Life in Paradise is NOT always paradise

Ok.  So we all know what we love about living in paradise.  But rarely do we hear about things that make our environment, well, less than perfect.  You know when you are watching HGTV and they show a real estate agent taking a couple or family around the Caribbean showing them beautifully stages homes, with flowing sheers blowing in the Caribbean breezes at large wide-open windows and/or doors. Or, they show open roof top houses that let you count the stars in the evening while you sleep in your beautiful new home in paradise. Well, it’s images like that which prompted me to write this blog post.  Because honestly speaking, we could all use a little bit of reality in the middle of our HGTV awe inspiring moments.

Saturday in Puerto

On the first Saturday of each month (well…mostly on the first Saturday), Puerto Aventuras (PA) is host to a traditional monthly community bazaar (flea market). The bazaar is held at the local school from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Community members, vendors and crafters are encouraged to rent a booth and sell their wares. 

Protecting our investment - Mayan Security

My husband and I live in a condominium in Puerto Aventuras (PA), Mexico. Although we are here most of the year, there are times when we need to be away. We did not want to hire a management company and were concerned about how to secure our investment while traveling.  The timing could not have been better; we found Mayan Security on Pelican Free Press!  

Gloria hallelujah - Great Translation Services

My husband and I purchased a condominium in Puerto Aventuras (PA), Mexico.  As you can imagine, we had a very long list of things to do.  As we prepared for our move, a recurring theme continued to creep into our thoughts and conversation.  How were we going to handle setting up all our utilities and other necessary paperwork without speaking fluent Spanish?  After all, being able to say “si” and “gracias” just was not going to get the job done.

The Ruins of Chichen Itza

One of the must-see attractions of the Riviera Mayan is the ruins of Chichen Itza.  Although there are many tour groups you could sign up for, we decided to take the day trip on our own and explore at our own pace.

We took the ADO bus from the 5^th avenue location in Playa del Carmen (PDC) and paid a total of $632 pesos for two people, round trip.  The bus ride is approximately 90 to 120 minutes.   Once we arrived, departed the bus and walked to the entrance gate, we paid our admission fees and were on our way.

Playa Weatherman's Riviera Maya Weather Update

2014 Hurricane Season Outlook Update - below normal hurricane season expected

The U.S. National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center has updated its hurricane season outlook. It now calls for a 70% chance of below normal activity this hurricane season.

NOAA's hurricane season outlook

The $435.12 USD Mistake (follow up to INM office in Playa del Carmen, Mexico and the Consulate office in Washington, D.C.)

For those of you that read our July 9, 2013 blog post regarding our visit to the Consulate office, this is my follow-up blog post (finally).

Little and BIG Acts of Kindness (AOK)

Disclaimer: The following post has been edited to protect the identities of the people we are writing about.  In some incidences information has been left out or changed, however, the actual acts of kindness have not been.

We have met some wonderful people since moving to Mexico.  The term “it takes a village” is not just about raising children, but about really helping thy neighbor.  From asking a question on a forum or blog, to meeting someone for the first time and embracing each other with a hug.  It has all been amazing.

This post is really about acknowledging and saying “thank you” to the people that demonstrated little and BIG acts of kindness, which we will refer to as AOK.

A Caribbean Cornucopia of Fruits and Vegetables

I have a confession to make.  When we decided to move to Mexico, I was a little worried about finding all the different fresh fruits and vegetables I was accustomed to eating as a person on a "plant-based" diet.

Count Your Change

Shopping in Mexico is different than shopping in the United States (U.S.) with respect to money.  In the U.S., I rarely shop with actual money on my person.  Instead, I use my debit card or credit card.  Of course you should always watch your items as they are being rung up to ensure that you are being charged the correct price. And, to make sure that if you are getting cash back, the cashier is giving you the correct amount.

Merida - A quick overnight trip

Even before we moved to Playa del Carmen, Mexico, we were excited about visiting The City of Merida! With plenty of cultural activities and events, there is something for everyone.  Plus, many of the events are free.  

There are dance groups and music festivals almost every night in one of the many parks in the downtown area.  In addition, there is also the theater (we had a private tour - more about this later), The Merida English Library, and the many different museums and art galleries.

FaceTime is Saving our Marriage

If you can recall from our February 23, 2013 post, I would live in Playa del Carmen most of the year, while my husband, since he is still working in the United States, would fly back and forth as much as possible.  

The Mayan Ruins of Tulum

One of the great joys of living here is being able to visit some of the historic ruins. We decided to take a day trip to see the Mayan Ruins in Tulum. The admission fee was $57 pesos each and we were there for about 3 hours.

When it rains, it POURS!

The last seven months have been extremely rainy in Playa del Carmen.   

Five of the months (June, September, October , November, December) have had about twice (or more) the average rain.  

July was the only month with less than normal rain.  

And 2014 is off to a soggy start,  it has been raining since yesterday afternoon and still raining at noon today.   

Glad I have my pink boots and rain coat!

Note:  This rain information was supplied by PlayaWeatherman via the Mexican National Weather Service.

How we spent our first Christmas in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

We are so excited.  We can hardly believe that we are living our dream of being in Playa del Carmen, Mexico (PDC) and experiencing our first Christmas here.