2nd full day in the Riviera Maya

Another beautiful day in paradise. Today was a bit overcast and in the mid 70’s; not a perfect day for lying by the pool or on the beach but a perfect day for other activities. Mariah and I headed to Playa del Carmen in a resort shuttle van, 40 pesos each way pp. The main drag was packed with tourists (graphically so compared to last August's low season visit) but we managed to haggle for great prices on silver jewelry and Cuban cigars and picked up some (incredibly hot) local hot sauce.


At a local small café called Ah Cacao (corner of Constituyentes and 5th Ave.) we enjoyed a spicy Maya hot chocolate (Mariah) and the homemade ice cream version (me) - both incredible.


Next we found the best produce market (DAK - on 30th just north of the Mega grocery) around for fruit and vegies for dinner and tomorrow’s picnic before heading back to the resort.



The resort is so huge it’s quite a walk to the shops, restaurants, pool, and beach. The windy paths are surrounded by nice, jungly landscaping:


with the occasional surprise, like a coati:


And a life size nativity with giant balls that glow red at night:


We usually walk but trolleys run in loops, nice when you’re packing groceries and jugs of purified water:


While we enjoyed our outing, Mike and Greg enjoyed 18 holes of golf enhanced by Cuban cigars:


Back in the suite we enjoyed views of the birds and sunset:



Then prepared a wonderful dinner: fish filets with mango sauce, pasta alfredo with peppers, onions, squash, and garlic, and Maya chocolate brownies for dessert. Happy trails!