Trip Report: July 20-25, Part 2

Matt K. · 07-26-2005

Thanks for all the kind comments so far

Saturday, July 23: Yesterday's rain-- was but a memory. Had a gorgeous, sunny, HOT day to enjoy. We got out about 10am-- sunned ourselves for about three hours-- then had lunch at Playa Maya's restaurant. We each had the shrimp tacos-- which were amazing. And the guacamole here, I think, was better than that at El Fogon. We washed down the great food with the elxir of choice for most on this board-- an ice cold bucket of Sol. After lunch-- it was more beachfront relaxing. It felt so nice not to have get up and do anything. We have done activities during previous trips-- so we didn't feel like we were missing much. We thought about taking the ferry over to Cozumel just to see it-- but didn't get around to it. Maybe next time.

Anyway-- that evening we had dinner at Yaxche. We have been here before-- and it was just as good as usual. I had the Noh Ek-- which is grilled shrimp in a banana leaf with tomato, onion and peppers. Nikki had the Maya-- Epazote shrimp, chicken Pakal and Tikin Xic fish. Special credit has to go to Steve Ryberg-- the owner of the Playa Maya-- for this meal. He gave us 400 pesos worth of gift certificates to Yaxche because we had to reschedule and lose a night-- and because our Playa Deal card did not arrive until Friday afternoon. (We booked through the website-- but apparently, Playainfo's phone service wasn't restored for quite some time. We still got good use out of the card.) It was a really kind gesture-- completely unnecessary, but very much appreciated. We knew there would be things that were out of our control when we decided to head down after Emily.

After dinner we took another stroll-- the Hotel Lunata had some sort of art and electronic music festival in their courtyard, so we checked that out for a little while. We then hopped over to the Deseo for a drink, and sat on one of the bed overlooking that oh-so-cool pool and movie screen. After that-- we wound up at Mushroom again, which quickly became one of my new favorite places. We finished the night at the ******-- which was PACKED! It was very interesting to distinguish the crowds. In back, where the DJ was playing rap and top 40 dance pop-- it was largely an American and Canadian crowd. Up in front-- where DJ's were pumping out the techno beats-- it was definitely a Euro/South American vibe. We opted for the front-- my wife loves her beats. So much for stereotypes!

As we were finishing our last beer of the night-- these two local guys struck up a conversation with us. I started speaking with them in Spanish. One of them spoke perfect English-- his friend was learning and taking a class to learn the language. So, to my surprise and the shock of his friend- he promptly whips out his homework exercise. He wanted to me to help him do it. His friend was like, "No, you have to do this yourself." I walked him through a few problems-- and did a little teaching. But, then-- I told him his buddy was right-- and that the only way he will really learn English-- is if he learns it himself. It was just kind of a funny scene-- helping a guy with his homework at the ******. Maybe it was a sign-- that I should move to Playa to teach English!

Perhaps, I should have walked up to Playa Del Soul at his school with my shirt off and beach shorts with a beer in hand to ask if he has any openings.

Sunday, July 23: Another sunny, hot day. Slept in a bit-- and hit the beach. Had burgers at the Playa Maya-- which were very good. It was a very busy day at the beach-- packed with locals and their families. Took a nice stroll down the beach to just north of the new pier-- in front of the Real Porto- next to the Porto Real. Looks like a very luxurious hotel-- it was just being built when we were last in Playa.

Had our last dinner at Sol Food-- up on the north end of 5th. Another excellent place. I had the baked Mahi-Mahi, Nikki had the stuffed chicken breast with goat cheese. Very tasty and light-- perfect for the stifling hot night outside. Hit Mushroom (again) for one last drink there-- it was dead. The bartender/owner? says he was happy to have a quiet night for once. Unrelated question: Has anyone tried the Tapas bar next door? It looked pretty busy during the week-- and was closed Sunday.
We ended the night at Zoo Cafe-- Nikki had to e-mail her boss that she would not be in on Monday-- due to the rescheduling. While waiting at the bar and watching the Latin version of VH-1 Classic-- the video for Rick Springfield's "Celebrate Youth" came on. I said, WOW-- as you never see that video. The young-ish bartender and woman at the bar asked me "Where is this man"? I realized once I started talking with the in Spanish that they really meant "Who is this guy"? So, I had to explain to them who Rick Springfield is-- "tu sabes, Jessie's girl?" I sang the chorus of the song-- still blank stares. Then, I realized that these two were probably toddlers when Rick was huge. It made me feel a little old-- and I'm only 30. It was cool having to explain it to them in Spanish, though.

Monday: July 25th: Woke up early for our last few hours in paradise. Lunched on shrimp and octopus tacos at Playa Maya-- and then headed off to the airport at about 1pm-- where we learned our flight would be delayed for 2 1/2 hours due to storms in Chicago. Wish we could have spent that extra time on the beach!

In all-- it was a great trip, just absolutely wonderful. I think the people of Playa del Carmen should be proud of just how quickly they were able to get things up, running and cleaned up so quickly after a powerful storm battered them. The growth of this town amazes me as well-- and I've only been coming here since 2002. I was also surprised at how quickly my Spanish came back to me. It was my second major in college-- but it has faded as I don't use it much here in Wisconsin.

Anyway-- I'm already thinking about when we will get to come back. Hopefully, it will be sometime next year.

Matt

Clau · 07-26-2005

Congrats on your wedding!!!!

Great report!!!! Enjoyed reading it.

sunnygrl · 07-28-2005

Just finished your trip report. It was a real treat to read

. I'm so glad things are getting back to pre-Hurricane Emily!!

Thanks for the good read!

Coccinelle · 07-29-2005

Really enjoyed your report Matt. Thanks for sharing.
Question for you Matt - What is "Mushroom" and where is it?

Congratulations to both of you on your marriage. May you live a long and happy life together.

**ryberg** · 07-29-2005

Well after posting on your previous thread I saw that you already had a second one.

Great reading. Naturally I would enjoy it, you know, given that it seems you like your stay here at Playa Maya OK.

Sorry you had to spend the delay in the airport instead of here, but glad things went well and yes, congratulations to you both.

Steve

fireinmn · 07-29-2005

Congratulations to you, Matt and Nikki!! And way to go with the flow!!!!

Thanks for the report, it was great!

Matt K. · 07-29-2005

Yeah-- feel free to use any part of that for your testimonial page for your website.

We really enjoyed the hotel. Thanks again to you and your staff for being so accomodating while we rescheduled.

Matt

kdamman · 07-29-2005

Thanks for sharing your trip with us. We definitely will have to look into some of the bars and restaurants you mentioned during our upcoming trip. We always go all inclusive but if we ever opt to do non-AI, the PlayaMaya will be our choice.

Softy57 · 07-29-2005

Really enjoyed your report,hope you & Nikki have many joyfull years ahead.

I also want to know where "mushroom" is? We are staying on 26th calle next year,is it in the north part of 5th Ave?

Matt K. · 07-29-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Softy57

Really enjoyed your report,hope you & Nikki have many joyfull years ahead.

I also want to know where "mushroom" is? We are staying on 26th calle next year,is it in the north part of 5th Ave?

Thank you!

Mushroom is on 5th-- I believe between 28th and 30th. It is three doors down from the new Babe's. It is a small bar-- generally plays British modern rock with some American tunes thrown in. I liked it a lot-- just a cozy hole in the wall with a nice patio to enjoy a couple drinks.

**ryberg** · 07-30-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt K.

Yeah-- feel free to use any part of that for your testimonial page for your website.

We really enjoyed the hotel. Thanks again to you and your staff for being so accomodating while we rescheduled.

Matt

Steve

07-26-2005	#1 (permalink)
Matt K. toe in water Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 52	Trip Report: July 20-25, Part 2 Thanks for all the kind comments so far Saturday, July 23: Yesterday's rain-- was but a memory. Had a gorgeous, sunny, HOT day to enjoy. We got out about 10am-- sunned ourselves for about three hours-- then had lunch at Playa Maya's restaurant. We each had the shrimp tacos-- which were amazing. And the guacamole here, I think, was better than that at El Fogon. We washed down the great food with the elxir of choice for most on this board-- an ice cold bucket of Sol. After lunch-- it was more beachfront relaxing. It felt so nice not to have get up and do anything. We have done activities during previous trips-- so we didn't feel like we were missing much. We thought about taking the ferry over to Cozumel just to see it-- but didn't get around to it. Maybe next time. Anyway-- that evening we had dinner at Yaxche. We have been here before-- and it was just as good as usual. I had the Noh Ek-- which is grilled shrimp in a banana leaf with tomato, onion and peppers. Nikki had the Maya-- Epazote shrimp, chicken Pakal and Tikin Xic fish. Special credit has to go to Steve Ryberg-- the owner of the Playa Maya-- for this meal. He gave us 400 pesos worth of gift certificates to Yaxche because we had to reschedule and lose a night-- and because our Playa Deal card did not arrive until Friday afternoon. (We booked through the website-- but apparently, Playainfo's phone service wasn't restored for quite some time. We still got good use out of the card.) It was a really kind gesture-- completely unnecessary, but very much appreciated. We knew there would be things that were out of our control when we decided to head down after Emily. After dinner we took another stroll-- the Hotel Lunata had some sort of art and electronic music festival in their courtyard, so we checked that out for a little while. We then hopped over to the Deseo for a drink, and sat on one of the bed overlooking that oh-so-cool pool and movie screen. After that-- we wound up at Mushroom again, which quickly became one of my new favorite places. We finished the night at the ****-- which was PACKED! It was very interesting to distinguish the crowds. In back, where the DJ was playing rap and top 40 dance pop-- it was largely an American and Canadian crowd. Up in front-- where DJ's were pumping out the techno beats-- it was definitely a Euro/South American vibe. We opted for the front-- my wife loves her beats. So much for stereotypes! As we were finishing our last beer of the night-- these two local guys struck up a conversation with us. I started speaking with them in Spanish. One of them spoke perfect English-- his friend was learning and taking a class to learn the language. So, to my surprise and the shock of his friend- he promptly whips out his homework exercise. He wanted to me to help him do it. His friend was like, "No, you have to do this yourself." I walked him through a few problems-- and did a little teaching. But, then-- I told him his buddy was right-- and that the only way he will really learn English-- is if he learns it himself. It was just kind of a funny scene-- helping a guy with his homework at the ****. Maybe it was a sign-- that I should move to Playa to teach English! Perhaps, I should have walked up to Playa Del Soul at his school with my shirt off and beach shorts with a beer in hand to ask if he has any openings. Sunday, July 23: Another sunny, hot day. Slept in a bit-- and hit the beach. Had burgers at the Playa Maya-- which were very good. It was a very busy day at the beach-- packed with locals and their families. Took a nice stroll down the beach to just north of the new pier-- in front of the Real Porto- next to the Porto Real. Looks like a very luxurious hotel-- it was just being built when we were last in Playa. Had our last dinner at Sol Food-- up on the north end of 5th. Another excellent place. I had the baked Mahi-Mahi, Nikki had the stuffed chicken breast with goat cheese. Very tasty and light-- perfect for the stifling hot night outside. Hit Mushroom (again) for one last drink there-- it was dead. The bartender/owner? says he was happy to have a quiet night for once. Unrelated question: Has anyone tried the Tapas bar next door? It looked pretty busy during the week-- and was closed Sunday. We ended the night at Zoo Cafe-- Nikki had to e-mail her boss that she would not be in on Monday-- due to the rescheduling. While waiting at the bar and watching the Latin version of VH-1 Classic-- the video for Rick Springfield's "Celebrate Youth" came on. I said, WOW-- as you never see that video. The young-ish bartender and woman at the bar asked me "Where is this man"? I realized once I started talking with the in Spanish that they really meant "Who is this guy"? So, I had to explain to them who Rick Springfield is-- "tu sabes, Jessie's girl?" I sang the chorus of the song-- still blank stares. Then, I realized that these two were probably toddlers when Rick was huge. It made me feel a little old-- and I'm only 30. It was cool having to explain it to them in Spanish, though. Monday: July 25th: Woke up early for our last few hours in paradise. Lunched on shrimp and octopus tacos at Playa Maya-- and then headed off to the airport at about 1pm-- where we learned our flight would be delayed for 2 1/2 hours due to storms in Chicago. Wish we could have spent that extra time on the beach! In all-- it was a great trip, just absolutely wonderful. I think the people of Playa del Carmen should be proud of just how quickly they were able to get things up, running and cleaned up so quickly after a powerful storm battered them. The growth of this town amazes me as well-- and I've only been coming here since 2002. I was also surprised at how quickly my Spanish came back to me. It was my second major in college-- but it has faded as I don't use it much here in Wisconsin. Anyway-- I'm already thinking about when we will get to come back. Hopefully, it will be sometime next year. Matt

07-29-2005	#9 (permalink)
Softy57 añejo Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Massachusetts,U.S.A. Posts: 1,700	Gracias Matt Really enjoyed your report,hope you & Nikki have many joyfull years ahead. I also want to know where "mushroom" is? We are staying on 26th calle next year,is it in the north part of 5th Ave?

07-26-2005	#2 (permalink)
Clau toe in water Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Cancun Posts: 40	Congrats on your wedding!!!! Great report!!!! Enjoyed reading it.

07-28-2005	#3 (permalink)
sunnygrl añejo Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: southern US Posts: 1,541	Just finished your trip report. It was a real treat to read . I'm so glad things are getting back to pre-Hurricane Emily!! Thanks for the good read!

07-29-2005	#4 (permalink)
Coccinelle añejo Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 2,729	Really enjoyed your report Matt. Thanks for sharing. Question for you Matt - What is "Mushroom" and where is it? Congratulations to both of you on your marriage. May you live a long and happy life together.

07-29-2005	#5 (permalink)
ryberg playa maya guy Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: wandering between the Village Vanguard, NYC, 1961 and the Plugged Nickel, Chicago, 1965 Posts: 10,835	Well after posting on your previous thread I saw that you already had a second one. Great reading. Naturally I would enjoy it, you know, given that it seems you like your stay here at Playa Maya OK. Sorry you had to spend the delay in the airport instead of here, but glad things went well and yes, congratulations to you both. Steve

07-29-2005	#6 (permalink)
fireinmn añejo Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: St. Paul, MN Posts: 5,214	Congratulations to you, Matt and Nikki!! And way to go with the flow!!!! Thanks for the report, it was great!

07-29-2005	#7 (permalink)
Matt K. toe in water Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 52	Yeah-- feel free to use any part of that for your testimonial page for your website. We really enjoyed the hotel. Thanks again to you and your staff for being so accomodating while we rescheduled. Matt

07-29-2005	#8 (permalink)
kdamman lost on fifth Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 12	Thanks for sharing your trip with us. We definitely will have to look into some of the bars and restaurants you mentioned during our upcoming trip. We always go all inclusive but if we ever opt to do non-AI, the PlayaMaya will be our choice.

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