Safety in Mexico

Ok.  Let’s be honest. We all know people (lots of people) that get on their soap-boxes and scream from the top of their lungs about the perils, danger, and crime when vacationing and/or living in Mexico.  Am I right?  

BUGGING OUT!!! Termites in the Western Caribbean

Termites on the
 concrete walls

YIKES!!! Moving into our new home in Puerto Aventuras, Mexico was not all sand and sunshine. We had the surprise of finding out that our home was infested with termites.

Absentee Voting for November 2016 Presidential Election

Before returning to Mexico, I had the opportunity to participate in the early voting process for the 2016 Presidential election. Virginia allows you to vote up to 45 days before the election.  Check with your local elections officials to determine if early voting is available in your state.

Dental Services in Puerto Aventuras, Mexico - Aesthetik Dentistry & Orthodontics

We have had the opportunity to utilize the services of Dr. Enrique Perez on two occasions.  

The first time I used his service I thought I was going to need major dental care.  You know how it is...you feel some discomfort and pray for the best, but in private, you start to conjure up all sorts of images in your head.  I started thinking about root canals and transplants.  I mean, I really had myself worked up.  

Medical Doctor in Puerto Aventuras: Dra. Caroline Guzman

House Calls.  Imagine a time in your life when you were ill and did not have the energy to get dressed and venture too far from your sick bed and comfy pj’s to obtain medical care.  Well, for those of us that are over the age of 21…ok, let’s just say over 50, you may remember a time when doctors made house calls.  Those were the good old days, and I honestly thought they were over.

Boy Shorts and Baby Powder. Keeping cool in the Riviera Maya.

In honor of July 1, 2016 (it’s not really in honor of anything in particular, just the middle of a really hot summer here), I thought it only appropriate to discuss underwear (for women and men). Specifically, underpants. Because let’s face it, sweat does not care about gender.   

Cold and sweet. Aventura Gelato in Puerto Aventuras

It's always time for
Aventura Gelato

We recently discovered a new place to fill our sweet tooth.  We were walking around the Puerto Aventuras Marina and the bright colored tables, chairs and wheeled ice cream stand caught our attention.  And although it’s located between two restaurants and behind some tropical greenery, the fun bright colors of this little gem makes its hard to miss!

Membership Cards: Costco and Sam's Club

I am often asked if the Riviera Maya has any of the same stores that we have in the United States. As I rattle off the list, the same question continues to come up for two stores; Costco and Sam’s club.  Will the membership card we have from the United States, be accepted at the stores in the Riviera Maya.  The answer is YES. 

My Super Shopping Tote

PuertoDISE walking home after
shopping  at Chedraui in
Puerto Aventuras, Mexico.

In the two years that I’ve lived in Puerto Aventuras, Mexico, I’ve had several people stop me and inquire into my cute little shopping tote (Travelers Club 20 inch Rolling Tote) as I walk to the Chedraui grocery store, or the Farmer’s Market in Puerto Aventuras on Saturdays and Wednesdays, or when I take the Colectivo into Playa del Carmen, Mexico and run errands to Walmart, Mega, Sally’s Beauty, or DAC.  They always seem so surprised when I tell them I purchased my bag from Walmart in the United States, and that I paid $13.00 USD.

Ferry to and from Cozumel from Playa del Carmen, Mexico

With so many wonderful things to do and see in Cozumel, it’s no wonder it has received the distinction of being named the “Island of Peace” by the NGO-UN International Committee.  But this post is not about Cozumel per se, the big question is, "how do I get there?"

Paying Property Tax for your Property in Puerto Aventuras, Mexico

When we purchased our condo in Puerto Aventuras, Mexico, we were informed that we would need to pay our property tax each year through the Solidaridad municipality. We did much investigating regarding how to pay property taxes on forums, webpages, etc. We discovered that with our clave catastral (property registry) number that is found on our property deed, we could look up our property tax bill on the Solidaridad website. 

Disappointed in Omni Xenote Restaurant Christmas Dinner

The Xenote Restaurant at the Omni Beach Resort is usually our favorite place to dine. So it was only natural for us to make reservations for their Christmas dinner.  They had a special menu which included the cost of a three-course meal, dessert, two glasses of sparkling (which was either wine or champagne), tax and tips. Now before we made our reservations, we noticed that the special Christmas dinner only featured two all meat entrees; turkey and beef.  Upon noticing this, we felt discouraged and mentioned to our server that we would love to participate, but since one of us does not eat any meat or dairy products, we would have to pass.