"All My Rowdy Friends Have Settled Down" - JG, TG, and Friends in Playa/Tulum - 2012 - Page 10

January Guy · 05-14-2012

Day 6 - Wednesday

Ruso and Cita could only stay for 5 days, so they were gone in an 11AM cab. I think the cost from Tulum to CUN was about 1,000 pesos (roughly the same price as a cab from CUN to Playa). TG and I spent the day in our favorite places, TG reading in the sun, and me reading/writing on my veranda, and ogling my wife.

There was a guy out flying his kite up and down the beach almost all day. He told me his name, but it was easier to refer to him as Kite Man. We admired Kite Man's playful spirit.

TG was intrigued so she got involved as well. I was happy to snap pics of her.

A couple random beach pics.

“When the Sun Goes Down, We’ll be Grooving.” Actually, we weren’t groovin’, we were just admirin’ the view.

This is a purple flower

This, on the other hand, is a red flower.

And for the grand finale… a white flower.

We decided to cab into the pueblo of Tulum again for dinner. Just like Playa can’t compare to Tulum when it comes to beaches, Tulum can’t compare to Playa when it comes to dinner and nightlife. We asked the cabbie for a place that had live music, and he brought us to a Karaoke bar. Not ready to start our night that way, we walked the entire strip trying to find somewhere a little more upbeat to have dinner and hang out - and we found one place. So we went there, I think it was an Italian restaurant. A good timin’ Mexican band was playing, but it was more of a restaurant and not a bar, so we just kind of hung out at our table and enjoyed them, but really didn’t meet many people other than couples at neighboring tables. I have no idea what kind of food we ordered, it was 4 months ago. Presumably it was good because I am not picky. I am pretty sure, however, that I ordered a beer, and that I put limes in it, and that it was so good that I probably had another.

A couple things we noticed were 1) the tourists in Tulum are largely individual couples, not groups of couples or groups of friends, and 2) there are a lot more Europeans in Tulum compared to Playa. People seemed in general less social and more there for a romantic getaway. For us, if you put just one Luna Blue type bar with a Mike Grabow type performer in the pueblo, or better yet on the beach, it would be just about perfect.

After a couple hours, we just went back to the hotel, had a glass of wine on the balcony and listened to the waves crash in the darkness. It was a very peaceful day. I couldn’t do that everyday as I’d get too antsy, but for a day, it was delicious.

January Guy · 05-16-2012

Day 7 - Thursday

We heard that sunrises are beautiful in Tulum, so we got up early to snap some pictures. Actually, we only had one camera, so only one of us got up early. Hint: it was the one of us who likes tequila.

We enjoyed another free breakfast at El Bistro, the hotel’s restaurant. By this time, I had found the scrambled eggs with chorizo and potatoes. That free breakfast thing is pretty cool. You get a free hot breakfast along with a glass of juice and coffee - probably a $15 value per day.

Sometime in the late morning, TG decided to go for a swim. I can’t ignore her when she is wet, so I took some pics.

Yeah, you kind of have the beach to yourself in Tulum. Remember, this is high season.

Playing the guitar to the audience of an ocean. Finally, an audience who doesn’t mind when I sing off key.

Around mid-day, we decided to check out the more northern part of the Tulum beach, so we took a taxi as close as we could get to the ruins and then just walked south (maybe 2-3km before you run into a bunch of rocks).

Beach in front of the ruins

Just a little bar in the middle of the beach

El Paraiso Beach. Perhaps my favorite view in the world.

As you can tell

Looking south from El Paraiso

TG’s drink - which she promptly spilled on her pretty white dress. Not a happy camper. Until she had a 2nd drink.

Love the colors.

Love this senorita.

Love these ropes

Very different from Ziggy’s Beach. This place has a much more upbeat bar. The two locations are gorgeous, but serve different purposes.

Here we are

Gimme those lips

As far south as we could walk was the Mezzanine Bar.

Nice views from the elevated bar, which we stopped at for a bit because all that walkin’ and kissin’ made me thirsty.

January Guy · 05-16-2012

We returned to Cabanas Tulum in time for happy hour on the beach. Another crowded day.

The formation of ostriches returns.

Not sure where these people came from, but they didn’t get the memo that this is our beach

You can see me, but more importantly, you can see two drinks behind me. Two for one’s all day at Ziggy’s Beach. I appear to be drinking something fruity. Don’t ask.

I have remedied the situation. If you look close, you can see 2 limes in the Sol.

Some random chick. TG took the pic, don’t ask.

Here is a good pic of our hotel layout. TG standing at the each of the water, looking back at me and our cabana.

The ostriches keep stalking us.

Cabanas Tulum has a restaurant called El Bistro. When you hear the phrase Ziggy’s Beach, that is also the beach in front of Cabanas Tulum, which is served by the El Bistro restaurant. They used to have a separate beach bar which I think was called Ziggy’s, but since after they remodel, they just have one main bar. So, Cabanas Tulum, El Bistro Restaurant, and Ziggy’s Beach are kind of the same thing.

Anyway, I first met the restaurant’s manager Jose May when we return one evening and I needed to have my wine bottles opened. They opened them and gave us glasses as well, no charge, just good service. I gave Jose May a small glass of my wine to enjoy and from that point we bonded. Every morning thereafter and every time I would go to the bar for beers, the manager Jose May would ask me when I was coming for dinner. He was very persistent, so on our final evening, we accepted his invitation.

He gave us the royal treatment. Special pre-dinner drinks (the only margarita I have ever liked).

He opened fresh bottles of wine for us even though we only wanted a glass

Entrees – shrimp stuffed grouper and bacon wrapped filet mignon

View from our dinner table - I think they call it La Luna de Sangre (the Bloody Moon) because it was more red-like.

Jose May putting on a crepe show for our dessert.

This is a very quiet and very romantic place to eat dinner. If you don’t like the company of your significant other, don’t come here, as that is about all you have. But if you like your other half, this place is great.

A splendid day…one that I could repeat many times over, but unfortunately did not as we had to fly home the next day.

Ranger · 05-16-2012

You've been there since January??

January Guy · 05-16-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ranger

You've been there since January??

I wish! I just figured there must be some sort of forum law about finishing the last report before booking the next trip, and airfares are now looking attractive, so...

Ranger · 05-17-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by January Guy

I wish! I just figured there must be some sort of forum law about finishing the last report before booking the next trip, and airfares are now looking attractive, so...

I've found if you search enough there can be good buy's too. Now back to posting pic's of TG.

LucyE · 05-17-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by January Guy

I wish! I just figured there must be some sort of forum law about finishing the last report before booking the next trip, and airfares are now looking attractive, so...

Not for November!

Glad that you decided to finish your TR. Enjoyed those sunrise pictures!

January Guy · 05-18-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ranger

I've found if you search enough there can be good buy's too. Now back to posting pic's of TG.

Your wish is my command.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LucyE

Not for November!

Glad that you decided to finish your TR. Enjoyed those sunrise pictures!

Thanks, and if if November is too pricey, just come down next January!!!

January Guy · 05-18-2012

Alright...I want to wrap this puppy up, but I need some help for you guys.

I already have 2 days posted on this page, and I want to post the last day on a new page so there aren't so many darn pics on this page.

So, comment on anything...I need just a few of them. Then I'll wrap it up and go away.

Peach · 05-18-2012

Great trip report JG!

Peach · 05-18-2012

Awesome pictures JG!

Peach · 05-18-2012

I haven't forgotten that free drink you owe me either!

burly · 05-18-2012

I really love your reports.

burly · 05-18-2012

and the pictures too....

burly · 05-18-2012

Your friends seem super nice!

05-14-2012	#136 (permalink)
January Guy añejo Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 5,900	Day 6 - Wednesday Ruso and Cita could only stay for 5 days, so they were gone in an 11AM cab. I think the cost from Tulum to CUN was about 1,000 pesos (roughly the same price as a cab from CUN to Playa). TG and I spent the day in our favorite places, TG reading in the sun, and me reading/writing on my veranda, and ogling my wife. There was a guy out flying his kite up and down the beach almost all day. He told me his name, but it was easier to refer to him as Kite Man. We admired Kite Man's playful spirit. TG was intrigued so she got involved as well. I was happy to snap pics of her. A couple random beach pics. “When the Sun Goes Down, We’ll be Grooving.” Actually, we weren’t groovin’, we were just admirin’ the view. This is a purple flower This, on the other hand, is a red flower. And for the grand finale… a white flower. We decided to cab into the pueblo of Tulum again for dinner. Just like Playa can’t compare to Tulum when it comes to beaches, Tulum can’t compare to Playa when it comes to dinner and nightlife. We asked the cabbie for a place that had live music, and he brought us to a Karaoke bar. Not ready to start our night that way, we walked the entire strip trying to find somewhere a little more upbeat to have dinner and hang out - and we found one place. So we went there, I think it was an Italian restaurant. A good timin’ Mexican band was playing, but it was more of a restaurant and not a bar, so we just kind of hung out at our table and enjoyed them, but really didn’t meet many people other than couples at neighboring tables. I have no idea what kind of food we ordered, it was 4 months ago. Presumably it was good because I am not picky. I am pretty sure, however, that I ordered a beer, and that I put limes in it, and that it was so good that I probably had another. A couple things we noticed were 1) the tourists in Tulum are largely individual couples, not groups of couples or groups of friends, and 2) there are a lot more Europeans in Tulum compared to Playa. People seemed in general less social and more there for a romantic getaway. For us, if you put just one Luna Blue type bar with a Mike Grabow type performer in the pueblo, or better yet on the beach, it would be just about perfect. After a couple hours, we just went back to the hotel, had a glass of wine on the balcony and listened to the waves crash in the darkness. It was a very peaceful day. I couldn’t do that everyday as I’d get too antsy, but for a day, it was delicious. __________________ JG's Blog 2011 Trip Report - "Where I Wanna Be", including JG's Guide to Playa 2012 Playa/Tulum Trip Report - "All My Rowdy Friends Have Settled Down" Last edited by January Guy; 05-14-2012 at 08:55 PM..

05-16-2012	#138 (permalink)
January Guy añejo Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 5,900	We returned to Cabanas Tulum in time for happy hour on the beach. Another crowded day. The formation of ostriches returns. Not sure where these people came from, but they didn’t get the memo that this is our beach You can see me, but more importantly, you can see two drinks behind me. Two for one’s all day at Ziggy’s Beach. I appear to be drinking something fruity. Don’t ask. I have remedied the situation. If you look close, you can see 2 limes in the Sol. Some random chick. TG took the pic, don’t ask. Here is a good pic of our hotel layout. TG standing at the each of the water, looking back at me and our cabana. The ostriches keep stalking us. Cabanas Tulum has a restaurant called El Bistro. When you hear the phrase Ziggy’s Beach, that is also the beach in front of Cabanas Tulum, which is served by the El Bistro restaurant. They used to have a separate beach bar which I think was called Ziggy’s, but since after they remodel, they just have one main bar. So, Cabanas Tulum, El Bistro Restaurant, and Ziggy’s Beach are kind of the same thing. Anyway, I first met the restaurant’s manager Jose May when we return one evening and I needed to have my wine bottles opened. They opened them and gave us glasses as well, no charge, just good service. I gave Jose May a small glass of my wine to enjoy and from that point we bonded. Every morning thereafter and every time I would go to the bar for beers, the manager Jose May would ask me when I was coming for dinner. He was very persistent, so on our final evening, we accepted his invitation. He gave us the royal treatment. Special pre-dinner drinks (the only margarita I have ever liked). He opened fresh bottles of wine for us even though we only wanted a glass Entrees – shrimp stuffed grouper and bacon wrapped filet mignon View from our dinner table - I think they call it La Luna de Sangre (the Bloody Moon) because it was more red-like. Jose May putting on a crepe show for our dessert. This is a very quiet and very romantic place to eat dinner. If you don’t like the company of your significant other, don’t come here, as that is about all you have. But if you like your other half, this place is great. A splendid day…one that I could repeat many times over, but unfortunately did not as we had to fly home the next day. Last edited by January Guy; 05-16-2012 at 11:26 AM..

05-16-2012	#137 (permalink)
January Guy añejo Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 5,900	Day 7 - Thursday We heard that sunrises are beautiful in Tulum, so we got up early to snap some pictures. Actually, we only had one camera, so only one of us got up early. Hint: it was the one of us who likes tequila. We enjoyed another free breakfast at El Bistro, the hotel’s restaurant. By this time, I had found the scrambled eggs with chorizo and potatoes. That free breakfast thing is pretty cool. You get a free hot breakfast along with a glass of juice and coffee - probably a $15 value per day. Sometime in the late morning, TG decided to go for a swim. I can’t ignore her when she is wet, so I took some pics. Yeah, you kind of have the beach to yourself in Tulum. Remember, this is high season. Playing the guitar to the audience of an ocean. Finally, an audience who doesn’t mind when I sing off key. Around mid-day, we decided to check out the more northern part of the Tulum beach, so we took a taxi as close as we could get to the ruins and then just walked south (maybe 2-3km before you run into a bunch of rocks). Beach in front of the ruins Just a little bar in the middle of the beach El Paraiso Beach. Perhaps my favorite view in the world. As you can tell Looking south from El Paraiso TG’s drink - which she promptly spilled on her pretty white dress. Not a happy camper. Until she had a 2nd drink. Love the colors. Love this senorita. Love these ropes Very different from Ziggy’s Beach. This place has a much more upbeat bar. The two locations are gorgeous, but serve different purposes. Here we are Gimme those lips As far south as we could walk was the Mezzanine Bar. Nice views from the elevated bar, which we stopped at for a bit because all that walkin’ and kissin’ made me thirsty.

05-16-2012	#139 (permalink)
Ranger añejo Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: 40 miles south east of Boston Posts: 5,515	You've been there since January??

05-18-2012	#144 (permalink)
January Guy añejo Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 5,900	Alright...I want to wrap this puppy up, but I need some help for you guys. I already have 2 days posted on this page, and I want to post the last day on a new page so there aren't so many darn pics on this page. So, comment on anything...I need just a few of them. Then I'll wrap it up and go away.

05-18-2012	#145 (permalink)
Peach former known as ga_pechs Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Augusta, Ga Posts: 1,295	Great trip report JG!

05-18-2012	#146 (permalink)
Peach former known as ga_pechs Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Augusta, Ga Posts: 1,295	Awesome pictures JG!

05-18-2012	#147 (permalink)
Peach former known as ga_pechs Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Augusta, Ga Posts: 1,295	I haven't forgotten that free drink you owe me either!

05-18-2012	#148 (permalink)
burly way into it Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Illinois Posts: 241	I really love your reports.

05-18-2012	#149 (permalink)
burly way into it Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Illinois Posts: 241	and the pictures too....

05-18-2012	#150 (permalink)
burly way into it Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Illinois Posts: 241	Your friends seem super nice!

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