Megs in Mexico - A Trip Report

decoweenie · 31st May 2006, 22:31

Quote: (Originally Posted by caveseeker7)

There's probably a reason they send her into exile.

Not all ex-pats are in exile...

Some are in paradise...

shell-back · 1st June 2006, 00:09

I liked the report, Its was straight and detailed to the point that I was in the car with you guys bitching about why Brian ignored Heather and I about asking for directions

Its a sad day for all in the industry when we see one of our own rear the ugly
hospitality card. I see no fault in making it known and hope it makes for quick change on the part of Villa Derosa.

Heather , please make a report of availbilty of charters ,price, hotels and who is who in respects to makeing travel arrangments to dive the Big O in FL.

JRC · 1st June 2006, 13:07

Dear Heather,

I have been to Mexico/Tulum area a few times and at each time have used the services of a guide for a few cave dives. They do not just hold your hand. Their purpose is to show you and guide you through an unfamiliar cave system. They know the great areas of the cave, the jumps, and even off the road cave systems that are not listed on the maps. Every time I have used their services, my dive has been the best. Maybe Nancy was just having a hard week, I know business has not been the best down there lately. Knowing her, you probably would go down there and she wouldn't even remember you, and treat you totally different. I have never had any problems at Villas De Rosa and their guides were fantastic last time I was there. I hope next time you guys have a better trip. Thank you for all your posts about your meg and trips, I look forward to reading them.

Crazyduck · 1st June 2006, 13:28

Heather,
My comments were in general to cave divers and traveling into the area- I phrased things wrong sorry for any cross thoughts on my behalf.

I can understand not wanting a sterile trip but this seems to be a business for a lot of people in Mexico.

While I understand you desire for not wanting a diving guide and buy all means I would never call into question your diving background. My comments were more about having someone as a site guide and someone to make entries easier. Sorry for the crossed wires.

Here's to hoping the next trip is much better.

Best Regards, Andrew

hchoat · 1st June 2006, 13:32

Quote: (Originally Posted by Crazyduck)

Heather,
My comments were in general to cave divers and traveling into the area- I phrased things wrong sorry for any cross thoughts on my behalf.

I can understand not wanting a sterile trip but this seems to be a business for a lot of people in Mexico.

While I understand you desire for not wanting a diving guide and buy all means I would never call into question your diving background. My comments were more about having someone as a site guide and someone to make entries easier. Sorry for the crossed wires.

Here's to hoping the next trip is much better.

Best Regards, Andrew

No crossed wires at all, Andrew! Sorry if it seemed I was reacting with hostility to your post, that wasn't my intention at all- I was just explaining my thoughts. If it came across badly, I apologize- it was my first day back at work....

nmanfield · 1st June 2006, 13:44

Thanks for the post, it was very timely. I'm off to Playa del Carmen in a couple of weeks having got a cheap package deal from the UK (about $1000) I'm not a cave diver but will be doing a course(s) with Pro-tech. I'm not put off beacuse:

1. I live and work in the Ukraine - that Nancy woman sounds like an amateur in the surly, bad-service, ignoring department compared to some of the people here! We have a daily routine - go to the cafe, get ignored,come back 5 minutes later, ask for a coffee, get looked at like something they've just trodden in, get told that they are doing a stocktake (they do this every day), come back 10 minutes later, wait only to be told that they havent finished the stock take, come back 10 minutes later, wait to be served, after 5 minutes get asked what I want as if I had breath like a shit-smugglers rucksack, I ask for the same thing every day- they don't remember, coffee is poured and paid for, at which point it is given to one of the co-workers in the back, kettle is boiled again (can't put more that one cup's worth of water in the kettle at a time can you), coffee finally arrives - but don't dare ask for a spoon, now leave the cafe staff alone so they can get back to gossiping and drinking brandy.

This has happened every day for the last 6 months - I'm sort of used to it now, so much so I'd miss it if they improved - it's our little routine

2. Dog faeces on the door step - here you get not only the faeces but a pack of mangy dogs as well.

3. I'm British - what we don't know about bad service is not worth knowing.

4. I have a house in France - see point 3. multiply by a factor of 10.

5. Corruption. Mexicans are amateurs, I've worked in the Republic of Georgia and Afghanistan, it's an art form over there, without it the place would fall apart (more)

Now is there anyone out there I haven't insulted

hchoat · 1st June 2006, 13:47

Quote: (Originally Posted by nmanfield)

Thanks for the post, it was very timely. I'm off to Playa del Carmen in a couple of weeks having got a cheap package deal from the UK (about $1000) I'm not a cave diver but will be doing a course(s) with Pro-tech. I'm not put off beacuse:

1. I live and work in the Ukraine - that Nancy woman sounds like an amateur in the surly, bad-service, ignoring department compared to some of the people here! We have a daily routine - go to the cafe, get ignored,come back 5 minutes later, ask for a coffee, get looked at like something they've just trodden in, get told that they are doing a stocktake (they do this every day), come back 10 minutes later, wait only to be told that they havent finished the stock take, come back 10 minutes later, wait to be served, after 5 minutes get asked what I want as if I had breath like a shit-smugglers rucksack, I ask for the same thing every day- they don't remember, coffee is poured and paid for, at which point it is given to one of the co-workers in the back, kettle is boiled again (can't put more that one cup's worth of water in the kettle at a time can you), coffee finally arrives - but don't dare ask for a spoon, now leave the cafe staff alone so they can get back to gossiping and drinking brandy.

This has happened every day for the last 6 months - I'm sort of used to it now, so much so I'd miss it if they improved - it's our little routine

2. Dog faeces on the door step - here you get not only the faeces but a pack of mangy dogs as well.

3. I'm British - what we don't know about bad service is not worth knowing.

4. I have a house in France - see point 3. multiply by a factor of 10.

5. Corruption. Mexicans are amateurs, I've worked in the Republic of Georgia and Afghanistan, it's an art form over there, without it the place would fall apart (more)

Now is there anyone out there I haven't insulted

ROFL thanks for putting things in perspective

.

Any comments on the Scottish Highlands? We are getting married there in the fall....

***Beanie*** · 1st June 2006, 13:49

Quote: (Originally Posted by hchoat)

ROFL thanks for putting things in perspective

.

Any comments on the Scottish Highlands? We are getting married there in the fall....

Insect repellant

**rigdiver** · 1st June 2006, 13:50

Heather;
Thanks for the report. There are plenty of places to do business in the Mexican Riviera. The experiences I've had were good. I've not used the operator you two did. It's certainly drove my decision for the future.
I did Taj Maha with a guide because my buddy was not yet full cave. The history of the area and briefing was a wealth of information. The dive was outstanding. Crystal clear water with gorgeous formations. I will go back.
Bill

Crazyduck · 1st June 2006, 13:57

Cool Beans!
I don’t want a Blonde name Heather mad at me.

Glad your home safe and sound.
Thank you for sharing your experience its important that other people read your report.

Regards, Andrew

31st May 2006, 22:31	#11 (permalink)
decoweenie Crash Test Dummy Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Cairo Posts: 5,510	Re: Megs in Mexico - A Trip Report Quote: (Originally Posted by caveseeker7) There's probably a reason they send her into exile. Not all ex-pats are in exile... Some are in paradise...
(Offline)

1st June 2006, 00:09	#12 (permalink)
shell-back I do all my own stunts Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Dolphin Ray Azimuth Other SCR Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Dolphin Ray Azimuth Other SCR Home Build Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: middle of US Posts: 481	Re: Megs in Mexico - A Trip Report I liked the report, Its was straight and detailed to the point that I was in the car with you guys bitching about why Brian ignored Heather and I about asking for directions Its a sad day for all in the industry when we see one of our own rear the ugly hospitality card. I see no fault in making it known and hope it makes for quick change on the part of Villa Derosa. Heather , please make a report of availbilty of charters ,price, hotels and who is who in respects to makeing travel arrangments to dive the Big O in FL. __________________ The greatest obstacle to discovery is not ignorance -- it is the illusion of knowledge. ----Daniel Boorstin Billy Beal SDITDI IT #3507 Rebreather World FIGJAM commitee member
(Offline)

1st June 2006, 13:07	#13 (permalink)
JRC New Member Current Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 3	Re: Megs in Mexico - A Trip Report Dear Heather, I have been to Mexico/Tulum area a few times and at each time have used the services of a guide for a few cave dives. They do not just hold your hand. Their purpose is to show you and guide you through an unfamiliar cave system. They know the great areas of the cave, the jumps, and even off the road cave systems that are not listed on the maps. Every time I have used their services, my dive has been the best. Maybe Nancy was just having a hard week, I know business has not been the best down there lately. Knowing her, you probably would go down there and she wouldn't even remember you, and treat you totally different. I have never had any problems at Villas De Rosa and their guides were fantastic last time I was there. I hope next time you guys have a better trip. Thank you for all your posts about your meg and trips, I look forward to reading them.
(Offline)

1st June 2006, 13:28	#14 (permalink)
Crazyduck Underwater Mechanic Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: TEXAS, Dallas/ Ft.Worth Posts: 712	Re: Megs in Mexico - A Trip Report Heather, My comments were in general to cave divers and traveling into the area- I phrased things wrong sorry for any cross thoughts on my behalf. I can understand not wanting a sterile trip but this seems to be a business for a lot of people in Mexico. While I understand you desire for not wanting a diving guide and buy all means I would never call into question your diving background. My comments were more about having someone as a site guide and someone to make entries easier. Sorry for the crossed wires. Here's to hoping the next trip is much better. Best Regards, Andrew __________________ Howdy Senor- What’s Happening! Rob Davie April 2005- Presently in a state of transition from Open Circuit to Closed Circuit. "You will not be punished for your anger; you will be punished by it." - Buddha.
(Offline)

1st June 2006, 13:32	#15 (permalink)
hchoat Resident Selkie Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Pensacola, FL- USA Posts: 227	Re: Megs in Mexico - A Trip Report Quote: (Originally Posted by Crazyduck) Heather, My comments were in general to cave divers and traveling into the area- I phrased things wrong sorry for any cross thoughts on my behalf. I can understand not wanting a sterile trip but this seems to be a business for a lot of people in Mexico. While I understand you desire for not wanting a diving guide and buy all means I would never call into question your diving background. My comments were more about having someone as a site guide and someone to make entries easier. Sorry for the crossed wires. Here's to hoping the next trip is much better. Best Regards, Andrew No crossed wires at all, Andrew! Sorry if it seemed I was reacting with hostility to your post, that wasn't my intention at all- I was just explaining my thoughts. If it came across badly, I apologize- it was my first day back at work.... __________________ Duct tape is like the force... it has a light side and dark side, and it holds the universe together.
(Offline)

1st June 2006, 13:44	#16 (permalink)
nmanfield Megalegalegalegadingdong! Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: May 2005 Location: Odessa, Ukraine Posts: 329	Re: Megs in Mexico - A Trip Report Thanks for the post, it was very timely. I'm off to Playa del Carmen in a couple of weeks having got a cheap package deal from the UK (about $1000) I'm not a cave diver but will be doing a course(s) with Pro-tech. I'm not put off beacuse: 1. I live and work in the Ukraine - that Nancy woman sounds like an amateur in the surly, bad-service, ignoring department compared to some of the people here! We have a daily routine - go to the cafe, get ignored,come back 5 minutes later, ask for a coffee, get looked at like something they've just trodden in, get told that they are doing a stocktake (they do this every day), come back 10 minutes later, wait only to be told that they havent finished the stock take, come back 10 minutes later, wait to be served, after 5 minutes get asked what I want as if I had breath like a shit-smugglers rucksack, I ask for the same thing every day- they don't remember, coffee is poured and paid for, at which point it is given to one of the co-workers in the back, kettle is boiled again (can't put more that one cup's worth of water in the kettle at a time can you), coffee finally arrives - but don't dare ask for a spoon, now leave the cafe staff alone so they can get back to gossiping and drinking brandy. This has happened every day for the last 6 months - I'm sort of used to it now, so much so I'd miss it if they improved - it's our little routine 2. Dog faeces on the door step - here you get not only the faeces but a pack of mangy dogs as well. 3. I'm British - what we don't know about bad service is not worth knowing. 4. I have a house in France - see point 3. multiply by a factor of 10. 5. Corruption. Mexicans are amateurs, I've worked in the Republic of Georgia and Afghanistan, it's an art form over there, without it the place would fall apart (more) Now is there anyone out there I haven't insulted __________________ Tub 'O Lard
(Offline)

1st June 2006, 13:47	#17 (permalink)
hchoat Resident Selkie Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Pensacola, FL- USA Posts: 227	Re: Megs in Mexico - A Trip Report Quote: (Originally Posted by nmanfield) Thanks for the post, it was very timely. I'm off to Playa del Carmen in a couple of weeks having got a cheap package deal from the UK (about $1000) I'm not a cave diver but will be doing a course(s) with Pro-tech. I'm not put off beacuse: 1. I live and work in the Ukraine - that Nancy woman sounds like an amateur in the surly, bad-service, ignoring department compared to some of the people here! We have a daily routine - go to the cafe, get ignored,come back 5 minutes later, ask for a coffee, get looked at like something they've just trodden in, get told that they are doing a stocktake (they do this every day), come back 10 minutes later, wait only to be told that they havent finished the stock take, come back 10 minutes later, wait to be served, after 5 minutes get asked what I want as if I had breath like a shit-smugglers rucksack, I ask for the same thing every day- they don't remember, coffee is poured and paid for, at which point it is given to one of the co-workers in the back, kettle is boiled again (can't put more that one cup's worth of water in the kettle at a time can you), coffee finally arrives - but don't dare ask for a spoon, now leave the cafe staff alone so they can get back to gossiping and drinking brandy. This has happened every day for the last 6 months - I'm sort of used to it now, so much so I'd miss it if they improved - it's our little routine 2. Dog faeces on the door step - here you get not only the faeces but a pack of mangy dogs as well. 3. I'm British - what we don't know about bad service is not worth knowing. 4. I have a house in France - see point 3. multiply by a factor of 10. 5. Corruption. Mexicans are amateurs, I've worked in the Republic of Georgia and Afghanistan, it's an art form over there, without it the place would fall apart (more) Now is there anyone out there I haven't insulted ROFL thanks for putting things in perspective . Any comments on the Scottish Highlands? We are getting married there in the fall.... __________________ Duct tape is like the force... it has a light side and dark side, and it holds the universe together.
(Offline)

1st June 2006, 13:49	#18 (permalink)
*Beanie* give a man an inch....... Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: In da house! yeah baby! Posts: 3,248	Re: Megs in Mexico - A Trip Report Quote: (Originally Posted by hchoat) ROFL thanks for putting things in perspective . Any comments on the Scottish Highlands? We are getting married there in the fall.... Insect repellant __________________ Beanie Gallery Admin & Library Assistant. www.outlawdivers.org.uk www.beandiving.co.uk www.beanengineering.co.uk 0871 242 7808
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1st June 2006, 13:50	#19 (permalink)
rigdiver LEARNING CONTINUALLY Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other Rebreather/s: Megalodon Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: TEXAS Posts: 421	Re: Megs in Mexico - A Trip Report Heather; Thanks for the report. There are plenty of places to do business in the Mexican Riviera. The experiences I've had were good. I've not used the operator you two did. It's certainly drove my decision for the future. I did Taj Maha with a guide because my buddy was not yet full cave. The history of the area and briefing was a wealth of information. The dive was outstanding. Crystal clear water with gorgeous formations. I will go back. Bill
(Offline)

1st June 2006, 13:57	#20 (permalink)
Crazyduck Underwater Mechanic Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: TEXAS, Dallas/ Ft.Worth Posts: 712	Re: Megs in Mexico - A Trip Report Cool Beans! I don’t want a Blonde name Heather mad at me. Glad your home safe and sound. Thank you for sharing your experience its important that other people read your report. Regards, Andrew __________________ Howdy Senor- What’s Happening! Rob Davie April 2005- Presently in a state of transition from Open Circuit to Closed Circuit. "You will not be punished for your anger; you will be punished by it." - Buddha.
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