Moving to Mexico

The Hidden Worlds Aventure Park in the Riviera Maya

2011-10-01T11:32:00.004-05:00

Have you ever imagined what it would be like to fly atop a large winged creature like those featured in the movie Avatar? Just for a minute picture yourself flying through the air riding such a giant beast as it dips, crests and artfully twists through the sky. Now envision yourself on a zip line that mimics many of the same movements. This is the idea behind Hidden World's amazing new zip line roller coaster called The Avatar.

In our continuing quest to seek out and explore exciting activities along the Rivera Maya, Allan and I along with a few very good friends visited the eco-amusement park called Hidden Worlds. The day began with a short 30 minute ride south of Playa del Carmen to the entrance to Hidden Worlds. Filled with excitement and anticipation we eagerly departed my SUV, signed in at the front desk and then boarded a large army/surplus type dune buggy for a bumpy ride out into the jungle.

Our adventure began with a set of zip lines at about mid-tree level. It was a good intro for some of my companions who have never before been on a zip line. We're talking about an over 50 crowd who may not have in the States embarked on such an adventure due to either fear or perhaps the idea that such rides are for the younger set of explorers. I was pleased to see my friends overcome their apprehension and take that first step off a high platform into the large void below, keeping faith in only a harness and rope. Each one successfully glided through the trees without incident; the look of joy on their faces was contagious. They had done it, and were ready for more challenges.

The second activity comprised of a zip line with splash landing into a cenote filled with water. My favorite part besides the splash landing was that the fact we all went twice - once forwards and once backwards. It's certainly less intimidating to be able to see where you are going; putting faith in a rope and harness and doing so blindly can be very scary. Watching my friends laugh, smile and even scream as they plummeted backwards into the depths of the dimly lit cenote was very amusing.

After the zip line, we climbed the stairs back to the top of the cenote only to then repel roughly 40 feet back down. I've repelled before and was the first, eager participant. Once I was hooked into the rope and took the first scary step off the edge over the large hole, the rest was child's play. I could essentially control the speed and go as slow or fast as I wanted.

One by one my group repelled, most for their first time. As the numbers at the top dwindled a few nervous people remained, feeling very much scared at only having a rope and a harness separate them between near certain death. In the end each overcame their fear and dropped rather effortlessly to the bottom. Once everyone finished we were now ready for the most exciting part of our adventure: the Avatar.

For the Avatar we climbed back up to the top of the cenote, trekked through the jungle and climbed up a platform to about mid-tree level. The ride consists of a metal bar that drops, rises and twists through the trees and then down into the cenote, eventually ending in the water. The user is strapped onto the bar and holds a handle, much like a bicycle handle and is propelled through this path mimicking the movements of a roller coaster.

I was the first to go and it certainly did not disappoint. Once off the platform you make a steep drop down, and then are propelled back up and then down again, twisting around a corner and into a pitch-black plastic tube filled with water, and then down around a large bend into the mouth of the cenote, bending and dropping eventually into the cool cenote water. It was a blast: you loose your stomach like a roller coaster and get wet like a water slide.

After one ride on the Avatar, we had the choice of going twice - many did, some did not. I, of course went twice; Allan unfortunately did not. Many screamed very loudly, much to the amusement of everyone else. However, everyone participated which is certainly worthy of note.

After the Avatar we moved onto the cenote swim where we sported left vests and jumped into the refreshing depths and swam into a smaller cave where we could explore the stalactite formations. At some points the ceiling was so low we could touch the roof; at others it loomed 30 feet above like a cathedral ceiling. The cave was as equally intricate and enjoyable as most any other cenote in the Rivera Maya region and was certainly worth the visit.

The last part of our trip and certainly the most relaxing for me was the sky cycle. On the sky cycle the user sits on a bicycle suspended on wires above the tree tops and pedals through the trees back and down and then up again and back on a different route. Some of our taller guests with weaker knees struggled more than the younger and/or more agile participants. All in all I thoroughly enjoyed it.

What was perhaps equally as enjoyable as participating in the activities at Hidden Worlds was watching my friends laugh and scream as they tacked each event, overcoming fear and realizing that life does not end at 50. Life is too short to not make the most out of it, and I have found the less one focuses on age and limitations, and the more one focuses on today and making the most out of today, the more fun one has. I am extremely proud of the friends I have in Playa - their courage, determination and love of life. It takes a lot of guts to move from the US or Canada to Mexico. That same drive that propelled them to Playa, continues to motivate them to tackle perhaps scary tasks like zip lines and the Avatar.

Neil, Anne, me, Gayle, Allan, Marge and James

Neil, James and Marge in front of the jungle buggy

The gang inside the jungle buggy

Allan in the cenote

The cenote swim

Stalactites in the cenote

Fish in the cenote

Marge on the sky cycle

Cajón vs. Cojón

2011-09-26T18:25:00.000-05:00

The following is a recent conversation I had with my employee in Spanish which emphasizes the importance of property pronunciation. Cajón in Spanish means drawer whereas cojón means testicle.

(translated from Spanish)

Connie: Where are the receipt books?
Me: They are in my office in the top cojón (testicle) of my black filing cabinet
Carla: I think you mean cajón (drawer).
Me: (Smiling) Yes I meant cajón (drawer).

We all laugh.

Sleeping in Hammocks

2011-09-24T15:35:00.003-05:00

You might be surprised to find out that the maid who cleans your room in Playa del Carmen probably sleeps in a hammock at night. I used to think of laying in a hammock as an outdoor activity on a lazy, summer day. Now I realize hammocks have a long history in Mexico and Central America and are really part of the Mayan culture.

Ancient Mayans used to sleep in hammocks. Hammocks are ideal for the tropical Yucatecan climate: they are light and airy, providing great ventilation for the user. They allow the user to hover above the ground, away from whatever insects or crawling creatures which might otherwise find their way under the sheets of a bed. Considering Ancient Mayans and many present day Mayan descendants live in conditions more akin to camping, sleeping off the ground was essential. By the time Spanish explorers landed in Mexico they found hammocks everywhere.

Hammocks are also great space savers. In the morning just unhook one end from the wall and hang it up on the other. Potential buyers in Playa who are looking at very affordable accommodations, the type that appeal to local Mexicans, expect to find hammock hooks on the inside walls. What might be a living room during the day coverts to a sleeping area at night with hammocks hanging off the walls.

Both my maids sleep in hammocks. One sleeps with her daughter in one hammock while the other maid shares a hammock with her husband. When it's time for intimacy my maids told me they move to the floor. Although there is book and even a calendar on hammock sutra, the art of intimacy in a hammock, I guess my girls prefer a hard surface.

For purchasing your prized hammock, stay away from pricy 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen. Instead visit the hammock store on 30th Avenue and 50th Street. You can purchase from a beautiful assortment of colorful hammocks at a fraction of the price. They have single weaves, double weaves, single hammocks, doubles and even chairs. If you don't find what you're looking for, submit a custom order from a wide selection of colors and have them make your own.

Although Allan and I have 2 hammocks and do manage to sneak a nap in them from time to time, we are not planning to trade in our bed. Sleeping in a mattress is very much a part of our culture, just as being in a hammock is part of the Mayan culture.

My maid, Zoila, sits in our bucket hammock with Mitzi. Believe it or not we find this hammock more comfortable than the traditional horizontal kind.

Zoila in our second hammock. Zoila sleeps in a hammock every night.

Isla Cozumel Day Pass Highlights Tour

2011-09-22T23:25:00.001-05:00

Allan and I spent a wonderful working day exploring the island of Cozumel on the Isla Cozumel Day Pass Highlights Tour. Certainly any day spent snorkeling, relaxing on the beach and touring a tropical island is bound to be a superb day in my book. Although Allan and I have been to Cozumel before, we enjoyed reconnecting with the island after not having been in over a year and also appreciated the guided tour which revealed many facets of the island to which we were previously unaware.

We started the day with a leisurely stroll down 5th Avenue to meet up with the tour group in front of Sr. Frogs by the ferry terminal. Round trip tickets (included in the tour price) were distributed by our tour leader, and we boarded the ferry for the scenic and thankfully tranquil 50 minute passage to Cozumel. Being prone to sea sickness, I am not one for boats, but given the guided tour of Cozumel I was able to overcome the limited discomfort for a daytime of fun.

In Cozumel we boarded a safari type bus which was a mix between a cargo truck decked out in camouflage and an army transport vehicle. Our first stop was the famous snorkeling spot, Chankanaab. Cozumel has the second largest barrier reef in the world, and Chankanaab is known for its snorkeling. The water ranges from 10 to 30 feet in depth and is marked by large coral formations, bright purple fans and a kaleidoscope of colorful marine creatures.

Snorkeling equipment and mandatory life vests are included, but the vests can be inflated or deflated depending on how adventurous you are. I prefer to keep mine deflated so I can plunge down and explore things like the large statue of Christ which is probably 20 feet tall and the head is still about 10 feet below the surface. It is really sometime to behold.

After roughly an hour in the water we dried off and boarded the safari bus for a scenic ride into the Faro Celarain Eco Park. I never knew this part of the island existed. I thought Cozumel was all sand, trees and buildings. However the southern end of the island is covered in pristine mangroves, marked by large brackish ponds and marshes. We stopped at a nearby white sandy beach for a delicious all you can eat buffet lunch of fajitas, beans, nachos and beverages, including beer. The respite lasted about an hour, half of which we spent lazily lounging on beach side hammocks while another part of the group decided to go for a dip in ocean.

Then it was back in the safari bus for a tour of the rocky eastern side of Cozumel where we stopped at a beach side cart for some adult beverages made and served in fresh coconuts and photo shoots on the large rock out-cropping. Our friendly and informative tour guide talked about the area and how Cozumel got its name. In Mayan the word "Cuzamil-Pectin" means "Land of the Swallows," and Ixchel, Mayan goddess of fertility and love, was said to have sent swallows, her favorite birds, to the island in thanks for dedicating temples to her. Spanish explorers then converted the name from Cuzamil to Cozumel. Likewise the state of Yucatan got its name from the Spanish. After having landed in the Yucatan they asked the Mayans what this place was called. The Mayan replied "Yuk ak katán" meaning I don't understand you. The Spanish took "Yuk ak katán" and made it Yucatan.

At the end of the trip we were dropped off in downtown Cozumel for about an hour of shopping before it was time to board the ferry again. Instead of shopping Allan and I opted to feast on ice cream and enjoy the scenery of a nearby park. We boarded the ferry to Playa at about 5pm and were pleasantly surprised with live Latin music on the boat. Being someone who likes quiet I was initially resistant to having my peace disturbed, but I must say the music was really good and by the end I was listening intently. It certainly made the time on the water pass much faster.

The Cozumel Day Pass Highlights Tour is certainly a worthwhile activity for the whole family. Allan and I are used to planning and running activities, and it was nice to actually sit back and have an informative guide take us around and do all the work, and even serve us lunch! We're looking forward to when family comes and visits so we can take them on the tour. If you'd like to book the tour please contact our concierge Claudia at claudia@nasplaya.com.

Live music on the Cozumel Ferry

The Cozumel Ferry

Allan, Randy, Claudia and I at Senor Frogs

Allan and I in front of the jungle bus

Randy gets ready to go snorkeling at Chankanaab

Allan, I, Claudia, and Randy before our snorkel at Chankanaab

I'm snorkeling at Chankanaab

Big fishie!

Submerged statue of Christ

I come up for air

Walking among the mangroves

Beach side hammocks after the all you can eat buffet

I'm trying to sleep after a big lunch

Relaxing in a beach side hammock after a wonderful buffet lunch

Allan and I on the jungle bus

Dining Out in Playa del Carmen

2011-09-19T15:52:00.001-05:00

Dining out is one of Allan and my favorite past times. While living in Boston we frequented as many affordable and ethnically diverse dining establishments as possible, splurging for the more expensive ones on special occasions like birthdays. Having since moved to Playa del Carmen we have been pleasantly surprised at the quality of the local cuisine. Although it's hard to compare the dining options with a major metropolitan and ethnically diverse city like Boston, Playa del Carmen has certainly not disappointed us with its dining options.

One of our local favorites in Playa del Carmen is Da GiGi, located on 5th Avenue between 32nd and 34th Streets, with other locations in the Riviera Maya. Owner and operator Gigi and his master chefs have been serving up delicious Italian food and pizzas for over a decade. They make a point to personally check on diners and socialize with them, making the dining experience more personalized. It has become the place to see and be seen as many local politicians and celebrities dine here as well. The 5th Avenue location has both outdoor and indoor dining options. If you choose outdoors make sure to pay a visit inside to see the amazing restaurant decor and layout personally designed by GiGi.

A newbie on the Playa dining scene is El Mero Negrillo, located right around the corner from our house on 26th Street between 5th and 10th Avenues. Modeled after their sister restaurant in Veracruz, Mexico, El Mero serves fresh Veracruzano style seafood at reasonable prices. We like to order as an appetizer the oyster sampler (be aware it is very spicy) and then randomly choose one of their many seafood offerings as a main dish. When in doubt just ask their friendly and accommodating bilingual staff.

Our favorite restaurant, El Camello Jr. (Camel Jr.), is not even located in Playa del Carmen, but rather is 45 minutes south in Tulum. Situated at the most southern end of Tulum on the eastern side of the main highway, El Camello sits in a very nondescript building with plastic tables and chairs out front. It's always packed with locals, and has yet to disappoint us. The fried whole fish was incredible, as well as the fish fillet with garlic and the grilled squid. Quite frankly we have been ecstatic with every meal so far. El Camello Jr. offers twice the quality at half the price.

Who would have thought two foodies like Allan and I could move from a dining hub like Boston to a sunny beach town like Playa del Carmen and be satisfied with our dining options? I can comfortably say when dining out the food in Playa is fresher and costs a fraction of what it would in Boston. Although the cuisine is not as ethnically diverse as Boston, there are a variety of ethnic establishments in Playa. Even though we do miss some of the diversity in terms of food, we can always calm our cravings on trips back to Massachusetts.

Cenote Chaak-Tun in Playa del Carmen

2011-09-05T18:06:00.000-05:00

For the 3 years we have been living in Playa del Carmen, we never knew there was such a nice cenote in town. Cenote Chaak-Tun is situated across the highway on Juarez, approximately 1 mile past where the pavement ends and dirt road begins. It's frequented in the mornings by various tour groups and has proven to be most popular. We arrived around 1pm after the crowds had left and enjoyed a quiet afternoon in the cool depths, worlds away from the blazing summer heat.

Pay only $50 pesos for locals or $100 pesos for foreigners at the main entrance, grab your hard hat and life jacket which are included in the admission price and take a pleasant jaunt back a few hundred feet down a well-maintained walkway through what remains of the jungle in Playa, among a variety of singing birds, lush green trees and canopy of winding vines. My mind began to imagine what it would have been like for the Mayans living in the jungle. How did they manage to navigate through the thick brush amid a myriad of crawling creatures?

The walkway continues to the mouth of the cave, past some low ceilings where one has to duck (hence the hard hats). The cave opens to a center courtyard with tall trees rising into the jungle and a variety of singing birds which sound like monkeys. The cenote then continues deeper, greeting visitors with a ceiling of stalactites, which almost looks like something out of a horror movie.

Janet, Marilou and I customarily explored the dry part of the cenote on the well-marked path, appreciating the intricate limestone formations, which are ornate and sizable. However, my primary desire besides getting out of the office on a Friday was to take a cool dip into the very fresh crystal clear water. We spent about 1/2 hour in the water which ranges from several inches deep to way over my head. Snorkelers can appreciate a stone replica of the Virgin of Guadeloupe in the water at the bottom at the back of the cenote. It takes a bit of luck and a bit of courage to actually find the carving, but it is well worth the visit. The swim also affords the opportunity to better explore up close the limestone formations which are just as worthy as almost any other cenote we've visited.

After visiting the first cave, we exited the cenote, past the main entrance to visit a second one next door which is actually part of the same attraction. The second one is accessed by a winding staircase that ends at a ceremonial alter which appears to be autentic. The water in the second cenote was much cloudier. (We could not see the bottom.) Regardless, it was well worth the jaunt as the rock formations on the walls were this white milky color which almost looked haunting.

In short I'd say Cenote Chaak-Tuk is well worth the very short trip down Juarez for some local cenote fun. We will surely be returning to help cool off during the hot summer. As winter approaches us locals find the cenote water too cool, so we will have to visit now as we won't be going back until next summer.

Janet and Marilou at the entrance to Cenote Chaak-Tun

Marilou and Janet before entering the cave

The horror movie like entrance to the cenote

Janet and I posing with pleasure

Meaning through the water

The milky ghost-like limestone formations

The Virgin of Guadalupe carved into the limestone

My First Ticket for a Traffic Infraction

2011-08-06T16:23:00.001-05:00

I received my first citation for a traffic infraction the other day. Heading down Juarez on our ATV I made an illegal u-turn, then proceed to pull over at a nearby bank. Almost immediately a traffic cop on foot approached, explained how I had made an illegal u turn and then just looked at me. I think he was expecting me to apologize and/or offer him a "tip". When I did neither he asked for my license and registration and told me I could go into the bank to finish my business and he would have a ticket ready for me.

After about an hour in the bank I exited and met up with the officer who had a traffic ticket waiting. He then handed me a questionnaire which I was supposed to fill out grading the officer's service. It asked a variety of questions including: Did he provide his name? Was he polite? Did he explain the offense? I actually thought the whole experience was quite comical. The officer just fined me and I am supposed to now provide an unbiased opinion of how I was treated? You've got to be kidding me.

I tried to relay the humor to the officer, wondering if he understood the irony. He sort of just shrugged it off, as if it was just part of the job. I don't think he got it. Regardless I gave him a glowing review being the nice guy I am. After all I probably could have gotten out of the whole thing by just forking over $200 pesos to him for his time. However, I wasn't willing to encourage corruption and I wanted to see if he really was going to give me a ticket. And if he did, I was interested to see what the whole experience of paying a ticket in Mexico was like.

The fine was only about $20 USD in total, after a significant discount for paying it within the first 5 days. Another notable highlight was the officer giving me the option of handing over either my license or my registration which they would hold until I paid the ticket. I opted to forfeit my Mexican motorcycle license, which I did get back when I paid the ticket the next day at the police precinct on the Arco Vial, just north of town.

It seems kind of funny that me, someone who usually does abide by traffic laws, who never runs lights and almost never makes illegal turns gets a ticket the one time I do. I guess it will just help to keep me on the straight and narrow. I wonder if I wrote down that the officer did a horrible job whether or not he would have handed in the questionnaire? What if I wrote he was handsome and gave him my number?

Overall the whole experience was harmless. I paid about the same amount in the end, but I was without my license for a day and did have to spent about 1/2 hour paying the fine and picking up my license. I think I'll opt for the ticket just for the humor of having to rate my experience with the officer on a questionnaire. I'm glad law enforcement is seeking to enhance their image by using feedback from offenders placed on questionnaires. However, the irony just kills me.


Mizi Playing Dress Up with Some Friends

Demi who is Always Happy

Exploring Valladolid, Cenote Zaci, Centote Dzitnup and Uyama

2011-05-31T11:10:00.002-05:00

Tucked away 1.5 hours away from Playa del Carmen in the interior of the Yucatan, 1/2 way between Playa del Carmen and Merida is the beautiful colonial city of Valladolid. Draped in beautifully colored facades and assembled with boxed shaped architecture with framed doors, windows and roofs, Valladolid's architecture boldly boasts it's colonial roots in a kaleidoscope of muted pastels. Meandering around the winding streets one can easily get lost among the interesting shops.

Allan and I, along with friends Jim, Janet, Marilou, and Isa are staying at the Maria de la Luz (http://www.marialuzhotel.com.mx) a no frills, $40 USD/night hotel with pool right on the city center square with decent double beds and unbeatable location. I walk out the front door and am greeted with the hustle and bustle of city life as it bends around the city square. At night the Church of San Gervasio with dual spires looms over the rooftops and shines like a beautiful medallion.

Day and night I feast on rich and creamy homemade coconut ice cream with pieces of whole coconut. It certainly helps to beat the heat and humidity which is noticeably more oppressive than at the coast. However, the beauty and charm of Valladolid make any temporary discomfort more tolerable. We enjoyed a delicious breakfast on the city square at the Meson de Marquez with cool interior courtyard with green grass, water fountain, hanging plants and Mexican art on the walls.

The perfect way to really escape the weather is to visit Cenote Zaci which is right off the city square. A large round bowl shape, the cenote is half covered with a large lofty roof with some stalactites. The deepest part of the cenote reaches a depth of 300 feet below the surface of the green water. For adventurous types like me there is a rope swing and many places to jump or dive including a 36 foot / 12 meter platform which I could not get up enough courage to use even though an 8 year old boy jumped off at least 2x right in front of me. Winding down the edge of the cenote down the stairs to the base, the temperature seems to drop 20 degrees.

We also explored Cenote Dzitnup, roughly a 15 minute drive north west of the city. Most remarkable were the children on Sunday who ran up to the car eager to "watch" your car for a few pesos. We were most taken with these kids with their eager faces, strong personalities, quick hands, shifty eyes and cute devilishness features. We agreed to have them "watch" the vehicle, which they did quite well, but considering how entertaining and enterprising they were to try to squeeze as much money out of us as possible, in the end we probably gave them $300 pesos (roughly $25 USD) which we gladly thought would buy them a few good treats to enjoy their day.

Cenote Dzitnup is an underground cavernous cenote with domed roof, large stalactites and crystal clear water. Unfortunately on a Sunday it was overly crowded and felt more like a public pool than a pristine oasis. Although I did jump in briefly to cool off, half our group refrained, while the other eagerly plunged into the cool depths.

On the way home from Valladolid we stopped at the town of Uyama with it's beautiful red, white and blue church. Once a major stopping point between Merida and Valladolid, Uyama was once a very bustling town. Now a days it's a very quiet town with nothing more really than a beautiful church built from the stones of the Mayan pyramids.

Even though our weekend away was a short one, it was nice to finally take off two days in a row and relax. We are looking forward to doing more exploring now that things are slowing down for the summer.

The children of Ditznup sing romantic folk tales. "Tirame la lima, tirame el limon, tirame las llaves de tu lindo corazon..." (Throw me a lime, throw me a lemon, throw me the keys to your pretty heart..."

Allan dances with the children of Ditznup.

Me, Marilou, Allan, Jim, Janet and Isa in Valladolid

Downtown Valladolid with the Colorful Colonial Architecture

Church of San Servacio in the City Center of Valladolid

Cenote Zaci

Janet, Me, Marilou, Jim and Allan at Cenote Zaci

Waitress at the Meson de Marquez in the Valladolid City Center

Allan and the Children at Cenote Dzitnup

Allan and a girl at Cenote Dzitnup

Uyama

Time Flies When You are Spending it with Great Friends

2011-03-23T15:56:00.001-06:00

It's hard to believe it's been 4 months since my last blog entry. I could blame work or my active social life. I think the creative part of my brain shuts off when I am very busy for better or worse, and I am left wondering where the past 4 months have gone. It can't be said that I can't remember what happened as I vividly recall what seems like almost every moment of my life in Playa.

Above all what's remarkable about our existence in this beach mecca are the wonderful friends we have made. Some have traversed that level of great friends and dug deeper down to that elemental level of family where you feel like they are a part of you. Perhaps this group of misfits we call friends who are mostly retired and have moved away from their family and friends are searching to rebuild the networks that are lacking now that they have moved abroad.

I think Playa del Carmen as a concept supports the dynamic of building strong friendships based on this uprooting and overabundance for many of free time. This magical friendship and family building has certainly made our lives more exciting and full. Time sure flies when you are having fun with great friends.

The other night we had a dinner, a small one of sorts, with some of our closer friends. There were 13 in attendance counting us, and we certainly could include many more into the group of "close friends" who were not in attendance.

Allan

Neil and I. Neil was a park supervisor in Portland Oregon and now spends 6 months in Playa and 6 months traveling in his RV in the US/Canada with his lovely wife, Marge. This summer they are spending 2 months in Europe.

Jim and Janet, formerly of Philadelphia. Jim is a retired from the fire department and Janet is a potter turned painter. They live in Playa full time.

Neil along with Scot and Vicki. Scott was a dentist who lived next to my hometown, and Vicki his wife worked in physiology. They spend about 1/2 the year in Playa and the other 1/2 traveling the world.

Diane and I. Diane and her husband Brent are originally from Canada. Now full time residents of Mexico, Brent spends about 1/2 the year working in the oil industry in places like Dubai, Spain and Vietnam.

Marilou, Marge and I. Marilou is from the US and now lives in Playa year round. Marge is Neil's wife, and she also worked for Portland's park services. Both Marilou and Marge make excellent jewelry.

Marilou and Allan

Gayle and Steve, from Minnestoa. Steve worked in computers and Gayle worked in the public school system. They spend a few months a year in Playa.

Henry, Marge and Neil's unofficial adopted son, originally from the Dominican Republic, along with Marge and the waiter/manager Miguel.

Marge and Neil Celebrate 30 Years of Marriage

2010-11-21T16:21:00.005-06:00

"Would you like to sit on my handlebars?" the strapping young gentleman on the bicycle with a handlebar mustache asked the beautiful co-ed. "No, I don't trust you," she replied, and then clicked her heels and walked away leaving him to contemplate his next move. As both students were horticulture majors at Oregon State University, they continued to share classes together, and later began studying together and eventually dating. On November 3, 1980 Marge and Neil married in Grant's Pass, Oregon, and have been together ever since.

Roughly 28 years later our paths would cross in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, at a moonlit rooftop happy hour overlooking the sparking sea. Marge, Neil, Allan and I would eventually become great friends and epitomize the Playa del Carmen experience: a bunch of slightly tweaked individuals who love a little adventure and are very open to new ideas and experiences meet in this sunny beach side oasis and become part of this large disjointed family living in Mexico. Although life long friendship bonds are irreplaceable, there is something remarkable about the level of trust and openness that each one of us has for each other. Perhaps it is due to the fact that we left our friends and family behind in the US or Canada and came here not knowing anyone. A common bond of adventure and willingness to meet new people and try new things has united us.

30 years after Marge and Neil were married, roughly 30 of us atypical adventurers united on a warm moonlit evening on the soft sands of Coco Beach to attend their wedding vow renewals. Both Marge and Neil donned sandals and gave each other costume jewelry as rings. The atmosphere could not have been more jovial and lighthearted, especially from a group who has learned that life is about painting your own picture, having fun and surrounding yourself with great loving friends.

After the short beach side ceremony we retired to a poolside buffet to feast and fraternize. The affair was catered by the local restaurant La Fregata, and the food certainly did not disappoint. A few cocktails into the affair we were up dancing to the music of local musician Barefoot Skinny and doing what is very important in life - laughing, loving life and having a great time.

If you were to ask me when I lived in Boston when was the last time I laughed out loud for an extended period of time I might not be able to answer the question. Whereas Playa del Carmen is most memorable for joyous laughter, warm hugs, bright eyes, large smiles and a carefree attitude. Since moving to Mexico I have met some amazing people who have made our experience here such a real joy: Marge and Neil, Mary Lou, Jim and Janet, James, Scot and Vicki, Jan and Rick, Maria and Steve, Kim, Barbi, Scottie and Jim, Roger and Jonelle, Diane and Brent... to name a few.

Marge and Neil's wedding vow renewal ceremony was certainly a highlight on our social calendar. It was one of many amazing experiences with great friends we have had in Playa del Carmen. Just the other night we were celebrating another ex-pat friend's birthday, Scot (who just so happened to live in Kingston, MA, 1 mile from my best friend's home). There were 19 of us twisted souls eating Arrachera steak, downing Tequila shots, and musing how anyone of us would help out another group member in need. Surrounded with such a loving and caring expatriate family, Allan and I look forward to the next day with anticipation and contentment.

Marge and Neil - still gorgeous and in love after all these years.

The fiesta!

Yummy food

Debi shows us how balance a full glass on her head and still look stunning.

Let the dancing begin.

Mary Lou and Diane

Henry and Maria

Neil leads by example - drink up, let loose and have fun!

Playa del Carmen vacation rental condos and villas

Speaking Spanish Fluently

2010-11-15T10:12:00.003-06:00

After 10 years of studying Spanish in school (middle & high school, plus college), 6 months studying abroad in Spain (2 months in high school and 4 months in college) and 2 years living in Mexico I can finally speak and write Spanish fluently. One would think after all this time I would have been fluent years ago. I guess with patience and a bit of perseverance almost anything is possible. It gives hope to some of my friends who struggle with the language that they too can learn Spanish after a decade of practice!

Granted my Spanish skills and accent are not perfect. I frequently make errors or use wrong words and verb tenses. However, I can sit down and watch a Spanish movie and understand most all of it. In conversations I can both communicate my ideas with ease and understand the words of others. So for the most part Spanish to me has become rather simple.

One especially interesting aspect is that I am now forgetting certain words in English. Take surge protector, for example. Since our business is in property management, and we are consistently making sure all our Playa del Carmen condos and villas are outfitted with surge protectors ("interruptor" in Spanish). Since I say interruptor so frequently my brain requires a bit of time to come up with the word in English. Another example is...wait while I think of the word...electrical outlet. In Spanish it's called contacto. In English I am now calling it contact, and even in this blog entry I had to rack my brain to think of electrical outlet.

A similar experience occurred when I studied abroad in Spain in college. After a week of living with a family in Barcelona, I struggled to remember English. It was as if that part of my brain had completely disconnected. Another comical experience is when Allan and I return home to the US on vacation. For the first couple of days we wind up speaking Spanish to anyone who looks non-white, say Indian or Chinese, and works in either a convenience store or restaurant. I guess in Mexico we are so used to speaking Spanish at such locations to non-white looking people, our brain is just doing as it's been trained.

Diane relaxes at XCacel Beach

Allan and Marge at XCacel Beach

Allan shares his kite with 2 kids

Allan, Mary Lou and I at Playacar Phase 1's Beach

The beach at Playacar Phase 1

Sailing Ship

Day of the Dead 2010

2010-11-13T12:58:00.001-06:00

How often do you think about your friends and family who have passed on? If you are like me, you might respond "very little". In Mexico they have this wonderful holiday called Day of the Dead which commemorates loved ones who are no more. Temporary alters are adorned at home and decorated with items from the dearly deceased, and include trinkets like their favorite foods. Grave sites are visited and tombs decorated. A life lived which now only exists in memories is contemplated and cherished.

Last year Allan and I vowed to make a Day of the Dead alter for Allan's mother who passed away 2 years ago. This would include a picture of her, making an arch to symbolize the passage from life to death, a glass of water to represent life and purity and to quench thirst, candles to represent life and hope and to guide the journey, and lastly flowers, preferably marigolds who's bright color and fragrance is synonymous with Day of the Dead, to represent the impermanence of life. This alter would be assembled on a table in our house and kept maybe for a few weeks. Of course constructing an alter requires proper planning and commitment and some forethought - of which we had none this year. Given our wild Halloween the day before which included us dancing on a bar, Allan spent most of Day of the Dead recuperating in bed while I went with some friends to the XCaret theme park to partake in the festivities. So instead of remembering our deceased loved ones we essentially did nothing to commemorate their lives besides me having a little fun at a theme park.

XCaret holds an annual Day of the Dead celebration spanning 4 days which includes Mexican celebrities reciting poetry and stories, dancing shows, painting your face like a skeleton, eating delicious local food like tomales and churros and enjoying a bit of local culture. It's become a tradition for us to visit the park and experience a bit of culture in our beach side oasis. I wouldn't say it made me think of my dead loved ones anymore, but it did add a bit of excitement and fun to my evening.

We walked around the gorgeous park, enjoying all the kids and adults made up with black and white makeup to look like skeletons. Not wanting to miss an opportunity to participate I visited one of the many free makeup booths to do my face as well. The sites, sounds and smells at XCaret are also remarkable. Right when you enter the scent of copal hits your nostrils, an incense used to clear negative energy and to help the dead find their way. In the background music and poetry dance in the night sky. Dancers in colorful costumes spin on various stages while a myriad of both natives and tourists enjoy the all inclusive activities.

By the end of the evening we were exhausted from all the various forms of stimulation. Hopefully next year we will make an alter or visit a grave site to help us really reconnect with the dearly departed and contemplate the true meaning of Day of the Dead. Like Christmas it's easy to get caught up in all the commercialization and fun and loose track of the real significance of the holiday. Regardless of one's cultural or religious denomination, I think it's still crucial to think about the substance behind traditions.

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Merchandise for sale at XCaret

Alter for Miguel Hidalgo, a priest who started the revolution against Spain and served as Mexico's first president.

Some sort of alter to Mexico

I try to get into the festivities by painting my face, albeit poorly.

James poses with a women in traditional Mayan wear and a sign indicating the area for food.

Ladies in traditional Mayan wear make food.

A skeleton kissing a skeleton

Skeletons made from powdered sugar

A gentleman explains (in Spanish) how he makes the sugar skeletons.

It's hard to hear him with the background noise, but still worth sharing.

Snorkeling Among a Cornucopia of Colorful Fish at the Puerto Morelos Coral Reef

2010-11-10T14:48:00.009-06:00

Snorkeling at the coral reef in Puerto Morelos is like swimming in a giant salt water aquarium. Salt water aquarium owners pay big bucks to acquire a diverse array of colorful sea life whereas we were snorkeling with these colorful marine creatures in their own environment. We have yet to experience such a large variety of fish and in such abundant quantities in any reef thus far. The plethora of sea life and colorful coral can be attributed to the reef being named as a national park and all the protections that come along with such a post such as restrictions against boating, fishing and swimming. Snorkeling at the Puerto Morelos reef by far is a can't miss activity for our Playa del Carmen rental clients.

Since the Puerto Morelos reef is protected you must go with an experienced, certified guide. Otherwise you will be turned away or kicked out of the water. If you are caught fishing we have heard you go straight to jail. We opted to use the tour and guide services of the Snorkel Shop in Playa del Carmen located on 28th Street between Flamingo Ave and Kool Beach Club, since this is also where we purchase all our high quality, reliable snorkeling equipment.

The Snorkel Shop picked up Allan and I along with 2 friends at our door in a van and whisked us away in relative comfort to a small beach side restaurant in Puerto Morelos which would be our starting base. We pre-ordered lunch off the menu, since it's included in the tour and so it would be ready upon our return from the water. On a small boat we boarded with mandatory life vests and were escorted a few hundred feet off shore to water with a relative depth of 7 feet. Along with 2 guides and a photographer who would later provide us with a CD of our adventure, we were accompanied into the water and instructed to stick together, as it was easier to point out interesting sealife, to take photos and to control what we were doing in this protected marine environment.

What struck me most was the plethora of fish. In other reefs you might see one or two colorful fish; here you can see dozens. Purple fan coral spread across the sea bed like an inviting pathway to the unknown. We saw a squid roughly the size of a football with shimmering silver exterior which lit up like a New York billboard. The guides also pointed out large black moray eels hiding in holes within the coral. We also held a small, sparkling sting ray which felt warm and squishy.

After a while swimming we boarded the boat and headed to another, shallower part of the reef where we spent a while snorkeling in similar water, except here the coral formations were larger and more intriguing. Each one invited us to swim and explore their aquamarine communities. By the end of the tour we were all snorkeled out and ready to feast on our delicious beach side lunch while musing over a wonderful afternoon. The lunch included guacamole, ceviche and an entree like grilled fish or chicken fajitas. The food was scrumptious and the ceviche was some of the best we have ever eaten, and this is coming from someone who typically does not like it.

Our afternoon snorkeling at the Puerto Morelos Reef has been one of our favorite activities thus far. We would highly recommend the service of the Snorkel Shop on 28th Street near Kool Beach in Playa del Carmen (www.thesnorkelshop.com). The guides were knowledgeable and bi-lingual, van was clean and comfortable, tour was exceptional and overall service very pleasing. Please remember to mention North American Standards when booking. We will surely we venturing from our cocoon in Playa del Carmen to visit Puerto Morelos again.

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Stingray!

Colorful fishie

Allan before the dive

Squid

Fishie!

Barracuda

Colorful fishie

Fishie!

Allan

Fishies

More fishies

Lots of fishies

Acting Like Kids on Halloween in Playa del Carmen

2010-11-03T11:24:00.002-06:00

Halloween represents the party of the year in Playa del Carmen. It heralds in a time for celebration and release of your inhibitions. Adults in disguise don a wide variety of crazy costumes and can experience the freedom of anonymity. Grown-ups can act like kids again and help to rediscover that part of their childhood hidden deep inside. Allan and I paraded down 5th Avenue in costume and experienced some of the most fun we've had all year.

I dressed up as Cleopatra. Planning ahead this year I bought the costume back in May in New York City. However, when I retrieved the get up this past 31st I realized I didn't have a dress! I scrambled to find dress designs online, ran over to my tailor and then was unfortunately rejected due to his lack of time. Luckily at last minute our friend, Marilou, brought over a dress and was able to complete my Cleopatra costume. Allan dressed up as Katrina, Lady Dead, with the same dress and hat as last year. It's a wild design which never gets old.

Down 5th Avenue we strut along with Marilou dressed as a devil, our friend Claudia as a witch, Jo Anne as a bar maid and 5 other friends not in costume. Throngs of Mexican children dressed in costume bombarded us asking for candy. We sported bags of sweet spicy watermelon gummies, strawberry candy covered in chili and corn flavored Popsicles covered in chili. The local families have picked up the American tradition of Halloween and now the groups of costumer wielding youngsters grows exponentially each year. Within 1/2 hour we were out of candy.

I had a hard time letting go of my inhibitions. Wearing costumes and letting go is just not really my thing. However after a couple of beers I was able to relax a little bit and get more into the role. On the other hand Allan was the life of the party. He never resisted an opportunity to lift up his dress to show a little leg or fondle the balloons positioned on his chest. At one point Marilou, Allan and I were dancing on the bar at the Tequila Barrel and swinging on a stripper pole affixed atop the bar. At each bar visited we ran into friends and acquaintances also sporting nifty costumes. Each bar served as a haven for the costume wearing crowd. In total we hit 4 bars, danced on 1 bar, were asked to pose for no less than 30 photos, walked for roughly 1 mile and returned home around midnight exhausted and exhilarated.

Even though the next morning our joints were sore and cerebrums aching, we longingly wished Halloween was a monthly event. We are already brainstorming our costumes for next year. Hopefully we'll see you strolling down 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen wearing a crazy creation next Halloween!

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The candy we handed out

Allan, I and Marilou

Jo Anne and I

Marilou, I, Jo Anne and Allan

Claudia, Allan and I

Allan and some children on 5th Avenue

Me with a squirrel on my chest and a lizard on my head

Allan and his long lost sister

Allan now has a job as a mannequin

Marilou, Allan, I and some girls on the stripper pole on the bar at the Tequila Barrel

Rio Secreto - An Unforgettable Underground River You Must See

2010-10-21T16:25:00.003-05:00

Close your eyes. You hear nothing but silence and the faint sound of trickling water in the background. Imagine you are 80 feet below ground with your eyes open in the pitch black. You are one with Mother Earth. You are somewhere along an 800 meter stretch of a 14 kilometer underground river that originates in the interior of the peninsula and empties into the sea. The lights come back on. Look up and see thousands of jagged-edged stalactites pointing towards your head like the tips of poison Mayan arrows. It looks like you are either on another planet or on the set of a blockbuster Hollywood movie. This is Rio Secreto.

Good friends of ours, Jim and Janet, won free passes to Rio Secreto while Jim was volunteering at Mayakoba. We have been talking about us all going for months, but could never seem to coordinate our schedules. Then unfortunately due to medical problems Jim and Janet could no longer use the tickets and gifted them to us. Not wanting the passes to go to waste since they expire this winter, we arranged a trip this past Friday.

We really did not know much about Rio Secreto other than it was another cave/underground adventure, and that the likes of Samantha Brown from the Travel Channel and other famous figures had visited the eco-park. Despite our lack of familiarity we were game for another wild experience.

Our day began like any other Friday in recent memory: we packed the car with friends, drove to the park and proceeded over extremely bumpy roads several miles into the jungle to the entrance to the cave. At the park we were provided with complimentary wetsuits, life jackets, water shoes and helmets with lights. Then we walked a few hundred feet back into the jungle to what looked like any other cave we've seen on the peninsula.

We were soon surprised at how different Rio Secreto is from other caves we've been in. Rio Secreto is like stalactites on steroids. I have never seen so many in one place. Then the cave is completely dark - there is no artificial lighting, other than the light on your head, and no other groups - just you, your guide, and your group of up to 10 or so people, wandering through an underground river 80 feet below the ground. The path was quite treacherous: up and down, in and out of water sometimes above your head, crouching down to fit below low underpasses. Luckily the terrain was not slippery. It is certainly not for the faint of heart or for anyone with health problems. This is most definitely for those with an adventurous spirit.

At one point we entered a cavern that was filled with giant coral formations which were so large, I felt like a spec drifting among a reef in the sea. This was all ocean at some point millions of years ago. We trekked along this river for approximately 1.5 hours, exploring just a minute part of this gigantic subterranean aquatic highway. I can say we have never experienced such an amazing cave system so far in our time in Playa del Carmen.

What's striking is that Rio Secreto was discovered only 4 years ago when this 80 year old man saw water vapor rising from the ground. He began to dig, discovered the river, and then mapped the 1st kilometer himself, before opening the river to the public 2 short years ago. To preserve the system they have 3 tours which cover different routes along the river, and alternate them over time, shutting one off and opening others to prevent wear. Lack of lighting helps prevent the growth of algae and maintain the authentic underground experience. By arranging small tours at 9am and 1pm, they stagger the river's visitors aiding in making you feel like you and your group are alone in the river, rather than running into other people multiple times.

We highly recommend Rio Secreto to all our Playa del Carmen rental guests. At present we are going to rank it among the top 3 greatest activities we've experienced in Playa and the surrounding region. At only $59 USD per person or $250 pesos for locals with valid proof of residence, it's a real deal. You should call the park ahead of time and make a reservation.

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At the start of our adventure: Mary Lou, Allan, Carla, Jane and me


Our group before the big event

Look at those stalactites

Admire the large coral ceiling formations

Either we are in a Gothic castle, Hollywood movie or hell


Another pretty formation


Allan floats down the river


We're going to have to visit Rio Secreto again

Just before the exit

Cenote Tamcach-Ha and Dinner in Tulum

2010-10-11T19:16:00.000-05:00

This past Friday we took a road trip to the Tamcach-Ha Cenote in Coba and spent a wonderful evening dining under the stars on the beach in Tulum. Unfortunately Allan was feeling sick and bowed out at the last moment. However, he encouraged me and six of our friends to go and enjoy the day. Guiltily I still went, and had a simply amazing day.

We left Playa del Carmen at around 1pm in our spacious SUV with convenient fold-down third row, allowing for up to 8 people including the driver. We headed 45 minutes south to Tulum and stopped at a road-side restaurant just before the turn-off to Coba for delicious fresh fried fish and shrimp tacos with a multitude of self-serve toppings. Our friends, John and Diane, stayed at the restaurant with plans to walk around Tulum for the day and meet up with us later as Diane does not swim and is deathly afraid of water. The rest of us (me, Marge, Neil, Marilou and Jane) boarded the SUV and drove 1/2 hour west to the sleepy town of Coba.

The drive was rather uneventful but interesting. There is a neat but pricey Talavera pottery store on the way, which we passed by as we've already been several times. A few small Mayan towns with prominent speed bumps serve as make-shift mile markers, reminding us of where we actually are in the middle of the jungle. It's always interesting to see how the locals live in road-side towns buried in the Yucatan interior.

The town of Coba is most remarkable for its beautiful lagoon which filled with crocodiles and the spectacular Mayan ruins of Coba. On the outskirts of town nestled in the jungle below 20 feet of solid ground is a make-shift winding wood staircase down to the Tamcach-Ha cenote. The domed roof is marked by stalagtites and looms 30 feet above the clear water. Adventurous types have 2 jumping platforms - one around 8 meters (26 feet) and the other at 5 meters (16 feet). The water reaches a depth of 40 feet, although the bottom looks to be only about 10 feet since the water is so clear. The entire cenote resembles an indoor football stadium with the cenote's rounded shape and oval domed roof.

Although I did jump off a 32 foot (10 meter) Olympic height diving board once in Florida while training for spring board diving in college, the 8 meter cenote platform seemed much scarier. I stuck to the 5 meter platform, which is daring in itself. Water shot up my nose each time I hit. The impact was quite intense, even though I kept in my arms and legs.

In terms of snorkeling there is really not much to see except for a few rocks. The cenote is artificially illuminated by a couple of lights, but really does not allow for much to be viewed under the water. Although the bottom can be seen from above the water's surface, under water seems rather dark. The roof and walls of the cenote are most remarkable with notable stalactites and phallic looking stalagmites.

We finished swimming after an hour or so, and then headed back to the lagoon at Coba feeling very refreshed by the cool, crisp waters. At the lagoon we saw a sign indicating we could pay to see crocodiles. Anxiously we stopped and paid a local store owner/guide $10 pesos ($.80 USD) per person to watch him feed raw chicken to a crocodile from a stick. For me it was the first time seeing one in it's native environment and probably was the most exciting part of the day. Although the crocodile was still young (roughly 4 feet), the guide showed us his finger which had been bitten off by a similar-sized one. It did not stop me from foolishly putting my hand in the water and tempting the gator closer. I am very practical in many senses but do have my moments of stupidity.

We left Coba as darkness was setting in, picked up John and Diane in Tulum and headed to the open air Zebra restaurant on the beach in Tulum. Amid cool ocean breezes we dined on delicious fish and meat dishes and spectacular Margaritas and other mixed drinks. For dessert we relaxed on beach chairs along the shore and ate up the night sky which was littered with bright stars and vibrant views of the Milky Way. It was the perfect ending to a wonderful day. As an extra treat on our way out of Tulum we dodged blue crabs scurrying across the road.

Next time we return to Coba to visit the other 3 cenotes, we would certainly love to revisit Cenote Tamcah-Ha, especially so Allan could partake. We highly recommend it to any of our Playa del Carmen rental guests.

The Sign Indicating the Coba Ruins and Cenotes

Me at the Tamcach-Ha Cenote

The Roof at the Tamcach-Ha Cenote

The Tamcach-Ha Cenote

Me at the Tamcach-Ha Cenote

Marilou, Neil, Jane and Marge at the Tamcach-Ha Cenote

Neil and I at the Coba Lagoon

Me at the Coba Lagoon with Crocodile in the Background

Neil at the Coba Lagoon with Crocodile in the Background

The Gentlemen Who Feeds Crocodiles Shows Us His Missing Finger

Crocodile at the Coba Lagoon

Blue Crab Running Across the Street in Tulum

Mexico's New Prescription Drug Law - Good or Bad?

2010-10-10T20:47:00.003-05:00

The Mexican government passed a new law a few months ago requiring that all consumers who purchase antibiotics must present an original prescription from a certified Mexican doctor. This means no citizen, resident or tourist in Mexico is allowed to just walk into a pharmacy in Mexico and buy whatever antibiotic they choose without first visiting a doctor. Although this new decree makes it more difficult for many to treat simple illnesses like travelers diarrhea by simply purchasing Cipro (ciprofloxacin - an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections), the law appears to be well-intended and may actually do some good.

A couple of months ago while we were in the US Allan's American doctor recommended Allan take Cipro for a week to cure a minor medical condition. Allan decided to pick up the drug when we returned to Playa del Carmen as it was less expensive (and we were unaware of the new law). When Allan sent me to the pharmacy in Mexico I was stunned that the pharmacists would not sell it without a prescription. They mentioned a new law passed and pointed to a sign explaining the new legislation. I unsuccessfully tried 4 different pharmacies, hoping one would ignore the law.

At first we viewed the law as a bit of an inconvenience. We wondered why Mexico was focusing on antibiotics. Although they are strongly regulated in the US, so is almost everything in America. From our experience in Mexico things are a bit more laid back. Why decide to control antibiotics now?

Our opinion has since changed after speaking with a local Mexican doctor. According to him the Mexican legislature was faced with a financial crisis and felt compelled to act. Many sick were incorrectly self-medicating themselves with antibiotics, often with the wrong dosage or completely wrong medicine. Consequently the state sponsored hospitals were seeing a rise in the amount of patients who required stronger, and hence more expensive, antibiotics because the bacteria was becoming resistant to the antibiotics. Through improper use and dosage, the sick were essentially not killing the bacteria, but rather making it stronger. Hypothetically 8 out of every 10 patients would now need the more expensive drug and the state would have to pay for it. Additionally, by now requiring people to first visit a doctor the state would essentially help to control proper diagnosis and treatment of illnesses, thus also providing more public safety and cutting cost by hopefully having less sick.

Although the new prescription drug law makes it more difficult for us to treat minor illnesses on our own, it does help us to correctly treat our medical problems and hopefully stop the stem of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Hopefully the government will be able to cut costs and put the money to good use, like maybe fighting poverty in Mexico. A routine visit from a doctor is probably a good idea anyway, even if it is not the most convenient.

The new law also has allowed me to experience the humor of living in Mexico. Yesterday at the pharmacy the technician was pointing to a line item on the prescription and indicated that it was not in their system. Written in English were the words "plenty of fluids". I explained that it meant the patient should drink more water. When the technician could not find in their system another item on the list I joking said it meant "kiss more girls".

Notice of the new law at the pharmacy. Translation "Dear User, this commercial pharmaceutical establishment sells antibiotics only with a medical prescription."


View of the beach at Playacar Phase 1


Demi and Mitzi

Sunday Sailing and Snorkeling off the Coco Luna Catamaran

2010-10-04T15:28:00.001-05:00

Sunday we spent an exquisite day sailing and snorkeling off the Coco Luna Catamaran. Owned by our great friend, Scottie, and named after her condo at The Elements, it was one of the most fun days we have spent in Playa del Carmen. I think you'll see us doing a lot more ocean activities over the next few months.

A few months ago when Scottie started mentioning to me about possibly purchasing a used boat, I skeptically went along with the idea. How often would she use it? Was it a good use of money? Perhaps she was better off renting one. However, since hearing the stories of how much fun she is having on the boat, I have completely changed my mind. Scottie's purchase of the catamaran is quite possibly the best thing that has happened to humans since the advent of chocolate mousse. When Scottie asked us to join her for a sail on Friday, Allan and I made sure to first say "yes", then to keep our schedules clear and lastly to show up on time (a chronic problem for us) so we would not miss a single second.

We arrived at The Elements Beach Club on Sunday at 1pm (on time) to meet Scottie and her squeeze Jim. For me it was just one of those perfect days with clear blue skies, shimmering turquoise seas and calm waters. Sailors would wish for more waves and wind, but not me. I get sea sick quite easily. Regardless I was not going to let that stop me or anyone else from having a ball.

Scottie and Jim were already sailing when we arrived, taking a lesson from a local named Emilio whom everyone says is a complete hunk. I will leave that judgment up to you. (Photo is below.) The free moment gave Allan and me time to relax a while - Allan chatted with our client, Carla, a condo owner who is down for the month, while I took a dip in the water to cool off. In no time the Coco Luna pulled up to shore, and it was time for Allan and me to board.

The sail was an absolute joy - very relaxing. We lazily chatted and soaked up the sun's warm rays as Emilio expertly guided us to the reef just off Coco Beach. I marveled at the water's varying shades of blue - from the traditional turquoise color near shore to an almost glacial blue color in deeper waters.

The reef rests just below the water's surface in about 12 feet of water, 1000 feet out from shore. It starts out where we were and then parallels the beach, stretching about 1/2 mile, reaching closer to the coast at its far point. Donning our snorkeling gear, we splashed in for our underwater adventure and were amazed at how warm the water was. We could have stayed in all day.

We gracefully glided through the water, past large brain coral, colorful fish and creative coral formations, trying not to trample on and damage the reef. Fish darted in and out of view, acting as if we were predators searching for a meal. Admittedly I did want to consume their aura in photos and videos, but I'll leave eating raw fish to sushi bars.

We stayed in the water for about an hour, then boarded the boat (some gracefully, others less so) and began our zip-zag sailing pattern back to The Elements, completely dependent on the wind. On the way as we reached really deep water, the ocean turned a marine navy color. Emilio pointed out this is where the ocean drops to past 300 feet. It's a scary feeling to think about just how profound deep water really is. Anchored close by a 83 yacht emitted cool electronic music as on board passengers waived to us as they jumped up and down to the beat. Allan and I immediately fell in love with the streamlined structure, wishing we too could voyage on the open seas in such a posh vessel, even if I do get sea sick. It would be worth it.

Our sailing adventure ended after roughly 2 hours of sheer joy. We helped to pull the ship on shore, and then headed back to the Elements Beach Club where our friend Marilou met us. Lounging around on the beach for another hour or so we read, enjoyed Scottie's salsa and chips and made plans with Marilou later that evening for dinner.

We've found the longer we stay in Playa, the more friends we make and the deeper our existing friendships have become. Each week offers a new adventure whether it be sailing, snorkeling, a cenote or a surprise. Contently we approach each day, happy with our lives and excited for what new encounters we'll experience in this sunny enclave called Playa del Carmen.


Jim and Allan and the Coco Luna Cat


Allan gets ready to jump in


Jim and I enjoy the ride


Emilio, our captain


Allan snorkeling


Brain coral


The reef and sea life

Colorful fish


I loved this blue fish with florescent dots

Another neatly designed fish


A view of where we snorkeled and the boat anchored next to ours

Las Mojarras Cenote - Not Your Typical Cenote But Still Quite Fun

2010-10-02T16:32:00.001-05:00

Yesterday we had the pleasant experience of visiting Cenote Las Mojarras on Cenote Road just outside of Puerto Morelos with 5 of our friends. Although we only had 4 hours to travel from Playa, eat lunch, enjoy the cenote and then return to Playa by 5pm (so I could play tennis) we did manage to have a ball for about 2 hours at the cenote. Cenote Las Mojarras is one I will certainly recommend to our Playa del Carmen rental guests.

On our way up to the cenote we stopped briefly in Puerto Morelos at a road side taco stand and ate absolutely delicious chicken and beef tacos for only $10 pesos each (~ $0.80 USD). We would have preferred to have a nice sit down Thai meal at David Lao's on the square in Puerto Morelos but time would not allow. The tacos were quick and easy, and no one got sick to my knowledge so that roadside taco stand passes my health inspection.

The most remarkable moment meandering the tortuous dirt road to the cenote was the flock of wild boars that ran in front of the car. By the time I withdrew my camera from my front pocket they were gone. Everyone remarked at what a splendid treat it was to see the animals as no one in the group had previously seen boars in the wild. Additionally a couple of pheasants with shimmering blue tails ran across the road and then flew off, adding to the authenticity that we were really having a Mexican jungle adventure.

At the cenote entrance our passage was stopped by a rope across the road, which gave us pause to notice the sign to the left of the vehicle indicating we should disembark and ring the bell hanging next to the sign to be let in. Now this was certainly unique. However before I had the opportunity to get to the bell the cenote owner came out, collected the $100 peso per person entrance fee (~ $8 USD) and lowered the rope.

Once we exited the car and gathered our belongings surprisingly the owner led us on foot to the cenote and along the way provided us with a guided tour of the local flora. He pointed out the Chechem tree, which is highly poisonous and will cause a rash on anyone who dares to touch its bark or leaves. I thought we were done with such plants after leaving poison ivy behind in Massachusetts. He then pointed out another tree whose name escapes me who's sap is fatal. That is a shocker - growing in plain sight in the jungle.

Unfortunately we did not have time to traverse the whole 3km (~1.8 mile) nature trail which includes over 90 trees labeled and an accompanying map to help guests become familiar with the local vegetation. Picnic tables are also accessible where we could have brought our lunch and booze instead of having to eat on the road. Next time we return we are certainly going to bring a group, spend the day, picnic and meander along the tree trail.

The cenote itself is unique because it looks like a large open pond: the water is certainly not crystal clear. However, it does have 2 zip lines allowing for splash landings into the water. Both lines are rather slow and ideal for the less risky adventurous types. The cenote also offers 2 diving platforms both 5 meters high (~16 feet). The water is at least 14 meters deep (~46 feet) so there is no worry of hitting bottom.

We used the diving platform and zip line several times. Even though I have a spring board diving background, I only jumped as Allan does not allow me to dive - too risky as we do have a business to run. There is also a ladder down to the water for those who care not to dive/jump. Unfortunately there is no shallow end so those afraid of deep water should use the complimentary life vests or partake in the nature trail. We will certainly come back next time for a full day, so we won't be so rushed. The cenote is about a 45 minute drive from Playa del Carmen, so it is best to rent a car or hitch a ride with a friend if you don't have one yourself.

The bell at the cenote entrance

The cenote owner in front of the Poisonous Chechem Tree

Aktun Chen Zip Line and Cenote Park - An Amazing Company Outing

2010-09-29T10:26:00.002-05:00

Last Friday Allan and I brought our 6 employees to the adventure park, Aktun Chen, just south of Akumal. It's owned by our attorney's family, and we've heard great things about it, so it was time to check it out for ourselves. Additionally we felt the need to give back to our employees for their loyal service, and to share with them the most fun part of our job: exploring the Riviera Maya's many enjoyable activities. Aktun Chen certainly did not disappoint, and offered many a first time opportunity to ride on zip lines.

Aktun Chen Cenote

After a 45 minute drive south of Playa del Carmen we traversed winding dirt roads through roughly 5 miles of jungle until we reached the unassuming entrance to Aktun Chen. We were greeted by a friendly guide who led us to lockers where we could store our belongings. Visitors can pick and choose which activities they would like among zip line, cave tour and a cenote swim. We opted for the all inclusive combo entrance pack which includes all 3 since after all we are expected to provide an expert review.

Allan and Claudia acting like monkeys

We were then given hard hats and led further into the jungle to this massive cave. The guide led us on an amazing subterranean tour through stalactites, stalagmites and underwater rivers. It was like being on planet Mars - the views from every angle were incredible. Furthermore the informative guide helped us to better understand the history and geology of the region. I can comfortably say that everyone in the group was impressed. The waterways passing through the cave connected directly to the sea and provided a crystal clear view of the bottom 12 - 100 feet below.

The cave tour ended will an above ground walk through the jungle and past a flock of white tailed dear, which were close enough to almost touch. This is when the guide began telling us the cave was discovered 30 years ago by farmers searching for gum trees. Centuries ago the Mayan used the cave system as a hurricane shelter and also believed it was a pathway of the Gods.

After the brief hiatus at the snack bar we were stripped of our hard hats and led back into the jungle past a family of spider monkeys kept in a large enclosure. We stopped for a few photos, but hurried excitedly on as the one hour zip line tour was next.

The NAS team gets ready for the zip line

The zip lines were certainly the most exciting part of our adventure, especially because none of my employees, except Claudia, had ever been on one before - they had never even worn a harness. I have been doing this since I was a child at gymnastics camp. Although many were nervous, everyone went, except for Connie, who is 6 months pregnant. The zip lines were not as high as those at Xplor, but certainly allowed you to get closer to nature. The 10 zip lines at Aktun Chen snake through the jungle at about mid-tree level and pass rather close to the trees whereas at Xplor they essentially cut down most of the trees, and you are traveling above the tree tops. For at least an hour you do not touch ground, but rather take off and land on sturdy make-shift tree forts, and even traverse 2 suspended bridges. At every stage we were securely attached to a cable to prevent an accidental personnel plummet.

I love this photo of Allan

Although the first one or two zip lines required some encouragement and prodding on the part of my employees, by the end of the 6th zip line, people were becoming more adventurous - going backwards and even upside down. We enjoyed seeing these humble yet hardworking people open up and expand their experiences and test their courage. Our maintenance man Luis commented that he didn't want to come back to work - that he was going to work at the park. Very funny, I mused.

Allan enters the cenote

The last part of the adventure involved a 10 minute drive into the jungle to a below ground cenote with spectacular ceiling views of the jagged rocks above. The water, although cold, was this pristine blue color, that made the whole cave sparkle. We brought our own snorkel equipment (you can rent it there), and were forced to wear life jackets. I probably should also mention they sprayed us with a cold hose before entering the water to wash off any sweat and sunblock. The cenote is definitely worth it, especially as a way to cool down after a long but enjoyable day.

Although Aktun Chen is a ways from Playa del Carmen compared to Xplor, it is less expensive as does offer a more authentic experience, as Xplor is more like a theme park (albeit an amazing one). Furthermore Aktun Chen is also part zoo, allows you to become familiar with the native wildlife and offers a guided cave tour. I would definitely say this employee field trip was a success, and is certainly a step up from our employee party last year which involved my pool and a BBQ. Aktun Chen will definitely make it on my list of activities provided to our Playa del Carmen rental guests. Akthn Chen can be found at http://www.aktunchen.com/HOME_ing.htm.


Cool and calm I glide down the zip line


Allan and his relatives, the spider monkeys


I rest after a long day

Allan in the cenote

Learn How Not to Get Ripped Off at the Pump in Playa del Carmen Mexico

2010-09-21T23:34:00.001-05:00

In the USA I'm used to the ease and painless procedure of refueling my vehicle. The only real concern is finding a station with the lowest price and the shortest line. In Mexico the rules change. Although lines at the pump are short and the price is fixed by the government and only changes monthly, there are many other factors at the pump that can make your experience in Playa del Carmen, Mexico less than pleasant.

The first step at a Pemex station (official gas station of Mexico) is to get out of your car and stand near the pump. This may seem counterintuitive, especially considering all pumps are full service. In the USA at full service pumps the attendant would wonder what the heck I was doing watching him or her pump my gas. Is he crazy, they would wonder? In Mexico one needs to make sure they turn the pump back to 0. Stations were notorious for starting the pump where the previous customer left off, thus making you pay for your gas and that of the customer before you (who already paid). In my experience now a days that happens far less. However, it's still a good idea to watch them and to let them know you are doing it. They even expect it. Every time they make a point of showing me that the pump has gone back to 0 even if I'm not looking.

It's also a good idea to know how much gas your car actually can take. Some stations have had faulty pumps which were intentionally set to pump slower than the meter, so you might be charged for 10 liters even if you only received 2. If the meter indicates more gas has been pumped into your tank than physically possible you should obviously point this out to the attendant and refuse to pay the amount indicated. I think the government is doing a better job in regulating the meters so this won't happen, but you really never know.

The next step is to make sure that gas has actually been put into your tank. Although I've never had the experience, I've heard from friends who have filled up their cars only to notice once they left the station that their tanks were still on empty. This has been reported mostly at the station outside of Puerto Aventuras. The victims then returned to the station and started screaming at the attendant. I don't recall if they were allowed to get more gas or not or if they were issued a refund.

One of the most important rules is to keep track of the money. At the gas station on the highway outside of Chichen Itza, a friend gave the attendant $500 pesos for gas only to have the attendant claim he received a $50 peso note. The attendant then showed the $50 note to my friend, as evidence of his claim. My friend then argued with him, and then left. In their rear view mirror they saw the attendant pick up the $500 peso note that he had dropped and hidden under his shoe.

Equally important is to know how much change you are supposed to get back. Don't just trust that they will automatically give you back the correct change. I bought some drinks at the gas station last week and the attendant acted like she was not paying attention, and continued talking with another worker. She then rapidly told me it was something like $69 pesos. I gave her $70 pesos and then she returned $1 peso to me without a receipt. When I asked for the receipt I noticed the total was only $65 pesos - she was trying to pocket the other 4 pesos. I protested, she returned me the correct change, and I left.

I would also recommend paying for gas in cash. This past year I heard from a client who claimed the station created a duplicate copy of their credit card and then began using it almost immediately ringing up ridiculous charges online for electronic items. As a safety measure we pay cash whenever possible.

As a side note, tipping is encouraged for gas station attendants. As a general rule I only do it if they wash my windows (and haven't pulled any of the above-mentioned schemes). Most of them do wash the windows, so the few lazy ones are obvious, and get nothing extra from me. A general tip at a gas station is 10 or 20 pesos.

When you do run into problems you can always report the issues to Pemex via email (atencion.ciudadana@pemex.com). I'm not sure how much good it will do. I think at a minimum if you are aware of the potential rip-offs, and do prevent them, you can at least feel good that perhaps you were smarter than them this time. We would hate for our Playa del Carmen rental guests to have a bad vacation simply because of an unfortunate incident at a gas station. To my knowledge, I've never been ripped off at a gas station. Perhaps I am woefully ignorant. However, I think if you look like you are aware and know what you're doing, generally they won't mess with you. That being said the intelligence level of some attendants is very questionable, so I would not put it past them.

The price per liter of gas is displayed at the pump above the handle once it has been engaged by the attendant. This price is fixed by the government, is the same at every station, and changes monthly.

Allan and our housekeeper's son, Jose, do a language interchange, helping the other with English or Spanish.

Jose and Allan

Mitzi and Demi. Demi is still wearing a ribbon around her neck with the Mexican flag colors in celebration of Mexican Independence Day. Mitzi doesn't wear those colors after the 20th of September.

Mitzi and Demi Playing

Mitzi howling with my encouragement. She was far more vocal, sounding like a wolf, before she lost most of her hearing.

Splashing into the Bottomless 7 Bocas Cenote

2010-09-18T10:35:00.001-05:00

Yesterday Allan, I and the gang spent an adventurous afternoon visiting the 7 Bocas Cenote on Cenote Road outside of Puerto Morelos. Although it may seem like we are goofing off, this is actually market research for us, and will help provide invaluable information to our Playa del Carmen rental guests. I must say it is well worth the $100 pesos entrance fee and the time to traverse the approximate 1 mile circuitous dirt entrance road to the cenote.

Upon entering the dry-tropical, well manicured cenote parking lot and entrance I was struck by just how far back in the jungle we were. How did they ever find this cenote? From the surface the cenote does not look like much: 7 holes or mouths as they call them (bocas) provide a ground level birds-eye view of the water 15-20 feet below. Three holes have steep stairs leading down to the cenote; 4 just provide visuals. The last 2 holes are not accessible without scuba diving gear. The 3rd hole was the most exciting as they excavated around it so people could jump in. When I asked a girl who worked there how deep it was she replied that it did not have a depth. "Is is 30 meters (100 feet)?" I asked. "No," she said "it's much deeper than that". Apparently they had put a rope line down into it to measure the depth, but because of the acidic gases at the far depths of the cenote, the rope was burned, and hence the cenote may forever been known as bottomless.

We traversed down the stairs into the cenote and were amazed at its beauty. Stagtites and stagamites protruded from every angle. Although the cenote was quite dark, the water was refreshing and the ceilings a domed masterpiece of jagged rocks. Through the second hole one could look up into the sky and see a massive tree who's root protruded down into the water.

From the second to the third cenote one has to pass through a narrow passage way with barely enough head room to reach the large opening where jumping is permitted. On the side of the opening is a steep staircase to the top which I used many times. Jumping into the cenote was actually quite scary as it was fairly high (15 - 20 feet down). Each time my stomach dropped and water shot up my nose as I plummeted down into the water and was submerged at least 10 feet down. Allan and our friend Janet were daring enough to try it once. I of course jumped 6 or 7 times, each time feeling like it was the first.

I would highly recommend Cenote 7 Bocas to any of our Playa del Carmen rental guests. A car is definitely required. Life jackets are provided for free, and there are even guide ropes and surf boards inside the cenote to make the adventure a bit easier and safer.

Janet with Jim and Mary Lou in the background.

Jim taking a rest.

The gang.

The second hole with the tree growing out of it.

The first entrance.

Allan stands over the third hole where we jumped several times.

Allan

Janet explores with snorkeling gear.

Allan

A Local's Perspective of Cenote Verde Lucero in the Riviera Maya, Mexico

2010-09-13T16:57:00.002-05:00

As part of Allan and my Playa del Carmen rental business, it's advantageous for us to possess expert knowledge of the area in order to pass this knowledge onto our rental guests. Every week we have tried going to a new Cenote while it is still low season in order to increase our familiarity with the region. This past Saturday Allan, I and our friend, Mary Lou visited Cenote Verde Lucero on the "Road of the Cenotes" heading out of Puerto Morelos. For the most part we were quite impressed.

Saturday afternoon we worked until 1pm, the time when most Playa del Carmen management companies close. We then packed the SUV for a day of fun, picked up Mary Lou and headed north to the town of Puerto Morelos for lunch. We have been dying to try this Asian restaurant there, and every time we go it's closed. This time was no exception. It was 1:30 and they do not open until 3pm. Upon a recommendation from a local, we tried a local Mexican joint right on the water, which turned out to be perfect. We sat facing the turquoise sea, amidst a sea of pink and blue chairs, giving the whole establishment a very cool, beachy feel. I thought "this is the life". The food was great, and then we were on our way to the Cenote.

About 20 minutes later we arrived at the Verde Lucero Cenote, a veritable hole in the ground that looks almost like a small asteroid struck 1,000 years ago. It was about 100 feet in diameter, 20 feet down to the water and the water was between 10 and 30 feet in depth. Large trees with massive roots protrude out of the depth and into the sky. The best part of the cenote was the zip line. Grabbing onto the handle of the zip line I rode down several times, plunging into the water. After watching a local try it backwards, I did the same, and must admit it is much scarier not knowing where exactly you are heading. There was also a rock ledge with a plunge of about 20 feet, which I also jumped off after gaining enough confidence.

Overall the cenote was a great experience, and is perfect for anyone looking for a bit of action - using the zip line and jumping from high depths into water. The downside is that the water is a bit green, there are no good areas to sit around the cenote, and no snack bar. However, Cenote Verde Lucero is definitely being added to my cenote list, and will be recommended to my Playa del Carmen rental guests. This coming week we are going to try the 7 Bocas Cenote (7 mouths). It's tough work, but someone's got to do it!

Cenote Verde Lucero

Me at Cenote Verde Lucero

Allan at Cenote Verde Lucero

Mary Lou at Cenote Verde Lucero

Me Zip-lining In

It's a Bit of a Drop

Ready to Take the Plunge

We Saw This Street Dog Nursing as We Came Home.

Tasting a Variety of Odd Tropical Fruit in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

2010-09-08T15:13:00.004-05:00

Recently a friend in Playa was telling us how she went to the local store and bought a bunch of fruit she had never tried before, just to see how they tasted. We thought it was a good idea, so we took up the challenge as well. Expanding one's horizons is always a good idea. Why not try something native and local - maybe we'd really like it?

At the local grocery store, Soriana, we encountered a selection of fruits that we're not really familiar with and decided to buy one of each. Do you recognize these fruits?

Once home it was time to go to work and try each one. Luckily Connie, our assistant, was there to help us with the names of each one rather then having to try to find them online. The first one we tried was pitaya:

I thought pitaya was the most gorgeous looking fruit I've ever seen. Taste wise I considered it bland, crunchy and tangy - not my favorite, but I didn't hate it either. Allan loved it, and was quick to remind me we already tried it at a friend's place in Playa. So much for the new and adventurous.

The next one we tried was mamey, and this by far was my favorite:

Mamey tastes and looks like cooked sweet potatoes with brown sugar and maple syrup. Yum!! Allan was very hesitant to try it, but loved it in the end. Per Connie's recommendation we made a shake out of it with honey and milk. Now I have my favorite concoction!

Third for us was guayaba, which is not really a new flavor for us since even in Massachusetts they have guayaba juices. However, I've never actually bought or tried the fruit seen here:

Guayaba was disgusting. Before I even tried it Luis our maintenance man told me not to eat the seeds since they would make me constipated. Then Connie chimed in and said they would give me diarrhea rather then bind me up. So much for consensus. Connie said to eat the skin and everything inside; Luis said to not eat the seeds. In the end I just took a bite, and it tasted like orange peel - disgusting as you can see here:

Next we tried tunas, also known as prickly pears. Driving down through Mexico when we first came down we tried one. It was time to try again. Jorge our other maintenance man showed us to how to peel it with a fork and a knife so not to pierce our skin with the prickly outside.

I was hesitant to try it again. When I did, it tasted like bland raspberry water - not too exciting Here you can see me smelling it before trying it.

Lastly it was time to try tamarind. We've tried the tamarind flavored candies but never the actual fruit which grows on trees inside large seeds. At the store the clerk was laughing at us since we only bought one, and I guess traditionally they are purchased in bulk.

The tamarind was sweet and tasted like a mix between a raisin and a prune. I much prefer the candy version. Allan wasn't a big fan either.

In the end we're glad we tried all this new fruit. We found our favorites: mine was mamey; Allan's was pitaya. I'm sure our fruit bowl will soon look more colorful with these new flavor's we are going to add to our diets!

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The Bank is Passing Out Counterfeit Bills

2010-09-04T22:03:00.004-05:00

The other day our office guru, Connie, was given a counterfeit $500 peso note by the bank. The electric company pointed it out to her as she was trying to pay our bills. Luckily the teller at the electric company knows Connie, and just let her use another one instead. However there have been cases where individuals passing counterfeit bills in Playa either knowingly or unknowingly have been thrown in jail.

It all started when Connie went to the bank to cash a check in order to obtain funds to pay our clients' electric bills. The note was given to her by a teller along with a pile of other legitimate notes. Connie then immediately went to the electric company. Apparently the teller at the electric company knew it was false since it did not pass the marker test where someone writes on the bill with a special pen and if the writing actually sticks then the bill is a fake.

Connie then immediately returned to the same bank to complain and get an authentic bill instead. As a bit of background information going to the bank or electric company can be an ordeal with lines of up to an hour. So imagine Connie has waited at the bank for at least a 1/2 hour, then 1 hour at the electric company and now has to go back to the bank and wait in line again.

When Connie spoke with the teller, the teller denied having given it to her. The teller maintained that Connie could have gotten it anywhere and should have checked all the notes before leaving the bank. The problem is that the lines in the bank are long, the tellers are impatient and to conceivably count out maybe thousands of dollars in bills can take quite a long time, never mind the risk of being seen counting so much money.

Connie then spoke to a manager, related the same story and was able to exchange the bill. She scolded the manager and insisted it was the bank's responsibility to check all the notes being distributed. Connie could have been thrown in jail for their mistake! What if Allan or I had used the bill at a convenience store and then the clerk, having discovered the fake, called the police?!

Although I love living in Mexico very much, I am completely amazed that a bank would not check all the bills going out and coming in. Did the teller do it intentionally? Was it a simply a mistake? I really don't know, but the fact that there is a risk of possibly being thrown in jail for unknowingly passing counterfeit bills certainly does not make me too happy. I am aware that in the US there are many counterfeit bills still in distribution. I would just think that a US bank would check all their notes first before giving them out to clients. I guess I would expect the same in Mexico. Regardless, I still think the risk is low, and does not concern me too much. However it is certainly worth writing about!

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The beach at Tankah

Allan at Casa Cenote

We watched this fisherman throw his net and catch a dozen fish

His catch

Me, Mary Lou and Allan at the Tulum Jazz Festival

Me before my tennis match in the most recent tennis tournament. Unfortunately I lost this game.

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Illegal Immigration from the Perspective of a Gringo in Mexco

2010-08-31T21:40:00.002-05:00

I was speaking with a Mexican waiter the other day who works in a nearby restaurant about Allan and my recent trip to the US. The waiter whom we'll name Jose commented that he was planning on going to the US next Spring. When I asked how, he responded "illegally, like everyone else". Of course I could not just let that comment go, I had to find out more and ask some questions. How much would it cost? Where would he leave from? What would he do in the US?

For $23,000 pesos (or roughly $1,800 USD) a coyote (or human smuggler) would take Jose and 14 other people from his hometown of Chiapas, Mexico to the border. They would then cross the desert by foot, and once in the US a van would pick them up and take them to Miami. Once in Miami Jose would work in construction for 4 years, save up enough money and then return to Mexico and buy a house in Chiapas where there is currently no work and little money.

He thought the Spring was the best time to go in terms of weather and safety. According to Jose there is currently a lot of police activity near the border making it unsafe for illegals. He was also waiting for the coyote to assemble a group of 15 people in total to take across at once. That's roughly $26,000 USD total for all 15 people. Perhaps I'm in the wrong business.

I mentioned to Jose that there was no guaranty the van would actually arrive once they crossed the border - they could just be stranded. Jose seemed confident he would not be abandoned. I guess this is a well-known "reputable" operation.

Although I don't know Jose that well, he seems to be a very nice, personable and trust worthy fellow. He always has a smile on his face, and is always willing to help. Over the past 2 years we have met several people like Jose who were either planning on going to the US or had just come back. They all have interesting stories of why they went, why they returned or why they were going. One guy was doing construction in Washington D.C., hit his girlfriend, was then thrown in jail and sent back to Mexico. He has been the exception - the bad apple being returned.

Having this personal contact with future and former illegal immigrants has given us a lot to think about in terms the whole immigration debate. The prospects to get ahead in Mexico are slim. In the US there is much more opportunity to succeed. There is also a need for foreign workers. Many US citizens don't want to do the manual labor jobs that illegals do so eagerly. For example Jose works in Mexico 6 days a week, 12 hours a day and barely makes enough to get by. He can't afford books to read. In the US he could work for only 4 years and save enough money to buy a home in Mexico.

The US has to find someway to address the immigration issue so people can go to the US legally to work, and maybe eventually work towards citizenship. I think some sort of foreigner worker program would solve it - where foreigners would be allowed to legally come to the US to work, get registered with the US government so we can track them and so they can pay taxes, and perhaps after say 10 years they could apply for citizenship.

It serves nether the US nor the rest of the world to have this open border with people sneaking in. I certainly don't condone illegal immigration, but do realize there are many people who are honest and hard working and would like to come to the US to work and live in search for a better life, like my ancestors did a century ago. Of course they should do so legally not illegally.

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Allan eating lunch at Cactus

My meal at Cactus: Chicken Tacos with Refried Beans and Guacamole

Demi at the Beach

Demi Again

Demi between Allan's legs

Allan and Demi

Our colorful beach chairs

Playing Dominoes at Xaman Ha

Another view of the Domino game

Allan

Allan and Janet

Playing Cards

More Cards

We're Playing Cards in the Pool!

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Vacationing in the USA

2010-08-27T21:15:00.001-05:00

Allan and I just returned from a wonderful 2 week vacation in the US. We spent about a week in the Boston area visiting my family, and then about a week in Maine visiting his. Granted we spent about 2 hours a day responding to emails, but overall it was not an intrusion into our relaxation time at all. When you own your own business, working on vacation is just part of the package.

The trip was a non-stop adventure visiting family, seeing great friends, eating amazing food like boiled lobster, lobster rolls, Chinese food, clam chowder, to name a few. I took my niece and nephew to a water park for the day; Allan, my parents and I spent a day on the cape and then a few days on a lake in Maine; we had a BBQ with about 30 close friends and family; Allan went to his high school reunion and saw people he has not seen in 50 years.

To say the least we both were ready to crash upon arrival in Mexico. We arrived back in Playa del Carmen yesterday afternoon at around 4pm and were completely exhausted. We both were in bed at 5pm and I slept until 6am the next morning.

The fact that we now vacation in the US strikes me the most. Before we would go to Italy or Spain. Now 2 to 3 times a year we go to Boston, a place we loved but certainly were tired of and never expected we would be vacationing there. It's a strange feeling thinking about being a tourist in your hometown and country. Mexico very much feels like home now. The US is now a place to relax and get away.

In an ideal world we'd love to have our friends and family close by. Now it takes purchasing plane tickets and flying to another country to see my best friend or my parents. Allan has children and grand children he'd love to see on a regular basis. However, our life in Mexico is very full and very busy. I can't think of a single instance when I've been bored or have had nothing to do. I would cherish such a day as a welcome escape. Granted too many days with nothing to do would bore me to death, so I much prefer a very active lifestyle as opposed to a sedentary one.

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Me and my friend, Gordana and her husband, Franjo, at the BBQ.

Allan and his brothers, Bert and Tom, at the high school reunion.

Allan and I at the cottage on the lake.

Allan and his family - kids and grandkids

Me and my folks

My niece and nephew at the water park.

Me and my good friend, Josh.

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Tasting an Odd Variety of Mexican Candy

2010-07-07T19:43:00.002-05:00

One of the most notable differences of living in Playa is the assortment of available candy. There are the traditional M&Ms and Snickers in wide abundance, but you will also discover a large selection of sweets that make one ponder and think really? Although we have mostly stuck to eating traditional American goodies, we have plunged into a few of the Mexican versions.

In our welcome basket provided to our condo and villa renters we offer Tamborindos. They are very delicious soft fruit candy made from the tamarind fruit and are covered in chili powder. This is the favorite snack of my Mexican employee, Claudia, who can often be seen apologizing after raiding our stash. I have also come to like Tamborindos, but since I refrain from eating candy due to self-imposed dietary restrictions, it is more of a rare splurge.

Unlike American candies which often are very sweet and are filled with peanut butter, Mexican ones are most always topped with hot chili powder and are more salty than sweet like jalapeno and corn flavored candy. I can distinctly remember our first trip to a Mexican fair where they were serving Popsicles covered with chili sauce and chili powder. To say the least it was an eye opening experience.

Part of the Mexican experience is trying all these different types of sweets. I recall when we first came to Playa one of my Mayan Mexican housekeepers invited us over to a kid's birthday party. In the gift bags given to all the attendees were a bunch of sweets I have never seen before like dulce de leche (milk candy), Salsaghetti (straws of spicy watermelon that look like spaghetti) or chamoy liquid candy (based on a Mexican condiment made from picked fruit). In retrospect I should have tried them all rather than gifting them to my other employees. Now that we've settled into life in Playa we should make more of an effort to try these different sweets. Each Mexican holiday has its own different type of sweet, so it should be a fun cultural experience tasting the full gamut of goods!

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Tamarind candies

Tamborindo candies used in our welcome basket

The last evidence that I ate one

Lollipops with chili powder. I haven't tried these yet.

These are spicy and sweet liquid candy flavored like tamarind

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Chicharrones - Tasting Fried Pork Skins

2010-07-03T12:22:00.001-05:00

Chicharrones, or fried pork skins, comprise an integral part of the Mexican experience. Although they are mainly eaten by children with some sort of spicy sauce, they are also a favorite treat for many adults. I tried my first Chicharon the other day and I must say it met my expectations for greasiness and disgust.

One of our condo owners from Monterrey, Mexico was in town munching down on a bag of Chicharrones. He offered me either the imitations made from fried flour or the real ones made from deep fried pig skin. Although I was very hesitant I figured if I was going to try a Chicharron it might as well be authentic. I put the small light brown, puffy treat into my mouth, and immediately I could taste warm fat. It was absolutely disgusting. As soon as it hit my taste buds my fingers went into my mouth and yanked it out. Although I could have masked the taste with a red spicy sauce like Valentina's, there really was no point. I didn't really want to eat it anyway.

As a child there was a short period when I enjoyed eating meat fat. My grandmother on my Dad's side got me hooked. I don't recall when or why I stopped, but eventually I outgrew this bad habit. As an adult I can appreciate a good steak with nice fat marbling which adds to the flavor of the meat. However, eating straight fat not only tastes unsavory, it is also extremely unhealthy.

Many countries have unhealthy snacks. In the US take fried twinkie for example. Many find them delicious but does that mean most anyone would like them? I know that when my Mexican employees try US style cupcakes and cakes they say the frosting is way too sweet. I guess when one is raised to like a particular taste or treat it can affect one's food predilections for life.

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Allan and Mauricio and a bag of Chicharrones

Chicharrones at a local restaurant

Demi

Mitzi

Mitzi and Demi

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Funny Mexico Phone Number Formatting

2010-06-28T21:55:00.012-05:00

Have you ever considered how difficult it might be to have someone tell you their phone number in a format other than the typical xxx-xxx-xxxx sequence? Instead of hearing 984-873-3548 someone might tell you 984-87-335-48. You would hear 3 numbers, then 2, followed by 3 and then another 2. Or someone might break it up more and say 98-48-73-35-48. In Playa del Carmen, I am frequently told phone numbers in a wide range of formats, and have consequently had a difficult time adjusting.

As an American I'm used to hearing phone numbers in a predetermined arrangement of 3-3-4. Thinking logically the area code is 3 digits, then the city code is another 3, which leaves the last 4 of the number. The American format makes sense: it's put together correctly. The varying number arrangements in Mexico aren't logical at all. I've pondered why anyone would format a phone number differently. Perhaps the pattern of 3-2-2-3 is easier to remember than 3-3-4. Maybe groups of two and three digit numbers are easier to remember than groups of 3 and 4. That is really the only logical explanation I can come up with.

It is even difficult to recite phone numbers from memory in any other arranagement other than 3-3-4. As a test, try repeating your number from memory in a sequence of 3-2-3-2 or even 2-2-2-2-2. I have even heard a phone number as 2-3-1-2-2. Have someone tell you their number in a foreign sequence and see if your brain has trouble processing it. My ears and brain experience a disconnect in terms of what I expect to hear and what is actually being told to me.

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Please enjoy these photos taken the other night at a friend's birthday party held at a local pool hall, where we feasted on pizza, beer and cake!

Claudia, our marketing guru, along with John the birthday boy of intheroo.org and Claire

I love pool

Libby of intheroo.org and Claire

Laura and Carlos of Coco's Cat Rescue

Libby, Claire and Claudia

Allan

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Getting Caught Up in World Cup Fevor

2010-06-25T13:13:00.010-05:00

I grew up playing soccer since I was very young in Duxbury, one of Massachusetts' soccer meccas. Consequently I gave into soccer pandemonium at an early age. My senior year of high school both the girl's and boy's teams won the Massachusetts state tile; the boy's team was even ranked as the 3rd best high school team in the country by Umbro. Although I was a member of the team, I was not that good of a player and sat the bench often, and was only put in when the score was something like 20 - 0, which believe it or not happened more than once.

Regardless of my upbringing, World Cup soccer craze in Mexico overshadows most all US soccer celebrations. When Mexico is playing, the country shuts down. Bosses and workers alike put work aside and huddle around small televisions with excited anticipation of a potential world soccer title. Many schools now have TVs to watch world cup games, to combat absenteeism for kids who were skipping school to watch games. Soccer is Mexico's national sport. When Mexico wins everyone acts like they are your best friend, partying in the streets is expected and national pandemonium becomes the norm.

Both Allan and I have been watching as many World Cup games as possible. Never before have we watched so much soccer. We are finding creative ways to view games, whether it be turning on the game at a client's condo while we are doing routine property checks, or working on the laptop in bed while catching the latest World Cup games on TV. We are excitedly anticipating the games this weekend, and may even rearrange our beach plans so they do not overlap with the World Cup matches.

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These are the Batab Mayan Skin and Hair Eco products that we sell. We offer samples of some of the products in our welcome basket. They are all natural, 100% biodegradable, and safe in coral reefs and cenotes.

Chocolate soap.

The most incredible insect repellent I've ever used. All natural, no chemicals, and it smells great!

Package of insect repellent and 30 SPF sun block.

Safe tanning lotion.

SPF 45 sun block - the best sun tan lotion you'll ever use.

Chocolate shampoo.

Apple cinnamon body lotion.

SPF 15 sun block with tanning accelerator.

Insect repellent - the larger bottle.

SPF 30 sun block - I don't spend a day at the beach without this. It's the best I've every used.

After sun recovery lotion.

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Deterioration of Material Goods and Rejuvenation of the Soul

2010-06-21T09:48:00.007-05:00

Now that we have been living in Playa for 2 years we are starting to experience a new unexpected phenomenon. Some of our personal items and those of our clients are starting to deteriorate due to the salt, humidity and sun. We live so close to the beach in year round sunshine, so I guess it has to be expected.

The other day my housekeeper showed me my very nice North Face backpack which I kept hidden in a back corner of my closet. It was dotted with green mildew and the zippers were stuck and coated with green film. We noticed the zippers on our camera case experienced the same fate.

Televisions here, especially those close to the beach last for about 3 years before they need to be taken in for repair. The irregular voltage combined with the salt and humidity rapidly deteriorates electronic devices. Last month we brought in for a repair a client's 3 year old television which had stopped working. After a thorough inspection it was determined that the inside was covered with salt. For less than $100 USD we had it fixed, and now it works like new. Over the past 6 months we've had at least 5 similar TV experiences.

In the properties we manage we have begun taking inside the BBQs, bikes, wooden chairs and anything else that might deteriorate in the sun and salt, especially in properties which are next to the beach. Two bikes kept outside at one of our client's beach side condos were covered in rust after a year. A new BBQ at the same property showed signs of rust after only 1 week outside.

Even the water is harmful. One of our inside plants which we hydrate with tap water has a white crust on the top of the dirt where the water has evaporated and left calcium deposits behind. Many tourists are afraid to drink the water due to supposed bacteria. In my opinion there is little or no bacteria in the water. The dangerous part is the calcium deposits. That's why no one drinks or serves it. Even the very poor drink bottled water.

With at least 300 days of sunshine a year, wood fades very quickly. Anything from stained wooden railings to wooden patio furniture needs to be repainted after a year. If I were a developer I would refrain from using wood in any construction, especially because of termites.

Despite the inconveniences of living so close to the beach in year round sunshine, we love being in Playa del Carmen. Our Sunday trips to the beach help us to get rejuvenated and to wash away any of the stresses of the previous week. The sun, salt and humidity can cause a lot of damage to property and possessions but they can also help to revive the soul.

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Questionable Store Security

2010-06-19T10:41:00.007-05:00

In certain stores in Playa del Carmen there is an interesting security method used to prevent theft. Empty display boxes are placed on the shelf and the original boxed item is kept in a locked back room. Perhaps this type of practice is used in the US as well. Regardless it strikes me as curious especially when other security measures are in place.

In Office Max yesterday I was purchasing a wireless router, and found empty router boxes on the shelf. Assuming the original item was kept in a secure back room, I brought the box to checkout and had to wait roughly 20 minutes while they searched in their bodega for the merchandise. My suspicions to the ineffectiveness of this security method were confirmed when the router could not be found. It seems this extra security seemingly led to the disappearance of the router. Was it stolen? Was it missing? Perhaps if it was kept on the shelf it would not be missing in the first place.

There are security sensors at both store entrances. Perhaps if they relied on these theft sensors it would be easier for both the consumer and employee. Customers could pick up merchandise more easily and employees wouldn't have to go searching in a bodega. Typically I would expect the empty box method in the absence of security gates - not in addition to them.

From our experience in Playa we have seen that many security methods are put in place to prevent theft by employees rather than customers. At the Mega Grocery store a security guard stands in front of the bathroom entrances and only stops and searches Mega employees, not customers. I would think an institution would have more confidence in their staff rather than their customers. If you don't have basic trust for your employees with some type of oversight how can one expect their business to succeed? Hiring trustworthy employees is one of the cornerstones to a successful business.

Perhaps Office Max did not invest in enough theft protection sensors in put in their merchandise. If this is the case, why waste the money to put up the security sensor gates? Are empty display boxes being used to prevent theft by employees or customers? Regardless, the empty box method is both a frustration for me as it poses a major inconvenience having to wait up to 1/2 hour or more for production retrieval. It also does not seem to prevent product loss and may in fact contribute to it. I don't mind waiting for what I consider valid reasons, but when it comes to poor planning and incompetence then I get very frustrated. As with most things living in Playa, it's the ability to get over the inconveniences and to focus on the positives that makes living in this beach paradise more manageable.

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Allan's kite

Allan flies 2 kites at once

My turn to fly one

Allan, Claudia and me

Mary Lou, me and Allan

Me and Allan

Allan and his kites

Mary Lou has my shorts...

Can you believe the water?

Mary Lou

Lunch!

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Swimming with the Whale Sharks in Holbox

2010-05-20T11:00:00.003-05:00

Last July we joined our good friends, Jim and Janet, on a weekend trip to the Island of Holbox to go swimming with the whale sharks. It is an event Allan has been anticipating for quite sometime being he is an avid animal and boat lover. July and August are really the best times to see and swim with the sharks, so we decided to take advantage of the opportunity.

We drove 3 or so hours north on the Yucatan Peninsula to a small coastal town where one takes a ferry over to Holbox. The drive is very interesting through small towns and farms: children in uniforms marching off to school; small stores selling anything from rugs to towels to figurines proudly display their merchandise for all the world to see; brightly painted houses dot the roadside. Our journey was made even more interesting as we accidentally took the toll road from Cancun, which has no exit till Valladoid, over an hour past our destination. After traveling for 1/2 hour on the toll road we had to turn around and head back to Cancun and pick up the free road, adding another hour onto the trip. Apparently there is a shorter way out of Puerto Morelos which would have cut our journey by a third. Oh, well - next time.

After a short ferry ride we finally arrived on the small island town of Holbox. Roughly 7 miles long and 1 mile wide, it's home to approximately 5,000 inhabitants. There are almost no cars on the island and most people get around by golf cart. We hired one from the ferry dock to take us to the Hotel La Palapa, a quaint beachfront bungalow establishment (http://www.hotellapalapa.com). All four of us shared one room with 2 queen beds, which was actually very comfortable and had a great view of the ocean. The beach was right outside our door. Fresh sea breezes wafted in through the windows. A hammock on our outdoor terrace was the perfect place to relax and watch the ships sail by.

For the whale shark adventure we took a friend's recommendation and hired a boat from Willy's Tours. Being prone to sea sickness, I took 2 Dramamine which prevented me from becoming ill. We sailed about an hour out into the open ocean on rather calm seas, which to me felt like 30 foot swells. In many spots the plankton was so thick it turned the water brown. Large manta rays swam and feasted on the plankton.

We did manage to see one whale shark, which was about 3 meters long, or 10 feet (just a baby). Whale sharks are part of the shark species and are known as the largest fish in the sea, and can grow up to 12.2 meters (or 40 feet). They feed on plankton (the smallest creature in the sea) and are completely harmless. Between July and August they visit the Yucatan coast to feed and then disappear only to return next year.

Sporting a wet suit with snorkel and mask, I prepared to jump in the water along with Allan, who chose to wear a life vest accompanied by the same snorkeling equipment. The boat positioned itself next to the shark, and the captain instructed us to "jump". Once in the water it was a challenge to keep up with the shark while snorkeling, and trying to take pictures with our underwater camera.

There were 9 other people on the boat not including the captain who took turns jumping in and swimming. I spent the most time in the water as I frequently asked for bathroom breaks (the bathroom is the sea). The cold water helped to calm my sea sickness.

I think jumping in the deep ocean was the most fun part; I've never been in water that deep. Although it was scary at first, after a while it became enjoyable and refreshing. It's actually a relief knowing one can dive in head first and not worry about hitting their head. Allan is already talking about swimming with the whale sharks this year. I think we'll go off Cozumel this time instead of Holbox as there are apparently lots more whale sharks. Hopefully the sea will be calm so I won't get sick!

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We rented a golf cart to explore the island.

Allan with Janet and Jim.

I loved how this house looks.

Allan relaxing on our hammock.

Enjoying the sun.

The water is just so beautiful.

Jim and Allan.

Allan takes in some rays.

I'm coming back from swimming with the shark.

Allan poses for the camera.

Our ship.

Another shot.

The whale shark.

Janet and Jim get ready to take the plunge.

Allan and I get ready to jump in.

The whale shark.

Another shot.

Yet again.

Allan and I.

Jim and Janet.

Allan, I, Janet and Jim.

A wedding in a golf cart no less.

A local girl sells necklaces.

Smile

I think almost anyone looks good in a wet suit.

Allan's turn to smile.

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Visiting Punta Allen for the Weekend

2010-05-18T18:53:00.020-05:00

Allan and I spent a short weekend visiting Punta Allen, a small fishing community located at the southern tip of the Sian Kaan Biosphere, an approximate 1.3 million acre wildlife and nature preserve. Ever since Allan discovered Punta Allen on Google Maps 2 years ago he has been talking excitedly about a potential visit. The 60 mile drive seemed like a quick and easy vacation, one we could do on a Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday morning we drove 45 minutes south to Tulum where the entrance to Sian Kaan begins. We paid the minimal entrance fee at a small office, and soon were heading south into the reserve. Quite quickly we were met with a barrage of pot holes which slowed our speed down to a mere 10 miles an hour. The poor road conditions persisted over the 20 mile drive, delaying the journey by at least an hour, and making us regret already that we would have to traverse these roads on our way back to Tulum.

There is not much to see on the road. Thick jungle towered on either side, masking any sort of interesting sights. We had come poorly prepared and really had done no research on the activities and events in either Punta Allen or in Sian Kaan. In retrospect it would have been nice to actually have a plan since we would only be spending less than 24 hours there.

By nightfall we arrived in the sleepy fishing village of Punta Allen. We were greeted by a small, rustic enclave, which is probably how Playa del Carmen used to look 20 years ago. The roads are made of dirt, and the buildings are very simple concrete structures. We opted to stay at the Serendiad Shardon, a small beach side complex with small cottages and tent rentals, which had come highly recommended by friends. The owner, Nicky, an American now living in Playa, was very nice and accommodating. The $150 USD/night price tag for a very small rustic beach side cottage seemed like a bit much, but we had already committed to staying there, and we weren't in the mood to search for other options.

We quickly accommodated our luggage in the small cottage and headed off for a wonderful rooftop dinner at a local restaurant. The only disappointment was the high price of the meal. Given Punta Allen's desolate location I think the cost of importing goods over those bumpy roads probably warrants the higher price. Luckily we had enough cash to pay for the bill, as the nearest ATM is 20 miles north in Tulum, and most establishments don't accept credit cards. After a nice meal we returned back to the cottage for a good night's sleep.

We awoke the next morning to the realization that Punta Allen has no electricity between the late evening hours and early morning hours. Unless establishments have their own generators, don't plan on taking a shower or watching TV till at least 11am. However, Allan and I are easy travelers, and decided to just roll with the punches and take a leisurely stroll down the beach.

Unfortunately the beach was littered with trash. As far as the eye could see the beach was covered with plastic sandals and plastic bottles. Some locals say the waste is from cruise ships who find it easier and cheaper to drop their garbage in the ocean rather than pay the hefty dock garbage removal fee. It is often less costly to illegally dump and get fined than it is to regularly pay for legal trash removal. If this is true it sounds to me like someone should significantly increase the fine. We also heard another theory, relating to Central American rivers overflowing with trash which empties into the oceans, which in turn floats north to the Yucatan Peninsula.

Regardless of the cause, one would think a little more effort should be put forth into preserving this natural oasis. After all with all the money coming into the Mexican Riviera from tourists one would think the Mexican Government would have a significant investment in the cleanliness of their beaches. Even a simple, local and regular beach garbage pickup operation would do the trick.

We ended our stroll rather quickly and decided to leave Punta Allen a bit early. We weren't looking forward to the drive over those roads and wanted to get it over with. We packed the SUV, had a quick, yet delicious breakfast and braved the awful roads for another 2 hours at 10 miles an hour. If we had planned correctly, perhaps we could have taken a snorkeling trip at the southern end of the peninsula, or a boat to the black lagoon where crocodiles roam. In retrospect, we should have done something more.

I think Punta Allen has a lot to offer to someone looking to explore a sleepy fishing village with a nice lagoon, great snorkeling and out of the way feel. It's certainly a place for the adventurous soul, since the roads do take a strong stomach to handle.

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If I have to wear pants then it is too cold.

Stopping for a coconut break on the way back to Playa.

The deserted beaches between Punta Allen and Tulum.

The road between Punta Allen and Tulum.

The beach trash.

More trash.

A dock between the mainland and the peninsula.

Our trusty SUV being swallowed by the jungle.

Allan is happy that he's returning to Playa.

Allan is searching for beach treasures.

Enjoying a beach moment.

Posing for the camera.

The entrance to the town of Punta Allen.

The road south of Punta Allen.

Bonefish, the restaurant where we had breakfast.

Punta Allen's version of Starbucks. I had the best cappuccino ever - Chiapas coffee and liquid sugar from Venezuela all cooked with a blow torch under an Italian coffee maker.

Our cottage.

The Serendidad Shardon.

A bridge on the way to Punta Allen.

The same bridge, different angle.

Allan is excited as we travel to Punta Allen.

The only snake we saw. Unfortunately this one is barely alive considering I accidentally ran over it.

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Living the Dream

2010-05-11T16:43:00.016-05:00

A few days ago my good friend Nigel commented that it must feel like Allan and I are living the dream. It's easy to understand why he might say that considering we work from home along the Mayan Riviera with turquoise blue water, palm trees, pristine white sand beaches, 85 degree weather with year round sunshine. Most people would love our lives. However, I don't look at it that way.

Although I do appreciate my profession and geographical location, I probably take it for granted. That being said about once a week I do stop and ponder "I can't believe this is my life." Last week for example I was drinking Mojitos in a beach club chatting business with a real estate developer and an investor. Looking out at the sea and feeling the warm sun on my face I did smile and think "I can't believe I'm here." Here I was a small business owner discussing the possible management of 15 more units, and I was doing so with 2 highly successful business men at a bar on the beach, and we were all wearing flip flops.

It wasn't until yesterday after Allan and I took the train from NYC to D.C. and then hopped on the commuter rail to Point of Rocks to meet my friends Monique and Bob that the impact of our very decided life choices really made an impact on my physique. Allan and I were sitting among the commuters on their way home from work and the cringed at the thought of the commute into work, feeling like just another number, working at a job that I was tired of, just sort of wasting away my life waiting for retirement. It's such a grind and for what? Unless one really loves their job and living in a cold climate, it seems to me like an existence rather than a living. There is not a day that goes by in my life now that I wish I had another job, lived somewhere else, had a different spouse or really wanted to change anything significant with my life.

As we rode the train it was fairly cold outside. We were both wearing heavy sweatshirts, and even then we were still chilly. I began to dream of being back in Playa del Carmen. The sunshine and warmth were calling. Luckily in two more days we will be returning to our tropical paradise. We can handle the temporary inconvenience of being chilled. The dreary weather did make me ponder what if we did live in the U.S northeast? What if we had waited all winter for warm weather and sunshine only to find it was 45 degrees F in May and cloudy? Back in Boston we would anxiously wait for those 3 summer months of good weather and then just dread the thought of the long winter approaching.

Sitting on that train I did realize we were living many people's dream. I think the reality of working all the time in Playa del Carmen makes it seem less like a dream and more like a working retirement. Additionally our presence in Playa did not happen instantaneously. We had to quit our jobs, sell our possessions, rent our condo in Boston, and pack our remaining items into an extended SUV and drive 4,500 miles over 3 1/2 weeks to Mexico. We cashed in our retirement accounts, pooled our savings, and once we arrived in Playa we started spending and working to try to make our business succeed. It was a decided risk but it payed off in the end. So the next time sometime asks me if it feels like I am living the dream, instead of denying it I will probably say "yes, but it took a lot of work to get here."

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Walking the Brooklyn Bridge

Washington Square entertainers

On the Brooklyn Bridge with the financial district in the background

The subway after a cold walk along the bridge. I am wearing 4 layers and am still freezing.

The Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge with the Empire State Building in the background.

Washington Square entertainers

Getting a foot massage after a long walk around the City.

FAO Schwartz enjoying the excess.

Posing with a wizard hat at FAO Schwartz.

Getting a foot massage in China Town.

Getting a foot massage as I try on my future Halloween costume.

The Brooklyn Bridge.

Enjoying chinese food in China Town. We couldn't get enough of it!

The Halloween Store. This place was an entire NYC block long!

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Shopping in New York City

2010-05-07T23:12:00.015-05:00

Over the past 3 days Allan and I have been spending a wonderful vacation in New York City. Having spent the past 2 years in Playa del Carmen, a beach town which is comparatively small and tranquil, we are a bit overwhelmed yet impressed by the excess of NYC and life in the US. We have come to appreciate our less materialistic life south of the border. In many ways we do miss the lack of shopping selection in Playa. Consequently our trips to the US have become marked with excess shopping, as if making up for lost time.

Before any trip to the US we make a detailed shopping list. Many items we order online and get shipped to our US destination. The Mexican post is unreliable, and we feel safer picking the goods up in the US and then packing them in our suitcases. On this trip we have bought a wide angle lens for our camera, which will be perfect for taking photos of our properties. Then there are the few jars of natural peanut butter which is just about impossible to find in Playa. Of course I went to my favorite store, Brooks Brothers, and purchased a pair of linen shorts with embroidered golf clubs and margarita glasses, and a turquoise blue shirt to match. At present our hotel room looks like a college dormitory with assorted items piled in every corner, remnants of our shopping adventures. Many of our purchases are either hard or impossible to find in Playa or are simply significantly more expensive than their US counterparts.

The access to good quality merchandise at low prices has become common place in the US. Today walking through FAO Schwartz, a well known luxury toy store known for extravagance, I found myself becoming jaded by the variety. It's like US consumers expect and demand a wide assortment of goods whereas in Playa del Carmen we are just thankful to find any one item. Often shopping in Playa is marked with frustration: many items are either sold out or impossible to find. Shopping has become a necessary impulse: buy it now as it may not be around tomorrow.

Allan and I will be thankful to return to our tranquil life in Playa, without all the consumer temptations. Although we do enjoy the shopping selection in NYC, it can become addicting. We might start to wonder - what do we need with all this stuff? Shopping is fun once in a while, but we don't want it to define our lives.

Me enjoying Chinese dumplings to go. They are being sold from a truck. What clever thinking!

Allan poses with the gentlemen who reported the smoking car to police in Times Square. It is due to his alertness that the bomb did not explode.

Me at Rockefeller Center

The sign reads "There is enough of me to go around."

Allan appreciates a provocative window display.

Allan and his 2 new friends.

Me, overwhelmed by the selection of M&Ms at the Hershey Store.

Allan, enjoying a wild window display.

Allan, M&M and I at the FAO Schwartz store on 5th Avenue.

Allan enjoying a great meal at a Cajun restaurant.