Trip Report from Nick-n-Nora w/pics - Page 3

Nick-n-Nora · 05-27-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by debk

Hmmm, especially since he would be getting the car for you right? That's how I told my husband it worked in Dayton. He parks the car and goes and gets it when we get home. Now, if we were in Kansas City....

Now, more infor, more pics please.... I'm having a Tecate now - can't find Sol in this spot of the world (Dayton).

Wow . . . what a small world. Another peep in Dayton, Ohio

Nick-n-Nora · 05-27-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by deblis

How do you pack for 2 weeks

Actually if you pack for one week you'll probably be ok. When I visit for one week I think I only use one-half of what I bring . . . except for the swimsuits

Nora

Tesla 573 · 05-27-2006

Great report !!!

I need pictures.....pictures!!

Pam801 · 05-27-2006

This whole packing thing is so funny................at this point (getting ready for trip #6) my husband, Larry says "flip flops, bathing suit and a t-shirt!!!! Don't pack anything else for me!). I tell him to wear those things on the plane and then he'll be all set. Of course I have to remember his underwear cause he doesn't care.

I have tried it many different ways the best way is to pack really light because we never wear everything and that is like shorts, t-shirts and different color flip flops (got to have different colors) than we wear sneakers on the plane. We used to bring a nice outfit, but never wear anything but casual. If going in January we always bring a sweatshirt because some of those nights can be chilly.....FIND A LAUNDRY MAT!!!! We can fill a large kitchen trash bag and pay $5.50. It may take a day or two to get it back but that is what the rest of the clothes we packed is for. There is one good one on 10th between 10th and 12th. But I think PortlandNative said there is a new one by the Blue Parrot (looking forward to that convenience!).

Now if I can only cut down on the sundries. I keep bringing the "large" bottles of shampoo/conditioner etc (Larry is bald) and large bottles of everything else. All those "extras" add up.

My goal: carry on bags and nothing more.

LOOKING FORWARD TO THE REST OF YOUR TRIP REPORtT.

caramba · 05-27-2006

I'm guilty of overpacking too. Every time we travel I say I'm going to cut down on what I bring. It's so easy to have laundry done in Playa. Hopefully next trip I'll listen to myself.

Every time our suitcases come out Caramba (the cat) settles into mine....

xqqzme · 05-27-2006

We've made a pact that we'll do the 12 days in December with only a carry on each. All the laundry tips are great...I made a note of the Blue Parrot one too.
And great trip report Nick N Nora...more pics....need more pics to fulfill the Playa fix

Ms. Janny · 05-27-2006

We found a do-it-yourself laundromat on 1st Ave between Villas Sacbe and the Abyss Dive Shop (same side of the road). This would be between 12th and 14th streets. This might be the one that was referred to as being near the Blue Parrot. We didn't use it because our condo had a washer and dryer. I am guilty of bringing way too much with me on our last trip. I still have my suitcase in the bedroom with half of the crap I brought along ... never touched.

Great trip report Nick & Nora! Looking forward to reading more.

PortlandNative · 05-28-2006

Drop your clothes at the laundry behind the Parrot, head north half a block, and turn left at the "T." On your right will be Alicia's shop, Siete Detalles. After shopping, have a drink on the beach in front of the Parrot. Then grab your laundry and do whatever. Can't go wrong. Guaranteed.

Pam801 · 05-28-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by PortlandNative

Drop your clothes at the laundry behind the Parrot, head north half a block, and turn left at the "T." On your right will be Alicia's shop, Siete Detalles. After shopping, have a drink on the beach in front of the Parrot. Then grab your laundry and do whatever. Can't go wrong. Guaranteed.

I'm lovin' that idea and can't wait..................the anticipation is getting to me!

**Jesus** · 05-28-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ms. Janny

I am guilty of bringing way too much with me on our last trip. I still have my suitcase in the bedroom with half of the crap I brought along ... never touched.

Then, is a good time to separate them now, while you still know what you didn´t use, and leave it behind for the next trip.

emc · 05-29-2006

Hey Nick and Nora. Now that we've pretty much covered the packing thing, where's the rest of your trip report?

It was great meeting both of you, next time you are up this way visiting your son, let me know and maybe we can meet up for a few.
Elaina

Tesla 573 · 05-29-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by emc

Hey Nick and Nora. Now that thwe've pretty much covered e packing thing, where's the rest of your trip report?

It was great meeting both of you, next time you are up this way visiting your son, let me know and maybe we can meet up for a few.
Elaina

Ditto on the packing thing (Once an overpacker, always an overpacker) What we really need are some pictures!!!!!!

Nick-n-Nora · 06-01-2006

Hello Everyone...sorry about the delay...I got slammed after the first report....more is coming soon!

jx2 · 06-02-2006

Hello Nick and or Nora. Nice meeting you two, wish we had spent more time together, as you two seem like alot of fun and very happy go lucky peeps. Patiently waiting for the rest of your report.
Jeff and Julie from the T.B.

Nick-n-Nora · 06-09-2006

Sorry! We finally have the report finished. We will add days throughout the next week.

Day #2 continued…Saturday, May 13th Part B
Nora and I arrived in Playa in the early afternoon enjoying the sun and warm weather, so we decided to walk from the bus station to our hotel Riviera Del <ST1:p</ST1:pSol on Calle 30 Norte. We began walking with our one LARGE suitcase tagged EXTRA HEAVY, one medium size case and three “small” carry-on bags down <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:Street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">5th Avenue</st1:address></st1:Street>. Nora is a person that always generates good ideas and she is off to a good start.

We take relatively few steps when she suggests we stop for a cool drink, chips and the salsa we have been craving for, since we left playa last year. Great idea, but first Nora must converse with the “street agent” trying to get us to book a tour. Nora politely says no…and eventually, hell no

…and we are sitting at Karen’s on <st1:Street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Fifth Avenue</st1:address></st1:Street>. They have recently remodeled this restaurant and it looks great (a little pricey though). So we order our refreshments as we find ourselves sitting next to another couple next to the street. OOOHHH YYYEEEAAA…the first drink was very refreshing and then the conversation begins. This is one of our Favorite things about Playa…a chance to meet new/great people and we were lucky enough to meet many great folks (especially at the PEEP meet on Friday…Steve Ryberg…and Tony and Cheri

…more to come on all). This couple was from <st1:State w:st="on">West Virginia</st1:State>, <st1:country-region w:st="on"><ST1:pUSA</ST1:p</st1:country-region> and was so pleasant and fun to talk to, but in some circles it could be thought that a little too much information was revealed!

Ya know VERY intimate details.

Oh well, that is what we enjoyed…just an open, let it all hang out conversation…and with sincere fellow Playa lovers.

We arrive at our hotel (two hours later) after Nora had another idea of a cold drink break. Did I mention Calle 30 Norte was our destination? Some walks require a leisurely pace with the appropriate number of rest breaks. As many of you know the Riviera Del Sol is a great hotel a block away from Mamitas Beach Club. The rate was $70 cash a night which included a continental breakfast and Mamitas, but we later found out that they are now booking at $90 cash a night.

We quickly check in, go to our room, throw on our swimsuits and Hi Ho, Hi Ho, it’s off to the beach we go.

We spend the rest of the day at the beach and see how things have changed since last year after the hurricane. Mamitas is better than ever with new buildings, a beach pool and a new bar by the beds. Also, the palapas are no longer with wood poles, but with steel poles (a minor detail). Actually, construction was continuing with finishing touches of block laying, plastering and painting. Speaking of plastering, I think Nora was plastered…with joy…oh, I am getting ahead of myself.

Last year palapas...

This year palapas

New Mamitas

New "bed" area

From Mamitas building

Anyway, after three days of rain in <st1:State w:st="on"><ST1:pOhio

</ST1:p</st1:State>, we really enjoy soaking up the sun

, but now it is time to hit the shower and go to dinner. Babe’s sounds sooooo good…the noodles, spicy food and a Mohito for Nora. She has never tried one, even though we are not big drinkers (normally), she has read sooooo much about it from the forum connoisseurs. Fortunately, the new Babe’s location is in-between Calle 28 and 30 on <st1:Street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">5th Avenue</st1:address></st1:Street>, just around the corner from the Riviera Del Sol. We are quickly seated at our table, order our favorite dishes and a Mohito. We begin satisfying our tremendous hunger and a most pleasant look settles on Nora’s face…more chips and salsa, a Babe’s noodle dish and now she starts to drink the infamous Mohito. Wow!

What a PUCKER!

I mean, WOW it is like she lost her teeth and her lips are gone and her big beautiful blue eyes have disappeared into lines on her face. Man, this drink must be FANTASTIC!

Noooo, it isn’t sweet and it tastes like clover in a class of spiked water. Huh?

Nora was expecting a different result…that’s ok…Mohitos aren’t for everyone. Noticing the face it created on Nora I just took a SAMPLE taste and agreed, the Mohito wasn’t our cup of coffee. Fortunately, by the next day Nora’s face was back to it’s pretty self.

(After several hours, I was worried for awhile it might not return.) I will return later with day #3.

06-09-2006	#45 (permalink)
Nick-n-Nora ruined Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Dayton, OH Posts: 97	Sorry! We finally have the report finished. We will add days throughout the next week. Day #2 continued…Saturday, May 13<SUP>th </SUP>Part B Nora and I arrived in Playa in the early afternoon enjoying the sun and warm weather, so we decided to walk from the bus station to our hotel Riviera Del <ST1:p</ST1:pSol on Calle 30 Norte. We began walking with our one LARGE suitcase tagged EXTRA HEAVY, one medium size case and three “small” carry-on bags down <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:Street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">5<SUP>th</SUP> Avenue</st1:address></st1:Street>. Nora is a person that always generates good ideas and she is off to a good start. We take relatively few steps when she suggests we stop for a cool drink, chips and the salsa we have been craving for, since we left playa last year. Great idea, but first Nora must converse with the “street agent” trying to get us to book a tour. Nora politely says no…and eventually, hell no …and we are sitting at Karen’s on <st1:Street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Fifth Avenue</st1:address></st1:Street>. They have recently remodeled this restaurant and it looks great (a little pricey though). So we order our refreshments as we find ourselves sitting next to another couple next to the street. OOOHHH YYYEEEAAA…the first drink was very refreshing and then the conversation begins. This is one of our Favorite things about Playa…a chance to meet new/great people and we were lucky enough to meet many great folks (especially at the PEEP meet on Friday…Steve Ryberg…and Tony and Cheri …more to come on all). This couple was from <st1:State w:st="on">West Virginia</st1:State>, <st1:country-region w:st="on"><ST1:pUSA</ST1:p</st1:country-region> and was so pleasant and fun to talk to, but in some circles it could be thought that a little too much information was revealed! Ya know VERY intimate details. Oh well, that is what we enjoyed…just an open, let it all hang out conversation…and with sincere fellow Playa lovers. We arrive at our hotel (two hours later) after Nora had another idea of a cold drink break. Did I mention Calle 30 Norte was our destination? Some walks require a leisurely pace with the appropriate number of rest breaks. As many of you know the Riviera Del Sol is a great hotel a block away from Mamitas Beach Club. The rate was $70 cash a night which included a continental breakfast and Mamitas, but we later found out that they are now booking at $90 cash a night. We quickly check in, go to our room, throw on our swimsuits and Hi Ho, Hi Ho, it’s off to the beach we go. We spend the rest of the day at the beach and see how things have changed since last year after the hurricane. Mamitas is better than ever with new buildings, a beach pool and a new bar by the beds. Also, the palapas are no longer with wood poles, but with steel poles (a minor detail). Actually, construction was continuing with finishing touches of block laying, plastering and painting. Speaking of plastering, I think Nora was plastered…with joy…oh, I am getting ahead of myself. Last year palapas... This year palapas New Mamitas New "bed" area From Mamitas building Anyway, after three days of rain in <st1:State w:st="on"><ST1:pOhio </ST1:p</st1:State>, we really enjoy soaking up the sun , but now it is time to hit the shower and go to dinner. Babe’s sounds sooooo good…the noodles, spicy food and a Mohito for Nora. She has never tried one, even though we are not big drinkers (normally), she has read sooooo much about it from the forum connoisseurs. Fortunately, the new Babe’s location is in-between Calle 28 and 30 on <st1:Street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">5<SUP>th</SUP> Avenue</st1:address></st1:Street>, just around the corner from the Riviera Del Sol. We are quickly seated at our table, order our favorite dishes and a Mohito. We begin satisfying our tremendous hunger and a most pleasant look settles on Nora’s face…more chips and salsa, a Babe’s noodle dish and now she starts to drink the infamous Mohito. Wow! What a PUCKER! I mean, WOW it is like she lost her teeth and her lips are gone and her big beautiful blue eyes have disappeared into lines on her face. Man, this drink must be FANTASTIC! Noooo, it isn’t sweet and it tastes like clover in a class of spiked water. Huh? Nora was expecting a different result…that’s ok…Mohitos aren’t for everyone. Noticing the face it created on Nora I just took a SAMPLE taste and agreed, the Mohito wasn’t our cup of coffee. Fortunately, by the next day Nora’s face was back to it’s pretty self. (After several hours, I was worried for awhile it might not return.) I will return later with day #3. __________________ Nick and Nora Last edited by Nick-n-Nora; 06-09-2006 at 09:34 AM..

05-27-2006	#33 (permalink)
Tesla 573 añejo Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: LA...Lower Ala Posts: 7,346	Great report !!! I need pictures.....pictures!!

05-27-2006	#34 (permalink)
Pam801 way into it Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Cape Cod, Massachusetts Posts: 103	This whole packing thing is so funny................at this point (getting ready for trip #6) my husband, Larry says "flip flops, bathing suit and a t-shirt!!!! Don't pack anything else for me!). I tell him to wear those things on the plane and then he'll be all set. Of course I have to remember his underwear cause he doesn't care. I have tried it many different ways the best way is to pack really light because we never wear everything and that is like shorts, t-shirts and different color flip flops (got to have different colors) than we wear sneakers on the plane. We used to bring a nice outfit, but never wear anything but casual. If going in January we always bring a sweatshirt because some of those nights can be chilly.....FIND A LAUNDRY MAT!!!! We can fill a large kitchen trash bag and pay $5.50. It may take a day or two to get it back but that is what the rest of the clothes we packed is for. There is one good one on 10th between 10th and 12th. But I think PortlandNative said there is a new one by the Blue Parrot (looking forward to that convenience!). Now if I can only cut down on the sundries. I keep bringing the "large" bottles of shampoo/conditioner etc (Larry is bald) and large bottles of everything else. All those "extras" add up. My goal: carry on bags and nothing more. LOOKING FORWARD TO THE REST OF YOUR TRIP REPORtT.

05-27-2006	#35 (permalink)
caramba añejo Join Date: May 2002 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 6,644	I'm guilty of overpacking too. Every time we travel I say I'm going to cut down on what I bring. It's so easy to have laundry done in Playa. Hopefully next trip I'll listen to myself. Every time our suitcases come out Caramba (the cat) settles into mine....

05-27-2006	#36 (permalink)
xqqzme añejo Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 5,105	We've made a pact that we'll do the 12 days in December with only a carry on each. All the laundry tips are great...I made a note of the Blue Parrot one too. And great trip report Nick N Nora...more pics....need more pics to fulfill the Playa fix

05-27-2006	#37 (permalink)
Ms. Janny way into it Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Eden Prairie, MN Posts: 172	We found a do-it-yourself laundromat on 1st Ave between Villas Sacbe and the Abyss Dive Shop (same side of the road). This would be between 12th and 14th streets. This might be the one that was referred to as being near the Blue Parrot. We didn't use it because our condo had a washer and dryer. I am guilty of bringing way too much with me on our last trip. I still have my suitcase in the bedroom with half of the crap I brought along ... never touched. Great trip report Nick & Nora! Looking forward to reading more.

05-28-2006	#38 (permalink)
PortlandNative life=playa Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Oregon Mountains Posts: 620	Drop your clothes at the laundry behind the Parrot, head north half a block, and turn left at the "T." On your right will be Alicia's shop, Siete Detalles. After shopping, have a drink on the beach in front of the Parrot. Then grab your laundry and do whatever. Can't go wrong. Guaranteed.

05-29-2006	#41 (permalink)
emc añejo Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Cleveland, land of hope, heartache and wait till next year Posts: 1,948	Hey Nick and Nora. Now that we've pretty much covered the packing thing, where's the rest of your trip report? It was great meeting both of you, next time you are up this way visiting your son, let me know and maybe we can meet up for a few. Elaina

06-01-2006	#43 (permalink)
Nick-n-Nora ruined Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Dayton, OH Posts: 97	Hello Everyone...sorry about the delay...I got slammed after the first report....more is coming soon!

06-02-2006	#44 (permalink)
jx2 añejo Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Pac. NW. Posts: 3,997	Hello Nick and or Nora. Nice meeting you two, wish we had spent more time together, as you two seem like alot of fun and very happy go lucky peeps. Patiently waiting for the rest of your report. Jeff and Julie from the T.B.

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