TR: A Playa sandwich with a little dessert

[Andiline]

Love the report,keep it coming! And yes: taking pics with an underwater housing most of the times IS just shooting at something and you have no clue what you will get - unless you are much deeper. But even much deeper... it's like gambling.

Andrea

[sunshinejk]

I think I am like your mom and could never do the hostel. Her comment made me giggle. I was kind of thinking the same thing. BUT, I give kudos to those of you that CAN rough it and save some moolah.

I love your photos. I can't believe your stuff got stolen.

Were you able to go in the buildings at all in the abandoned hotel? I think I could have explored that day. But who knows what could have happened with drug lords and rapists potentially being there, too. YIKES!!

[simplee10]

Great report! Amazing pics!

[MartyC]

Keep it coming. You are making it possible for all of us chickens to see what it is like to "rough it."

[Playadicta]

Originally Posted by maestranba

Was that Freedom Paradise resort the one that was for "large" people? I remember seeing it once while looking for a resort for us a while ago.

More, por favor!

I think I remember seeing on the mapchick map that FP was for large people. I cant verify though, 'cause the map was in the pile of stuff that was stolen. Ahhh, my beloved mapchick map...sigh...I miss you my dear buddy . We had so many good times together:

[Playadicta]

Originally Posted by sunshinejk

Were you able to go in the buildings at all in the abandoned hotel?

It looked like the doors to the rooms were open, but our minds were on snorkeling so we went straight for the water and didnt even check it out. I remember thinking that surely there must be some vagrants staying there somewhere since there wasnt any security around to keep us out.

[Playadicta]

I havent even been home a week yet and already everything is starting to blur together, so, if you dont mind, I'll tell what I remember and make up something to go with the pictures that I cant remember .
On day 4 we decided to move on to Cozumel so my cousin could do some diving. He was certified in Indiana muchos años ago and had never made it out of the state to do any diving so I was really excited for him. We took the bus back to Playa and hopped the ferry to Cozumel. Once aboard the ferry, I insisted on sitting on the lower lever behind the stairs and ordered Pat to stop talking to me so I could concentrate on not throwing up . He complied. After the crossing, he said the trip was relaxing and he fell right asleep. Dude, you dont have to brag.
Once on Coz, Pat decided it would be great fun to rent some motos and explore the island a bit while looking for lodging. I suggested that we get a motorcycle and he drive us both around, knowing that I am probably a danger to myself and others on a moto. He said he didnt want to be responsible for messing us both up, and that I should drive myself. So we got the motos and were off. Pat really loved scooting them around. He said that in his head he kept saying, "Weeeeeeeee......Weeeeeeeee." I can assure you that what was going thru my head were words that I try not to say out loud in public . After a bit I started to get the hang of it, but I still couldnt believe anyone would rent ME a scooter.
We drove and drove and drove, everytime we passed a place selling artesanías, Pat would point out the price of blankets and tell me I paid too much for mine in Tulum. Then we decided to pull off to check the map to see where we might be. We had taken the road around the island, which was beautiful. Here are a few shots:



some beach club:

You can pull over almost anywhere to explore the practically empty, rocky beaches.

self portrait:

Our version of The Motorcycle Diaries:

Several hours later, we made it back into town. We stopped at a few coastal hotels to check some rates, which were mostly more than we wanted to pay since we didnt plan on hanging out at the hotel much.
After getting the police whistle a couple times for trying to go the wrong way down the one way streets, we ended up on calle 4 norte. About a half a block down from the malecon we stumbled upon this hotel:


The price was right and it was a basic, clean place to stay. They even let us park the motos inside by the pool! See what you think:
Recepcion:

Courtyard:



Good size, clean room included bottled water & small balcony overlooking the street (never mind the sleeping giant and the mess)

Private bath with great water pressure and super hot water:

We cleaned up for dinner, decided to splurge a bit, and Pat chose a restaurant recommended on the Cozumel map. I think it was called Especias, and the map mentioned that their friend Adrian worked there. We had some kind of steak shishkebab plate with sauteed veggies & mashed potatoes. The waiter was very entertaining and the food was DELICIOUS. We met some people there who said they had been back like 3 times in a row they liked it so much! Only took one pic from there, sorry, no food pics:

Somewhere in there we also checked out some prices at the dive shops for tomorrow and decided to go with Black Shark. Pat would dive and I could snorkel along above. After a little shopping, and basically just wandering around, we called it a night. End of day 4.

[Sue]

Great trip report. I have been looking for years for Mexico flip flops. Where can I find them?

[Playadicta]

Across the highway from the Weary Traveler in Tulum, a little catty corner to the left, is a Dr. Simi farmacia on the corner. Turn down that street and the flip flop store is on the right about a half a block down. They had several variations of the Mexico ones.

[Sue]

Originally Posted by Playadicta

Across the highway from the Weary Traveler in Tulum, a little catty corner to the left, is a Dr. Simi famacia on the corner. Turn down that street and the flip flop store is on the right about a half a block down. They had several variations of the Mexico ones.

Thanks. Hopefully I can find them somewhere in Playa.

[lovesthesun]

I am really enjoying your trip report. The underwater photos are just amazing. I have only used the disposable u/w cameras, and the pictures are so-so. The Turtle photo is my favorite.
I also love your MEXICO flip flops!
You and your cousin are true adventurers

[Catalyst]

Originally Posted by bizzokiki

Lovin the report so far, great pics, I love the turtle ones! I think I'm putting a day trip to Akumal on my list for my next stay in Playa.

We are thinking about a rip to Akumal also. At first we we're thinking about heading over to Cozumel.....but if the weather turned for the worse we would be stuck without a place to stay. So Akumal and snorkeling is on our list.....getting close to out departure and anxious.

[Catalyst]

Playadicta.

The size/shape/feel or those hotel rooms remind me of our trip to Paris/Normady a few yeas ago. Small/cramped/basic amenities/but exactly what you need.....a place to crash at night!!!!! If you are thinking about going to Paris and dont want to spend $400.00 USD per night then what you see here is very similar to what you will get there for a cheap price.

Waiting for more......psssssssst keep an eye out for our TR

[Kellyk]

I'm loving your report!!! The underwater pics are incredible.
One of these trips I'm going to get out of my comfort zone and be more adventurous (as if driving up and down 307 and 'lets see where this road goes' side trips with Vikki isn't adventurous). I think I just mentioned the idea of a hostel to some of my favorite travelin' chicas and all I heard was silence....then laughter.

looking forward to more! ...and I too am now on the hunt for those flip flops

[Rheta]

Your report and pics are incredible! Just one thing....Maybe the monkeys took your clothes!!!