February 19, 2017 - Tulum, Mexico

It’s probably no surprise, but today was a beach day! We stopped and picked up tacos on our way to the beach and settled in at this palapa north of La Zebra. It was windy again today, and the waves were high. We enjoyed hanging out and walking on the beach. On Sundays, plenty of local families have the day off and head to the beach, as well. It makes for some great people watching.We hoped to pick up ribs for dinner on our way home, but the restaurant had already run out and it was only 4:30! Plan B. Home, showers, then back out to decide on dinner.

We ended up back at the “Everything is $35pesos” restaurant. We had an order of tacos and one of gringas. They thread meat onto the large spits and cook them in front of an open flame. When one side is cooked, they rotate the spit, slice off the cooked meat, and continue the process. Al pastor, developed in Central Mexico by Lebanese immigrants, is similar to shawarma spit-grilled meat, like Turkish doner kebabs or Greek gyros.

We saw an original Mexican dishwasher on our trek this evening. He was busy getting every last drop!One thing that has not changed over the years is the amount of trash people dump – everywhere. There are a few trash barrels along the streets, but not enough. Recycling is practically nonexistent and much needs to be done to improve this situation. We are surprised to see young people tossing garbage, as well. We still love this community and the people here. There is a lot of new construction going on and it is growing. Perhaps an influx of new residents will help with education on this problem.

February 18, 2017 - Tulum, Mexico

Even though it was partly cloudy today, we headed to the beach. After being in town the last two days, we needed some surf noise!

We pass this place on the beach road going to La Zebra and today we could actually stop to see the sign. Being from Colorado, the sign was a little humorous.  It was good to see it was actually a coffee shop.

We also spotted a donkey along the road today. He wasn’t tied up, so not sure where he belongs!The resorts all work hard to keep the beaches clear from the seaweed that washes ashore every day. Their workers dig holes in the sand where they rake and bury the seaweed. Eventually, it will decompose which keeps the beach nice and also provides jobs!The wind today was great for the kite surfers. They were out in force and we had fun watching from the shade of a palapa. If these had been hot air balloons, we would have thought we were in Albuquerque there were so many!This evening we walked into town and shared a flan for dessert. It was $27 pesos ($1.35USD). It was tasty, but very small. Tomorrow will probably be a beach day … Tulum, it’s easy!

February 17, 2017 - Tulum, Mexico

It was overcast today and I was feeling under the weather, so today was a quiet day. Resting, reading, staying close to the apartment. Feeling better tonight and hope the weather is better tomorrow.

February 16, 2017 - Tulum, Mexico

Today was one of those days that might make you shake your head at in disbelief.

We hung out here until after lunch then decided to go get postcards to send to friends’ grandkids. We picked a couple and headed to the post office to mail them. Total for the stamps was $30 pesos ($1.50 USD). The smallest bill I had was a $50 peso bill ($2.50 USD), so I should get $20 pesos in change. They didn’t have any change. Both of the postal workers checked their own wallets, but no change. I had already put the stamps on the postcards, so I was committed! I walked across the street to a small market, but they couldn’t make change for me either. I told the postmaster we were going to the Chedraui supermarket and would come back and pay him. He said okay!

Off we continued to the Chedraui to pick up our groceries, and wouldn’t you know, the bill came to exactly $100 pesos! I asked if they could make change for the $50 peso bill – no, they didn’t have change either! We stopped at their customer service counter and they would not make change. I guess today was not a “customer focused” day… For Mexico being such a cash society, it is hard to believe no one had change!

We stopped across the street at the barbacoa taco stand we’ve eaten at, and after digging in her pockets and tip jar, she was able to come up with change for us! We headed back to the post office and gave him the money. I think he was surprised we actually came  back! Who would know how hard it was to just pay for some stamps!

We were  both really exhausted by the time we got back because it was 85 degrees and about 80% humidity! We spent the rest of the afternoon cooling off!

Dinner out tonight, now a movie. Tulum, it’s easy!

February 14–15, 2017 - Tulum, Mexico

Valentine’s Day was a lazy one for us – hanging out at the apartment reading, playing cards, sitting by the pool. This little bird hung out on our patio for quite some time and my coming and going in and out the door didn’t seem to bother him. I guess he just liked our company!

We went to El Camello, Jr. Restaurant for our special Valentine dinner. Tobey had the shrimp ceviche and I had the grilled garlic fish. They were both perfect! It amazes us how we could have such a fantastic meal including soft drinks and tip for $300 pesos.  ($15 USD!)

Today we took the bikes to the beach and hung out for several hours. Walking the beach, sitting in the shade of a coconut palm tree, having a picnic lunch, swimming, and watching the kite surfers. I never tire of that!We stopped at the Chedraui Supermarket on the way home to pick some meat and veggies for dinner. Tobey said we should copyright and promote,  “Tulum – it’s easy!” We plan to have a quiet evening in and enjoy putting our feet up!

February 13, 2017 - Tulum, Mexico

Today we walked to the colectivo stand and took it to the beach. The price has gone up (for Gringos) to $20 pesos ($1USD). There were 19 people in our colectivo this morning!

We walked from La Zebra to Maya Tulum and back – 3.6 miles – on the beach. We took time to sit in the shade of a palapa, eat tacos, read, and take a swim. Not a bad day’s work. We were actually able to catch a colectivo back to town, as well. Last year, they wouldn’t stop for gringos on the way back into town because of pressure from the taxi union. I’m not sure if we were just lucky because we were able to hop in when he stopped to let someone off, or if they are actually letting Gringos ride. We did pay 10 pesos more than the locals, but it is still cheap.
We saw some girls getting something that looked like a frozen treat from a woman by the square on our way home so we got one, too. It was $6 pesos (30 cents). Tobey picked the chocolate one and it turned out that it was similar to a fudgesicle. You just bite the corner off the bag and suck it out the hole. Our hands were pretty sticky by the time we got home, but it was a fun and refreshing treat! We hope it was made from purified water!We had dinner here tonight – it was a busy place! Tobey ordered the “chilaquiles verde mixto” which include cheese, beef, and chicken served over chips with rice, beans and salad – and a drink – for $50 pesos ($2.50 USD!)

I had the empanizado de pollo which was a VERY thin piece of boneless fried chicken served with rice, beans, salad, tortillas, and a drink for $55 pesos ($2.75USD). Tobey’s was better, but mine was still tasty and we were both full.

At the end of our meal, we hear drumming on the main street, so I went up to see what was going on while Tobey waited to pay for our meal. There was a mini-parade! A police car leading, some drummers and marchers, a decorated motorcycle, followed by another police car. We have no idea what the event was, but it was fun to see!
Our feet are tuckered out tonight after so much walking, so it is good to sit back and relax.

February 12, 2017 - Tulum, Mexico

We biked to El Parisio beach today – with a bit of a detour. We stated off and when we got to the Aldea Zama cutoff, we had to turn around because it was closed. Monday-Saturday while the construction is going on, it is open, Sundays closed!  We rented a chair and hung out on the beach and shared an order of fajitas for lunch. They were okay, but not worth the price of $282 pesos with soft drinks. ($13.75 USD).  You can see we are getting used to Mexican prices! It was a beautiful day and the water was great.

This evening we walked to the central part of Tulum in our search for dinner. Tobey picked this little taco stand and they did not disappoint. We each had 2 tacos asada de res (beef/grilled onion) and Tobey had a taco de castillo (ribs) as well. Total cost – $50 pesos ($2.50 USD). They were pretty yummy.

We went past a florist shop getting ready for Valentine’s Day. 

The carnation dog arrangements seem to be popular!Speaking of dogs, this is Maya. She is Chris and Barbara’s dog and about 2 years old. Every time you get the camera out, she takes off! She loves carrots and and fun to have around.This puppy is Bebe. She is a street dog that Barbara rescued after she was hit by a car. Her pelvis was cracked – poor baby. They took her to the vet and she is recuperating and getting around pretty well with their care and attention. They are hoping to find a home for her because they don’t want to release her back on the streets once she fully recovers. Want a sweet dog? Let us know!