What we didn't like about Cuba

In no particular order, I now present part two of this series, things we don't like about Cuba

1. That we couldn't ride this the Hershey Train 

There were a variety of variables that influenced this. 

a) we just didn't have the time.

b) the locals discouraged it, including our tour guide -- we didn't like this. 

c) the train was not working because of rail damage. 

 2. Our hotel. the Blua Varadero.

Purely because Eric and I love quiet on our vacation and this atrium allowed for noise to radiate. Even as we moved from the 1st to the 12th floor, the noise was still OBNOXIOUS. 

3. Spending days on the beach. 

A morning was cool. An afternoon was relaxing. 

But, I could never do it day after day. 

4. The pushyness of vendors. 

And to top it off Eric got hussled a few times....

 once he spent 20 pesos on two pictures from an artist on the street who drew them and called himself picaso junior. 

 5. This isn't a good picture  of what I want to convey.

But when we went to the Bay of Pigs we passed through some parts of Cuba that were so poor. 

I felt guilty living like a king in a country where some people have so little. 

I know that's the case in Canada too, but there's a difference. 

6. Wanting to know more. 

This is a picture of the abandoned highschools in the orange fields in the Matenzas province.

7. Food.

Eric and I are foodies. 

8. Wine.

Don't expect to get good wine either.

9. Tipping. 

It's a little ridiculous. especially in bathrooms. 

10. Not knowing Spanish. 

11. The division between local culture and tourist culture.

This isn't a country you can really get to know about how the locals live. 

What we Love about Cuba

PART ONE

In no particular order. 

1. Getting to see these beaches. 

 2. Spending some time just kicking back like this. 

Both poolside and at the beach. 

But not for too long. 

 3. Seeing this! Enjoying the water.
Regret: not spending more time here. 

 4. The Trains, everywhere.
Regret: not getting to ride one.

5. Spending time with my family, especially my grandparents and well, everyone because Eric and I live away. 

6. It was 20-28 Celsius the entire time, instead of in the negatives. 

And there wasn't cold rain or cold snow!


More to come.

Vulvodynia on Vacation

Pre Vacation Thoughts:

"yes, I'm going on vacation. We're going on vacation. This means lots of rest, relaxation, and lazy days. Without dogs, chores, and work, I wont have any reasons to feel stressed or uptight. This will ultimately mean more desire, my 'sexy time.' This will be great. I'll even pack some nice clothes, some lingerie, it'll be the best time EVER. Like the honeymoon I wish I had (minus the sex stuff, because intercourse = still SCARY)" 

Now Fast Forward to Vacation Reality. 

Vacation = Swimsuits, Alcohol, Changes in Diet, Salt Water

4 things that your vulva isn't a fan of. 

I'm not sure about the 'science' on last one, but I know for me when I went in the ocean, my vulva burned the minute I got out. 

Swimsuits = overly tight garment on your vulva. no beuno. 

For my next vacation must find a better swimsuit --- maybe boy shorts?

Alcohol = It's on the no list.
All I know is they suggest you cut alcohol, refined sugar and caffeine from your diet when you have vulvodynia. while I'm not a big drinker, vacation changed that, especially when the bar opens at 11, and champagne is always available at breakfast.
For my next vacation I must remember to go virgin or go water.

Changes in Diet = changes in everything.
Your urine changes, your pH changes, you body changes. It's likely to had influenced my down there.


***
Pro-Active Things I knew to Prep for Vacation

Personal Hygiene - I brought my own soap and shampoo.
I use Dove products.
But my doctors say that a simple shampoo change can change rates of pain and such!

I didn't bring any clothing I know causes troubles for me.
For me this is primarily jeans and lulu lemon pants.
I also brought baby powder and comfy underwear to prevent a build up of moisture.

.... unfortunately, that's all...

So, for you Vulvodynia sufferers out there keep swimsuits, alcohol, diet, and sea water in mind for your next vacation. We know that we will be hitting up a different location next time. 

Gone to the Cabin

Eric had made his miles, and I had arranged for a few days off. So, with a desire to go camping, we headed on a mini vacation. I found a cabin available on Plato Island near Quesnel Lake. It was a little farther away than we anticipated. The marker on google maps is wrong (which led us to someones private property, an hour detour from where we were supposed to be)'

I figure, I'm too old to camp, basically, i just don't want to deal with that bullshit of rain, setting up camp. The cabin had a fridge, electricity from 8am - 10pm, and a toilet! It was a great little set up. Our puppy made some friends with another toy poodle, and two other dogs down by the river, and so did we! It was nice to be out of cell reception, and be undistracted. 

We tried to teach our puppy how to swim. He didn't really go for it. I think it was too cold and the lake was too cold, and overall unpleasent. He did decide that he liked to dig in the sand! Eric, though, kept his feet in the water the hole time. Too bad the bugs were still bad even though it was noon and bright and sunny!