Ruth and the sunset at the island of Dhiffushi, Maldives.
Where are Kevin and Ruth now? Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Where are Kevin and Ruth going next? Kuwait City, Kuwait on March 31st.

Thursday, July 4, 2013

This Namibia trip keeps getting better!

But before we get to that, there's something I've been meaning to post about for a while.

Our regular readers know that we've spent a lot of time at Hacienda Contreras RV Park near the town of Valle de Juarez in Jalisco, Mexico.

Well things are changing down there. And although it's not really better for the people who love to go there, it's better for the people who owned the park, our friends Barb and Sal. And that's what counts.

This past winter, the property next door to the park was sold to a local businessman who decided to build a Pemex gas station on the property.

Under construction, next door to Hacienda Contreras RV Park.

Barb and Sal were pretty frustrated by this turn of events, and to make a long story short they have accepted a very good offer from that same businessman to purchase their property. This upcoming 2013-2014 season will remain available for those who want to use the park (confirm first though before you go!), but it's future after that is undecided.

Of course our motorhome Sherman is currently stored at the park. As is Barb and Sal's own 5th wheel trailer and a couple of others. This is okay. The new owner has hired a full time gardener and a night watchman and we're confident that Sherman is okay there. 

A busy week in March 2013 at Hacienda Contreras.

This coming winter, Barb and Sal will still be there. But as fellow campers, not hard working RV Park owners!

We wish nothing but the best for Barb and Sal and we're glad they will get to carry on with other things that are important to them. 

Okay, on to other things. This Namibia trip, which is taking up an awfully lot of our internet research time just now!

We're dealing with Natasha, who's been working with their tour organizer at ATI Holidays .

Natasha sent us a preliminary itinerary of the ground tour portion of our week long prize. It's an absolutely fantastic trip. You can view the proposed itinerary here...


While it's an absolutely fantastic trip (can you say WOW!?) and it's great for someone who only has one week, we have a lot more than just one week. 

So I asked Natasha what the possibilities were of extending the value of the prize over a longer period. In other words, maybe we don't need to stay in the top quality luxury accommodation with expensive meals. While that would be great (and it would!) we would rather take that budgeted money and make it last longer. You're not surprised by that, are you??

So, Natasha has received permission to take the $5,000 budget for the land portion of the trip, and let us spend it pretty much the way we wish, provided we do so through their tour organizer at ATI Holidays!!

This opens up a whole bunch of possibilities, including the idea of a motorhome rental. The details are not worked out yet, but wouldn't it be fun to tour Namibia in something like this...?? Well we sure think it would!!

The Discoverer FunX 4 wheel drive. (Dog not included!)


34 comments:

  1. I love it mister wheeler dealer I wish I was 20 yrs younger and had more experience on the computer. You go for it both of you. Hope you get the next trip also. I'll keep on voting and hope all your other friends do the same.

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    1. Kevin is definitely pretty resourceful with the computer, that's for sure.

      This contest we are in right now really isn't for a trip but for 25 nights accommodation at lodges and campsites throughout Namibia which would certainly help us out. Thanks for taking the time to help vote for us Wendy.

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  2. nice itinerary but have to admit I am really surprised they let you change the plan as I assumed that each of your stops wanted to be featured as a must see place but that is all the better for you two as you will portray the country well in your blog nonetheless...

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    1. You have to keep in mind that most people who win these contests are not travel bloggers so the featured places wouldn't get the exposure in the first place other than word of mouth from the winner to their friends. Also most of the featured attractions are places we want to see but maybe in a different way and as for the lodges many of them also have camping so they would also get exposure from that. As Kevin mentioned anything we do with that money must be items that ATI Holidays promotes.

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  3. Having the RV would be so much fun...hope it all works out for you! Then we can enjoy it too through your posts.

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    1. We are hoping it will work out as well. We really think that for us, this would be the way to travel and see Namibia at a nice slow pace.

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  4. Sounds like and awesome itinerary can't wait to get going!

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  5. Thanks for your nice comments K and R, we will miss having the park, but look forward to new changes in our lives also. Have a great time in Africa, so far Sherman is fine. Love yas.

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    1. You're welcome Barb and Sal. Hacienda Contreras certainly won't be the same. Hoping that we will be able to see you there in March when we arrive to pick up Sherman. Glad to hear he is doing well.

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  6. That sure will be some trip. Can't wait to see the pictures.

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    1. We are looking forward to taking those pictures!

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  7. The trip sounds fantastic -can't wait to get packing - kkk, kkk!!!!

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    1. We will enjoy having everyone tagging along with us.

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  8. This is going to be such a wonderful trip. And we get to have all that fun along with you guys without having to do all the planning work.

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    1. Ahh, but part of the fun about an upcoming trip is the planning!

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  9. I wondered what might transpire with the Pemex station going in next door....
    It was either going to be good for business, or it might have meant a few too many extra people hanging around...and maybe not of the good kind?

    Kinda cool that the something else was an offer they couldn't refuse.
    Nothing stays the same.

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    1. Nope, nothing ever stays the same but that's what makes life interesting. We are happy for Barb and Sal and glad that things have worked out for them.

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  10. We were sad to hear that the RV park probably won't be available when we get down there in a few years but we are happy for Barb and Sal and wish them the very best.

    That's a great idea to extend the prize money. I don't think I ever would have even thought to ask! I hope you're able to get a motorhome and travel all around. That is going to be a great trip!

    Grace (in Tucson)

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    1. You never know the new owner may find someone who is interested in running the campground for him. It won't be the same without Barb and Sal running it but it is in a beautiful area with nice friendly people so it is hard to beat that.

      We are keeping our fingers crossed on finding a small motorhome to travel Namibia in. Whatever happens it will all be good! :)

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  11. I'm so excited for the both of you!!!

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  12. Replies
    1. Whether we have a motorhome or not, it will definitely be fun.

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  13. As you both know, I'm the 'new guy' with this RV life; I can't think of any better way to see Namibia than in an RV. Talk about getting to know the locals. You two, go for it. Just think of how much more you'll get out of that award doing it your way!
    I, of course, will miss Sal and Barb too, but only wish for them some of the same wonderful times we've all had with them as the hosts. Time for them to relax and enjoy retirement - and all the adventures awaiting them.

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    1. Thanks you Mary-Pat. That is what we are hoping to do by traveling in the motorhome. We would do it much like we have done in Mexico.

      Hopefully something will work out for Hacienda Contreras RV Park and that we can still visit each and every year, but everything in life changes and you have to go where life takes you. I am sure Barb and Sal with enjoy the freedom that they will now have.

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  14. Kevin: Could you email me that photo (and others if you have them) of Hacienda Contreras? Muchas gracias....

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    1. Consider it done. We can't send them all, there are too many but we can send you some of the best ones.

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  15. Hey, you two! Love the tribute to Hacienda Contreras (and the pictures) and agree whole-heartedly with all of your comments. We're looking forward to Barb and Sal being our camping neighbours and partners in crime!
    Now, moving on to your trip plans, we both agree with your way of thinking! Why not take that $$$ and stretch it to do so much more! The little RV looks like a great way to explore. Kudos to you!

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    1. Yep, we look forward to having them as fellow campers where they will be nice and relaxed and not having to worry about all us campers and the park.

      Should be fun to see how this trip will pan out.

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  16. How cool is that RV!! I hope that works out for you guys. This is going to be a great adventure.

    Cheers

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  17. What a great motto.....'it never hurts to ask?' So now you have $5000.00 in play money. The possibilities are endless as are other continents.

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    1. Yes, we have $5,000 but we don't have to it as cash to spend as we want. We have to spend it in Namibia using ATI Holidays services/products. So it could perhaps be used towards the rental of the RV, any attractions and lodges or campsites that are all through ATI Holidays but we will be able to choose want we want to see and do and where we will stay.

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