Brenda's Bicycles

Photos of my Home

Closer view of my apartment (upstairs)

http://www.brendalarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/my-apartment-is-upstairs.jpg

I occupy the second floor of this building. The second floor was added about a year ago, and I am the second resident to live there. I enter on the tall stairway on the right side. My front gate is locked with a heavy padlock.

A street view of my apartment

http://www.brendalarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/my-apartment-in-the-middle.jpg

This is a wider angle view of my home including two neighboring homes. I am in the middle building. On the left is a dentist office and his home. On the right is another home. I met the husband last night. His name is Antonio.

Just inside of my gate

http://www.brendalarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/my-stairway-and-front-patio.jpg

This is a view of my stairway and front patio area, taken from just inside of my locked gate. The back part of the patio is shared with the downstairs residents.

Looking down hallway toward my front door

http://www.brendalarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/front-entryway.jpg

Looking down hallway toward my front door. This is the screen door that I almost left locked as I went out on the roof at 6:05 am in my pajamas.

Part of my bedroom, looking from the front towards my bathroom.

http://www.brendalarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/my-bedroom.jpg

This is part of my bedroom, looking from the front towards my bathroom. It is hard to get a good picture without wide angle lenses. This is a view from my balcony door looking back into the room.

A view of my bathroom, looking in from my bedroom

http://www.brendalarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/my-tub-and-vanity.jpg

A view of my bathroom, looking in from my bedroom. The jetted tub looks really nice, but the plumbing doesn’t work right. It takes over two hours to fill it up enough to turn on, and then it squirts slimy stuff all around from the insides of the pipes. Needless to say, I don’t use it.

My shower stall

http://www.brendalarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/my-shower.jpg

My shower stall. This is a view from inside of the bathroom, looking back toward my bedroom. My glass shower stall is fun, but it sure is a magnet for hard water spots–and the drain is a little slow so I have to make sure I’m not too aggressive with the water flow.

A view of my sunken den as seen from the hallway near the front door.

http://www.brendalarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/sunken-den-1.jpg

A view of my sunken den as seen from the hallway near the front door. After entering through the front entryway, a short turn to the right reveals this view. I have cable TV with internet and a wireless router on the floor by the TV. My internet usually works great … but has already gone out twice. Once from a storm, and once because someone forgot to pay the bill (the property manager).

Another view of my sunken den

http://www.brendalarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/sunken-den-2.jpg

Another view of my sunken den. It has a wrap-around sofa that is less comfortable than it looks.

My stove

http://www.brendalarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/stove.jpg

I have a microwave on the left, a new gas stove in the middle, and on the right is a portion of the sink. Not shown (barely caught a corner in the bottom left) is a ceramic tile island with four bar stools, and a tiny bit of storage underneath. One thing that is noticeably missing from this kitchen is any type of cupboards.

Dining and kitchen area as seen from the front balcony.

http://www.brendalarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/looking-in-from-front-balcony.jpg

Dining and kitchen area as seen from the front balcony. This is the front of the home, near the main street (4th street).

My refrigerater and 50 liter purified water bottle.

http://www.brendalarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/fridge-and-water-bottle.jpg

My refrigerator and 50 liter purified water bottle. Refills for these bottles cost about $1.25 USD. (just under 17 pesos)

My Laundry room

http://www.brendalarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/laundry-room.jpg

My Laundry room. I am about to try it for the first time. I wonder how well it will work?

A view of my spare bedroom. It has a queen bed, sofa, and balcony

http://www.brendalarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/second-bedroom-1.jpg

A view of my spare bedroom. It has a queen bed, sofa, and balcony. This photo was taken from the balcony. The bedroom also has a chest of drawers, and a doorway leading into the second bathroom (no photos–has a shower like the main bath, a vanity, and toilet).

Another view in the spare bedroom

http://www.brendalarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/second-bedroom-2.jpg

Another view in the spare bedroom — Note the balcony, chest of doors, and doorway into the second bathroom.

Small balcony off spare bedroom

http://www.brendalarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/balcony-off-2nd-bedroom.jpg

Small balcony off spare bedroom. This faces towards the beach, but the view is of people’s yards and rooftops.

Looking out onto my front balcony.

http://www.brendalarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/front-balcony.jpg

Looking out onto my front balcony. I just love the architecture and colors of the apartment building across the street.

La bicicleta de Brenda.

http://www.brendalarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/my-bicycle.jpg

“La bicicleta de Brenda.” This is my new “King Road – Bimex” bicycle. It has 21 speeds, and has a very hard narrow seat—a fact to which my derriere will back up. Does anyone want to help me give her a name?

Looking across the street from my front balcony

http://www.brendalarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/looking-out-of-my-front-balcony.jpg

Looking across the street from my front balcony. Did I say yet that I love this old apartment building?

My roof, looking southward, away from the street

http://www.brendalarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/my-roof-1.jpg

Up on my roof, looking southward, away from the street. This is a view from the front of my roof, looking south. The beach is six blocks to the right, but is not visible from the roof because of other buildings in the way.

My roof, looking northward, towards the street

http://www.brendalarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/my-roof-2.jpg

My roof, looking northward, towards the street. This is the view from the back of my roof looking toward the north, and across the street in front of my home. The spot where I am standing is approximately where I do my Qi Gong breathing exercises every night before going to bed.

A view from the room, looking south

http://www.brendalarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/view-from-roof-1.jpg

A view from the roof, looking south. This is a small row of homes directly to my south. Notice how closely packed together they are. It is not unusual to see people’s dogs up on these roofs, and my neighbor hangs her laundry on the roof next door.

Another view to the south, looking straight down from my roof

http://www.brendalarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/view-from-roof-2.jpg

Another view to the south, looking straight down from my roof. This neighbor has some really fun artistic work on their roof.

Another view from the roof, looking southeast

http://www.brendalarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/view-from-roof-3.jpg

Another view from the roof, looking southeast. I love these palm trees, the flowering shrubs, and the flowering tree in the distance. When I hear roosters in the morning, they are off in this direction.

This is a view looking towards the west.

http://www.brendalarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/view-from-roof-4.jpg

This is a view looking towards the west. The ocean/waterfront is six blocks away in this direction.

View from the roof, looking Northeast

http://www.brendalarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/view-from-roof-5.jpg

View from the roof, looking northeast. I love the view in this direction, foliage, trees, and architecture. It looks like the little home directly in front, down on the street, is set up to double as a little neighborhood restaurant on this beautiful Sunday afternoon.

A view from my roof, looking north.

http://www.brendalarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/view-from-roof-6.jpg

A view from my roof, looking north. Again, I love this apartment building–but the gates squeak loudly as people enter and exit. If you look closely, notice the maze of telephone and electrical wires that crisscross all over above the street.

Almost all homes have these large tanks on them.

http://www.brendalarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/water-tanks-on-my-roof.jpg

Almost all homes have these large water tanks on them. Water pumps at ground level pump water up into the tanks, supplying undrinkable tap-water to the home.

Around Town

Avenue 30, about two blocks from home.

http://www.brendalarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/on-main-avenue-30-near-my-house.jpg

Avenue 30, about two blocks from home. This is a main north-south street, used by commuters and buses, etc… This photo was taken near the San Fransisco de Asis market.

This is a beautiful flowering tree on Ave 30

http://www.brendalarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/on-main-avenue-30-near-my-house-2.jpg

This is a beautiful flowering tree on Avenue 30. This is about 1.5 blocks from my home. This is one of the few streets in town that is wide and that supports two-way traffic.

One of the restaurants where I like to eat lunch.

http://www.brendalarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/my-main-lunch-restaurant.jpg

One of the restaurants where I like to eat lunch. This is only one block from my home, and I can get a daily special for only 35 pesos (just under $3 USD) plus tip. If you have read my June 21 post, this is the restaurant where Berto took me to dinner in Dec 2007–where I shared my story with him.

This is the San Fransisco De Asis Supermarket, two blocks from home

http://www.brendalarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/market-2-blocks-from-home.jpg

This is the San Fransisco De Asis Supermarket, two blocks from home. This is the market I shop at for most day-to-day needs. It is only two blocks from my apartment.

Small shoe repair shop near the local meat/fruit/vegetable market

http://www.brendalarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/local-shoe-repair-shop.jpg

Small shoe repair shop near the local meat/fruit/vegetable market. I just love the look and feel of this little shop.

A clothing store where many locals shop

http://www.brendalarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/local-clothing-store.jpg

A clothing store where many locals shop. Notice how the scooters park so closely together in front.

Typical family on scooter

http://www.brendalarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/family-on-scooter.jpg

Typical family on scooter. Three is very common, sometimes even four or more.

A young couple sharing a bike.

http://www.brendalarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/couple-sharing-a-bike.jpg

A young couple sharing a bike. This cannot be comfortable. Note—this is not the same couple I wrote about in my June 19 post.

In The Plaza

The large gazebo in the plaza where the bands play some nights.

http://www.brendalarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/gazebo-on-the-plaza.jpg

The large gazebo in the plaza where the bands play some nights. I just love the architecture and coloring.

This is the main dance area in the plaza

http://www.brendalarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/main-dance-area-in-the-plaza.jpg

This is the main dance area in the plaza. This is where everyone dances on Sunday nights. The band plays in the gazebo on the left.

My favorite bench in the thickest shade

http://www.brendalarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/my-favorite-writing-spot-on-the-plaza.jpg

This is my favorite bench in the plaza. The shade tree above is extremely thick, blocking out all of the sun, and the clock tower is only 20 yards away. The only downfall of this location is the overhead birds occasionally like to drop little surprises.

A more distant view of my favorite writing spot

http://www.brendalarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/my-shade-tree-and-clock-tower.jpg

A more distant view of my favorite writing spot. This is a wider-angle view of my favorite writing spot. The shade tree gives incredible shade, and the clock tower chimes every 15 minutes.

A beautiful flowering tree

http://www.brendalarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/foilage-in-the-plaza-1.jpg

I just love these beautiful flowering trees.

View at the edge of the plaza, looking away from the waterfront.

http://www.brendalarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/foilage-in-the-plaza-2.jpg

View at the edge of the plaza, looking away from the waterfront. Taken from a bench where I like to do a lot of writing.

One of my favorite trees with a fern-like canopy.

http://www.brendalarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/foilage-in-the-plaza-3.jpg

One of my favorite trees with a fern-like canopy. Just west of the gazebo. I stop here occasionally, but the shade is not quite as thick nor as cool.

Another view of one of my favorite trees with a fern-like canopy.

http://www.brendalarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/foilage-in-the-plaza-4.jpg

Another view of one of my favorite trees with a fern-like canopy. Same tree, only closer up.

Yet another view of same tree - looking up

http://www.brendalarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/foilage-in-the-plaza-5.jpg

Yet another view of same tree – looking up. I just love this tree (in case you couldn’t tell).

This is my favorite flowering tree in the plaza

http://www.brendalarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/foilage-in-the-plaza-6.jpg

This is my favorite flowering tree in the plaza. This tree is situated in the southeast corner of the plaza.

Concrete slabs in the plaza

http://www.brendalarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/concrete-slabs-in-plaza.jpg

Concrete slabs in the plaza. These are about six feet square. Notice the 3″ row of rocks used as decorative grout.

Taken from the plaza, looking west toward the water

http://www.brendalarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/view-of-ocean-from-the-plaza-1.jpg

This is taken from the western area of the plaza, just a few hundred feet from the ocean.

Another zoomed-in photo of the ocean as taken from the plaza

http://www.brendalarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/view-of-ocean-from-the-plaza-2.jpg

Another zoomed-in photo of the ocean as taken from the plaza.

The Coastline

Coastline just north of the plaza

http://www.brendalarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/coastline-south-of-the-plaza.jpg

Coastline just north of the plaza. Large condos and hotels in far distance.

Photo of rocky coastline just south of the plaza

http://www.brendalarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/coastline-just-north-of-the-plaza.jpg

A portion of the rocky coastline just south of the plaza. The nearest sandy beaches are 10 miles further south.

These are ferry boats that make the 12 mile trek to Playa Del Carmen

http://www.brendalarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/ferry-terminal-for-playa-del-carmen.jpg

These are ferry boats that make the 12 mile trek to Playa Del Carmen. These ferrys run every hour, and cost about $12 USD each way.

The Island

A map of Cozumel

http://www.brendalarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/map-of-cozumel.jpg

A map of Cozumel. This is more-or-less to scale. Notice the sideways road across the middle dividing the island in two, and the road in the middle leading up to San Gervasio. This is where I rode my bicycle on Thursday. Yesterday, I rode up to the north end of the west side, and then continued a few additional miles on a dirt road until it dead-ended at the edge of the bay.

The junge at San Gervasio

http://www.brendalarsen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/p1060606.jpg

The junge at San Gervasio. This is a photo I took during my Dec 2007 trip to Cozumel. I’ll try to upload more recent ones later.

© Brenda Larsen, 2009