Arrival in Playa Del Carmen

Arrival in Playa Del Carmen - August 11, 2016

After spending the night in the Toronto Carlingview Hotel, we took the 7.15 AM shuttle to the Air Canada terminal for our 10 AM flight. We were very pleased with how smooth and on time everything went including entry at the Cancun Airport. No questions, all luggage accounted for, no red light on the random button press at customs, and a driver waiting at the airport. Within the hour we arrived at our apartment at Calle 14 Norte Bis and were greeted by Chris our helpful Air BnB host.

Living room and courtyard.

We grabbed a few basics from the local Mega grocery store, which is huge with great choice and prices.

Full-size store with everything only a 3-minute walk.

After a restful sleep and lazy morning, we took an exploratory walk south discovering the beach and 5th Avenue, which has a mix of traditional and ultra modern. We experienced the throngs of tourists, enthusiastic vendors and had a chance to practice some Spanish with our server at the Chiltepin Marisquillos restaurant.

The beach is deep and the sea so blue.

Dipping the toes.

Portal Maya monument - 50 x 50 feet!

Ruins of Xamen Ha in Playacar Fase 1.

Colorful stalls.

Rest and a drink at the Tequila Barrell on 5th Ave.

Large modern mall on 5th.

Perhaps not in the middle of the afternoon!

Delicious fajitas for under $8 CDN (110 pesos) at Chiltepin.

Our new Airbnb - expectation v reality (Feb 10-Mar 9, 2024)

Our Airbnb experiences have generally been very good with accurate photos and helpful hosts. This time was disappointing. The condo is very modern with 10ft ceilings and in a great location but it was clear that the management company is not aware or keeping up with needed repairs - sunken sofa cushions, lifting tiles, calcified faucet, stained sheets, and completely broken patio furniture that had just been left!! Their response to our messages was quite unhelpful - they didn't seem to care that much so our honest review will reflect this. Instagram ... ... reality ...replaced with two mismatched indoor chairs!! Playa as a whole has gotten busier and outside of the reality of inflation and a stronger peso, everything is much more expensive as happens in popular tourist spots. We are going to look at other more affordable places in Mexico to spend the winter months.

Oct 10 - 16 - Waiting for the weekend and all about the cats

Thanksgiving Monday was a holiday and we enjoyed Robyn's Jerk Chicken. Then with J back to work, the week was filled with all the normal things of life but with warm weather and a fabulous view. The cats continue to keep us entertained as they become more comfortable with us being their new guests!! Shopping, laundry, cooking at home. Daily cat care and making sure Homer stays on top of things, He has had exams. Euchre with Gord and Jax Friday lunch at old Island Time now called Toast! Saturday - Went into town in search of cash and food - once again we were unable to debit cash and had to do another credit pull (grr) and The Hungry Grouper was not open so we ended up at Estelles which was fine but not necessarily what we would have chosen. Had nice views though! Sunday - Divina, chat with Hojo

Trolley Tour in Campeche

We booked this quintessential tourist activity and it was charming. It was of course, a little less amazing when the tour took us around the very neighbourhood in which we were staying, so maybe we should have done the tour earlier on! Independence Square Fisherman statue outside our local OXXO

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