great contacts in Jalapa
Posted by vince and irene from florida on December 05, 1999 at 22:53:06:
We just returned from six days in Xalapa.We flew from Tampa to Houston,
changed planes and flew directly to Veracruz.This was much better than having to bother
with Mexico City, which we have done several times on other trips to other parts of
Mexico. Also by flying Continental, instead of Mexicana we saved enough to pay for our
hotels for the entire trip. The only drawback is the flight arrives at 10:30 in the
evening. We took a cab down to the Zocalo, to Hotel Imperial. We rented a kingsize with a
view of the Zocalo, for 500 pesos per night. They have great marimba and mariachi music
until the early AM. If you want quiet, get a room towards the back of the hotel, but you
will miss the great view.
After two nights in Veracruz, we traveled by ADO bus lines to Jalapa (Xalapa). We were
amazed that the bus terminal was very modern and clean. They are very organized. When you
buy the tickets you choose your assigned seats, you receive a computer printed ticket with
your name and seat number on it. There is a bus leaving for Xalapa every half hour all day
long. The busses are modern, spotlessly clean, and air conditioned,with a movie that was
in english with spanish subtitles. The trip lasts about two hours and costs 42 pesos (less
than 5 dlrs.U.S.) per person.
Before we decided to visit Xalapa, I read an article on your website,written by Roy Dudly
(The Gringo Jalapeno) about the area. Roy is a Gringo that has lived there for more than
25 years. After several emails back and forth(roydudly@xal.megared.net.mx) we decided to
make the trip.
Roy recommended we stay at the Posada La Mariquinta (laquinta@xal.megared.net.mx), by the way,
you won't find it in the travel books, but don't worry, it's great. Jean Luc, the owner
and operator is a frenchman with twenty five years in Xalapa. Jean speaks great english,
and of course spanish and french. The Mariquinta was one of the original homes (200 years
old) in Xalapa, check his website (www.xalapa.net). He has added modern rooms and suites
that blends beautifully with the old style. Jean and his staff treated us like royalty. We
stayed in a mini-suite for six nights. The charge was 300 pesos per night. This included
cable tv, some stations were in english, hot water for showers,a safe and secure
environment, beautiful gardens within the walls,and sincerely friendly service. It is
located about about four blocks from the cathedral downtown.
We enjoyed it very much and plan to stay there again.
Roy Dudley is a story all by himself. He speaks perfect spanish, married a lady from
Xalapa, and raised a son and a daughter there. He is a professional photographer, and is
now sharing his experience and knowledge with other gringos who might want to explore or
retire in Xalapa. He is beginning to conduct orientation seminars and custom excursions.
We felt very comfortable with his advice. He is very flexable accomodating. We like him
very much. Our visit to Xalapa was great. I hope I haven't been too long winded.
Vince and Irene from Florida