The Central America Adventure – A Tale of Border Crossings
Our journey around Central America concluded with a flight back to the United States via Mexico, all in pursuit of a cheaper airfare. This meant that Yasmin and I had to spend the night in Cancun before flying to Los Angeles. The adventure of crossing the border is a story worth telling.
Mexico
For Indonesian passport holders, a Mexican visa is free as long as you have a valid U.S. visa that has already been used in the United States.
We crossed into Mexico from Belize on a chicken bus (an old bus that often carries chickens). After some drama at Belizean immigration, the bus driver took us to the Mexican border at Chetumal. First, all the passengers and their luggage were offloaded into a building for baggage inspection via X-ray. Then, we got back on the bus and headed to the immigration building. We filled out immigration forms and handed them over at the counter. I was asked the usual questions and reminded, “Indonesia? Make sure to get an exit stamp when leaving Mexico!” Roger that!
We boarded the bus again and continued to the city of Chetumal. I asked the driver to drop us off at the bus terminal, but since Belizean buses aren’t allowed inside the Mexican terminal, we had to get off on the side of the road. Following the driver’s advice, we took a taxi that had been prearranged with the driver at a price of 2 USD because the distance was short. But then, the taxi driver started acting up! He claimed that buses to Cancun only run in the evening, that the bus terminal was far away, and even offered to drive us directly to Cancun. Little did he know I had a Javamifi wifi modem, so I quickly googled the bus schedules and terminal location. Realizing he was trying to scam us, I refused his offer.
When we finally arrived at the bus terminal, the tricky driver suddenly demanded 5 USD, arguing that we were paying in U.S. dollars. I was furious and scolded him in Spanish! If that was his logic, then 2 USD should be equivalent to 35 MXN. Fine! I went to the ATM to withdraw some cash. But when I handed him the money, he insisted on 85 MXN! I got even angrier! We argued until a crowd formed around us. I then approached the taxi company’s supervisor, whose counter was nearby, and filed a complaint. Only then was the situation resolved. What a scam! It’s disappointing to see Mexico turn into this—ten years ago, it was peaceful and safe.
We continued our journey to Cancun on an ADO bus (the most comfortable bus in Mexico, as mentioned in my book #TNTrtw part 2), which took seven hours. After nearly two months in Central America, the difference upon entering a more developed country was noticeable. The bus was very comfortable, with a TV and restroom, and the roads were wide and smooth!
On our return, we flew from Cancun to Los Angeles with a layover in Fort Lauderdale. During check-in, the airline staff reminded us, “Don’t forget to get an exit stamp at immigration!” After passing through security, we were surprised to find no immigration counters! Cancun airport, being so large, was filled only with restaurants, shops, and departure gates. We wandered around the entire airport but couldn’t find immigration. There was no information counter either. When we asked around, people gave us puzzled looks, “Immigration? You don’t need it, just board your flight!” But as Indonesian passport holders, we certainly did!
Finally, I asked someone in uniform. They pointed us to an immigration office next to the restroom. Huh? We had been to the restroom earlier and hadn’t noticed anything. “There! Theeere!” they insisted. We went back to the restroom, and sure enough, there was a small booth with an INM logo beside the door. Below it was a tiny sign that read: Secretaria de Gobernacion Instituto Nacional de Migracion. No wonder we missed it! Unfortunately, the booth was unstaffed! I rang the bell repeatedly—Ting! Ting! Ting!—but no one came. With our flight about to depart, we were on edge. Finally, after ten minutes, an officer casually strolled over and stamped our passports without saying a word. Phew!
The United States
After a two-hour flight, we landed in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The flight attendant announced that all passengers needed to collect their baggage before continuing on to their connecting flights. Seriously? A 1.5-hour layover wasn’t enough for this many passengers! Sure enough, the baggage took forever to arrive. After collecting our luggage, we had to recheck it at a counter, followed by a long security check due to the lengthy lines. Finally, we queued up again at U.S. immigration, known for their thorough questioning. By this time, our connecting flight should have already departed! I resigned myself to missing the flight. What else could I do?
The immigration officer asked, “What are you doing in the U.S.? How long will you stay? Where’s your return ticket? Where will you be staying?” When I provided my relative’s address in Los Angeles, he asked, “Who is this person?”
“My brother-in-law,” I replied.
“Is your husband traveling with you?” he asked. Fair question, I suppose. After all, “brother-in-law” usually refers to a husband’s brother.
“No. I don’t have a husband. Brother-in-law means the brother of my brother’s wife. Is that called brother-in-law too?”
“Uhm… Yeah, you can call it brother-in-law! Enjoy your holiday!”
Hahaha! He let me through, and I sprinted like crazy to catch the flight to Los Angeles… only to find out it was delayed! Hooray!
A month later, I flew back to Indonesia from Los Angeles airport. Exiting the United States, there was no immigration, so my passport didn’t get stamped. But don’t be mistaken—every entry and exit from the U.S. is meticulously recorded thanks to their advanced system.
This Central America journey was self-funded, and I’m sharing these stories for free on my blog. If you enjoy my travel writing, please consider contributing some “pocket money” here to keep me motivated to write more. Thank you!
Is It Safe To Use Clomid For PCT?
From an endocrinologist’s perspective, Clomid is generally considered safe for short-term use in Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) to support hormonal recovery.
However, its efficacy and safety may vary depending on individual health, concurrent medications, and the specific goals of the therapy.
Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
Is It Safe To Use Clomid For PCT? (From An Endocrinologist)
Using Clomiphene Citrate for Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) is a topic that often comes up
in bodybuilding and fitness circles. As an endocrinologist specializing
in hormone regulation, I can provide some insights into its
safety and effectiveness.
Quick Summary
Clomid, or Clomiphene Citrate, is commonly used as part of PCT to help recover testosterone
levels after a steroid cycle. While it’s generally safe when used correctly, potential side effects and risks should be considered carefully.
Is It Safe To Use Clomid After a Steroid Cycle?
Yes, Clomid can be safely used as part of a PCT regimen to help restore natural testosterone production after
a steroid cycle. However, it’s crucial to follow the recommended dosage and guidelines to minimize side effects and maximize effectiveness.
What is Clomid (Clomiphene Citrate)?
Clomiphene Citrate is a medication primarily used in fertility treatment for women to
induce ovulation. It works by stimulating the release of hormones that
promote ovulation and, in some cases, has been used by athletes to
enhance performance through hormone regulation.
Benefits
Increased Testosterone Production: Clomid
can help boost testosterone levels post-cycle, which
is essential for recovery.
Effective Post-Cycle Therapy: It’s widely recognized as an effective tool to aid in the natural
recovery of hormone levels after steroid use.
Reduced Gynecomastia (Man Boobs): Clomid can help combat gynecomastia,
a condition where male breast tissue develops due to high estrogen levels.
Better Mood and Higher Libido: Restored hormone balance often leads to improved mental health
and libido.
Increased Muscle Mass and Athletic Performance: The rebound in hormones can enhance muscle growth and recovery, though this varies among individuals.
Muscle Retention in Male and Female Bodybuilders: By maintaining or even increasing testosterone levels, Clomid helps preserve muscle during and after PCT.
Side Effects
While generally safe when used as directed, Clomid can have side effects such as: nausea,
headache, dizziness, bloating, and changes in liver function. In rare cases, it may
lead to more severe issues like liver toxicity or hormonal imbalances if misused.
How Clomid Is Used For Post Cycle Therapy (Guidelines)
Clomid PCT Dosage: A typical regimen might involve 50-100mg of Clomiphene Citrate daily, split into two doses
(either twice a day or every other day), for about 4-6 weeks post-cycle.
The exact dosage should be tailored to the individual’s hormonal profile and medical history.
Starting Clomid PCT: It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any
medication to ensure it’s appropriate for your needs and not contraindicated.
Is Taking Clomid As a PED Worth the Risk?
Clomiphene Citrate is not classified as a performance-enhancing drug (PED) per se, but its use can be
controversial. While it’s primarily used medically, some athletes use it to aid in hormone recovery without the negative side effects associated with steroids.
However, its efficacy varies among individuals, and the potential
for side effects means careful consideration is necessary.
FAQs
Is Clomid safe during pregnancy? Clomiphene Citrate can cause birth defects if taken during pregnancy.
Women should not use it without medical supervision.
Can I use Clomid alone for PCT? While possible, using
Clomid alone may be less effective and could lead
to suboptimal results. A well-rounded PCT often includes additional medications or supplements under a doctor’s guidance.
How long does it take for Clomid to work? Effects can vary, but noticeable changes in hormone levels and physical performance may take 4-6 weeks.
Consistency is key.
Ultimately, the decision to use Clomid for PCT should be made after a thorough discussion with a medical professional to
ensure it aligns with your health goals and risk tolerance.
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Nevertheless, Anadrol is a very toxic oral steroid,
straining the liver and the heart. Due To This Fact, though outcomes could also be useful by means of muscle dimension and strength, side effects will
also be intense. We usually see Anavar shift cholesterol
levels, decreasing HDL and increasing LDL; due to this fact, a modest
enhance in blood strain may be expected (7). Deca is one other bulking steroid
that can improve muscle and energy positive aspects.
Winstrol dosages for men are typically 50 mg per
day however can go as high as double that. If a person is
eating upkeep calories or in a surplus, Winstrol’s ability to
add dimension is extra notable. Chromium to make you more insulin delicate,
Carnitine to assist your metabolism, and varied others to
assist your fats loss endeavors. WIN-MAX is designed by CrazyBulk as a replacement, combining quality ingredients that will assist you lose fats and probably even acquire muscle as properly.
Anavar’s fat-burning effects are somewhat totally different to other steroids, because it additionally
causes a decrease in visceral fats (as well as
subcutaneous fat).
Masteron E, being a spinoff of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), does not aromatize or convert to estrogen. Subsequently,
estrogenic side effects like gynecomastia and water retention are
unlikely. Nonetheless, androgenic side effects corresponding to increased aggression and libido
modifications could happen. The danger of those effects can be heightened in individuals sensitive to androgenic compounds.
Administration of those unwanted facet effects often entails the use of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors or related medicines, which might reduce the androgenic exercise of the steroid.
Masteron E is thought for its ability to enhance muscle hardness and density.
It interacts with androgen receptors to extend protein synthesis and muscle contractility,
contributing to a extra pronounced muscle definition.
Even although at 10mg per day is a low dosage, it is fairly
attainable that you may expertise a slowdown in your
endogenous testosterone production. This anabolic steroid is known for its ability
to help athletes and bodybuilders obtain amazing results but it’s additionally infamous for its dangerous unwanted effects.
These are usually transient unwanted effects,
with bouts of acne and hair loss commonly resolving post-cycle.
Even so, the use of androgenic steroids for an extended time period may lead to
extra severe and enduring adverse effects.
Fish oil will help within the regulation of blood stress, which
is in a position to undoubtedly improve on account of this stack, with Dianabol being the first culprit.
This cardiac strain can be attributed to Dianabol being
an oral steroid.
Taking precautions may help cut back antagonistic side effects like liver harm, hypertension, acne, and hair loss.
Erring on the aspect of caution is vital in terms of health and health targets.
Consulting an expert might help stay secure and get optimum outcomes.
When it comes to picking between Anavar and Winstrol,
it’s necessary to contemplate their effectiveness for different functions.
Both are popular anabolic steroids which would possibly be used
for slicing and bulking cycles.
Remember including overdose in the cycle will at all times lead
to numerous side effects. Only beneficial doses with safety provide
glorious and desired outcomes. The Trenbolone cycle has an excellent capability to stop the aromatic formation and slow down metabolism in the physique.
The significant advantage of using the Tren cycle is
that it does not trigger any water retention. It is
broadly popular for cutting cycles and gaining a brilliant onerous and
physique without bloating. Testosterone may even suppress endogenous testosterone ranges, inflicting potential testicular atrophy (shrinkage).
Though primo is likely considered one of the weaker steroids out there, and is much safer than different steroids,
it nonetheless doesn’t make it utterly protected.
Nonetheless, Primobolan can provide some significant well being benefits, as it’s been found to spice up the immune system.
When folks typically consider steroids, they consider them
in a unfavorable mild, as they’ve a popularity for being dangerous.
In simple terms, if you’re sat on the sofa consuming junk most days and barely training within the fitness center,
don’t count on to seem like Jeff Seid simply because you’re taking the steroid.
Anavar (Oxandrolone) is one other well-liked anabolic steroid identified for its gentle
nature and talent to promote fats loss without sacrificing muscle mass.
It’s thought-about a safer steroid option because of
its relatively lower danger of androgenic unwanted effects, making
it suitable for each women and men. After I create a Winstrol and Anavar cycle, my primary
goal is to optimize muscle gains and fats loss whereas minimizing potential side effects.
Each Winstrol and Anavar are known for their cutting properties,
permitting me to retain lean muscle mass whereas shedding undesirable fat.
In this section, I will present a short overview of Winstrol and Anavar, two in style anabolic steroids used by athletes and bodybuilders during their chopping cycles.
This information will allow you to perceive the
background and traits of those compounds earlier
than delving into the primary points of their optimal usage, stacks, and anticipated results.
Nonetheless, testosterone and Deca Durabolin each have much less damaging results on ldl cholesterol in our LPTs
(lipid profile tests) and no impact on the liver. This is partly due to
Dianabol being a potent oral steroid, which is notorious for worsening cholesterol levels because it stimulates hepatic lipase within the liver.
Dianabol, being an oral steroid, will cause liver toxicity; thus, it should not be taken for an extended interval.
Each of those peptides will stimulate the release of
growth hormone. They do not give you a direct form of HGH, as is the case whenever you take HGH itself.
While a slower-release type of HGH was developed almost 20 years in the past, its manufacturing was deemed
too expensive to proceed, and thus far, it has not been looked at again. Such a product would have made it
possible to inject HGH once every few weeks somewhat than day by day as we do now.
Human Growth Hormone (HGH) is certainly one of the most critical and useful hormones in the human physique.
Also often known as Somatotropin, HGH is liable for many processes in our improvement and progress, together with the stimulation of IGF-1 (Insulin-like
development issue 1).
This cycle is likely to make sure full physique transformation inside a
couple of weeks. Yes, on this instance, we will steadily decrease a affected person’s dose to reduce opposed effects upon discontinuation. The worth of testosterone alternative therapy can range,
depending on the type of ester prescribed and if a affected person has insurance.
On average, our sufferers pay $100 per 30 days for
testosterone cypionate.
Winsol is a safe, efficient, and legal alternative to Winstrol that gives lots of the identical benefits.
You can achieve muscle, burn fat, and improve your energy and endurance.
Winsol is a strong authorized steroid that helps you burn fats, construct muscle, and get
ripped faster than ever earlier than. It’s been confirmed
to be just as effective as Winstrol, however with
out the nasty side effects. A winstrol-only cycle usually lasts eight weeks and can lead to impressive outcomes.
References:
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