Huatulco Becomes The First Destination in the World to Receive EarthCheck Gold Certification

HUATULCO, Mexico, June 9, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The coastal paradise, Huatulco in southern Mexico [Oaxaca], became the first destination in the world to receive EarthCheck’s Gold certification, in yet another display of Mexico’s sustainable tourism credentials. Previously, EarthCheck awarded Gold certification only to facilities such as resorts, and not communities such as Huatulco. Huatulco received the prestigious certification for meeting the rigorous sustainable tourism requirements of EarthCheck across a range of aspects such as environmental legislation, energy usage, water conservation, wastewater management, biodiversity, and waste reduction.

Speaking at the EarthCheck Sustainable Tourism Forum, also held this year in Huatulco, Adriana Perez Quesnel, director of the Fondo Nacional del Fomento al Turismo (FONATUR), said, “We are immensely proud to receive this certification and even more so to be the first destination in the world to do so. This achievement is a clear demonstration of how government, the private sector and local communities can work together to deliver significant benefits to the world in which we live.”

“FONATUR has driven sustainable practice in the Mexican tourism industry and has forged a vision of respect for nature conservation in Integrally Planned Resorts, to promote tourism, help strengthen the local economy and promote local traditions and culture.”

Huatulco has gained EarthCheck certification for the previous five consecutive years. As a result of the certification, Huatulco will be one of 13 global destinations featured on a new program on the Discovery Channel in 2012. The documentary will be broadcast to over 200 million people over the next two years.

“In Mexico alone, EarthCheck member organizations have saved a combined total of 26,349,880 kg of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) since data started being collected in 2003,” explained EarthCheck Ambassador, Gustavo Ramos Fumagalli. “They have also reduced water consumption by 2,196,674,635L of water, dramatically reducing pressure on natural resources in a country that is familiar with the unforgiving effects of drought.”

To meet Earth Check’s strict requirements, Huatulco constructed new water management infrastructure including:

* 17 km of storm protection channels,
* 23 re-lift stations for sewage treatment and management and
* Harvesting structures which collect storm water runoff.

In May 2011, Mexico was also recognized by the Rainforest Alliance in New York for its achievements in sustainable tourism in the Mayakoba region and the forestry practices of the Mexican government.

Melissa's UK Adventure - Day 12

Today was our last day in the UK, and I think one of the best. We started off the day by checking out of our hotel and walking down the street to the other hotel. We stored our bags and waited in the lobby for the pick up. It was supposed to be there at 7am but did not show up until 8am. After the pick up, he dropped us off at Victoria Coach Station for the beginning of the tour. There was 55 of us in total and one guide. I was so excited because we were going to see all of the landmarks of London that you see all the time on T.V, but now they were in person.


We started off the tour with the first stop at Westminster Abbey. We could not go inside because that would cost extra, so we stood in front and Steve, the tour guide, told us all about it. Of course it is best known for the place were princess Diana's funeral was held and were prince William got married, but it is also one of the most important Gothic biuldings in Britain and the coronation church for all of the kings and queens since 1066. It is hugh when you see it in person and just an amazing sight. Next we were off to the Tower of London, but because it was Sunday it was not open until 10am. So before it opened, Steve took us to see the Tower Bridge. This the bridge that everbody always thinks is London Bridge, but it is not. It completly opens up in the middle to let bigger boats under. It used to open several times a day years ago, but now it only opens maybe once a month.

At the Tower of London, it was very busy but we got in right away because we were a group. We were meet at the entrance by a Yeoman Warder, or Beefeater, who was going to take us on the tour. He told us all about the different buildings and towers and all of the stories that go along with them. We saw the famous ravens all over the grounds, because it is said that if the ravens were to leave the Tower of London, the kingdom and the fortress would fall. Lucky for us they were still there. The last part of the tour was the Crown Jewels. You followed a hugh line of people through the building and they show films about what you are going to see and of the kings and queens wearing the jewels. At the end you empty into a room and they are all there. It was an awesome sight to see such beautiful pieces of royality.

After the Tower, we were on the way to see the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. We arrived just in time to see the old guard march away. How the changing works is, everyday the new guards march to the palace with a band leading them. They stand face to face with the old guard until all of the official paper work is done and then the old guard march away with the band leading them. This happens everday, at the same time, no exceptions. Steve got us in the perfect spot to see it. We were right at the gate that they march into, so I got some great pictures, and Sharon got it all on video. This is what I had always dreamed of seeing and I saw it. It's hard for me to believe that I saw it. After we went up to the front of the palace and got to see the famous balcony were William and Kate kissed.

Next we were off to see Big Ben and the House of Parliment. We did not have time to get out and look around, but I got some good pictures. The clock tower is really not called Big Ben, it is the bell inside that is Big Ben, but people just started calling the whole thing by that name and it stuck. Big Ben is the largest four faced chiming clock in the world, fun fact for you.

Next was a cruise on the River Thames. Sharon stayed on the bus for this one, because we know how well she does on boats. We docked by Big Ben and just took a short 20 minute criuse down the river to the Tower of London. It was a good opertunity to get some good shots of buildings along the river. As we were cruising, Steve was telling us all about how people hundreds of years ago would use the river for everything. it was very interesting. When we docked, it was time to grab something quick for lunch.

After lunch, we were going to St. Peters Cathedrial. I only know this church because this is were Princess Diana got married. On Sunday, tour guides are not allowed to go in the church because it is a place of worship. So Steve stood outside and told us all about it. When we got to go inside, we were only allowed in one small area because mass was going on. The last stop was at the London Eye, where we were going on a "flight". I say flight and not ride because this is not a ferris wheel but an observation wheel. You only take rides on ferris wheels. Built in 1999 on the banks of the River Thames and also knowen as the Millennium Wheel, it is the tallest wheel in Europe at 135m. We only had to line up for about 10 minutes and then we got right on. It was scary at first because they do not stop it, you have to get on while it is still going. But once you are on, it is amazing. Views from any part of the journey are amazing. Nothing in front of you, I could see Buckingham Palace perfectly and we could see almost to the edge of the city. The entire trip takes 30 minutes and before you know it, it is over. Truelly an unforgetable day, but to end it all off, we took one of the famous black cabs of London back to the hotel.

This entire trip has been a dream come true for me and i am truly grateful that I got to experience it. I would like to thank the 12 people in my group that decided to join me on this trip. You were a fabulous group and I really enjoyed each and every one of you. I have made some life long friends and can't wait to do it again.
So guys, were to next......






Westminster Abbey




Tower Bridge




Tower of London




White Tower in the Tower of London grounds




Raven




Guard at the Tower




The Changing of the Guards




The Changing of the Guards




Buckingham Palace




St. Pauls Cathedral




London Eye




The pod that you travel in




The palace from the "eye"



Big Ben from the "eye"

Melissa's UK Adventure - Day 11

Today was the last day of our tour. This morning at breakfast you could tell because everybody was just a little sad. It didn't help with the weather. When we woke up the sun was shining and it looked like it was going to be a nice day. But we spoke to soon, all day it would pour cats and dogs and then just as quick it would stop. My first thought was no problem because this was only the second day of rain out of 11. Then I remembered that we were going to be outside a lot and I thought great. And to make matters worse, I got a really bad cold 2 days ago. But I was not going to let anything get me down because we were going to Stonehenge today.


After breakfast, we were off to the city of Bath. It rained the whole way there, but as soon as we pulled into the city, it stopped. We had about 2 hours to explore, so I headed towards the Roman Baths. The line up was super long because it was a Saturday and alot of tour groups were there. It would have been too long for me to get in, but they did have one part of the smaller bath for you to see free of charge and with no line up. So I went to see that and then just explored the city. Just before we needed to be back at the bus, it started to pour hard again.

Next we were off to the city of Salisbury. Once again the whole way there it poured, but when we got to the drop off spot it stopped and the sun started to shine. The main attraction here is the huge Gothic cathedral, which inside has the Magna Carta. We started following all of the people, because once again it was really busy, and ended up in a small room. We did not know where we were but when we looked around, there was the Magna Carta in front of us. The thing is, you needed to pay admission to see it, but they thought we were with the other tour group so we got in for free. We had a bite to eat, and once again, it started to pour.

Next it was a short 15 minute drive to Stonehenge. It was raining, but as soon as it came into view, the rain stopped. It was almost as if someone up there knew that this was number 2 on my bucket list, and they stopped the rain just for me. As we drove up, there must have been over 1000 people waiting in line to buy tickets. With my tour, we didn't get to go in, but we got to stand about 50 meters away and take all the pictures we wanted. It was almost better this way, because you can not get that close to the rocks anymore, and we saw the same thing for free. I can not even think of the words to say to describe the feeling that I had seeing them in person. I have watched so many shows about them, but when you see them in person, it just took my breath away. I just stood there and stared, and even with all of the other people around, I felt like I was all alone. It was amazing and I feel very grateful that I got to see them. On the way back to the bus, I was looking for the gift shop and ran into our tour director. He said that the only way to get into the shop was to buy tickets, but he went over and talked to one of the security guards and they let us in. It was cool and we only had about 5 minutes to shop, so of course we grabbed what ever we could and headed back to the bus. And once again, it started to pour. What awesome timing we had today, I think the gods were on my side for once. Back on the bus, we found out that we were the only ones who got any merchandise.

Arriving back to London, we got to the hotel and said goodbye to everybody. Tomorrow Sharon and I are going on the full day London tour that got cancelled from before. It should be fun.


Street in Bath




Street in Bath




Sculptures on the side of the church in Bath




Roman Bath




Church at Salisbury




Grounds of the church in Salisbury




Stonehenge



Melissa's UK Adventure - Day 10

Today we had a very early start. Breakfast was at 6am and we were on the road by 7am because we were taking the ferry from Ireland back to Wales. Sharon and I were at the front of the bus today, and you get to see a lot more up there. Maybe a little too much, these drivers are nuts. You think that when they see a big motor coach, they would give way for us. No they don't, they just squeeze their way in between us and the curb. It is crazy.


We boarded the ferry today in Rosslare, Ireland which is on the south east tip, at around 8:30 am and we were heading to Fishguard which is on the south west tip of Wales. Once again we drove the bus on, but this ferry was way bigger then the last one. It has been raining all day, so the Irish Sea was quite rough. Right from the start the ride was very rough. We were rolling all over the place when we were sitting in the chairs, and when you walked around, you really needed your sea legs. The crossing was about 3 and a half hours, and by the time we docked, everybody was glad to get off.

Once we landed in Wales the weather was no better. But we were not going to let this bother us. We were on our way to Cardiff to see the castle. Cardiff Castle reveals more then 2000 years of the city's history as a Roman Garrison, a Norman stronghold and in Victorian times was transformed by the Marquess of Bute and his eccentric architect William Burges into a gothic fairytale fantasy. It was too bad that it was raining today, because some parts of the castle were closed due to them not wanting it to get wet. But we were still able to see lots of things. We went into the Castle apartments and saw some bed rooms, the main dining room and the library. We then went into the Norman Keep and climbed all the way to the top to see the entire grounds. That was one of the hardest things that I have done. The stairs were the original stone spiral ones and they were very slippery because of the rain. It was very cool to see everything and now I can say that I have been in a castle.

After that we went to the hotel which is just outside the city centre of Cardiff. Tomorrow is the day that I have been waiting for for this whole trip. We are going to Stonehenge.

Ferry

Cardiff Castle

Cardiff castle

Inside the main hall

Ceiling

Dining Room

Murals

Melissa's UK Adventure - Day 9

The wake up call this morning was at 8am, and we needed to be on the bus by 9:30am. But when we got down to the lobby we were informed that the bus had one of it's windows broken last night. The driver had to go and get it cleaned up and a temporary one put in. So we were delayed until 10:30. Once we got the bus back we were on the way to Kilkenny where we would be stopping for lunch. Kilkenny was another medieval village, but this one actually had a castle. Took some pictures and we had some pastries in one of the cafes. We were then back on the bus to Waterford. The crystal factory is no longer running, but they still have a show room for visitors to look in. There was a lot of nice things in there, but they were all very expensive. The rest of the day is free time for us. It has been another quit day, but the next two will be very busy, so we should enjoy this while we can.

Road on the way to Kilkenny



Kilkenny



Castle at Kilkenny




Castle again



Waterford crystal show room



Item for sale



I almost bought this one



River in front of our hotel in Waterford



Melissa's UK Adventure - Day 8

Today was a lazy, relaxing day. We did not have to be at breakfast until 8am, so we got to sleep in a little bit. After breakfast we boarded the bus and had a sightseeing tour around Dublin. It lasted for about 2 hours. We saw lots and learned tons about the city. After the tour half of the group got off the bus to spend the rest of the day on their own. I stayed on the bus to visit the small country town of Glendalough, which means The Glen of the Two Lakes. It is only about 40 km away from Dublin, but it feels like you are a million miles away. This village is renowned for its Early Medieval monastic settlement by St. Kevin in the 6th century. I have never seen such an amazing place in my life. It has a round tower which stands 30 meters high, it reminded me of Rapunzel's tower. It also has a Cathedral and a grave yard. I took so many pictures because every time you looked somewhere new it was even more beautiful then the last. After looking around, Sharon and I just sat at a cafe at the foot of a mountain and just took it all in. We then drove back to Dublin and had the rest of the day on our own. We did some shopping and then just relaxed for the rest of the night. It was a good day today, just what we needed after the long, busy days that we have been having. Tomorrow we are off to Waterford.




Queens University in Belfast




Performers at the Irish Cabaret




Performers at the Irish Cabaret




Where's Waldo?  i found him in Dublin




At a park in Dublin. this cross was put here because the Pope visited and held mass here.



The tower at Glendalough



The tower and church at Glendalough




The Irish country side