Tuesday 18 March 2014

I was off to MY ADORED Mexico City, and who did I fly on? KLM of course. I know I have a habit of repeating myself so here I go again!

Fabulous check in at terminal 4! It is a completely separate Business section, so quick, painless and seamless. Great flight and as always terrific service with friendly efficient Cabin Crew. I sat next to a Dane! A regular passenger on KLM and a real “Foodie” we had the most wonderful time, matching our wines to the menu, finishing off with liquors, coffee and Ice cream. Just like a long lengthy enjoyable luncheon somewhere glamorous we were actually on upper deck KLM! The journey past very quickly, I watched three movies and enjoyed every one. I never work on an aircraft I just like to relax and enjoy. I cannot emphasise enough just how easy it is to transfer over Amsterdam. Only yesterday I received an email from a client of mine in Mexico City which read as follows

 “Regarding airlines, I always use KLM as there is a good connection into LBA which is near York. Armida my wife found it very convenient and satisfactory during her visits over to see me. She now has a Gold Flying Blue card whereas I´m only Ivory. So you will just have to do many more reservations for me”

Another favourite route for our West Country clients, here is an example

Depart: Exeter 11:20
Arrive: Amsterdam 14:00
Depart: Amsterdam 14:35
Arrive: Mexico City 19:25

Continuing with my own recent journey

Arrival in Mexico City ahead of schedule. In and out of immigration and customs and luggage pick up in half an hour!! Unbelievable and I should know in all the years I have been travelling. Streamlined that’s the word, always such a joy to arrive, busy, buzzy, happy Mexican faces.
Met by our ground handlers “First Class” and off to the HOTEL DE CORTES. 
www.boutiquehoteldecortes.com

One of the reasons I favour this Hotel is because of the Director Martin Morales, however since returning from this visit I have learned he has left. So this could have serious implications for me and I may not use the property again. I will revert to my other special favourite which is LAS ALCOBAS www.lasalcobas.com

I always make a visit to the jeweller in Mexico City, this is a very old friend of mine. I have been buying Silver from Rafael for year. Many of his pieces are unique, his designs are beautifully crafted. I try to persuade our clients to visit but I think people assume it is a “Souvenir Trail” Which of course it is not, you find true Mexican solid silver here. Have one of our drivers take you.

Plateria Rafael
Tamagno No. 102 Local 7 Col. Peralvillo C.P 06220 Mexico D.F
5759 0275

One of the reasons I made this impromptu trip was to attend a wedding. So the first order of the day was a visit to the Hairdresser. I took the City Red Tourist Bus from outside the Hotel De Cortes to Zona Rosa.

The very glamorous reception was held at the Galeria Plaza (A Brisas Hotel!) on the terrace. Some super clothes and handbags! There is nothing more elegant than a Mexican Women out on the Town, designer labels are everywhere, even on me!

Sunday has always been my favourite day! No mowing the lawn or fixing the fence here in Mexico. A visit to the supermarket where the fresh vegetables are displayed in ice. Fresh fish which can be delivered to your door. Shellfish, ingredients to make a paella, fabulous cheese, glorious wines. Pozole a national dish always served on a Sunday in Mexico City, can be purchased ready prepared, no roast beef, Yorkshire puddings here!

PUEBLA
I had to take an emotional visit to this lovely town. My dear friend Linda Shramm of Amigo Yucatan (Our ground handler in Merida) is here to treat her son at a famous clinic specialising in Bone Marrow transplants. For all you out there who speak Spanish please read the following.

Estimados Amigos:

Por este medio les saludo y al mismo tiempo les comunico que el pasado 23 de noviembre Álvaro Cámara Schramm, hijo de nuestra amiga, gran luchadora de por Premium Yucatán y Ejecutiva de Amigoyucatán, Linda Schramm, fue diagnosticado con una Leucemia muy avanzada y agresiva.

A partir de ese momento, Linda y su familia, han emprendido un largo caminar que supera por mucho todo esfuerzo y previsión material y económica y representa además una enorme tristeza y desgaste moral.

Les mando una carta donde expone sus razones y les invito a que en forma anónima, los que gusten, los puedan apoyar con sus oraciones y su ayuda económica.

No hace falta recordar, que todas esas acciones, quedan escritas en la eternidad y que la vida, al ser una rueda de la fortuna, siempre nos devolverá el bien hecho al ciento por uno.

Si son dirigentes de otras Cámaras o Asociaciones, les ruego que si pueden y quieren, circulen la petición.

Muchas gracias y fuerte abrazo.

Jorge Escalante Bolio.
DEPÓSITOS.
Banamex.
Cuenta. 7007-3280336
A nombre de Ashley Beatriz Cámara Schramm
Tarjeta de débito de Banamex
No. 5204164831547192
A nombre de: Ashley Beatriz Cámara Schramm

If there is anyone who can help please do, Alvaro Linda’s son is only 21 and has all his life ahead of him.

I went by road to Puebla it is an incredibly scenic journey even though it is a main highway. You pass the snow-capped Volcano, farmland and small villages we had no traffic so arrived in an hour and a half. From Puebla the tourist can travel onwards to Oaxaca and to Acapulco, plus of course spend some joyful days in this gorgeous City. Of course I visited my one and only favoured property.
www.mesones-sacristia.com

A special treat for me off to Acapulco for 2 very special days at Las Brisas.
www.lasbrisascollection.com/hotels/acapulco. Room 508, I never want to stay anywhere else, my own suite, private pool, canapés and wine delivered at 6pm, breakfast delivered every morning in the “magic box” with fresh pastries and lovely mangos. Now at Brisas Acapulco I feel I should also mention the Brisas property in Cancun. NIZUC www.nizuc.com

I managed to tear myself away from all this wonderful luxury to meet with my friend REYNA LUNA (who heads up the great value for money RITZ hotel) www.ritzacapulco.com

We set off for our traditional lunch at LOS FLAMINGOES. www.hotellosflamingos.com Thursday is POZOLE DAY.at this wonderful old property situated just around the corner from the famous CLIFF DIVERS. You can have a room here for as little as $60 the food is sensational, Built in the 50`s by John Wayne. Johnnie Weismulller (Tarzan, Alan Ladd and Frank Sinatra, a true delight. My Beautiful resort of Acapulco what treasures it has and what stories. Once the playground of film stars and celebrities. Still a favourite with our current day Movies Stars.

Joan Collins recently mentioned Acapulco in her article for the Saturday Mail "Fantasy Day"!! I thank Ms Collins so very much for this. I do so hope that I can do more and more promotion for Acapulco in the following months. Just to tell you two little stories from Acapulco, believe me there are many, many more like this. A few years ago Bob Spiers of Absolutely Fabulous, Faulty Towers T.V. series fame checked himself out of hospital in U.K. and checked in to LOS FLAMINGOES. He spent his last year here, what a super setting for such a super guy. The hotel now has his room on show to view at any time.
FRANK BRANDSETTER - One of the great war heroes of the second World War, Considered to be the most decorated. He spent his last years at Las Brisas. There were many last years! He died 18 months ago at 99. His fantastic home sits atop of the Brisas property, looking out over the famous bay. Huge vaulted ceiling rooms, great terraces, what memories came flooding back of this true and amazing gentleman and he was truly this A " Gentle man.

This enormous house is now for sale; If anyone seeks details please ask me.

Sadly, I had to leave my paradise and return to U.K. We drove directly from Acapulco to the Airport, stopping for a brief visit to TAXCO. How I love this Silver City. The journey to the capital and the airport is 4 hours. Safely on board KLM, this time in Comfort Class and it is just that comfort! Situated at the front of the aircraft it is quiet and cosy. Also giving the facility of a speedy de-board
Please do ask us for a complete breakdown of fares for KLM you will be very surprised.

My next visit will be to TIANGUIS to be held in Cancun.