Merida to Playa del Carmen

Our 4 hour drive from Merida to Playa was a relatively straight shot on poorly maintained highways with tall brush on both sides which prevented any kind of views whatsoever. If we hadn't already driven 4,000+ miles we might have mistaken the landscape for Virginia or Arkansas. We were both getting very tired of driving - yet another hotel, yet another 8 hours in the car. Will the dogs be OK? Knowing that our destination was a short distance away kept us inspired to keep on trucking.

You know you've been driving too much on Mexican highways when McDonalds represents good food and nourishment. Don't misunderstand me - Mexican food is DELICIOUS. However, from our limited experience of driving from one end of Mexico to the other, we've found the majority of restaurants on highways to be run in poorly maintained shacks serving questionable food that's geared mostly towards local truck drivers who are accustomed to the cuisine. Finding palatable bites can be quite an endeavor. After 3 hours of eating nuts, chips and ice cream, we jumped for joy when we saw a McDonalds. This is coming from someone who DETESTS fast food. It's greasy, made from poor ingredients and simply bad for you. But, boy, was that hamburger and fries good!

The only form of excitement during our last long drive was arriving at yet another military checkpoint (number 9 for the entire trip). Luckily for us this is tourist country, and we were waived through without a second glance, past the machine gun toting soldiers and makeshift military bunker. That was the last one for quite a while - THANKFULLY.

After 3 or so hours we hit Cancun and then turned south for the last 45 minute leg of our 4,500 journey. Yes, that's 4,500 miles!! 900 more than we thought - not that it mattered at all. Both of us loved our lives in Boston. We had good jobs, worked with great people, have wonderful family (hello Keil, Victoria, Katie, Nick, Taylor and Cole), and the best of friends. But we were both looking for a change - some excitement in our lives. Driving to Mexico brought more than that. We learned an appreciation of what we take for granted in the US (more freedom, less military presence). We realized what great people live in Mexico. We've eaten some amazing cuisine. I'm sure as we get settled and get our business up and running we'll have lots more to tell.

I'm sure you're eager to hear how our first week has been in Playa del Carmen. That, my friends, will come in the next entry (soon)! All I will say is that we've moved into our long term (1 year) rental in our dream condo complex, Quadra Alea (www.quadraalea.com). We have a mattress and that's about it. Furniture is included in the rental, but it hasn't yet arrived. (It's a brand new unit just built.)

Playa del Carmen Condo and Villa Vacation Rentals

We're finally here!

Matt and Allan at Quadra Alea.

Allan at Quadra Alea.

Quadra Alea.

Quadra Alea.

Playa del Carmen Condo and Villa Vacation Rentals