04-08-2010
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#31 (permalink) | ||||||
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way into it
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 170
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[quote=Montana SolMan;1561925][quote=MIKEandLISA;1560131]The only thing I know about tequila is that it doesn't taste as good the second time as it comes up. Drank way too much of this in college, but figured since Montana SolMan and Mrs. SolMan enjoyed palomas so much during their drunkumentory...we would need to give them a try as well! Quote:
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04-08-2010
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#33 (permalink) |
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way into it
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 170
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Day 4 Ek Balam, Valladolid, Skype, Wifi, and Shrimp in the Barbecue
Day 4 Stopped back at the Mega, got some pastries and headed out to Ek Balam... not any photos of the journey, we left around 9:00 mostly because of the palomas from last night. Turns out when my brother and I get together we end up drinking and B.S. ing (MN term) into the wee hours...
Took 2 hours and 15 minutes to get there from Playa. The roads were pretty good for the the entire trip except for the stretch of construction right before Valladolid for maybe 15 miles. The ride went well, the kids are used to long road trips after our 5500 mile road trip last summer to the Pacific Northwest. Signs were clear and I had no problem navigating. Here some photos form the ruins...                      We decided to go to EK Balam because you can still climb the ruins. We flew to Chitzen Itz from Cozumel about 14 years ago and got the opportunity to climb El Castillo before the airport was closed because of the new toll road. You cannot climb the ruins at Chitzen itza and the whole experience has now changed. When we visited, there were very few tourists and no vendors at the site. Our little group from the plane were the only ones there...we arrived prior to any buses from Cancun at something like 9:00 A.M. I feel like these places are getting shut down as the tourism increases. Probably won't be too long before they shut Ek Balam off as well; I would highly recommend visiting this place, the frescos are incredible! The site is very compact and very approachable! Uncle Sean visited CI a couple of years ago and said that the place is pretty much locked down and full of vendors. I thought about this and figured CI will probably remain unchanged for the foreseeable future, hence our decision to hit Ek Balam on this trip. Our kids can see CI as it is today for the rest of their lives and I would guess that not much will change over the next 30 years...as cool as it is, I think it'll be there for them and their kids. Coba and Ek Balam will undoubtedly change and become more touristy as time goes on, and most probably climbing these will be shut down as well. This was a very cool experience to actually climb the ruins and see more "undiscovered" ruins covered by the jungle- we saw various mounds still engulfed by trees and weeds waiting to be excavated... Our cameras cannot capture the scale of the place, but the main pyramid is at least as big as El Castillo at CI. This place is a "must see" in my book!          Such a great experience! Then off to a "real" colonial town, Valladolid! Reminded me of some old towns in Europe. Walked around the centro:   and had a late lunch at here...      Ate the "Bells" (in Spanish of course). Headed out of town and hit the Mcd's in Playa again for the kids...a full day of driving and seeing some of the real Mexico. Dropped the kids and Lisa off at the condo and hit the Mega (again). We needed beers, tequila, dinner for tonight and snacks for the boat we chartered for tomorrow. We bought a kilo of shrimp, a half kilo of mega's Arrachera, Oaxaca cheese, churizo, pan, beers, Squirt, and more tilquila...   Ate dinner and drank cervezas and palomas until about 2:00 A.M...again. The Wifi at Natz Ti Ha worked great, I was able to call home via Skype on my iPod touch without any problems! We were preparing ourselves for the 35' boat we chartered for tomorrow. Stay tuned for an exciting day as we reel in some HUGE sailfish and a wahoo to boot!
__________________
 2010 trip report: http://www.playa.info/playa-del-carm...llaquiles.html 2009 Trip report: http://www.playa.info/playa-del-carm...de-gopala.html 2008 trip report: http://www.playa.info/playa-del-carm...31-2008-a.html Last edited by MIKEandLISA; 04-08-2010 at 11:51 PM.. |
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04-08-2010
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#35 (permalink) |
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way into it
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 170
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Sorry, I think you checked out the post as I was writing. I start writing and add pics and text through the editing feature as I go...check back tomorrow this segment should be done. I am trying to get one day of the trip done each night after dinner! It is slowwww going typing this thing up on my iPod touch!
Last edited by MIKEandLISA; 04-08-2010 at 10:30 PM.. |
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04-09-2010
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#36 (permalink) |
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sandflea
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: God's Country: OR USA
Posts: 12
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Arrival day for uncleSean
Wow, nice posts so far, MIKEandLISA! I’m new to the forum, but I love it.
I’ll step back one day to my arrival to meet up with you guys. Got into Cancun airport around 2 pm, local time. Left Oregon at 6 am (PST) and woke up about two hours earlier. After arriving at the Cancun airport and clearing customs, I made sure my debit card worked and unloaded about 3,000 pesos from an airport ATM. No problems; good to go. Walked a little further down to the ADO bus ticket counter. I was able to procure a ticket to Playa for about 110(?) pesos. The young woman working the counter gave me my ticket and change. However, there was about 50 pesos too much change, which I mentioned in very broken Spanish to her and we eventually got the transaction completed accurately. Next, it was out to the gauntlet that is Cancun airport ground transportation central! Bring it on! I’ve been to Playa and through Cancun airport a couple of times before, so I knew the tricks and lies that can be told to tourists to get them onto a van for their destinations… So, first stop for me was at the little outside bar for a bottle of XX beer. [Background: several years ago I wanted to take the ADO bus to Playa and was a little lost my first time finding it. Back then I asked some “official-looking” local guys (bearing signs and wearing uniforms) that were hanging around outside the airport where the bus stop was and was wrongly informed that the ADO no longer ran from Cancun to Playa (but of course they had a van I could take…)! I persevered then and eventually got to the ADO stop and Playa (so I knew the drill)]. This time I confidently strolled by the uniformed-van salesmen towards the ADO stop and was asked where I was going and so on. I had time to kill as my bus would be another half-hour before departing. As I looked around at the various van drivers/ salesmen loading passengers into their vans, I noticed that during the lulls in activity the guys would be counting money: mostly in the form of U.S. one dollar bills. I suppose they made tips from their passengers and wanted to count their earnings? At any rate, with all of the greenbacks being flashed, I too was compelled to count my moolah as well. I produced from my wallet a stack of fresh Mexican peso notes as well as some U.S. $20 bills. I patiently counted the exposed cash and got some looks from the workers as I ensured that I had in my possession the amount of money that I thought I did. One fellow even came over to ask where I was heading and after hearing that I was going to Playa, he invited me onto a van that was departing soon! I informed him that I had an ADO ticket and that I was all set. Thank you very much! Well, it was a nice bus ride down the coast. So much has changed in the past couple of years down there! Rolled into the Playa downtown bus station and departed the bus. The door opened and the humidity and heat hit me like the wave that I’ve been craving after an Oregon winter! I collected my bag from the luggage and walked down 5th Avenue towards my brother’s condo. About half way there I was able to stop at the big apple to pick up a “walkin' around beer”. (image from: http://playadelcarmenpictures.com):  I arrived at the Condo and was greeted by the 24/7 security personnel and guard dog, “Chapparo” who pointed me in the right direction (image from Playa del Carmen, Mexico forum  Met up with my bro and his family at the condo. A very nice place with some ocean views:   I was able to change out of my grunge clothing and get acquainted with the local beer and the kids. We went to my new favorite restaurant called “H.C. de Monterrey”. They had the best arrachera! Purchased the boys some fresh cotton candy from my brother’s aforementioned street vendor and headed back to the condo. Lisa put my two nephews to bed around 8 pm and us adults enjoyed a (new to me) drink called “Palomas” (that MIKEandLISA learned about from a fellow forum member) until about 2 am. Although we were up late, we did not need an alarm to get up at about 6 am as the boys were very excited to get to climb the ruins at El Bakam!  More later!
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04-09-2010
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#37 (permalink) |
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reposado
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Jackson, MI USA
Posts: 1,264
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Great Report! I like how you didnt subject your kids to an AI like so many parents do! The boys looked like they had a blast! Scott gets his haircut in MX and does say it is more timely (like you experienced)...but he swears they are the best (& obvioulsy best priced) haircuts ever. I like how late they are open!
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04-09-2010
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#38 (permalink) |
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añejo
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada
Posts: 2,358
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What a great family trip, you have convinced me that condo is the way to go!
PS...........Make sure your brother gets a good photo of the four of you for your Christmas cards! I think there may have been a couple during that last installment. 
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04-10-2010
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#41 (permalink) |
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sandflea
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: God's Country: OR USA
Posts: 12
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uncleSean's first day in Playa!
Wow, nice posts so far, MIKEandLISA! First of all, thanks for inviting me down to Playa for Spring break… I’m new to the forum, but so far, I love it.
I’ll step back one day to my arrival. Got into Cancun airport around 2 pm, local time. Departed Oregon at 6 am (PST) on Delta airlines. Transferred to my CUN-bound flight in Salt Lake City, Utah. After arriving at the Cancun airport and clearing customs, I made sure my debit card worked and unloaded 3,000 pesos from the second ATM you’ll run into while departing the international arrivals section of the airport. No problems; good to go. Walked a little further down to the ADO bus ticket counter (about 50 yards from the exterior doors). I was able to procure a ticket to Playa for about 110 pesos. The young woman working the counter at the ticket booth gave me my ticket and change. Turns out there was about 50 pesos too much change, which I mentioned in very broken Spanish to her and we eventually got the transaction completed accurately. Next, it’s out to the gauntlet that is Cancun airport ground transportation central! First stop was at the little outside bar for a bottle of XX. I’ve been to Playa via the Cancun airport a couple of times before, so I knew the tricks and lies that can be told to tourists to get them onto a van to their destinations… [Background: Several years ago I took the ADO bus to Playa and was a little lost my first time there. I asked some local guys hanging around outside where the bus stop was and was wrongly informed that the ADO no longer made the run from Cancun to Playa (but of course they had a van…)! I persevered and eventually got onto my bus (so I knew the drill).]  This time I strolled by the van salesmen and towards the ADO stop and was asked where I was going and so on. I had time to kill as my bus would be another half hour before departing. As I looked around at van drivers/ salesmen loading passengers into the vans, I noticed that during lulls in activity the local guys would be counting money- mostly in the form of U.S. one dollar bills. I suppose they made tips from travelers and wanted to count their earnings? With all of the greenbacks being flashed, I wanted to fit in as well.  I produced from my wallet a stack of fresh Mexican peso notes as well as some crisp U.S. $20 bills I had packed incase my credit union card wasn’t accepted at the ATMs. I patiently and carefully counted my exposed cash several times and got some curious looks from the workers as I ensured that I had in my possession the amount of money that I thought I did. One fellow noticed and even took the time to come over to inquire where I was heading and after hearing that I was going to Playa, he invited me onto a van that was departing very soon! I informed him that I had an ADO ticket and that I was all set; thank you very much. Well, it was a nice air-conditioned bus ride down the coast. So much has changed in the past couple of years down there! Development rolls on and I saw new block houses going up throughout the quick ~ 1 hour trip. We rolled into the Playa downtown bus station and departed the bus. The humidity and heat hit me like I wanted it too after an Oregon winter! I collected my bag from the luggage and walked down 5th Avenue towards my brother’s condo. I was able to stop at the big apple store to pick up a “walking around beer”:  After just another block North on 5th avenue I came to an intersection with several local fellows enjoying the evening at the street corner. As I approached pulling my roller luggage bag, obviously just arrived as I was wearing my usual Pacific Northwest grunge outfit of jeans and a plaid flannel shirt and was soaked in sweat, and one of the guys asked if I was interested in obtaining some wonderful Cuban cigars. I replied that I was not interested and as I walked past he whispered: “hey man, you wanna get high?” in a Spanish accent. I was exhausted after the long day travelling and had no interest in getting high with their illegal drugs   (drogas) or whatever else they were slinging! Again, I politely declined his offer and proceeded to meet up with my bro.Arrived at the Condo and was greeted by the 24/7 security personnel and guard dog, “Chapparo” who pointed me in the right direction. Met up with my bro and his family at the condo. A very nice place with some ocean views: I was able to change into more appropriate clothing (shorts and short-sleeved shirt) and get acquainted with the local beer and the kids while we all caught up on the beautiful balcony. We went to my new favorite restaurant called “H.C. de Monterrey”. They had the best arrachera! Picked up the boys some fresh cotton candy from my brother’s aforementioned street vendor and headed back to the condo. Lisa put my two nephews to bed around 8 pm and us adults enjoyed a number of drinks called “Palomas”   until about 2 am that came to our knowledge courtesy of "Montana SolMan" on this forum who wrote about his "drinkumentary" in Playa (http://www.playa.info/playa-del-carm...kumentary.html). Thanks Montana, I think?  Although we were up late, we surely did not need the alarm I had set to ring at 9 am as I was woken up by the boys who were up at 6 am the next day as they were very excited to get to climb the ruins at Ek' Balam!
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04-10-2010
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#42 (permalink) |
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sandflea
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: God's Country: OR USA
Posts: 12
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Arrival day for uncleSean
Wow, nice posts so far, MIKEandLISA! First of all, thanks for inviting me down to Playa for Spring break… I’m new to the forum, but so far, I love it.
I’ll step back one day to my arrival. Got into Cancun airport around 2 pm, local time. Departed Oregon at 6 am (PST) on Delta airlines. Transferred to my CUN-bound flight in Salt Lake City, Utah. After arriving at the Cancun airport and clearing customs, I made sure my debit card worked and unloaded 3,000 pesos from the second ATM you’ll run into while departing the international arrivals section of the airport. No problems; good to go. Walked a little further down to the ADO bus ticket counter (about 50 yards from the exterior doors). I was able to procure a ticket to Playa for about 110 pesos. The young woman working the counter at the ticket booth gave me my ticket and change. Turns out there was about 50 pesos too much change, which I mentioned in very broken Spanish to her and we eventually got the transaction completed accurately. Next, it’s out to the gauntlet that is Cancun airport ground transportation central! First stop was at the little outside bar for a bottle of XX. I’ve been to Playa via the Cancun airport a couple of times before, so I knew the tricks and lies that can be told to tourists to get them onto a van to their destinations… [Background: Several years ago I took the ADO bus to Playa and was a little lost my first time there. I asked some local guys hanging around outside where the bus stop was and was wrongly informed that the ADO no longer made the run from Cancun to Playa (but of course they had a van…)! I persevered and eventually got onto my bus (so I knew the drill).] This time I strolled by the van salesmen and towards the ADO stop and was asked where I was going and so on. I had time to kill as my bus would be another half hour before departing. As I looked around at van drivers/ salesmen loading passengers into the vans, I noticed that during lulls in activity the local guys would be counting money- mostly in the form of U.S. one dollar bills. I suppose they made tips from travelers and wanted to count their earnings? With all of the greenbacks being flashed, I wanted to fit in as well. I produced from my wallet a stack of fresh Mexican peso notes as well as some crisp U.S. $20 bills I had packed incase my credit union card wasn’t accepted at the ATMs. I patiently and carefully counted my exposed cash several times and got some curious looks from the workers as I ensured that I had in my possession the amount of money that I thought I did. One fellow noticed and even took the time to come over to inquire where I was heading and after hearing that I was going to Playa, he invited me onto a van that was departing very soon! I informed him that I had an ADO ticket and that I was all set; thank you very much.Well, it was a nice air-conditioned bus ride down the coast. So much has changed in the past couple of years down there! Development rolls on and I saw new block houses going up throughout the quick ~ 1 hour trip. We rolled into the Playa downtown bus station and departed the bus. The humidity and heat hit me like I wanted it too after an Oregon winter! I collected my bag from the luggage and walked down 5th Avenue towards my brother’s condo. I was able to stop at the big apple store to pick up a “walking around beer”: After just another block North on 5th avenue I came to an intersection with several local fellows enjoying the evening at the street corner. As I approached pulling my roller luggage bag, obviously just arrived as I was wearing my usual Pacific Northwest grunge outfit of jeans and a plaid flannel shirt and was soaked in sweat, and one of the guys asked if I was interested in obtaining some wonderful Cuban cigars. I replied that I was not interested and as I walked past he whispered: “hey man, you wanna get high?” in a Spanish accent. I was exhausted after the long day travelling and had no interest in getting high with their illegal drugs (drogas) or whatever else they were slinging! Again, I politely declined his offer and proceeded to meet up with my bro.Arrived at the Condo and was greeted by the 24/7 security personnel and guard dog, “Chapparo” who pointed me in the right direction. Met up with my bro and his family at the condo. A very nice place with some ocean views: I was able to change into more appropriate clothing (shorts and short-sleeved shirt) and get acquainted with the local beer and the kids while we all caught up on the beautiful balcony. We went to my new favorite restaurant called “H.C. de Monterrey”. They had the best arrachera! Picked up the boys some fresh cotton candy from my brother’s aforementioned street vendor and headed back to the condo. Lisa put my two nephews to bed around 8 pm and us adults enjoyed a number of drinks called “Palomas” until about 2 am that came to our knowledge courtesy of "Montana SolMan" on this forum who wrote about his "drinkumentary" in Playa (http://www.playa.info/playa-del-carm...kumentary.html). Thanks Montana, I think? Although we were up late, we surely did not need the alarm I had set to ring at 9 am as I was woken up by the boys who were up at 6 am the next day as they were very excited to get to climb the ruins at Ek' Balam!
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04-10-2010
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#43 (permalink) |
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sandflea
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: God's Country: OR USA
Posts: 12
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Wow, nice posts so far, MIKEandLISA! First of all, thanks for inviting me down to Playa for Spring break… I’m new to the forum, but so far, I love it.
* I’ll step back one day to my arrival. Got into Cancun airport around 2 pm, local time. Departed Oregon at 6 am (PST) on Delta airlines. Transferred to my CUN-bound flight in Salt Lake City, Utah. After arriving at the Cancun airport and clearing customs, I made sure my debit card worked and unloaded 3,000 pesos from the second ATM you’ll run into while departing the international arrivals section of the airport. No problems; good to go. Walked a little further down to the ADO bus ticket counter (about 50 yards from the exterior doors). I was able to procure a ticket to Playa for about 110 pesos. The young woman working the counter at the ticket booth gave me my ticket and change. Turns out there was about 50 pesos too much change, which I mentioned in very broken Spanish to her and we eventually got the transaction completed accurately. Next, it’s out to the gauntlet that is Cancun airport ground transportation central! * First stop was at the little outside bar for a bottle of XX. I’ve been to Playa via the Cancun airport a couple of times before, so I knew the tricks and lies that can be told to tourists to get them onto a van to their destinations… [Background: Several years ago I took the ADO bus to Playa and was a little lost my first time there. I asked some local guys hanging around outside where the bus stop was and was wrongly informed that the ADO no longer made the run from Cancun to Playa (but of course they had a van…)! I persevered and eventually got onto my bus (so I knew the drill).] * This time I strolled by the van salesmen and towards the ADO stop and was asked where I was going and so on. I had time to kill as my bus would be another half hour before departing. As I looked around at van drivers/ salesmen loading passengers into the vans, I noticed that during lulls in activity the local guys would be counting money- mostly in the form of U.S. one dollar bills. I suppose they made tips from travelers and wanted to count their earnings? With all of the greenbacks being flashed, I wanted to fit in as well. I produced from my wallet a stack of fresh Mexican peso notes as well as some crisp U.S. $20 bills I had packed incase my credit union card wasn’t accepted at the ATMs. I patiently and carefully counted my exposed cash several times and got some curious looks from the workers as I ensured that I had in my possession the amount of money that I thought I did. One fellow noticed and even took the time to come over to inquire where I was heading and after hearing that I was going to Playa, he invited me onto a van that was departing very soon! I informed him that I had an ADO ticket and that I was all set; thank you very much.* Well, it was a nice air-conditioned bus ride down the coast. So much has changed in the past couple of years down there! Development rolls on and I saw new block houses going up throughout the quick ~ 1 hour trip. We rolled into the Playa downtown bus station and departed the bus. The humidity and heat hit me like I wanted it too after an Oregon winter! I collected my bag from the luggage and walked down 5th Avenue towards my brother’s condo. I was able to stop at the big apple store to pick up a “walking around beer”: * * After just another block North on 5th avenue I came to an intersection with several local fellows enjoying the evening at the street corner. As I approached pulling my roller luggage bag, obviously just arrived as I was wearing my usual Pacific Northwest grunge outfit of jeans and a plaid flannel shirt and was soaked in sweat, and one of the guys asked if I was interested in obtaining some wonderful Cuban cigars. I replied that I was not interested and as I walked past he whispered: “hey man, you wanna get high?” in a Spanish accent. I was exhausted after the long day travelling and had no interest in getting high with their illegal drugs (drogas) or whatever else they were slinging! Again, I politely declined his offer and proceeded to meet up with my bro.* Arrived at the Condo and was greeted by the 24/7 security personnel and guard dog, “Chapparo” who pointed me in the right direction. * * Met up with my bro and his family at the condo. A very nice place with some ocean views: * * I was able to change into more appropriate clothing (shorts and short-sleeved shirt) and get acquainted with the local beer and the kids while we all caught up on the beautiful balcony. We went to my new favorite restaurant called “H.C. de Monterrey”. They had the best arrachera! Picked up the boys some fresh cotton candy from my brother’s aforementioned street vendor and headed back to the condo. Lisa put my two nephews to bed around 8 pm and us adults enjoyed a number of drinks called “Palomas” until about 2 am that came to our knowledge courtesy of "Montana SolMan" on this forum who wrote about his "drinkumentary" in Playa (http://www.playa.info/playa-del-carm...kumentary.html). Thanks Montana, I think? Although we were up late, we surely did not need the alarm I had set to ring at 9 am as I was woken up by the boys who were up at 6 am the next day as they were very excited to get to climb the ruins at Ek' Balam!
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04-10-2010
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#44 (permalink) |
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sandflea
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: God's Country: OR USA
Posts: 12
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Wow, nice posts so far, MIKEandLISA! First of all, thanks for inviting me down to Playa for Spring break… I’m new to the forum, but so far, I love it.
I’ll step back one day to my arrival. Got into Cancun airport around 2 pm, local time. Departed Oregon at 6 am (PST) on Delta airlines. Transferred to my CUN-bound flight in Salt Lake City, Utah. After arriving at the Cancun airport and clearing customs, I made sure my debit card worked and unloaded 3,000 pesos from the second ATM you’ll run into while departing the international arrivals section of the airport. No problems; good to go. Walked a little further down to the ADO bus ticket counter (about 50 yards from the exterior doors). I was able to procure a ticket to Playa for about 110 pesos. The young woman working the counter at the ticket booth gave me my ticket and change. Turns out there was about 50 pesos too much change, which I mentioned in very broken Spanish to her and we eventually got the transaction completed accurately. Next, it’s out to the gauntlet that is Cancun airport ground transportation central! First stop was at the little outside bar for a bottle of XX. I’ve been to Playa via the Cancun airport a couple of times before, so I knew the tricks and lies that can be told to tourists to get them onto a van to their destinations… [Background: Several years ago I took the ADO bus to Playa and was a little lost my first time there. I asked some local guys hanging around outside where the bus stop was and was wrongly informed that the ADO no longer made the run from Cancun to Playa (but of course they had a van…)! I persevered and eventually got onto my bus (so I knew the drill).] This time I strolled by the van salesmen and towards the ADO stop and was asked where I was going and so on. I had time to kill as my bus would be another half hour before departing. As I looked around at van drivers/ salesmen loading passengers into the vans, I noticed that during lulls in activity the local guys would be counting money- mostly in the form of U.S. one dollar bills. I suppose they made tips from travelers and wanted to count their earnings? With all of the greenbacks being flashed, I wanted to fit in as well. I produced from my wallet a stack of fresh Mexican peso notes as well as some crisp U.S. $20 bills I had packed incase my credit union card wasn’t accepted at the ATMs. I patiently and carefully counted my exposed cash several times and got some curious looks from the workers as I ensured that I had in my possession the amount of money that I thought I did. One fellow noticed and even took the time to come over to inquire where I was heading and after hearing that I was going to Playa, he invited me onto a van that was departing very soon! I informed him that I had an ADO ticket and that I was all set; thank you very much.Well, it was a nice air-conditioned bus ride down the coast. So much has changed in the past couple of years down there! Development rolls on and I saw new block houses going up throughout the quick ~ 1 hour trip. We rolled into the Playa downtown bus station and departed the bus. The humidity and heat hit me like I wanted it too after an Oregon winter! I collected my bag from the luggage and walked down 5th Avenue towards my brother’s condo. I was able to stop at the big apple store to pick up a “walking around beer”: After just another block North on 5th avenue I came to an intersection with several local fellows enjoying the evening at the street corner. As I approached pulling my roller luggage bag, obviously just arrived as I was wearing my usual Pacific Northwest grunge outfit of jeans and a plaid flannel shirt and was soaked in sweat, and one of the guys asked if I was interested in obtaining some wonderful Cuban cigars. I replied that I was not interested and as I walked past he whispered: “hey man, you wanna get high?” in a Spanish accent. I was exhausted after the long day travelling and had no interest in getting high with their illegal drugs (drogas) or whatever else they were slinging! Again, I politely declined his offer and proceeded to meet up with my bro.Arrived at the Condo and was greeted by the 24/7 security personnel and guard dog, “Chapparo” who pointed me in the right direction. Met up with my bro and his family at the condo. A very nice place with some ocean views: I was able to change into more appropriate clothing (shorts and short-sleeved shirt) and get acquainted with the local beer and the kids while we all caught up on the beautiful balcony. We went to my new favorite restaurant called “H.C. de Monterrey”. They had the best arrachera! Picked up the boys some fresh cotton candy from my brother’s aforementioned street vendor and headed back to the condo. Lisa put my two nephews to bed around 8 pm and us adults enjoyed a number of drinks called “Palomas” until about 2 am that came to our knowledge courtesy of "Montana SolMan" on this forum who wrote about his "drinkumentary" in Playa (http://www.playa.info/playa-del-carm...kumentary.html). Thanks Montana, I think? Although we were up late, we surely did not need the alarm I had set to ring at 9 am as I was woken up by the boys who were up at 6 am the next day as they were very excited to get to climb the ruins at Ek' Balam!
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Glad you tried the paloma! it's not for everybody but we sure enjoy them! Great report so far. Looking forward to reading more.
I'm really enjoying your report, and your kids are toooooo cute!
