bridge, crossed and beat them across the border by about 2 hours. The others kept driving. I stayed in town and waited for Bret and Tif  and then continued to San Antonio, Texas. So.... there's your hint. PLAN for the trip back if you are on wheels.

Regards,

Benedict Kim

www.esotericvision.com