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06-10-2009, 09:17 PM
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ScoobyRoo and SugarMama Do Playa May 1-16
Day 1
The morning started out very early as Lisa couldn’t sleep and we still had a few last minute things to pack. We were both very jazzed to start our vacation! Our son drove us to the airport and it wasn’t too crowded so it was starting off very nice. Walked right up to the ticket counter, passed our luggage on to security and we were off to the gate. Security was a little different but it was OK; we were on vacation. After waiting ½ hour to get through security we made it to the gate and had a short wait for the flight. The flight to Houston was packed but it went pretty quick. As we were waiting at the gate I saw a lot of small kids that were getting on the plane and it didn’t seem like a very good sign. It was actually pretty good and they didn’t start screaming until we started the descent. I brought a few books with me and was able to start on “The Appeal” by John Grisham. With the book and my headphones keeping my attention I didn’t really notice the screaming. We arrived in Houston and walked down to the gate. There was a little time to spare so we grabbed something to eat and did some people watching which is always entertaining. I was noticing quite a few people wearing masks and wondered what the next few weeks would bring. The flight time was getting closer and the gate area wasn’t getting crowded as it normally is. This is a good sign.  We boarded and took our seat and noticed there were about 50 people on our flight to Cancun. What a way to start a vacation. The flight attendants were all in a very good mood and they liked this small group as well. With the small group to deal with, the flight attendants took the beverage orders and delivered them - very nice.   We filled out our customs docs on the flight and after landing we made our way to customs. We found our luggage, walked up to customs to get the passport stamped, walked to luggage check-red light, had the temp check and stopped at the ATM. We had landed and were out of the airport in about 20 minutes. The shuttle pickup area was a little scary. Normally this place is packed but it was dead. I'm sure we could have gotten a good deal if we hadn't previously booked a shuttle but I'm sure our driver was happy to have something to do.  Our condo was mostly ready to go but had issues with the internet and was becoming very frustrating. We started troubleshooting and found the power strip was unplugged. Voila! Life was getting better by the minute.    The view from the balcony was pretty good too.    After settling in we decided to take our first walk down Fifth and had decided that our first place to visit would be Babes. We were looking forward to a huge margarita as they had looked so good in the other reports we had read.  We ordered two drinks and dinner but were very disappointed with both. We could have had a better slushy at 7-11. Ordered pad thai and was substandard too. Seems that it was just not their night. We continued our stroll down Fifth and loved taking it all in. It had been a long day so we started walking back to the condo to turn in for the evening. We passed the taco carts on the way back and I was a little hungry again. The taco carts were still open at 9 pm and I had a chicken and beef taco. Very tasty. We walked to the end of the plaza to enjoy the end of our first evening. The plaza is right by the beach and we were able to watch a volleyball game. The beach lights were on and there were quite a few families and couples down there enjoying their beautiful city. We love it here!     
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06-10-2009, 09:34 PM
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Day 3
Caught the ferry at 9 for Cozumel and had a very pleasant ride to the island. Not too bumpy. Thought we remembered where the rental car company was but realized we left our confirmation at the condo. We asked around with some of the people hawking their wares and scooters; nobody has heard of the place. We walked to where we thought it should be and decided to walk around the block. We ended up back at the square where we had begun. We asked one more time and a very nice gentleman told us exactly where it was. It turns out we were almost there the first time but didn’t walk far enough. We were looking for a sign on the front of the building like the other ones and this small company had their name painted on the front. You would have never found it if you didn’t know exactly where to look. The lady in charge was very pleasant and we had the opportunity to visit with another couple that was turning in their Bug. Once the rental lady showed us the city map and a layout of the island we were off. We took the main road south with no place in particular to go. We had a Jeep but decided to leave the top up as I was still feeling the effects of my sunburn but everything else was open. It was warm and the breeze made it very enjoyable. We were getting hungry and stopped off at the Paradise Beach Club. We walked inside and there weren’t any customers there and only one beach chair was taken.  We told them we would like some lunch and asked when they would be open; he said about 20 minutes. In Mexican time that meant an hour. It’s OK, we were on vacation and didn’t have a timeline. It made me reflect on my daily life and how scheduled it is; I was enjoying the change.  Good birdies...  Lunch was good and we continued our drive south and made our way to the east side of the island.    No fancy beach clubs here. There were some nice restaurants but nothing commercialized like the other side. This is where the locals congregate to enjoy family and water. The beaches were mostly rocks but there were a few gems along the way. In the US, people take their 10 x 10 collapsible awnings and prop them up everywhere. Here they use two sticks for the front part and two ropes to keep the back from blowing around. The wind keeps everything up and everyone seemed to be having a great time. We finished our drive on Juarez and cut back through to the other side. We saw a Mega and hadn’t been there before so we decided to drop in. It was 6 months old and very nice. We strolled up and down the aisles seeing what was and wasn’t available. We noticed the grocery stores don’t carry milk in the gallon jugs as we are used to but they sure love their yogurt and tuna.  I don’t know if all of their stores were like this but they had bilingual people wandering around to make sure you could find what you were looking for. At home, you would need to interrupt someone stocking the shelves and then they would show you. I was very impressed with their customer service. The clerk and I talked for 10 minutes about the states and Mexico while enjoying each other’s company. We finished shopping and made our way to the rental company. We saw this house and liked it but I don't remember exactly where it was. There is something about Caribbean colors on houses that really make them stand out.  We checked the time and it was 7 minutes to 4 and we didn’t want to wait until the next ferry. We ran for the ferry and just made it. Once we were aboard they pulled the gangway and we were off. Fortunately our condo is a short walk from the dock and we were in our room in 10 minutes. We weren’t feeling too well and realized we were dehydrated. Drank a few glasses of water while we cooled off then went to town for dinner. Lisa wasn’t feeling too well and I think the dehydration had gotten the best of her. We went to 100% Natural for dinner and I had the grilled chicken with cheese sauce and grilled vegetables. I’m not normally a huge vegetable fan but these were wonderful. They tasted like they had been grilled then stir fried. We had two large glasses of juice and mine was great. We headed back for the evening to relax and turn in early.
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06-10-2009, 09:36 PM
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Day 4
Today was a relaxation day. We went down by the pool and dropped our things off on a bed then ventured into the ocean. Swam around for a while then we jumped in the pool. I got out of the pool and laid on a lounge chair while Lisa stayed in the pool for a while longer. Put my headphones on and turned on my player to the smooth sounds of Buddy Holly. I delved back into my book and before I knew it my bride had rejoined me. We stayed there a little while longer and were getting hungry. We really didn’t want to walk too far and I wanted to try the Cuban restaurant at the Paseo. We passed this guy up by McDonalds today and he was by the fountain at the end of Fifth the day before. There is no way I could stand still for this long especially in the heat.  It was La Bodeguita Del Medio and only had one other table occupied when we went inside. They have tables on the street, in the restaurant and a patio area. I had steak but don't remember what it was actually called and don't remember what Lisa had either. We ordered a side of a dish that had rice and pork mixed together but it was very dark. We had enough to take back home for breakfast.   I ordered a mojito which was very good and she had a pina colada that was alright.   They also let you write on the wall and would even give you a ladder if you requested it.  No ladder for me, I chose a spot next to the stage.  After dinner we walked back and relaxed for the evening. As we got back to the condo I took some pictures of the Xaman Ha ruins.   Nice shot of some local kids enjoying the view.  I finished "The Appeal" by John Grisham and started "The Soloist".
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06-10-2009, 09:39 PM
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Day 5
The morning started off pretty uneventful. Had leftover steak and rice for breakfast and read until it was time to leave for Luna Blue. Stopped for dinner at a place overlooking Calle Corazon but don’t remember the name of the restaurant. Went to Luna Blue for Cinco de Mayo. Met Trish, Michelle and Claudia while waiting for Lenny to make his appearance.    I had steak and choriza while Lisa had lobster fettucine. There were 2x1 drinks; I had 2 cervezas and Lisa had 2 strawberry margaritas. We like our drinks a little on the strong side and this was the first time she had a drink she enjoyed. The steak and chorizo was pretty good but the lobster was a overcooked; the drinks made up for the shortcoming.   The picture we took of the lady was probably six feet tall. The artist did a great job. Didn't realize there was a date stamp until it was too late.  Off to Luna Blue     Babaloo and Lenny  Mike Grabow  Claudia and Michelle  Trish  Me and SugarMama. Ain't she cute...  Awww, a great looking couple  Once the girls started climbing up to the bar, Jorge(sp?) did a great job of keeping the counter wiped off so they didn't fall and kill themselves. It was a lot of fun watching them dance.   Tony and Cheri did a wonderful job on the remodel and it is a great place to spend time if you get a chance.
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06-10-2009, 09:41 PM
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Day 6
Walked to CH Super Carnes and had a wonderful Arrachera steak lunch. The meat was so tender and was one of the best steaks I have ever had.  Took taxi to Mega to go shopping for some groceries. The bakery had a great idea with gathering all the pastries and breads on a pizza tray so the clerk could price it up. The pastries looked so good but they must have an issue with moisture content down here. Almost all of them were very dry except for the custard filled donuts. The sugar coated donuts were alright and after 20 seconds in the microwave they were very good. The rest of the day was spent by the pool reading. Nothing exciting today but we were completely relaxed. Saw this critter running around the day before and I had my camera this time. I don't remember what it is called but it was kind of cute. 
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06-10-2009, 09:46 PM
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Day 7
Went to breakfast at Los Comales and had a very good meal.   Had their breakfast buffet which I wasn’t too sure of at first but found it to be very good. They had a few things buffet style but they made omelets to order. The Mexican Beef and Potatoes were excellent as were the eggs. This was the only place we had breakfast during our trip and we weren’t disappointed.  After breakfast we took our time walking back to Playacar and found this place that was up for sale. If we had a bucket of money and a plan we would sure like to buy it. It is on the corner of Calle 4 and Tenth Avenue near Carboncitos.    We knew it could be a late night so we took a nap. I woke up and made a couple of PB&J sandwiches before our trip to Bad Boys to watch the band. We arrived a little early and met Whatevr (Dante and Trish) then decided to think big and start putting a few tables together. Lots of people started gathering and it turned into a great time. Mikey and Erica were taking lots of pictures and having a great time. Jimmy showed up and he was a delight as well. Met a bunch of new people as we really didn’t know anyone personally; just by the forum. We made lots of new friends that night. I had forgotten the spare camera battery and as luck would have it ours ran out just as it was starting to get good. Needless to say I was pretty bummed. Sorry but that would be all the pictures I would get tonight.  This is something I just can't do at home.   A little girl was selling her families wares to everyone and she had some takers. Don’t really remember what she had but it didn’t matter. It was sad that families needed to do this to survive. Her family left the bar and was confronted by some security people where they proceeded to take all of their products. It was a very sad and disturbing sight. It turns out the family didn’t have a permit to sell goods which seems like a bunch of crap. Mikey helped out the little girl before this all transpired and he was able to help them again afterwards. Way to go Mikey. Lots of Sol and tequila going around and dancing on the beach soon followed. Everyone was having a very good time. The band quit around 8 and some of us were starting to get a little hungry. Off to Carboncitos with Hawkeye and Dollbaby, Mikey and Erica, BBoop2U and her husband “Joker”(he was a hoot!) and PortlandNative and his family. After having a great round of chips and salsa the main course arrived. I don’t remember exactly how it started but Patty put a plate of rice on her head and started walking around the table. She was so graceful!! She made it all the way around and we all gave her a round of applause. It was also Mother’s Day and the girls gave their mom a dozen roses. Lots of warm fuzzies… After dinner we split up as it was getting a little late. Craig and Kristi wanted to stay out a little longer so we went to the Tequila Barrel for a nightcap. Walked back to the room and called it a night.
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06-10-2009, 09:48 PM
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Day 8
Went to Carboncitos for lunch. Don’t remember what it was called but it was steak, cheese and poblano peppers mixed together. Lisa has 4 Tacos Al Pastor and a side of rice. There was quite a bit of food and we were able to take half of it back to the condo for dinner. We came back and sat by the ocean for a while and read. This is what I love the most about vacationing down here. You are able to sit outside and relax while still being comfortable. If you want to sit outside and relax at home you had better bring your umbrella and coat. These lights were so cool at night when they were all lit up. We would love to bring some home next time but need to figure out how to get them all in our luggage. They're sort of like Doritos, you can't have just one.  Sombrero anyone?  Sooo relaxing. 
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06-10-2009, 09:52 PM
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Day 9
Went out on the patio and started a new book; “Airframe” by James Michener. We decided to go to El Fogon for lunch and weren’t disappointed.  Great bean soup.  Lovely onion/tomato flavor with a hint of FIRE.  Steak with queso and chorizo. A little salty but MMMMM.  Lisa's steak tacos. Very tasty.  Walked over to Mega afterwards to do a little shopping. Lisa bought a few more bags of her little Globitos (The Mayan Baked Snack) crackers she has fallen in love with and I bought a bottle of DJR. It will help me to remember the great time I’m having here. Took a cab back to the condo and took it easy for a while until it was time to leave for Bad Boys. The band was at it again and we needed to show our support. After stopping by the ATM we arrived and the music had started playing.  A bunch of other peeps were there throughout the afternoon and into the evening. This many people together drinking Sol is bound to create plenty of opportunities for a good laugh. Unfortunately we only had one peep picture that turned out. Duck wins the prize! Doesn't he look happy???!!!  One of the locals was walking around and he sat at our table; nobody had any idea who he was. Turns out he was drawing caricatures and the first one was free. He started drawing and before you knew it he was done. His title on mine was “Sex Machine”. It turns out that “free” on the beach was code for 100 pesos. He did the next one for free and it was Deb, Duck’s wife. He did a great job then it was on to Kristi (Dollbaby). Let’s just say the artist had ‘embellished’ the renditions. The picture he drew is my new avatar.  A few more random shots that you don't see at home.   We left and walked up to “Roots and Fire” for another Sol.     We had a couple of beers and then the shots started. I like tequila but it is usually mixed in a drink. I haven’t had a shot in years but that was about to change. The first shot tasted something like tequila and grapefruit juice. The waiter tapped it on the table three times then it was all mine; it was very tasty. The next round was DJR followed by something similar to a bloody mary. I could taste worchestshire sauce and a little tobasco sauce and it too was very good.       It was about then I looked down and noticed DonB’s wife had sat down and wasn’t doing so well. They decided to start their stroll back to their hotel; I hope they brought lots of Excedrin. The entire time we were there the entertainment was fabulous. I never got his name but he could play the guitar and sing very well. Hawkeye bought him a beer to say “thanks”. Kristi and Craig found some room to dance and they started going at it.    What a great time! It was one of those moments you wish all of your friends could be there to share it with you. It was getting late so we started walking back to the condo. We didn't have our beagle at the door to greet us but we did have a swan.  A quick shower and it was lights out. Whew! What a night!!!
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06-10-2009, 09:55 PM
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Day 10
Off to Zenzi’s for their BBQ. 90p for a great meal at a great place. The bar crawl is scheduled for tonight and we need a good base for the suds. Don’t want to cut out too soon due to poor preparation.    Hawkeye and Dollbaby  We walked back towards the condo on the beach until we got to the ferry dock. The weather was so wonderful!!! Took a swim in the ocean then both of us crashed for a few hours. We are now ready for the bar crawl. Jimmy had the airhorn to announce our presence. All I remember about the places we went are a little fuzzy but I know we started out at the Beer Bucket and we finished at a mojito bar that had really loud music. What a night!   Deb        The water was really cold  I'm thinking this was the general theme of the evening...      I'm having fun honey; why do you ask??  I don't think we went inside this bar but we happened to be across the street. Someone else would need to clarify...  Never forget the 5 second rule...especially if you are hungry.  
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06-11-2009, 12:34 AM
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Wow, that's some serious trip reporting! Too late to read it now, I'll save that for the morning coffee break.
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