[Dave - Paradise Junkie]

Ron,

Thanks for initiating this. It's exactly the type of forum that I'd hoped we could get going amongst those who have bought land in Pueblo Sacbe or are thinking about it. That way, those that visit can provide updates to those of us up North looking for village info.

My friend Lisa and I bought lot (43 I think on the website's new map function) in Phase I last October, after a summer visit and a couple of months of pondering the dream. But I think we both new our decision the day we stepped foot on the land. It really captured our imagination. I think the Punte Bete beach really sealed it.

We could only afford a small lot and chose one at the end of the road for maximum tranquility and one that backed onto one of the large parks...so it feels like a huge lot!! Must say, the pleasurable dreamtime it's given me since is worth the price of purchase alone.

We'll spend the next couple of years paying it off, then decide what kind of casa we want to build on the site. In the interim, I may camp out there the odd night or two when I visit Playa. Our intention is to use it as a vacation property for ourselves, family and friends. We could also rent it out to people coming to Tom and Joanne's healing retreat. We've already spent many hours dreaming up our own architecture for the house...simply, airy.

Upon our retirement, which is many years away yet, we plan on getting relief from our brutal Canadian winters and spending a few months each year, if not more. I dream of retiring a little early from my job and pick up a skill like pottery and/or run a small seasonal business down there. But that's a while off yet...you can always dream.

I see lots of long term potential for small businesses there, internet cafes, restaurants, fruit and veggie shop selling fruit from village gardens (looking to plant a mango tree), guided tours thru the jungle, etc. We'll definatley need a little communal bar someday.

On a personal level, I'm also becoming increasingly interested in meditation and would like to become proficient enough to instruct others someday or maybe just start a village meditation group. Seems like a great place to practice.

Lisa and I went back and visited Playa last March, only partially to see the progress...really it was the shrimp tacos. Roads were being cut, a few new dwellings were being planned and built and water pumps being drilled. Some of the land was cleared. We're getting ours cleared (perhaps thinned is a better description of this process) after this rainy season. There are a number of uniform-looking mounds and patterns on our lot, so I'm curious to look closer to see if, by any slim chance, there's evidence of old Maya sites There are certainly other Maya mounds that exist in the village.

What was really nice was visiting the people and beginning to get to know some of the residents like Hari and Ted. As we visit over time, our hope is that we'll develop ongoing relationships with people in the village and when we do spend longer periods there, it will feel like home neighborhood.

I really love the idea of group equipment. Really don't see much need for a washing machine in every house....certainly not given our needs. I could see a number of things that could be shared like washing machines, weed wackers, tree trimmers, etc.

I'm planning another trip back in November and, if the money gods are kind, again in March with Lisa.

Thanks again for starting this thread Ron. It would be great if we could get others talking.

If I'm not mistaken James is involved with the village as well, but I haven't met him yet.

Dave