[ashburnva]

1 week removed from the most relaxing vacation of my life, I am staring at a late winter blizzard (DC area).

Arrived 2/23, made the mistake of taking a center immigration line slot (the outside lines cleared much more quickly and my line had 1 as opposed to the normal 2 clerks. Eventually bailed under the ropes to the next line and was through customs and immigration in about 40 minutes. At the ATM stopped to advise a newbie that that $3000 withdrawal was really about $300.00. Met up w/ our dear friends John & Susan, who had arrived about 40 minutes before and exited into the sunshine.

Not having acclimated to vacation yet, stress set in - I'm supposed to have a driver with a sign, not 100 taxi drivers importuning me for a fare. Mary wisely has a beer as I franticly stalk up and down to find my ride. After about ten minutes things work out, into the air conditioned van and down the road to Playa.

I was last in Playa in 1992 en route from Coz to Tulum - the change is overwhelming. Our driver is waved througth the cones on CAlle 8, plays chicken w/ other drivers next to Yaxche, before traffic eventually clears and we are heading down the hill to the blue, blue ocean. Room isn't ready at Playa Maya so check the bags and walk down to tarraya for some tix nix (nix tix?) chicken, guacemole and beer - love it. Checkin, nap, and later dinner (don't remember the name) is ok, drinks (at various places) are better.

Next morning walkthrough town to Mamitas - much better walk back along the beach. Surprised at how crowded it is at Tukan and Mamitas, no palapas left, take a shaded cover. The place gets busy. More topless than anywhere I have been except for Orient Beach. Water is nice. View is nice, life is good.

Have a few beers and in early afternoon walk back down the beach to PM for late lunch and nap. Later we eat at Hemingways (sorry tacos el pastor here were not good, dry w/ no discernable sauce) everybody elses food was good and you couldn't beat the atmosphere. To the Beer Bucket for Playa Info. get together Ok we were about five minutes late, but downstairs was mobbed. Checked in on the list and went upstairs. Didn't mean to be antisocial and I regret the missed opportunity, but time passed quickly upstairs and the party dissipated while I was getting drunk upstairs.

By this time we are all agreeing that this is the place to be and that Cancun (to expensive and spread out) and Cozumel (to many cruisers) are off the list.

to be continued . . .



Stayed at Playa Maya, excellent experience.