Car Free Sunday is Every Sunday in Guadalajara

"Car free Sunday" is every Sunday for all Guadalajara-ians who enjoy biking, skateboarding, roller skating, carting, walking, jogging and almost every imaginable way to get around town! 

How about this mode of transportation? A boy, his dog and skateboard!

Sunday is a great time for exercise and enjoying the day out with family and friends. No worry about having cars and traffic around you! Just get out and go!

A mother, her blanketed dog, and her daughter enjoying the Sunday outdoors!

Sunday is the one day you can look forward to get out and just have fun! One of the free things you can do in downtown Guadalajara on a Sunday and get healthy and fit just doing it! 

Car Free Sunday promotes family: a mother, son and dog riding down the highway.

I can't wait to get out next Sunday on my bike and join the fun! For more information about Car Free Sundays in Guadalajara, follow the link below:

http://www.activerightofway.org/p/car-free-sunday-every-su…/

What does the Bible say about how Jesus traveled doing His healing ministry?

In biblical days, everyone traveled around by foot, rode a donkey, or was pulled by cart by an animal. It was a four to six day journey over rough terrain from Nazareth to Bethlehem while struggling to avoid the dangers of being hurt by wild animals or thieves. Almost everyone traveled together in groups for their own safety and protection. Jesus traveled around on a young donkey and performed miracles of life on people:

"Then Jesus, when He had found a young donkey, 

sat on it; as it is written:

“Fear not, daughter of Zion; 

Behold, your King is coming, 

Sitting on a donkey’s colt.”

His disciples did not understand these things at first; 

but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written about Him and that they had done these things to Him. 

Therefore the people, who were with Him when He called Lazarus out of his tomb and raised him from the dead, bore witness. 

For this reason the people also met Him,

because they heard that He had done this sign."

[John 12:14-18 (NKJV)]

Getting around Mexico speaking Spanish Phrases

If you speak English, learning frequently used Spanish phrases is the easiest way to getting around Mexico. Although there are many English speaking Mexicans and foreign tourists, especially in the main areas, knowing a few words in Spanish is a huge benefit. Never assume everyone can speak English!

   

Do you speak Spanish?  

Tip: Spend at least ten to fifteen minutes a day dedicated to speaking and learning these Spanish phrases, and you'll be well on your way to feeling more confident!

Ten Basic Spanish Greetings and Courtesies: 

1 Hello - Hola (oh  lah)

2. Good morning – Buenos días (bway nos  dee ahs)

3. Good afternoon – Buenas tardes (bway nahs  tar days)

4. Good evening – Buenas noches (bway nahs  noh chayss)

5. How are you? - ¿Cómo está? (coh moh  es tah) or  if you don’t know someone and ¿Cómo estás? (coh moh  es tahs) if you do know them.

6. Good, thank you! – “bien, gracias” (bee ayn, grah cee ahs).

7. Please – Por favor (por  fah vohr) 

8. Thank you – Gracias (grah cee ahs).

9. Nice to meet you - “Mucho gusto” (moo choh goos toh) 

10. See you later!, So long!, Goodbye!, See you! - ¡Hasta luego! (ah stah, loo aye goh)

Basic everyday, useful Spanish Phrases

Getting the hang of it? Try these:

Do you speak English? - ¿Habla inglés? (ahblah  een glays)?

I want, I don’t want – Yo quiero, yo no quiero (yoh  kee ayr oh,  yoh noh  kee ayr oh)

I would like – Me gustaría (may goo stah ree ah)

Where is – ¿Dónde está? (dohn des tah)

How much does it cost – ¿Cuánto cuesta? (cwahn toh cways tah)?

What time is it? – ¿Qué hora es? (kay orah ess)?

Do you have? – ¿Tiene? (tee ayn ay)?

I have, I don’t have – Yo tengo, yo no tengo (yoh  tayn goh,  yoh  noh tayn goh)

I understand, I don’t understand – Yo entiendo, yo no entiendo (yoh  ayn tee ayn doh,  yoh  noh ayn tee ayn doh)

Do you understand? – ¿Entiende? (ayn tee ayn day)?

Useful Spanish Learning Apps for Free

A good free language learning app makes learning easy and fun. It allows users to keep score of their progress while challenging you to speak, read and write (type) Spanish. Popular apps can be downloaded on your phone or tablet for easy daily use.

I recommend using DuoLingo and Spanish Dictionary. You will find all of the above Spanish words and phrases and more. And best of all, outside of the frequent advertising, these apps are free to download and use. DuoLingo teaches many languages in a game format. It even posts your progress to your favorite social media account such as Facebook or LinkedIn. Connect with your friends and compete for the best daily or weekly scores. No time? These smart apps will do the teacher's dirty work of prodding and prompting you daily by email. Don't delay! Get started now!

Are you using a computer? Don't want to download an app? If you are using your laptop and have access to the internet, type "Google translate" into your search box. Google translate allows you you type in words or sentence and will translate into Spanish and any language. Look, listen and learn!  

Learning to Hear, Speak and Witness for God

The Holy Spirit will give us the words of what to say at the right time.

“Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, 

do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say.

For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” 

(Luke 12:11-12) NKJV

Learn the bible. Read and meditate on God's word. 

For the word of God is living and powerful, 

and sharper than any two-edged sword, 

piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, 

and of joints and marrow, 

and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

(Hebrewws 4:12)

"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, 

a worker who does not need to be ashamed, 

rightly dividing the word of truth."

(2 Timothy 2:15) NKJV

A call for Christians to go out into the world and preach (speak out loud) the Gospel.

And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.

He who believes and is [Holy Spirit] baptized will be saved; 

but he who does not believe will be condemned [to Hell]. 

 And these signs will follow those who believe 

[the real authentic Christian believer]: 

In My name they will cast out demons; 

they will speak with new tongues*..." 

(Mark 16:15-17)

I [John, the Baptist] indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, 

but He [Jesus] who is coming after me is mightier than I, 

whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. 

He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 

[Baptism of the Holy Spirit]

(Matthew 3:11)

Speak in tongues always and edify, build yourself up from the inside out.

"One who speaks in a tongue edifies himself; ... 

Now I [Apostle Paul] wish that you all spoke in tongues.."**

(1 Corinthians 14:15)

*[Tongues is the "grace gift of international languages" given by the Holy Spirit through prayer and/or by the laying on of hands by another Spirit filled believer. A Ministry gift, it is a spiritual language that was never learned previously by the believer and used for his/her edification]. (Acts 2:1-3; 1 Corinthians 14:15)

**[Apostle Paul was a prominent Jewish Pharisees/leader whom Jesus miraculously healed from blindness to sight. He slayed and killed Christians 'till Jesus met him one day on the road to Damascus where Paul, (originally Saul), was healed and transformed to one of the most predominant of the 12 disciples/followers of Christ. Paul, "Baptized/filled with the Holy Spirit as described in Acts 2" spoke in "tongues" and wrote many letters to the Churches that can be found in the Gospels/Books of the Bible.]

Do you wish to hear, speak and witness as Jesus' disciples did? God did not leave us orphans, he sent the Holy Spirit to guide us into righteousness [right relationship with Him].

Jesus said when he appeared to his disciples before he ascended to heaven, "Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry [stay here] in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with [received the] power from on high [Holy Spirit].” (Luke 24:49)

Receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and God's spiritual gift of "tongues" (international languages somewhere spoken in the world today.)

Click on link below to send a personal message...

Send a Message!

Free Things to Do in Playa Del Carmen

There are many things to do in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico.

Being a large tourist destination, you can spend lots of time and money on organized tours and excursions.

But if you are looking for something special, spiritual or personal...

Here's a concept that requires no more than to just look around you...

Is not beauty in the eye of the beholder! If you can "stop and smell the roses", then you will appreciate all the natural beauty that surrounds Playa Del Carmen. ie. beaches, cenotes, plants, ruins, etc.

And its all FREE for the taking!

Stop looking! The secret is to get into the head space. Just let go of expectations and agendas.

Live in the moment, not the future or the past!

If you are visiting from the cooler tempuratures, just feel the warm air and breeze...

That was the first thing I felt as I walked the sandy beach for the first time!

Come on, just allow your senses to take over!

Close your eyes and picture this...

Your vision follows the long blue coastline and the glistening white sand. You feel the hot sun on your back and the warm salt water on your feet. You inhale a deep breath of the fresh ocean air, and slowly your muscles begin to relax. Just release the troubles of yesterday and the anxiety of tomorrow.

Your walking, just walking... Take your time. No rush.

The ocean is tranquil and therapeutic. Don't you already feel better than you did 5 minutes ago!

Listen to the subtle waves lap up on the shore...

And in the distance you hear the quiet laughter, gentle voices and happy sounds of the other tourists who visiting.

Life is harmonious once again! EVERYTHING feels soothing to the body and soul!

Just keep walking... 'till you feel all the weight lifted off your shoulders...

Explore and find your favorite places to dwell for reflection and meditation. 

Nature is one of God's beautiful creations. 

We can experience the love of God, through his creation. 

Through nature, God is able to teach, speak, and provide for us.

“But now ask the beasts, and they will teach you;

And the birds of the air, and they will tell you;

Or speak to the earth, and it will teach you;

And the fish of the sea will explain to you.

Who among all these does not know

That the hand of the Lord has done this,

In whose hand is the life of every living thing,

And the breath of all mankind?

[Job 12:7-10 (NKJV)]

Related Posts:

                                                   

          

Best things in Life are Free                      "Footprints in the Sand" Poem

Mexican Currency

The Mexican Peso is represented by the “$” symbol and is worth 100 centavos, with the centavos being represented by the symbol "¢". The Mexican peso bills are printed in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 notes.  Bills are different colors and are easy to differentiate.

Keep in mind that it may be difficult to change the $500 and $1000 peso notes at small local shops.  It is wise to carry small bills and change with you at all times. It is easy to get your bills cashed at larger chain stores. Most stores have their prices in pesos and occasionally in U.S. dollars. Most of the main tourist areas have exchange booths that give you a fair rate for U.S. or Canadian dollars. I like to pay in pesos since in most cases pay more when paying in dollars. 

The round Mexican peso coins, 1, 2 and 5 ¢ coins have a golden/bronze center circle with a picture of the Mexican Coat of Arms (Eagle) in the middle. The outside border is silver. The larger coins can easily be mistaken for the Canadian loonie dollar.  The larger peso coins are worth 1, 5, 10 and 20 pesos.  The size of the peso coins reflects its hierarchy of value.

 

I found it easy to calculate how much I was spending by keeping a small conversion chart with me in my purse that estimates of the current value of pesos to the Canadian dollar:

50 pesos is $4 CA

100 pesos is $8 CA

250 pesos is $20 CA

500 peso is $40 CA

1000 pesos is $80 CA

The cost of a good meal at a restaurant on 5th Avenue in the tourist area of Playa Del Carmen ranges from $200 to $500 pesos. Expect to pay more if you are buying beverages. If you are budget wise, it is very possible to find a good meal not far from the main tourist area for as low as $50 to $150 pesos. There is a wide variety of choices for every traveler and every budget.

What does the Bible say about money and valuable possessions?
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."  [Matthew 6:19-21]

Great-tailed Grackle Bird in Mexico

The Great-tailed Grackle (male) is found in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. I see him regularly and decided to take some pictures. See and here him sing his song here...
http://tolweb.org/movies/Quiscalus_mexicanus/67524

The Great-tailed Grackle (male) is a resident in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

The Bible says Christians should not about worry about their life.

“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? [Matthew 6:25-27]

Biking around Playa Del Carmen

Riding the dedicated bike lane on Avenida 10, Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

Before leaving for Playa Del Carmen, I came across a post online that reveals bike paths and a route to ride around PlayaCar. Since then I have discovered that many of the streets and avenues are suitable to ride.  Below is a map that provides a scenic and leisurely ride around the more upscale side of town:

http://everythingplayadelcarmen.com/everything-bicycle-buying-and-riding-in-playa/

Riding my bike around PlayaCar, Mexico

Upon arriving, it took about 3 weeks to get acclimatized to all the sights, sounds and happenings. It wasn't long until I can across a good used bike. I wasn't interested in purchasing a high end bike, just something reliable and safe to get around the city.
After looking around, I ended up with the typical Mexican cruiser - built to last and travel over all types of terrains. It is kind of like a quasi mountain bike, but with a fixed gear (one gear) and sports a beach cruiser frame and handle bar.

My Mexican ride! Fixed One Gear Beach Cruiser
 http://www.cycling4adventure.com/2015/12/playa-del-carmen.html

The condition of the road downtown are generally good but there are many grates, potholes and uneven patches. I`ve come accustomed to my fixed one gear cruiser and peddling backwards to stop is no longer an issue. Sometimes it is tough to start in a the same gear but I hardly notice it now. If anything, I can say my endurance has improved considerably since I have been riding the one gear.

Where to ride? When I am downtown, Avenida 10 has a wide dedicated bike lane on the south side of the street that stretches 10 blocks from Av Benito Juarez (1st Street) to Av Constituyentes (between Av 18 & 20). 

Bike lane about 10 blocks in length originating from
Av Benito Juarez (1st Street) to Av Constituyentes (between Av 18 & 20). 

 Riding the Avenida 10 bike lane. Is wide enough to have bikes coming from both directions.

If you need to get around, Playa is bike friendly and riding around town is safe. If you are comfortable with riding in a city, then Playa is no different. Motorists respect cyclists, including the Taxi and bus drivers. If you are a beginner rider however, I recommend staying on the dedicated bike lanes which can be found in the rural areas and usually in the centre of the road. They are made of stone, short in length and are still in the expansion stage.  

Bike lane in rural area that expands 3 miles.

Bike lines are for both directions and are found in the rural areas in Playa Del Carmen.

What does the Bible say about trusting in God....

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He shall direct your paths." 

[Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)]