The waters of Playa del Carmen are some of the most beautiful in the world.
Playa del Carmen is a beach town maybe 30 miles south of Cancun that we’ve been to a number of times. It was where the very first VAN staff retreat was held in 2005, when there were maybe a total of seven people on staff. A year or so later we took my parents there for my Mom’s 70th birthday, and then we’ve been back a few times just because we love the beach. The town has grown enormously in just the nine years since we were first there, but it’s still a huge improvement over crazy Cancun. So, as long as we were in the Yucatan, you might as well spend another week there, right?
There is no substitute for finding a good bartender. This was a pretty small place, kind of a dive, but he learned to make our drinks just right…
Mostly, then, it was a lazy week of time on the beach reading and sleeping, lunch while it was typically raining, and then getting ready for dinner. Not a lot to write about, but a damned good way to spend a week.
Our next stop is San Miguel de Allende, an old artist colony a few hours northwest of Mexico City. Friends told us years ago it was a place we had to see and maybe even retire in. But while we’re not ready to settle down yet, it’s about time we saw the place before we head further south to spend six weeks or so in Costa Rica. Can’t wait for the adventure to continue!
The weather was off-and-on, but even when it was stormy it was beautiful
We’ve really enjoyed chances to visit with friends and family on this adventure. Mark’s Uncle Bill and Aunt Debbie had a day in Cozumel – an island off Play a few miles – while on a Caribbean cruise, so we caught a boat over there to have lunch with them. Such a treat!
Bill, Debbie, and Mark
James Breen from our office (back in the days when we used to work) bottled some Negronis for us that he presented when we were in DC. We saved them for a special occasion, which just happened to be a rainy afternoon in Playa. Thanks James!
After a few days at a classic beach resort where the Internet was crappy, we moved inland to the Reina Roja, the Red Queen. It may be the most “fashion forward” place we’ve ever stayed. Bizarre, but fun.
There were mannequins like this all over the lobby area. Strange indeed.
One last shot of a nearly perfect beach
Hello from Oregon. You two are truly living the dream! I love reading about your adventures. Jim, I am continually jealous of all your great reading spots and appreciate that you document them! Would also love to hear about what you’re reading. It seems like you have many more appealing options to choose from, but if you’re ever in search of a rugged coastline I’d love to meet up in in the Pacific Northwest some time.
Hey Rachel – Great to hear from you! Needless to say, we thought of you while in Playa. Funny you should ask about my books; just today I finished a two volume history of the Plantagenet rules of Britain leading into the Wars of the Roses. Great fun, but now I’m trying to decide what comes next.
I have to admit that I do love Oregon, but I suspect it may be a while before we get there. Our plans are to stay in Mexico and Costa Rica through early February (with a Holiday visit to San Diego to see family) and then we’re off to Vietnam & China for … a while.
Meanwhile I hope you’re doing well!