A rough day in paradise

We woke up with a plan – scope out a car rental company then head to Akumal beach for some snorkeling. It didn’t work like that.

Several weeks ago we bought Mexico SIM cards. We like data, instant translation and maps, as well as email and other phone related things, so we buy data when we travel. I found a place online, awesome. When we get here though, they don’t work. In his defense, the guy I bought them from is on email and phone every day trying to help get this sorted, but it’s hard since he’s there and I’m here. So this morning we find our cell provider directly and try to get it fixed.

Our Spanish is busted. His English is entirely limited to technical items. Together, we try to figure it out. We left a while later, assured that it would work.

(It’s not working still…)

We found lunch at a place called La Fogon (roughly). Miranda had a quesadilla con pollo, and I had a torta con chorizo y queso. Ground chorizo and melted cheese on a bun…yum!

We decided to go to Akumal anyway, despite it being 2 pm. As recommended by my aunt, we got into an unmarked white van, gave the driver some money and hoped for best.

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These colectivos are all over the place, replacing any form of public transit. $3.50 each to go down the highway a half hour, not bad. But you may have to remind them where you’re getting off…

Once at akumal, we had a long walk ahead of us. Miranda has been tracking her steps and I think we got 4000 of them here getting lost on our way to the beach. A friendly Summerland, BC resident pointed us towards the badly marked beach.

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We didn’t go swimming. Too late in the day, we needed a locker and couldn’t find one and I forgot my swim trunks. Stupid…We’re calling it a scouting mission, because now we’ll have an amazing day there when we go “for realz”.

Back to town to a place called Los Aguachiles. Food was pretty good, but still not fantastic. I’m on a search for the best ceviche, and she for guacamole…

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Tomorrow morning I’m up early to go diving. 120 feet into The Pit, followed by two nitrox dives at Dos Ojos (two eyes). Unfortunately, because of the Great Cable Fuckup of 2014, you’ll have to wait for those photos, but I expect they’ll be spectacular!

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Playa wanderings

We both were surprised to be awake at 8 am local time…

After realizing that this problem wasn’t going away, we got up and walked to a nearby fruit stand.

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Breakfast was as amazing as it looks. Mexican mangos (squishy and juicy!), watermelon, and something called an aguacate which is related to the mango, but is a little tart. Made some eggs and breakfast is served!

Next, we walked. Apparently around 7 kilometers total over the day. There is a lot to see on 5th Ave! Including…

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Ok…so this sucks a little. These are live animals and are super cute. But after doing this we spoke with my dive folks and they asked that we not do this. Apparently, not legal and exceptionally questionable. Very sorry. 🙁

We stopped at a place called La Vagabunda for a snack that ended up being lunch. Two daiquiris, guacamole and quesadilla and we’re good!

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The water is lovely.

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Cozumel is right there.

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Miranda, such a kidder!

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I’m in love with this girl!

Also, with this public art peace. Wish Vancouver had crazy huge statues that remind me a little of those statues from Final Fantasy 3US…(nerd…)

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After, we TripAdvisored a nearby restaurant. Walked over, and the place in question no longer existed, but was replaced with a different and very similar looking place.

No English is super fun!

Tomorrow we’re thinking of Tulum!

Moron me forgot a really important cable at home, so this entire post, and all subsequent posts, was written using my phone keyboard. Good thing I’m a fast typist…

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First night in Playa

We arrived, after only 5 hours of flying. Seconds after we get out the plane someone is trying sell us something…

We made it to our place with only minor hiccups then went to find some needed food. We found a place named Tarraya on 2nd, near the beach.

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If you ever find yourself in Playa,I recommend avoiding this place. The sort of food that is so bad, the only thing you have left to pray you don’t get sick.

We survived, and I took some photos of our place the morning. It’s pretty cute, and we have our own patio above everyone else.

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