Beth's Solo Trip to Playa that was Non Solo!

Beth-n-Scott · 10-16-2011

Off I go to Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Been there plenty of times as many of you've known (I've lost count), but never alone. Traveled solo there once, but met up with friends and Scott the year we married in Mexico. It 's the first time I'm away from my precious baby girl, Lucia Kai Hall who is (at the time of the trip) just shy of being 8 months old. I am sad to leave her for she brings me the most joy EVER, but I'm looking forward to some rest and relaxation without baby by my side. I have not had a good night sleep since before my pregnancy, which was 17 months ago. I have not slept-in since I've had her... for almost 8 months. As you can imagine, I'm looking forward to resting!

Days of Restless sleep before having Lucia

Scott is now officially a RN and works at times up to 48 hrs a week and commutes almost one hour away, working 12.5 hrs at a time, making him gone 14.5 hrs a day. He works nights, so when he returns, he sleeps. When he works, we rarely see him. I'm no longer working full time and work minimal hours doing group therapy, so for the most part, I'm home with Lucia. At times I feel like a single mother, because I am with her so much without Scott. What makes up for it, is his extended time off after working a long stint and having some major quality family time that I know other families do not get to experience working traditonal 9-5, Monday thru Friday jobs.

Photo this summer- Scott's first 5k

8 months old

1st birthday last week! October 6th

In any event, back to the trip........I was bound and determined to visit during Cocos fundraiser and visit during a time I could see friends such as Maureen (& Joe), Trish (& Chad) and Stephanie (& Scott A.)- friends I met on prior trips to Playa. Maureen kindly offered her house to us in the past. We met her and Joe a few years back and really took a liking to them. Scott, especially with Joe given their shared love of fishing. Maureen and I love animals and could talk hours about cuddling with them! They reside in Chicago, yet are lucky enough to have a steller home in Playacar. After coorespondence and making plans, I met Maureen the beginning of June at Carboncitos. Maureen was awaiting me, wine in hand! One look at that water from the outside seating of Carboncitos and I took a deep breath and relaxed! Solo from baby and hubby for a few days! Rest! Time for me!

ADO bus

First views of the trip- Ahhhhhh....

Look at that water color!

Carboncitos

I'd seen photos of Mo and Joe's home, Casa Manantial, the house they built in Playacar, and knew it was amazing, but oh my God.....in person, it is spectacular! What a site to see! Check this place out! By the way, if anyone is interested, The Casa Manantial is available for rent Playacar Vacation Rental - VRBO 289999 - 4 BR Playa del Carmen Villa in Mexico, Playacar Golf Course Upscale Villa - Manantial and is also on the market to sell (link from Michelle's blog) Playa del Carmen Real Estate Listings : Luxury Golf Course Villa for Sale in Playacar.

hallway

where I slept

my view

2nd floor view

Master bedroom

1st floor- dining, living, kitchen

isomami · 10-16-2011

.. yes and?

Uno · 10-16-2011

WOW! She is so big already!

bigdogmom · 10-16-2011

I was thinking about you and Scott a couple of days ago, Beth, and was wondering how you were doing! The baby is just adorable and already so grown-up looking!

Anxiously awaiting more of this trip report!

janied · 10-16-2011

that home is spectacular!

Your daughter is SOOOOO CUTE!!!!

more, please!

DarMI · 10-16-2011

Nice start! Can't wait to see the rest!!

elvo73 · 10-18-2011

I can't wait to hear the rest of your trip! Last year I went to Playa by myself in October same story as you! just my girls were at the time 2 and 6..
Thanks for sharing!

btodd · 10-18-2011

Yipee!!! This is going to be a goodie! I always walk by those "fancy" condos in Playacar and wonder what they look like inside, now I know.........BEAUTIFUL!!!

jslowrider · 10-18-2011

You had that place all to yourself?.....wonderful

TnTWalter · 10-18-2011

she is precious!

the place is amazing!

peace and quiet in paradise....awesome....

LucyE · 10-19-2011

Hola Beth!!
Great start to your TR... can't wait to read more... I always love your trip reports! And Lucia... how precious is she, please give her a big birthday hug for me!
If you're ready for another trip, we will be there in November again.

Beth-n-Scott · 10-19-2011

Maureen and Joe are so welcoming!

More photos of their posh pad.

Outdoor patio with pool

Love this outdoor painting!

pool

indoor art

fish fossil art

Mo is probably going to kill me for posting this one! Outdated photo of Mo & Joe, but it's so cute!

living room art

stairway - notice the beauty in the floors! I believe she said they were limestone

Mo's semi-feral kitty-cats!

(Check out the iron-work in the doors!)

Beth-n-Scott · 10-19-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by isomami

.. yes and?

Thanks for reading!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uno

WOW! She is so big already!

Yeppers, growing like a weed!

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigdogmom

I was thinking about you and Scott a couple of days ago, Beth, and was wondering how you were doing! The baby is just adorable and already so grown-up looking!

Anxiously awaiting more of this trip report!

Hi Bigdogmom! We're great! Baby Lucia adds to that greatness! She is very tiny- wears 6-9 month clothing, 25% in weight- but she is always mistaken for a 2 year old. It has to be that "mature, older" look about her. Having plenty of hair adds to her age.

Quote:

Originally Posted by janied

that home is spectacular!

Your daughter is SOOOOO CUTE!!!!

more, please!

Yes, it is spectacular for sure! I'm so lucky to have stayed there!

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarMI

Nice start! Can't wait to see the rest!!

Hi Dar! Burr, getting cold here in Michigan, huh? Hugs to you!

Quote:

Originally Posted by elvo73

I can't wait to hear the rest of your trip! Last year I went to Playa by myself in October same story as you! just my girls were at the time 2 and 6..
Thanks for sharing!

So nice to get a break I bet! I've never been in October, how was the weather?

I hear right now it's a bit on the cooler side and rainy there.

Quote:

Originally Posted by btodd

Yipee!!! This is going to be a goodie! I always walk by those "fancy" condos in Playacar and wonder what they look like inside, now I know.........BEAUTIFUL!!!

Yes, it is ranked up there as a fancy place in Playacar!

My budget hotel & hostel cheap-o self was living in luxury during my trip!

It was so beautiful!

Quote:

Originally Posted by jslowrider

You had that place all to yourself?.....wonderful

Hi Jslowrider! No, Mo was there during my stay and Joe was there part of my stay. They let me come and go as I please, but at times it was as if I had the place to myself!

Quote:

Originally Posted by TnTWalter

she is precious!

the place is amazing!

peace and quiet in paradise....awesome....

Yes, nice choice words!

Quote:

Originally Posted by LucyE

Hola Beth!!
Great start to your TR... can't wait to read more... I always love your trip reports! And Lucia... how precious is she, please give her a big birthday hug for me!
If you're ready for another trip, we will be there in November again.

I will give my Lucy a hug for you!

She is "into" giving hugs and kisses non-stop. I cannot get enough some days! Would luv to go in November! Scott does have some time off during Thanksgiving. I'll have to f/b you the dates again.

Beth-n-Scott · 10-20-2011

Upon my arrival, I got comfy in the house, unpacked and made myself at home, while Mo took a nap. She was exausted from promoting the upcoming fundraiser for Cocos. She handed out flyers most of the day. How dedicated is that? Great job Mo!

Mo showing off her bananas from the banana tree in her yard! Their yard is home to a variety of fruit trees!

Mo had food and beer especially waiting for me in the fridge. What an excellent host! I cracked open a couple Modelos in the can and enjoyed the late afternoon weather, poolside with Joe while Mo napped. He pointed out native wild life including the cute Coati Mundi. Joe is a great man. Lucky Mo! Joe is a kind man with a quiet, caring demeanor. He speaks highly and proudly of all his 4 accomplished adult children, 3 of which followed his lead and now reside in Playa. His oldest son is an author and playwrite in Chicago. His younger son manages a condo/hotel in Playa: Croc Condos......Your Escape in Playa del Carmen, Mexico� - Home - (great budget conscious condos starting at $300 per week! We've considered staying here many of times). His eldest daughter hold a doctorate in education and is the education field in Playa. His youngest daughter is an entrapraneur in Playa. All his children are highly educated and obviously successful. I was very impressed and hope one day my Lucia can make me just as proud! He must have done something right as a parent!

Photo of a photo: Joe and daughter

Joe loves fishing as much as my Scott and they plan to fish together one of these trips. Joe was so nice to send me home w/ a borrowed fishing book of his to lend Scott. Scott really enjoyed the photos in the book. If anyone is intereested in Mexico fly fishing, check this book out: Fly Fishing Mexico The Yucatan Peninsula by Reynal and Beilnson. Amazon.com: Fly Fishing Mexico: The Yucatan Peninsula (Spanish Edition) (9789872054618): Juan Pablo Reynal, Daniel Beilinson: Books Joe was also kind enough to lend me money during this trip when sadly my ATM card STOPPED working!

I believe the magnetic strip was warrped. Yes it was scary.I did come equipped with a credit card in case of emergencies, yet a credit card cannot buy me taxi rides, taco stand tacos and raffle tickets for Cocos fundraiser!

The best food in Mo and Joe's house! Flavor special to Mexico of course.

...and ummmm. smells so good. Some of the best smells of Mexico come from their great smelling laundry detergent!

no...not my cigs....but got to love the warning! A dead mouse, c'mon!

God I love this painting! What a great piece of art for an outdoor patio!

Trish, Chad and Kelly who were also visiting Playa at the same time, invited us to Fusion so Joe, Maureen and I joined them. Before their arrival, Joe and Maureen treated me to some Fusion food & drinks. Never been to Fusion. Thank God Joe and Maureen treated me. The atmosphere is nice, but prices...WOW! A glass of wine is 90 pesos, beer 45 and a mixed drink ranged about 80 pesos. It's a beach-side bar/hotel that offers nightly entertainment of music and dancers. The entertainment was great and most likely contributes to their high prices. The place was packed for off seasaon, so kudos that Fusion is able to charge that much. Service was poor. Long wait for drinks, food, bill....but if you're willing to spend the money, it's worth giving it a try for the entertainment.

Fusion's fish tacos....very good, but pricey.

Blurry image of Fusion. Looking out from Fusion bar onto the beach.

Planking?....no, never heard of it, until Trish and Kelly had to demonstrate it and explain it to me over and over....it still does not make sense to me. If anyone can explain the purpose to me, I'd appreciate it. :p

Trish and Kelly handed out Cocos Fundraiser flyers to Fusion guests! Such good Cocos Supporters!

Sol · 10-20-2011

Great trip report Beth! You always provide the best pictures!

Lucia is so beautiful. I cannot believe that she is already a year old.

10-16-2011	#1 (permalink)
Beth-n-Scott reposado Join Date: May 2005 Location: Jackson, MI USA Posts: 1,264	Beth's Solo Trip to Playa that was Non Solo! Off I go to Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Been there plenty of times as many of you've known (I've lost count), but never alone. Traveled solo there once, but met up with friends and Scott the year we married in Mexico. It 's the first time I'm away from my precious baby girl, Lucia Kai Hall who is (at the time of the trip) just shy of being 8 months old. I am sad to leave her for she brings me the most joy EVER, but I'm looking forward to some rest and relaxation without baby by my side. I have not had a good night sleep since before my pregnancy, which was 17 months ago. I have not slept-in since I've had her... for almost 8 months. As you can imagine, I'm looking forward to resting! Days of Restless sleep before having Lucia Scott is now officially a RN and works at times up to 48 hrs a week and commutes almost one hour away, working 12.5 hrs at a time, making him gone 14.5 hrs a day. He works nights, so when he returns, he sleeps. When he works, we rarely see him. I'm no longer working full time and work minimal hours doing group therapy, so for the most part, I'm home with Lucia. At times I feel like a single mother, because I am with her so much without Scott. What makes up for it, is his extended time off after working a long stint and having some major quality family time that I know other families do not get to experience working traditonal 9-5, Monday thru Friday jobs. Photo this summer- Scott's first 5k 8 months old 1st birthday last week! October 6th In any event, back to the trip........I was bound and determined to visit during Cocos fundraiser and visit during a time I could see friends such as Maureen (& Joe), Trish (& Chad) and Stephanie (& Scott A.)- friends I met on prior trips to Playa. Maureen kindly offered her house to us in the past. We met her and Joe a few years back and really took a liking to them. Scott, especially with Joe given their shared love of fishing. Maureen and I love animals and could talk hours about cuddling with them! They reside in Chicago, yet are lucky enough to have a steller home in Playacar. After coorespondence and making plans, I met Maureen the beginning of June at Carboncitos. Maureen was awaiting me, wine in hand! One look at that water from the outside seating of Carboncitos and I took a deep breath and relaxed! Solo from baby and hubby for a few days! Rest! Time for me! ADO bus First views of the trip- Ahhhhhh.... Look at that water color! Carboncitos I'd seen photos of Mo and Joe's home, Casa Manantial, the house they built in Playacar, and knew it was amazing, but oh my God.....in person, it is spectacular! What a site to see! Check this place out! By the way, if anyone is interested, The Casa Manantial is available for rent Playacar Vacation Rental - VRBO 289999 - 4 BR Playa del Carmen Villa in Mexico, Playacar Golf Course Upscale Villa - Manantial and is also on the market to sell (link from Michelle's blog) Playa del Carmen Real Estate Listings : Luxury Golf Course Villa for Sale in Playacar. hallway where I slept my view 2nd floor view Master bedroom 1st floor- dining, living, kitchen __________________ Hold on...a vacation is not too far away. View my June 2010 trip report here View my January 2010 trip report here View my June 2009 trip report here View my March 2009 trip report here Last edited by Beth-n-Scott; 10-16-2011 at 09:04 PM..

10-16-2011	#2 (permalink)
isomami life=playa Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Helsinki, Finland Posts: 947	.. yes and?

10-16-2011	#3 (permalink)
Uno PROUD RANDOMITE Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Oregon Posts: 18,807	WOW! She is so big already!

10-16-2011	#4 (permalink)
bigdogmom beachaholic Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 466	I was thinking about you and Scott a couple of days ago, Beth, and was wondering how you were doing! The baby is just adorable and already so grown-up looking! Anxiously awaiting more of this trip report!

10-16-2011	#5 (permalink)
janied reposado Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Pittsburgh Posts: 1,017	that home is spectacular! Your daughter is SOOOOO CUTE!!!! more, please!

10-16-2011	#6 (permalink)
DarMI añejo Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Waterford, Michigan...for now Posts: 1,578	Nice start! Can't wait to see the rest!!

10-18-2011	#7 (permalink)
elvo73 way into it Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Northern California Posts: 130	I can't wait to hear the rest of your trip! Last year I went to Playa by myself in October same story as you! just my girls were at the time 2 and 6.. Thanks for sharing!

10-18-2011	#8 (permalink)
btodd añejo Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada Posts: 2,358	Yipee!!! This is going to be a goodie! I always walk by those "fancy" condos in Playacar and wonder what they look like inside, now I know.........BEAUTIFUL!!!

10-18-2011	#9 (permalink)
jslowrider beachaholic Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Danville ca Posts: 458	You had that place all to yourself?.....wonderful

10-18-2011	#10 (permalink)
TnTWalter life=playa Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 655	she is precious! the place is amazing! peace and quiet in paradise....awesome....

10-19-2011	#11 (permalink)
LucyE añejo Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Torrance, CA Posts: 7,240	Hola Beth!! Great start to your TR... can't wait to read more... I always love your trip reports! And Lucia... how precious is she, please give her a big birthday hug for me! If you're ready for another trip, we will be there in November again.

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10-19-2011	#12 (permalink)
Beth-n-Scott reposado Join Date: May 2005 Location: Jackson, MI USA Posts: 1,264	Maureen and Joe are so welcoming! More photos of their posh pad. Outdoor patio with pool Love this outdoor painting! pool indoor art fish fossil art Mo is probably going to kill me for posting this one! Outdated photo of Mo & Joe, but it's so cute! living room art stairway - notice the beauty in the floors! I believe she said they were limestone Mo's semi-feral kitty-cats! (Check out the iron-work in the doors!)

10-20-2011	#14 (permalink)
Beth-n-Scott reposado Join Date: May 2005 Location: Jackson, MI USA Posts: 1,264	Upon my arrival, I got comfy in the house, unpacked and made myself at home, while Mo took a nap. She was exausted from promoting the upcoming fundraiser for Cocos. She handed out flyers most of the day. How dedicated is that? Great job Mo! Mo showing off her bananas from the banana tree in her yard! Their yard is home to a variety of fruit trees! Mo had food and beer especially waiting for me in the fridge. What an excellent host! I cracked open a couple Modelos in the can and enjoyed the late afternoon weather, poolside with Joe while Mo napped. He pointed out native wild life including the cute Coati Mundi. Joe is a great man. Lucky Mo! Joe is a kind man with a quiet, caring demeanor. He speaks highly and proudly of all his 4 accomplished adult children, 3 of which followed his lead and now reside in Playa. His oldest son is an author and playwrite in Chicago. His younger son manages a condo/hotel in Playa: Croc Condos......Your Escape in Playa del Carmen, Mexico� - Home - (great budget conscious condos starting at $300 per week! We've considered staying here many of times). His eldest daughter hold a doctorate in education and is the education field in Playa. His youngest daughter is an entrapraneur in Playa. All his children are highly educated and obviously successful. I was very impressed and hope one day my Lucia can make me just as proud! He must have done something right as a parent! Photo of a photo: Joe and daughter Joe loves fishing as much as my Scott and they plan to fish together one of these trips. Joe was so nice to send me home w/ a borrowed fishing book of his to lend Scott. Scott really enjoyed the photos in the book. If anyone is intereested in Mexico fly fishing, check this book out: Fly Fishing Mexico The Yucatan Peninsula by Reynal and Beilnson. Amazon.com: Fly Fishing Mexico: The Yucatan Peninsula (Spanish Edition) (9789872054618): Juan Pablo Reynal, Daniel Beilinson: Books Joe was also kind enough to lend me money during this trip when sadly my ATM card STOPPED working! I believe the magnetic strip was warrped. Yes it was scary.I did come equipped with a credit card in case of emergencies, yet a credit card cannot buy me taxi rides, taco stand tacos and raffle tickets for Cocos fundraiser! The best food in Mo and Joe's house! Flavor special to Mexico of course. ...and ummmm. smells so good. Some of the best smells of Mexico come from their great smelling laundry detergent! no...not my cigs....but got to love the warning! A dead mouse, c'mon! God I love this painting! What a great piece of art for an outdoor patio! Trish, Chad and Kelly who were also visiting Playa at the same time, invited us to Fusion so Joe, Maureen and I joined them. Before their arrival, Joe and Maureen treated me to some Fusion food & drinks. Never been to Fusion. Thank God Joe and Maureen treated me. The atmosphere is nice, but prices...WOW! A glass of wine is 90 pesos, beer 45 and a mixed drink ranged about 80 pesos. It's a beach-side bar/hotel that offers nightly entertainment of music and dancers. The entertainment was great and most likely contributes to their high prices. The place was packed for off seasaon, so kudos that Fusion is able to charge that much. Service was poor. Long wait for drinks, food, bill....but if you're willing to spend the money, it's worth giving it a try for the entertainment. Fusion's fish tacos....very good, but pricey. Blurry image of Fusion. Looking out from Fusion bar onto the beach. Planking?....no, never heard of it, until Trish and Kelly had to demonstrate it and explain it to me over and over....it still does not make sense to me. If anyone can explain the purpose to me, I'd appreciate it. :p Trish and Kelly handed out Cocos Fundraiser flyers to Fusion guests! Such good Cocos Supporters!

10-20-2011	#15 (permalink)
Sol añejo Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: The Gem State Posts: 16,176	Great trip report Beth! You always provide the best pictures! Lucia is so beautiful. I cannot believe that she is already a year old.