July 30th, 2007
If you are looking for another reason to LOVE Mexico… a good one is the SIESTA!
Mexico takes its nap time very seriously. Many stores, shops, and offices close between the hours of 2 pm – 4 pm for the traditional siesta time. I am not sure if they all run home to jump in their hammock or not, but it is a brilliant plan if you ask me. If corporate America would follow suit, I am sure the productivity level would improve drastically. It worked for all of us in kindergarten, why not in adult-hood. Kudos to Mexico! We love Siesta time here! – Sherry
July 11th, 2007
Congratulations Mexico!
Chichén Itzá has won a position as one of the NEW 7 wonders of the world!
Chichén Itzá, the most famous Mayan temple city, served as the political and economic center of the Mayan civilization. Its various structures – the pyramid of Kukulkan, the Temple of Chac Mool, the Hall of the Thousand Pillars, and the Playing Field of the Prisoners – can still be seen today and are demonstrative of an extraordinary commitment to architectural space and composition. The pyramid itself was the last, and arguably the greatest, of all Mayan temples.
If you would like to plan a tour while in the Riviera Maya, Mexico we have a Private Official Guide that is available for persoanlized day tours or we can offer you a bus tour to Chichén Itzá.
To view the official 7 wonders site, http://www.new7wonders.com/index.php?id=315
Come see it for yourself! – Sherry
June 12th, 2007
Living in a country with the native language being different than your own can be a challenge and entertaining.
Here is one of my favorite signs in Playa del Carmen. It is painted on the side of a prominent building as you exit Fase 1 of Playacar. It always makes me smile! Don’t get me wrong, I have made many many mistakes when speaking Spanish in this country and locals have been super patient with those of us who have managed to butcher the Spanish language at some given point. I am guessing there could be a great job opportunity for proof readers in Playa del Carmen.
I hope the local Mexicans find my mistakes as charming as I find theirs. Who cares as long as Playa del Carmen has the ”best beer in the word“. – Sherry
June 4th, 2007
One of the best things about living in an amazing vacation destination is that friends and family will come to visit! Recently, I had the pleasure of seeing one of my old college buddies and his family here in the Riviera Maya, Mexico.
Dan Pajo, his parents, his wife, Dawn and his precious 6 year old daughter came to Mexico for vacation. They currently live in Louisville, KY. During their vacation they stayed in an all inclusive resort in Akumal. I asked Dan if he would share some of his personal thoughts and tips for travelling with children.
-Sherry Stevens
Here is what he had to say…
“Here are some tips that worked for us.
1. Love the A/C – sprinkle in some cool down spots with A/C, cold drinks… and ice cream is always a welcome addition
2. Exploring Adventures are great, but not with kids. I used to love going down the side streets when traveling and getting a real taste of the area. No longer. It’s worth paying a little extra to remove all doubt about safety and security.
3. Instead of renting a car or taking the bus, take a taxi or a taxi van if the group is larger than 3 or 4 people.
4. The last thing that you want as a parent is to be in an unfamiliar area, unable to speak the native tongue and in an uncompromising situation (out of gas/broken down, lost, unknown neighborhood, dehydrated, overheated, etc…). Our hotel even arranged to have a taxi wait for us while we shopped and when we went to Tulum. The prices were already pre-arranged and it did not cost extra to have them wait. Just that little peace of mind was nice… Not having to worry about your ride home. And you knew that they would be there waiting because you don’t pay until you return to your hotel!
5. It seemed like the Tulum Ruins were popular with the kids. Some may not be interested, but Eliza (age 6) was enthralled, curious and hung on every word. Plus, it did not hurt that you could not spit without hitting a lizard. She was bummed that we did not get in the ocean at the end of the tour, but the water was pretty rough.
6. Always have water activities (swimming) planned at the end of the trip- whether it’s the pool or the ocean, it is very refreshing and gives the kids something to look forward to.
7. Get a good sun hat for yourself and the kids. Just getting the beating sun off of your face will help you stay outdoors longer. And it will make it more enjoyable if your kid is comfortable and not making it implicitly clear that it is time to go.
8. Take plenty of water with you when you go out, even if you’re planning on buying drinks there. Same reasons as above.
9. Put on your sunscreen in your room before you go anywhere. Many places are environmentally concerned (and rightfully so) and won’t allow you to put on sunscreen while in pristine areas. But you can’t let your kid turn into a bacon strip either, so be discreet or invest in environmentally friendly sunscreen if possible.
Our thoughts on staying in an All Inclusive Resort
We went to a brand new all inclusive resort due to having a six year old daughter. It really was great having all the meals, drinks, etc… ready and waiting at all hours. It is very nice to not have to consider where you’re going to dinner, how long it will take and whether there will be something that your child will eat or not. They can be pretty headstrong.
The negatives are that we got no real sense of the culture as the environment was anesthetized or watered down, if that makes any sense. We were wanting eat real Mexican food, but we did not get that at all in the all inclusive resort. Oh, and the shows… My God. The shows were horrific. But if you looked at it as if very bad entertainment is funny, then you might be able to stomach them. I, however, could not. But there were a lot of people who seemed to enjoy them. The people who enjoyed the resort entertainment ranged in age from maybe 40-60 (this age group is not that far off for me!).
After we returned, my wife Dawn & I discussed going the total opposite route next time and go to a very small place.
Here are the must haves, in our opinion:
Clean
Close to authentic restaurants
Close to the beach without having to cross traffic
Nice pool
It would be nice to go to a place that offers at least one meal a day so you don’t always have to go out.” – Dan Pajo
*Eliza LOVED the abundant Iguana’s and Gecko’s of Mexico. If Eliza was not satisfied with the stuffed animal lizard Grandma bought her as a souvenir, I would not be surprised if the Pajo’s have made a trip to the local pet store and had to purchase a lizard of thier own???
May 27th, 2007
Before I moved to Playa del Carmen,Mexico I had never even heard of whale sharks. Last year I had the unique opportunity to actually snorkel with them.
My day began at the uncomfortably early hour of 3:00 am. I was instructed to meet our local guide, Jason, at 3:30 am at a local hotel for our trip to Holbox Island and the Gulf of Mexico (not all tours depart at this time). After sleepy introductions were made with my fellow whale shark ‘hunters’, a group of 8 from Colorado, we loaded into the van and began our journey to the other side of the Yucatan peninsula.
The van was quiet and cool, and we all dozed during the 3 hour drive. We woke to the sun rising as we reached the coastal town of Chiquila. From the dock in Chiquila we boarded a speed boat for the trip to Holbox Island. Once on Holbox, Jason checked in with our guide, Roberto, to obtain our permits while the rest of us used the time to stretch our legs, grab a ham and cheese croissant and use the facilities. I headed straight for the coffee.
We hopped back aboard the speed boat and we’re on our way. During the 1.5-2 hour ride, Roberto gave us an informative talk on the whale sharks we hoped to see, as well as instructions on how we were allowed to interact with them. We would be allowed to enter the water, two at a time, with our guide. We would not be allowed to touch them or swim underneath them. These rules were developed in an effort to cause as little stress to the whale sharks as possible and any breach of the rules could result in our tour being stopped.
As we sped along the green waters of the Gulf, we all kept our eyes open for the other marine life that is frequently seen along the way. Our group was elated to spot several wild dolphins as well as a manta ray. Truly an added bonus!
It wasn’t long and we got word to start watching for whale sharks!!! Until that moment I hadn’t really given much thought to what I was about to do. I was about to jump into the water with a shark. Not just any shark, but a shark the size of a whale! Even though I knew I would not be in any danger, I was more than a little anxious when our first whale shark was spotted. This yellow-spotted fish seemed as large as our boat!
The boat maneuvered into position and I watched as the first group donned their masks and fins and entered the water. The smiles on the faces of the other guests as they emerged from the water was enough to quell my fears and turn up my excitement.
My turn, and I’m ready to go! I lower myself into the water as Roberto reached for my hand. Together we swam toward the enormous creature. Had I not had my teeth firmly sunk into my snorkel, my jaw would have surely dropped in awe. We kicked hard to keep up with the shark, but it was as if Roberto and I moved in slow motion as the whale shark swam effortlessly by. My memories of this first encounter play like still photographs in my mind; the large, wide mouth, the deep blackness of its eye, the gaping gills so large they seemed as though I could swim right through them. A flick of the tail fin and it was gone.
For a couple of hours we motored around, stopping to snorkel with several different whale sharks, each of us having three or four chances to swim join them in the water. All too soon it was time to say good bye to the whale sharks and make our return trip to Playa.
The drive back was quiet as most of the other guests slept. I was too exhilarated to sleep and chose to relive this once in a lifetime experience of swimming with the whale sharks.
- Tyra Hamilton
Whale sharks migrate to the northern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula during the months of June to September. For more information about whale shark tours: http://www.travelrm.com/activities/whale-shark-adventure-seasonal/. For general information about the whale shark: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whale_shark. Drawing by Robbie Cada, http://www.fishbase.org/; Photographs courtesy of Jason Sartain
May 18th, 2007
While wandering around Playa del Carmen, you can not help but notice construction here, there and everywhere. We are growing like a weed. I began to notice crosses on the top of most construction sites and finally had to find out what it symbolized! Mexico is known for its celebrations and abundant holidays. I can’t tell you how many times I have gone to the bank to find out it was closed for a holiday that I had never known about.
The crosses on the top of buildings in progress were to celebrate the DIA DE LA SANTA CRUZ (Day of the Holy Cross). It is celebrated on May 3rd.
This day is celebrated as the day of the bricklayers and the builders. On May 3rd the construction workers build altars to the cross, adorn them with flowers, sails and sometimes streamers of many colors. The construction workers work half day, and most likely celebrate and enjoy the second half of the day work free!
The crosses are made with scraps from the construction site. The cross is placed in the highest point of the site. As soon as the cross is installed the holiday begins. In many cases, the acquaintances and family members of the workers are invited to celebrate the day. They share in fun and a meal such as fried pork, corn stew and tamales.
The crosses stay up long enough for people like me to wonder what they mean. This country has so many celebrations and traditions. As I continue to learn more and more about this country, I will share it with you. – Sherry
April 22nd, 2007
It is true, “Don’t drink the water in Mexico”, the TAP water that is. No one drinks it. Here is a little inside scoop on my personal routine of obtaining the “liquid of life” in Mexico.
Tourists have nothing to worry about. Purified water is easily accessible in rental properties and hotels. On the other hand, for locals, if you have a car and the build of a Pro Football Player, you can easily get your large bottles of drinking water at any grocery or most quick marts. For the rest of us, the darn things are heavy! You really don’t want to carry one very far unless you are training for the Olympics.
One of the things we locals have to contend with is listening for the “water guys”. There are 2 companies that sell water in Playa del Carmen, Electropura and Cristal. The vendors circulate throughout the neighborhoods on tricycle carts or a company truck, selling water. The best part is that they each have their own style of melodic warning to let you know they are near by if you need a refill. I tend to buy from the guys on tricycle carts because it feels good to lighten their load that they are peddling around. As they ride around, they blurt out with their personalized inflection, “A-G-U-A-A-A-A!” (water) usually rotating in the name of the company they represent… ” E-L-E-C-T-R-O-P-U-R-A-A-A!”
One of the challenges is catching them when they are on your street.
If you are low on drinking water and happen to be in the shower with a thick lather of shampoo on your head when you happen to hear the water guy calling outside… if desperate, you may chose to jump out of the shower and run to the closest window and shout back, “AGUA!!!” This is the signal to them that you need a bottle and they promptly bring the water to your door.
Meet Hermenegildo Sanchez Ramiro, MY WATER GUY who always keeps me well stocked on water. He uses an old squeeze horn that he beeps in between his personalized shout out of… “A-G-U-A-A-A-A!”.If you have an empty bottle to exchange, it costs $21 pesos (Less than $2 US). If you do not have a bottle to exchange, it costs around $70 pesos (Less than $7 US).
I have been lucky to devise a system with Hermenegildo so that I never run out of water. I have 3 bottles so that I always have a full back-up. I put my empty bottle outside my door with coins inside along with a small tip and he replaces it even when I am not at home. It works like a charm. He usually makes 2 rounds a day through my neighborhood.
A “water guy” is a part of life here. No one drinks the tap water here. But don’t worry, you will NOT find a restaurant in Playa del Carmen that would serve someone tap water. Even if it comes in a glass, I can assure you it came from a bottle. Business owners would never want a visitor to have a bad experience. We are all proud of this country and want visitors to enjoy themselves. But if you are still concerned, just ask for bottled water (botella de agua). Also know that the ice is always made with good purified bottled water as well. Another common question I have been asked by visitors is, “Do you brush your teeth with bottled water?” For the record, I have always brushed my teeth with the tap water and I am still alive but, if concerned you can always have bottled water by the sink.
I have to admit that the sounds of the streets in Mexico are something I truly cherish. If they ever replaced some of these vendors with more sophisticated methods, it would be disappointing. In addition to the water vendors, other familiar sounds on the local streets are the gas trucks that sell tanks of natural gas. They have a “Gas song” that blares from a speaker on the truck. I think most locals could sing the gas song or at least hum the tune if asked. The knife sharpener guy has a beautiful whistle that he uses to let people know he is available for sharpening. Although I have never used him to sharpen a knife, I love the sound of his flute-like whistle that he uses to promote himself. Life in Mexico! – Sherry
Note: After posting this and discussing it with local friends, some told me that they do not brush their teeth with the tap water. I did not want to imply that my choice to do so was necessarily typical. I will also add that as a general rule in Mexico for the local Mexicans and foreigners alike, we are recommended to take a de-parasite/lombrices pill every 6 months as a part of general health maintenance. If you visit Mexico and desire to take a similar treatment, they are easily found over the counter here. Daxon and Vermox are two names of brands you could buy.
April 15th, 2007
Last night April 14th I went to a local benefit with incredible live music. A wonderful non-profit organization here in Playa del Carmen, Mexico was raising money for 12 children needing open heart surgery that, for one reason of another, would never be eligible for the surgery here in Mexico. The organization is called Angel Notion and the band who traveled great distance to donate their entertainment was Paris Delane’s Tye Dye Skye of Chicago IL. with special guest Red Eye & Freemont Jackson from Mexico City. (Go ahead, google them… you will love them!) They set up a stage in the center of town (Calle 12 & 1st Ave.) for everyone to enjoy.
Establishments located near the stage that participated were Karta Bar, El Cielo and Diablitos cha cha cha. It was a great time with a whole lot of dancing in the streets. Our community of Mexicans and foreign locals come together to make some good things happen here.
This particular fund raiser was for 12 specific children needing open heart surgery in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. All 12 have been diagnosed in the last 8 months! If you can imagine your child being diagnosed with a heart defect at birth but you have no options of saving your
child’s life… This is the circumstances that these 12
local Mexican families have come up against. The good news
is that 4 of the children have already been sponsored!
It costs around $13,500 US dollars to take care of
the expenses for one child.The organization has worked hard
to get support in the medical field that has made it possible
to bring down the total cost for each child. Before the event
they needed at least $108,000 US more.
Donation jars were circulating through the crowd all night. VIP tables with food and drinks included were sold to groups of 10. Everyone was welcome despite the level of donation. Some large local companies and organizations have made the
kick-off to raising money for this group of 12 a bit easier. Xcaret has sponsored Jolet, Calica has sponsored Sammy, Bernie from El faro hotel has sponsored Jesus and The city of Playa Del Carmen has sponsored Jose Luis from the Zona Maya.
During one of the band breaks, some of the families came to stand on stage,
some with the children in need. One mother (in the pink pants) spoke to the crowd (in Spanish of course) and cried while asking for help. It was a moment I am sure none of us will forget.
They are needing help to sponsor the other 8 children who
are desperately holding their breath for a chance to live.
If for any reason you want to support this wonderful organization
please go to their website to make a donation. www.angelnotion.org. It is tax deductible in the US and Mexico. If anyone is interested in seeing the general clinic on your next trip to Playa del Carmen, I am sure they would welcome your presence! The clinic is located in Nicte-ha, on the north end of Playa del Carmen just past the Colosio.
Thank you to Lavonna Redman, the founder and hard working volunteer of the Angel Notion organization. She is truly an “Angel”!
If I can get an update on the amount of money they raised last night I will update my post! – Sherry
April 8th, 2007
There is a lot of beach on this amazing coastline of the Riviera Maya. Most beaches are public so you will not have a problem finding a spot you like. If you are willing to pay a few dollars for a fancy chair it gets even better! We want to share with you “Kool”, as it is called, a great new beach club located on what is called Tucan Beach in Playa del Carmen.
If you take calle (street) 28 and wiggle a little bit down to the beach it will be on your right side as you arrive to the beach. It is tucked back a little bit behind some of the more publicly placed beach chairs. If you want to treat yourself and find a wonderful gourmet fusion menu and comfy big bed lounge platforms to relax on while enjoying the Caribbean, this is a great place to go. There is a beautiful pool and lounge bar & restaurant with great ambiance and music by D.J. Marvin.
The menu is unlike most beach spots offering more than just the typical burger and fries. They have a great selection of sushi , as well as, other delicious options: octopus carpaccio, tuna steaks, New York Strip with mango sauce, couscous salad as well as many other typical dishes and Premium beverages. Don’t worry, picky eaters will find something simple to enjoy as well. Dish prices range from $100 pesos – $250 pesos. (Approx. $10 – $25 US) This would be a spectacular spot for a group of friends to hang out for the day! They offer discounts to college students and they do accept Credit Cards! (Visa and Mastercard).
Cloth lounge beds in the pool area are for rent for the day for approx. $120 pesos and others plastic chairs in the beach area are approx. $40 pesos.
You will also find a variety of activities to do on this beach including diving, catamaran sailing, wind surfing and more.
My personal photos are not doing it justice! I will try to post better photos as soon as I have a better photo session. – Sherry
Hours: 8:30 am- 12:00 am. Monday to Sunday
Cloth lounge beds in the pool area are for rent for the day for approx. $120 pesos and others plastic chairs in the beach area are approx. $40 pesos.
Location: Calle (Street) 28 & Zona Federal Maritima (the beach).
Phone: 984-803-1961
Website: http://www.koolbeachclub.com.mx
eventos@koolbeachclub.com.mx
gerencia@koolbeachclub.com.mx
April 1st, 2007
This charming beach front home is owned by a long time local in Mahahual.
Mahahual is an emerging coast town about 4 hours or so south of Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Mahahual is part of an area called Costa Maya along the Mexican Caribbean.
This coast town was once used for an outpost for the Mexican Navy and a home to a few fishermen and palapas inhabited by locals. The cruise ship industry took an interest in this quiet coast and built a deep pier for their boats.
Since then, it has become the gateway to southern Quintana Roo’s little known Mayan ruins and beaches. (Quintana Roo is the Mexican state in which Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Mahahual and more reside in).
The little town has stepped up to the occasion and found ways to accommodate vacationers who make a stop here to enjoy Mahahual’s sandy white beach and inland adventures before they sail off to their next destination.
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