Minnie Report!!!

[minniemex]

Dan, was just uploading pictures and have this totally cute one from XD ~ do you remember us taking it??

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/TULUM%202008/TULUM2008053.jpg

[PhyllisB]

Hey, I asked for a SUNRISE picture!!!! :mad:

Haha! Just kidding. That's a great shot you guys! Happy and smiling all around! Guessing maybe there was a little :beerchug: involved!!!! :D

[minniemex]

Ok, here goes my first sunrise shot!! ~ really didn't have too many:o

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/TULUM%202008/TULUM20081011.jpg

[minniemex]

Hey, I asked for a SUNRISE picture!!!! :mad:

Haha! Just kidding. That's a great shot you guys! Happy and smiling all around! Guessing maybe there was a little :beerchug: involved!!!! :D

Nope, no beer involved at all. Just Tequila :D:D:D

[minniemex]

I cannot figure out how to imbed the you tube in my post, so until someone helps me on this ~ here is the addy for it.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWd_XIRG-TU


http://tulum.info/%3Cembed%20width=%22448%22%20height=%22361%22%20ty pe=%22application/x-shockwave-flash%22%20wmode=%22transparent%22%20src=%22http://i86.photobucket.com/player.swf?file=http://vid86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/TULUM%202008/TULUM20081047.flv%22%3E

[Lynnette]

Great photo of y'all, and a Minnie sunrise shot, with or without tequila....gorgeous!!! I love how you framed the sunrise with the palm fronds. Now you've started it, there's no turning back, chica!!! :D

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/TULUM%202008/TULUM20081011.jpg

[think]

Nice pics Minnie. I think the sunrise one is about to become my new wallpaper :) (can't watch the video at work but I'll check that out later too.)

[PhyllisB]

Woooohoooo! Now THAT is what I'm talking about!!! :D

[pepper]

Wow! Minnie!

The water sure looked rough - was it like that the entire trip?

[susan]

Woohoo! great teasers- now for the rest:)

[minniemex]

Wow! Minnie!

The water sure looked rough - was it like that the entire trip?

Yes, we really had windy days!! We had one day when the wind stopped and believe me, I was fodder for the skeeters!! Yowzer!!:eek: I would like it just a tad bit more calm than it was though.

[minniemex]

Woohoo! great teasers- now for the rest:)

Push, push, push..............:D

[Lynnette]

Push, push, push..............:D

US????......never! Patiently waiting.


http://smileys.on-my-web.com/repository/MSN_Emoticons/MSN-Emoticon-knit-206.gif

[susan]

US????......never! Patiently waiting.


http://smileys.on-my-web.com/repository/MSN_Emoticons/MSN-Emoticon-knit-206.gif
or maybe some of this too http://www.desktopsmiley.com/dl/21198214604/c/10539339.gif?fr=6&v=7.0.6000.16735&d=www.tulum.info (http://www.desktopsmiley.com/click.do?uid=230855815470336&a1=3&a2=2&a3=3732119821460497&a4=5&a5=14&fr=6&v=7.0.6000.16735&d=www.tulum.info)










http://www.desktopsmiley.com/toolbar/desktopsmiley/banners/2007_12_12_4.gif
Get FREE Smileys today! (http://www.desktopsmiley.com/)

[heenan]

Lovely sunrise!

[minniemex]

Wow! Minnie!

The water sure looked rough - was it like that the entire trip?

Yes, it was a windy vacation to say the least. Only one day of the real bad sand blasting though and then we took a trip up north further. (Akumal)

[letele]

Okay Minnie, you can't tease us like that! MORE!!! :p

[BP.]

Love the great smiles on eveyone! :D :D :D :D :D

[minniemex]

Just letting you know that I haven't forgotten my responsibilites. I am installing a new photo program and also signing up for a different hosting site so everything is new to me and it is taking longer than I thought. I know it sounds like excuses, but I am working on it..........

Here are a few pictures I loaded to my old hosting site ~ from our days at Xamach.

I loved, loved, loved the food at Xamach!! Francesca makes white rice taste like heaven. Here goes a few pictures for the foodies..........

The most delicious pasta and barracuda. There was also another fish there, but I forgot its name.

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/TULUM%202008/TULUM2008022.jpg

I am allergic to fish, so I had the chicken........ yum.........

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/TULUM%202008/TULUM2008023.jpg

For breakfast one morning.... I forgot the name, but it is Dan's favorite I think........

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/TULUM%202008/TULUM2008071.jpg


The best Chicken in Mole I have ever had....... and the rice....... yummy!!

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/TULUM%202008/TULUM2008084.jpg

And the BEST popcorn in the Yucatan!!!

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/TULUM%202008/TULUM2008032.jpg

[Lynnette]

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/TULUM%202008/TULUM2008032.jpg


Ooooooo...I never thought of this combo, and I have some Gran Centenario in my pantry!!! :D I'm liking the XD menu....delicious! Did the fish/chicken have any spices on them? Whatever the breakfast picture is, I want some!!!Great food shots, Kayt!! :)

[PhyllisB]

WOW..... my mouth is watering now!!!! And I don't have anything nearly so appetizing to eat for lunch. :(

[ilovewyoming]

Very good! We too, had a very windy stay at xamach and i was not unhappy..it was chilly, the surf was strong, but there wasn't a little @($*&#@ mosquito around to torture me.
The Chicken Mole was my favorite dish there..ooops..i will reveal more later, in a day/possibly monday the 8th about xamach and other adventures in our: NO BAD DAYS report.

[AdGuy]

I am installing a new photo program and also signing up for a different hosting site so everything is new to me and it is taking longer than I thought.

W:rolleyes:W!!! How could I have missed that excuse? :D In any case, those food shots look great...might have to schedule some time at XD rather than heading straight down to PA!

[Lynnette]

I think I hear Minnie working on her report and getting her photos ready to post!!

http://smileys.on-my-web.com/repository/MSN_Emoticons/MSN-Emoticon-nerd-007.gif

[minniemex]

Everything went as planned. We had a layover in Memphis on the way there and we weren’t really hungry but knew that we would need something for the second leg of the trip. We had time to walk through the airport to find something and low and behold I see a BBQ place called the “Neeleys”. I am a food network junkie and Fred just shakes his head and asks how I can watch that “chit”. :confused: Our son & DIL watch all the time too, Fred just doesn’t get it!!:rolleyes: Anyways, I just saw a show where they featured (Down Home with The Neeleys) Mommas “Sock it to me Cake” and I knew Fred would love that kind of cake. So we stopped there and I ordered some cake for Fred and I got a BBQ pork sandwich. This had to be the best airport food I have ever eaten!! I was so upset that we were not that hungry. Fred absolutely loved the cake!! The serving sizes on the cake & BBQ sandwich were enormous and Fred saved part of his cake for the flight. The cost was only $7.00, so really good for the airport!! If ever flying thru Memphis or if you bump into one of their restaurants, dine there. I don’t think you will be sorry!! I wasn’t quite in vacation mode yet, so no pictures of the food. Sorry.:o

It took us an hour to get thru the airport as there were many flights coming in and long lines in Immigration. Finally make it outside the doors and see our name to the left. Got our ride right away to Continental Rental. Here is where we bogged down some. First off, when he went to get the authorization for the CC deposit, they denied it and said to call. That seemed to take forever!! In all the years we have traveled we have never had any problems. This time they flagged the CC account and we had to verify who we were and all that baloney. Long story short, I guess it does pay to call your CC company and advise them you will be using your card in Mexico. They said they were really starting to monitor them because of the economy. Never had to do it before but will be doing it religiously in the future. Lesson learned. The second hiccup was that the guy who drives back and forth to the airport had the keys to our car. So we had to wait for him to get back so we could leave. I guess we spent an hour there at most. Finally we were on our way!! Whoo Hoo!!

It is always fun to drive down that highway the first time you return. You look for new things and old favorites. There was not a lot of traffic and of course, we were the only ones going the speed limit. Every time we drive now it gets easier and easier. We felt quite fortunate as our car had no “rental” car markings. That would be of comfort on our trip back. Nothing happened, just that I wouldn’t have that burden of possibly getting pulled over, knowing we were tourists and on our way to the airport. We finally make it to the Boca Paila Road and it is starting to get dark. I am bummed as I wanted to see the ocean at least when passing Zamas!! On we travel to the arch and I am so looking forward to it being “paved”. Well, my idea of paved has always been concrete or black asphalt. No go here. Paved means compressed. The compression is already starting to give and holes are appearing. What with swerving to miss those poor crabs and potholes it is a wonder we ever make it to Xamach Dos!! Finally we arrive at 6:30PM, 14 hours after leaving home. I think we left Cancun around 2:30, so the whole trip took close to 4 hours.

[minniemex]

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/433876178_2owzq-L.jpg

Arrival was fun!! It was dark and we had no idea where to go and were afraid we would miss the sign, but no worries, saw it just fine. Margo and I had emailed somewhat before arrival so it was like getting home after a long trip. We were swept up in the driveway and hugs all around. Clearly the way to be welcomed to Mexico!! I don't have any pictures of the first night.

At this point, I don't believe I am going to do a day by day report, but a report on things we did. Everyday will start with a walk on the beach. Not a short one, but a long walk in the surf just holding hands and reconnecting after all the stress in our lives. We are responsible to no one else, just ourselves. Pure Nirvana.

We were staying 3 days at XD. The players were: Dan, the owner of XD, ( a wonderful teddy bear of a guy:D) Margo our hostess, Josh the soon to be "new" manager at XD, (very wonderful young man:wave:), another couple staying there Terri & Jeff, Doug (who was helping Dan with some construction projects)(and fished anytime he wasn't working;)) and Fred & myself. It is wonderful how you bond with people in this setting. Our days were very lacadasical and spent reading in hammocks and walking the beaches.

Here are some pictures of what our days were like ~

Me looking for the most comfortable hammock ~ I would switch depending on where the sun was shining!!




http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/433844014_bcckE-L.jpg

This is where we hung out and had our meals ~

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/433850317_a6bHe-L.jpg

This is the infamous Treehouse!! What a place to stay!!

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/433850348_nTcPn-L.jpg

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/433850331_a4oZo-L.jpg

Inside the Treehouse ~

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/433876385_kVKdi-L.jpg


http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/434957103_g5RyY-L.jpg


http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/433876370_caawN-L.jpg

Loved the lighting!!

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/433876348_GedvC-L.jpg

It was so cool when we arrived, I wish I had a picture ~ they had it all ready for us and candles burning for light. Created such ambiance of pure relaxation!!

The deck outside of the Treehouse ~

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/433876306_HCzuE-L.jpg

[minniemex]

I think I hear Minnie working on her report and getting her photos ready to post!!

http://smileys.on-my-web.com/repository/MSN_Emoticons/MSN-Emoticon-nerd-007.gif

I think you may have had some "inside" information.:D

[ilovewyoming]

Good report so far, and love the pictures, brings back some memories, for sure..!!

[BP.]

Lovin' it!!!

[marjan]

I get restful and de-stressed just reading this wonderful beginning. Will be checking back often.

[susan]

looks great Minnie!

[PhyllisB]

Oh wow, that just sounds wonderful Kayt. It sounds so relaxing and peaceful!!!!

[Lynnette]

I think you may have had some "inside" information.:D

Ya think???!!! :D

Any report that starts with food from the Neeleys, has to be fabulous!! I'm rethinking those flights that layover in Memphis on the way to Cancun!!

XD looks wonderful, and your morning walks are just what the doctor ordered!! What a rejuvenating way to start each day, and I like your switching hammocks routine. What we don't do to catch the best sun angle. :D I love your shots of paradise...can't wait for the next installment!!!

[minniemex]

While at Xamach we took a side trip down to Punta Allen. We stopped along the way to check out the ocean. Margo was our tour guide and it was really fun!!

Here are some shots we took along the way ~

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/433875908_56hFi-L.jpg

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/433875864_fwqyy-L.jpg

It was really interesting driving to Punta Allen. The road was really a mess. Potholes everywhere. I didn't take any pictures but the drive is long and tedious.

We met Niki from Serenidad Shardon. What a wonderful Lady!! She has a beautiful property and she gave us the full tour. I didn't take any pictures, as it seemed somewhat personal. I should have asked, but really didn't think of it until afterwards. We all went to lunch at Cuzan's and heard all the gossip about Punta Allen. It was just like any other small town.

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/433875924_K8KFg-L.jpg

We ate lunch here ~ it was really good. Again, sorry, forgot the pictures. We had some sort of steak.

We walked back to Niki's after lunch and I took this cool picture of a place to stay (sorry, didn't get the name, not one of Niki's) ~ it sits right oceanfront.

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/433875961_dWgDY-L.jpg

Too cool isn't it??

We got back to Niki's and we went to sit down and Fred for some reason moved the pillow on the chair and was seriously startled!!

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/TULUM%202008/TULUM2008078-1.jpg


Ok, Fred, lets put things in perspective ~


http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/433876034_Cod9x-L-1.jpg

Lets just leave it to say, Margo was the only one who really wanted anything to do with the snake.........

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/433876053_GQXJL-L.jpg

Here is a picture of all of us......

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/433876064_7sNjP-L.jpg

We had a wonderful day hanging with the locals!!
Margo was staying the night in Punta Allen and Fred and I left to go back to Xamach Dos.

Just a funny story ~ we were maybe 10 minutes out of Punta Allen and a car waved us down. We stopped and it was another couple and they wanted to know how much further to Punta Allen. Quickly and with a straight face I said two hours. The look we got was priceless. It wasn't nice of me, but it was funny. We then told them they were only 10 minutes away and you could just see the relief in their faces.:D

Next up ~ tequila tasting at Xamach!!

[PhyllisB]

:D :D :D that is too funny, Minnie... I can just see you doing that now. I wish you had gotten a picture of their reaction to that!!! haha!

I'm with Fred on the snake. Eeeeeek! :eek:

Some of those skies are incredible.... looks a little stormy!

[AdGuy]

Tell Fred he needs to give up his Man Card. That wasn't a snake...it was a large earthworm!! http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/36/36_33_17.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZNxmk762YYUS)

[letele]

Tequila tasting - woohoo! :eat-drink:

Nice optical illusion with the snake! Too funny! Can't wait to read the rest!

[Lynnette]

OMG.....I about fainted with the first snake picture...even the second true to life one is scary for me! Your PA trip sounds like so much fun....except for the snake. BTW, this is a VERY cool shot!!

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/433875961_dWgDY-L.jpg

[pinky]

Thank you for your report Minnie...I am enjoying it very much!!

LOL @ the "funny story"...sounds like we have the same sense of humor!!http://www.criticallayouts.com/images/rsgallery/original/ha-ha-good-one-dog-ag1.gif

Love this picture of you & Fred...
http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/433875864_fwqyy-L.jpg

[susan]

Great shots Minnie- Gald you liked Punta Allen. Did you have anytime to do a boat tour?

[TnTWalter]

Fantastic. Just what I needed. Thanks.

:beerchug:

[minniemex]

The Chicken Mole was my favorite dish there..ooops..i will reveal more later, in a day/possibly monday the 8th about xamach and other adventures in our: NO BAD DAYS report.

The mole was my favorite ~ it was sooooooooo yummy!!!

[minniemex]

Great shots Minnie- Gald you liked Punta Allen. Did you have anytime to do a boat tour?

No, we had planned on it, but the ocean was too rough and the captain decided not to go out.:mad:

[minniemex]

OMG.....I about fainted with the first snake picture...even the second true to life one is scary for me! Your PA trip sounds like so much fun....except for the snake. BTW, this is a VERY cool shot!!

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/433875961_dWgDY-L.jpg

I thought this was the cutest place to stay!! Might have to do some research on this.........

[minniemex]

Thank you for your report Minnie...I am enjoying it very much!!

LOL @ the "funny story"...sounds like we have the same sense of humor!!http://www.criticallayouts.com/images/rsgallery/original/ha-ha-good-one-dog-ag1.gif

Love this picture of you & Fred...
http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/433875864_fwqyy-L.jpg

Thanks Pinky ~ I have a couple more "cute" ones I hope coming up!!

[TheWindyCity]

Hey there Minnie and Fred! Thanks for the post...Xamach is on our "to-do" list for a stay some day, also, a Punta Allen trip as well. Nice to see you guys again through your photos!

[heenan]

Nice pics and reporting!
I always wanted to stay in a houseboat on land!

[susan]

:wave:Just bumping this to the top in case Minnie forgot:D

[beachreader]

What a great picture of you and Fred. Too cute!

And what a cute little baby boa. I'm sure he was a shock, but I would have been much happier with that snake than an equivalently-sized spider. :eek:


OK, now that Minnie has actually started her report, I guess I'd better get on mine. I started writing it the other day, in the day-by-day style, but I might just go a little more general, as Minnie is.

Maybe I'll get to it tomorrow or Wednesday. Man, this working thing is a real drag on my internet time! :)

[susan]

Beachreader- you were next on my list to give gentle reminder and now with the photo thing figured out GET A MOVE ON!

[beachreader]

I was really going to write it tomorrow, really I was. Then my fingers just started moving, and it's now 2 a.m. and it's just about done. Well, it still needs pictures, and I might cut huge chunks of boring stuff, but it always helps me to put things in linear form first, and now that part's done.

And it's 2 a.m. and I have to work tomorrow. I hope you're happy. :rolleyes:



Sorry for the hijack, Minnie, you may proceed. :)

[minniemex]

Sorry for the hijack, Minnie, you may proceed. :)

No problem, one hijack and you have a report almost ready to post..... maybe take some heat off of me for a short while!!:D

[PhyllisB]

I don't think so.... it's never good when you've been back longer and someone who just got back is already done!!!!!!!

[Lynnette]

It's a real treat to have reports from you both TOMORROW...no pressure, of course! :D

[susan]

yeah come'on Minnie- it is too cold to do anything else:rolleyes:

and Beachreader better to get it out of the way or you would have been up all night thinking about it:) just think how well you will sleep tonight with that burden off your shoulders.

Anyone think it's keeping Minnie awake?:confused:

[beachreader]

It's not keeping me awake, believe me. Last night was a bizarre possession of some sort, I really don't know what made my fingers start typing like that, but once I started, I literally couldn't stop until I'd at least completed the day-by-day. It was very odd.

I'm really not ready to post, but if I get my real paid work done tomorrow morning (as I should, if I can manage to focus a little bit), I can get my TR going tomorrow afternoon. If not then, definitely Friday. Really. Before I leave for Xmas on Sunday, definitely!

Or maybe...

:p

[minniemex]

yeah come'on Minnie- it is too cold to do anything else:rolleyes: Anyone think it's keeping Minnie awake?:confused:

Minnie spent 4 hours on the freeways yesterday trying to get home. I was exhausted after that!! Then made swedish meatballs for Xmas. Will try for something later today if I get my work done at work.:wave:

[susan]

ok I'll give you that it has been a fun commuting week- look on the bright side more snow tomorrow afternoon. :rolleyes: Luckily I can work from home so I left the office early yesterday. I missed the worst of the delay only took an extra 45 minutes to get home.

[beachreader]

Minnie spent 4 hours on the freeways yesterday trying to get home. I was exhausted after that!! Then made swedish meatballs for Xmas. Will try for something later today if I get my work done at work.:wave:


Pssst. Ikea makes terrific Swedish meatballs. I personalize them by making my own sauce, but the ball-making part is definitely in the past for me!

[todo bien]

Keep up the reports..that picture of you and Fred is just:
GREAT..
Thank the lord i NEVER saw a snake.!!
Margo told us that she saw a large cat...whatever hangs in the biosphere ...walk right by her on the beach north of xamach once...i really didn't believe it, but i have to admit i looked for large kitty prints on my walks that way...
Love all the rumors and stories that come out of trips down there.:)

[beachreader]

Why wouldn't you believe her on the big cat story? It is the jungle, after all. :)

[minniemex]

We had a wonderful time with our Tequila tasting. I was never really aware of how different they are!! I have to say my favorites we Centennario & the one in the big blue bottle.

http://www.walfordfarms.com/56127.jpg


I think those were my favorites. For the life of me, I can't remember the names of those I didn't like as well. There was one that I actually couldn't drink and I was going to remember that name, but that was lost to "tequila". Dan, do you remember the name of that one?? We really didn't get rowdy or anything. We had wonderful conversation and the only downer was "mosquito" hour. There was not a breeze to be had, totally still and they were out for blood!! Here is one of my favorite shots ~ the mossies come up through the floor, so.......

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/433850496_Lusnq-L.jpg

Here is a picture of Doug ~ he not only had tequila ~ he finished what was on the floor too!! We didn't hear from him again until the next morning. I think this is the longest time he spent not fishing.

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/TULUM%202008/TULUM2008026.jpg

Dan & Jeff played chess and us girls just sat around talking..

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/433850484_Pawvp-L.jpg

Fred & Margo got a little silly down by the water!!

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/433875779_HUhrd-L.jpg


http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/433875746_Vvga6-L.jpg

Sally wasn't quite sure what was going on!! It was really cool that we could leave our cameras just sitting around the table and be able to snap a shot at anytime!! I have a hard time figuring out what day it is because I have the same outfit on in every picture. It just worked well for the weather!

I started talking about how I loved cemeterys, so we decided to visit XD's very own. This is where we got the fantastic shot of us all I already posted, but will post again!!

Some cemetery shots ~

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/TULUM%202008/TULUM2008039.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/TULUM%202008/TULUM2008043.jpg

And my favorite ~ just having fun!!

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/433875737_TTcGF-L.jpg

And then, one of my favorites of the night ~ I thank who ever it was who picked up our camera and took this!!

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/433875714_z9gvV-L.jpg

[Lynnette]

Awwww...love the last "kissing" shot of you & Fred. Just like in the movies. :)

What is the tequila in the tall blue bottle......I've heard people rave about this one too. Still favorite of mine is the Gran Centenario...I brought home my limit in October. :D

[ilovewyoming]

Great report and pictures. YES those skeeters DO come up the floor boards..We were fortunate that when we were there it was breezy breezy breezy most of the time. Looking forward to more!

[susan]

great shots and of course the last one is very cute. XD looks like a very relaxing place.

[xamachdan]

Minnie,
No surprise but I don't remember the last brand. We also had the Herredura Anejo, which was pretty good.
It's all good down there though.
Maybe we can try for another tequila drink off this spring.
XD

[minniemex]

Minnie,
No surprise but I don't remember the last brand. We also had the Herredura Anejo, which was pretty good.
It's all good down there though.
Maybe we can try for another tequila drink off this spring.
XD


Sounds like a plan to me!! I just have to wait and see what airfare is going to cost me!!

[Lynnette]

Minnie,
No surprise but I don't remember the last brand. We also had the Herredura Anejo, which was pretty good.
It's all good down there though.
Maybe we can try for another tequila drink off this spring.
XD


Wow...Gran Centennario AND Herradura Anejo!! You're livin' right!!!

[minniemex]

Just to share some moments of the rest of my stay at Xamach Dos!!

Here is the ocean right in front of the property. They have a really nice area to swim in ~

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/TULUM%202008/TULUM2008100.jpg

As most have heard, Xamach Dos has it's own "Mayan Ruins". One day I left, totally unprepared to visit to the ruins. No bug spray ~

Here is a picture of me going to the ruins ~

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/433876438_UgZwP-L.jpg

And here I am with my pal Sally & Fred taking the pictures leaving the trail to the ruins ~ 48 seconds later!! LOL I was consumed by the mossies!!

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/433876462_g4wM7-L.jpg

I got in far enough to see them, just didn't stay long enough to take any pictures!!

I had asked about the coconuts and how they came to "seed" and they showed me the insides of a coconut in all their stages. It was really cool to understand how it all happens!! Here is one that is just starting ~

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/433876112_2E8Ts-L.jpg

We tasted the coconut in all its stages ~ I wish I had taken pictures of it all, but was caught up in the moment. Fred says he won't eat as much coconut the next time.:o:D

I loved all the boats on the property ~

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/433850374_4TjYC-L.jpg

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/433876214_3jCsw-L.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/TULUM%202008/TULUM2008095.jpg


One morning I just sat there, trying really hard to get a picture just as the pelican dove into the water ~ here is my best shot.

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/TULUM%202008/TULUM2008133.jpg

One of my favorite things about XD is the hammocks all over the property!!

Here is Fred & I reading in the one on the deck ~

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/433875811_4naPh-L.jpg

Xamach Dos was filled with surprises and we had a wonderful and very laid back relaxing time!! I will return for sure!!

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/433876402_yBB4y-L.jpg

Always stop at this sign on the Boca Paila!!

[beachreader]

Yay, more of the Minnie report!

I love that there are so many hammocks around now. Last December, perhaps because it was pre-season, there was only the hammock on the deck, none down by the beach even though that grove of palms was perfect for them. Glad to see there are more "hang-out" places now!

[susan]

Hooray!!! great photos again. Loved your ruins adventure;)

[beachreader]

I hope you're busily typing away up there in Minnie, Minnie. I'm dying to hear all about Nueva Vida! :wave:

[Lynnette]

Another great installment...you & Fred look so relaxed in that hammock!!! I'm with Beachreader...can't wait to hear about NV!!! :D

[MakinHay]

Minnie - Gracias Amiga! Isnt XD wonderful? Your pics are just what I needed to get me through the cold today! We cant wait to be back there!!!

[minniemex]

I think I am going to go about this report a little differently. We stayed at Nueva for the rest of our time in Tulum. I have to say I fell in love with the property. If you can't find a room to fit your needs here, I doubt you will find one at all in Tulum. The only thing they don't have is A/C, but I doubt any room will every need it!! Every cabana, room, etc here is landscaped beautifully to assure as much privacy as possible. I discovered when I returned home I had no pictures of the property but thought I had taken many. Must have left my brain at work!! Hardly any path passes by another "abode". One of the nicest things is they have parking spots for all rooms reserved with the name of the room or cabana. You know every time you return you have "your" space. What follows is pictures of the property from the beach, including the new ones that were to be done before the 15th of December.

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/448929884_Gk9cZ-L.jpg

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/448929910_xmheC-L.jpg

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/448929947_B5tsv-L.jpg

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/448930162_trPkG-L.jpg

The beach beds & chairs ~ they also supply beach towels.

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/448929980_dk9Yu-L.jpg


The new construction ~ from the front ~

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/448930093_MXHBW-L.jpg

And from the back ~

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/448930550_TGzvq-L.jpg

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/448930578_QmBoZ-L.jpg

Reception is located directly across the street from Bananas. I didn't get a very good picture, but gives you an idea. Also, I forgot to take pictures of Bananas, but the pictures on their web site are very accurate.

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/448963018_25jpX-L.jpg

I have no complaints with Nueva ~ loved it. They did include a "continental breakfast" with the room. It wasn't enough for Fred so he just added to it on the occasions we ate there.

The rest of my report is not going to be day by day. We basically did the same thing every day. We got up, took pictures of the sunrise, walked the beach to Maya Tulum and on occasions, stopped along the way for breakfast. The rest of the day was spent on the beach reading, going for snacks and drinks or for another long walk. I will cover the highlights of these.

[beachreader]

Yay! So glad to have first-hand info on NVR. I'm glad you liked it. They really do seem to have the widest variety of rooms/prices on the beach, something for everyone for sure!

[Lynnette]

Wonderful info & pics!!! :) I noticed that there are lounge chairs behind the fence....can these be taken out to the beach? Did you use a beverage beach service? Did you eat your breakfast at Bananas or have it delivered to your room? The new cabanas look like the existing jr suites, Amencer & Perdido.....very, very nice!!

I know what you mean about Tulum days just blending together in a perfect way....words are not enough to describe the euphoria of staying there. I can't wait for more of your photos....they speak volumes!! :)

[minniemex]

Yes, those chairs can go on the beach. Fred had one out there one of the days!!

I forgot to mention that the continental breakfast included a plate of fresh fruit, rolls & jelly, fresh OJ and coffee.

We did see some breakfasts being delivered to the rooms, however, we did not. We did have drinks on the beach and we just added a 15% tip. I think they may have added 10%, not sure.

[PhyllisB]

Yay! More info on Nueva Vida! I know you're not saying much because you don't want everyone else to stay there and book up the rooms! ;)

How many other people were staying there when you were there? It seems like there are so many different buildings/rooms. Were you guys right on the beach or further back a bit?

[minniemex]

I think that is was almost fully booked, but it never felt that way at all!! The property, like I said is spread out and you really never overflow onto your neighbors. You are right, there are rooms, cabana's houses to meet just about everyones needs!!

[Toni]

I love the report and all of the fotos. Keep it comin lady! Great!!

[minniemex]

When we were on one of our morning walks, the was a kiteboarder out on the water. I have to say I was impressed. The waves were massive and he was out there forever!! He was awesome to say the least. I don't think I have ever seen any one better than he was!! I do think he also knew that we were taking his picture so did some showing off which we loved. It was truly a sight to watch. I have put all the pictures we took in a slide format ~ I hope you enjoy this as much as we did!! Just click on the link below!!


http://www.smugmug.com/ria/ShizamSlides-2007090601.swf?AlbumID=7013107&AlbumKey=SXDQC&transparent=true&crossFadeSpeed=500&clickUrl=http://www#46;smugmug46;com

[minniemex]

Just a couple pictures in case you didn't want to load the slideshow!!

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/448997569_MFYar-L.jpg



http://www.smugmug.com/photos/448998747_8Bzop-L.jpg

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/448997782_sCwvS-L.jpg


http://www.smugmug.com/photos/448997539_TVxiJ-L.jpg

[Lynnette]

Very cool....I could watch the kite boarders for hours!

[PhyllisB]

Wow, neat!!!

[minniemex]

I was sitting in on my beach bed and this little guy decided I was in his territory. They usually just run as far away as possible, but this guy decided this was his "home".

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/450960243_PGF4f-L.jpg

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/450960186_Nu53p-L.jpg


http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/450960198_envbJ-L.jpg

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/450978819_psYRH-L.jpg

He never left ~ just kept digging himself out. He was too cute.

[minniemex]

I have to say that this was a first for me in Tulum.

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/450978905_p8eEg-L.jpg

I had never encountered a traveling vendor like this in Tulum before. We were sitting at Om having lunch.

[BP.]

Minnie, love pic #3 of the crab series . . . wait let's make that "Crab Series!" The crab eye poking out from the sand. Think of all the crab eyes we must've seen but didn't know what they were. I think the crabs are fun to watch on the beach. Great kite boarding shots too. Another fun thing to watch on the beach.

[letele]

Yeah, that crab eye is too cool! I probably would have assumed it was a seed of some sort...I will look more closely next time! :)

[Lynnette]

I love your photo sequences...the crab is fun. I've never seen a beach vender on the Tulum beach, either. Is this a vision of things to come????? How was your lunch at OM and how busy was the beach club?

[susan]

Crabs are cool- we loved watching them at dusk.

Beach vendor:eek:???!!!! No don't encourage them by buying anything.

[beachreader]

Yes, we had the beach vendors at Cabanas La Luna too. No one too aggressive or anything, but we got the fruit guy once or twice a day (that must be a workout, all the way down and back up the beach with a load of fruit on your shoulders!), a necklace guy (actually, they were pretty nice but I never had money), a hammock guy (always thought that was a bit of a stretch), and a woman with something, maybe woven goods, can't remember.

Not like Playa, they'd just sort of call out what they had and walk on. Didn't bother me much, but it's definitely a result of having so many more people on the beaches.

Yes, maybe I need to stay farther south next time. :)

[BP.]

Yes, we had the beach vendors at Cabanas La Luna too. No one too aggressive or anything, but we got the fruit guy once or twice a day (that must be a workout, all the way down and back up the beach with a load of fruit on your shoulders!), a necklace guy (actually, they were pretty nice but I never had money), a hammock guy (always thought that was a bit of a stretch), and a woman with something, maybe woven goods, can't remember.

:)

The multi-vendor thing is a bit jarring for Tulum beach. I've only ever seen Guatemalans selling textiles, the nearly nude dude selling palm frond hats, and then Pedro the hammock guy- I've seen him everytime I've been on the Tulum beach. He's usually based around AyJ, so may be who you saw, beachreader. He's a really nice guy. His family makes the hammocks inland, and he lives near Merida with his wife and kids. I've bought all my hammocks from him, execpt for the one I got last year- "factory-direct" - a hut in the forest inland, from the people who wove it. If you see Pedro, and he's got on a Phillies cap, you'll know where it came from --- we've traded him caps (and pesos, too) on a few hammock deals. (Tip- bring an extra ball cap or two if you want to do some fun & friendly cross-cultural commerce.) :)

[minniemex]

I bought my hammock from Pedro also on my first trip down. We were staying at Cabanas Tulum on that trip. We also saw him at Tita Tulums when we were eating breakfast.

I always get yelled at by my girlfriend & DH for making "eye" contact and allowing people to accost us. Not only in Mexico, but here at home too!!

[minniemex]

I don't remember seeing this cabana before and I thought what a light filled place to stay in. Then Fred mentioned what little privacy one would have at night. Hmmmmmmmm.... Maybe not so good.

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/446856578_aqfz6-L.jpg

Don Diego de la Playa??

[beachreader]

Yes, Minnie, I believe that is Don Diego de la Playa, just on the north edge of Heminway, right? You can just barely see canvas in the background, where they have the tents under palapas.

This unit had more traditional structure last time I saw it, maybe they added the window walls this summer. Let me see if I can find my pics from March.

[beachreader]

OK, here's the beach shot I took of Don Diego de la Playa (I have more pics closer in, but this is the only one showing the whole property). The building to the far left is, I think, the building you shot. They had canvas wind breaks last year, so I guess they changed to glass. That would be nice, especially if they have curtains for evening!

http://beachreader.smugmug.com/photos/345730301_c37gk-M.jpg

The building to the far right is another property, near the Witch's House.

[minniemex]

I love it when someone gets an old picture! It sure looks like the same place. It would be great if it has curtains to pull at night!! I love the look of it!! And you mentioned the witches house!! My fav!! LOL

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/446856423_bhK2u-L.jpg



http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/446856437_9uBpo-L.jpg

[susan]

so what's the story behind the witches house?

[minniemex]

Sue ~ no story. Just since the first time I went down and labeled it the "witches" house, it just continues. Every time down I have to look and take pictures. Never have had the opportunity to see what it looks like inside. It survived Dean when those right around it (Hemmingways) suffered massive damage. It is just my fav house!!

[beachreader]

The Witch's House is just a funky old house that Minnie and I are both fascinated by. It always looked like it was barely hanging together by a thread, yet after every hurricane, there it was.

http://beachreader.smugmug.com/photos/345763991_TzQCB-M.jpg

We both independently called it the Witch's House to ourselves because it has that ramshackle look of a Baba Yaga cottage, you know? We discovered a year or two ago that we were both talking about the same place. :D

Anyway, it's located between Hemingway (actually, now Don Diego de la Playa, since that slipped in there last year) and Maya Tulum, and it's really called Casa Amor, and it's for rent. I really need to Google it and see what they ask:

http://beachreader.smugmug.com/photos/345764475_W5dwH-M.jpg

Here's a cute detail I hadn't seen before last March:

http://beachreader.smugmug.com/photos/345764262_2Bza8-M.jpg

[susan]

Thanks gals

[letele]

Aha! I always wondered about that place...so cute, I wonder what it's like inside!

[beachreader]

This isn't hugely helpful, but I found it on Google:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a37759QH9SE Whoever shot it spent way too much time on art and not nearly enough time on showing the practical aspects of the house.

[minniemex]

As you probably all know, I love walking the beach. I am easily entertained, as you saw with the crab photos!! :)

Here are some of the hightlights of things we encountered on our walks ~

One day we were walking and kept finding coins. It would seem that someone lost some sort of a coin purse and it had finally deteriorated to the point that it let loose of the coins ~ We then just put them all down in one spot for some other walker to find them some other time!! As you can see, they were in the sea for a long time.

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/446929769_8JUnR-L.jpg


There is always the pelicans to watch ~

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/434957178_RNZER-L.jpg


The driftwood in front of Suenos!! Always a favorite!

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/446656835_4T5r4-L.jpg

And the new piece that showed up at Suenos!!

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/446656941_qSJGf-L.jpg


The new piece just by OM ~ same type of tree as the one by Suenos, just not as large.

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/446657282_UxHFx-L.jpg

The boat that is submersed by Amansala ~

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/TULUM%202008/TULUM20081038.jpg

This time we were treated to some beautiful art work ~

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/446658416_i4s6c-L.jpg

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/450978838_uYg9e-L.jpg


Just staring at the wide beaches in each direction.

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/446657097_kSxGP-L.jpg

Then there was the guy that had just returned from fishing and I asked if I could take his picture ~ kinda messed up as I was so intent on getting a picture of his catch, I missed his face.:o

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/434957291_6UnvZ-L.jpg

This was a surprise for us as we thought that the turtle season was over. From what everyone has been saying it seems to have run late this year. Too bad we all weren't aware of it ahead of time!!

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/446929890_DvJmc-L.jpg

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/446929872_m4w2j-L.jpg

We watched to make sure this little dude got out ok as it was broad daylight out. We looked to see if we could find any more lost babies, but no luck.

I love taking pictures of the water and sand and footprints. One minute they are there, the next they are gone. No proof that you were even there!!

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/450978889_qiibL-L.jpg


http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/450978897_yNCcB-L.jpg

Then my camera malfunctioned and I think I may have got an interesting picture out of it!!

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/450978883_zZRKh-L.jpg


I hope you enjoyed your walk with me!!

[susan]

Too cool !!!!!! baby turtle

The malfunctioning camera shot would look really cool on canvas.

[beachreader]

Great baby turtle shot! I'm so bummed I didn't know the season was so late this year (I hope it doesn't indicate a problem for the turtles). I would have totally paid more attention to things!

[AdGuy]

Great reporting, mm! Love the nina tortuga photo. http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/36/36_1_11.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZNxmk762YYUS)

[Lynnette]

Those were awesome...I'll take a beach walk with you any day!! I love the "art"...looks like a sea serpent to me.

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/450978838_uYg9e-L.jpg


And there's a mermaid, peeking out from behind the driftwood!!!


http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/446656835_4T5r4-L.jpg

[PhyllisB]

Yeah, more pix!!!! Thanks Minnie! Love to hear your stories and see what you found on your daily walks. That fish... whoa! Pretty cool. I'm not so excited about the vendors either. :( In the past, I'd seen one or two up by Paraiso but that was it. Although I do think I met Pedro a couple years back at Tita's place. We had already gotten our hammocks at the prison so we didn't need any. Didn't know about the Phillies cap but next time I'll have to keep an eye out!

[letele]

Hooray for the sea serpent artwork! I love fun stuff like that. Thanks for the great report, Minnie!

P.S. Thanks BR for that video find...looks like a pretty cute little place, and at least they picked a good song to go with the video. :)

[PhyllisB]

Wow, that videographer has a thing for the dream catchers! It sure does look almost as interesting inside as outside, but you're right BR, not much on the functionality.

I tried to do a google search and didn't find much except a totally different property between Tankah & Tulum (http://casaamordelsol.com/index.php?page=gallery&album=gallery&num=1&album_position=1), and I learned that there is a Craigslist - Yucatan. Weird.

[minniemex]

Well, here is the status on Casa Amor alias Witches House. I sent an email (thru You Tube) to the person who did the video and asked for a contact. I have an email addy and a telephone number. I sent an email off today and have as yet to recieve a reply. As soon as I get one, I will let you know what they say. If anyone wants the info in the meantime, PM me and I will forward it to you.

[beachreader]

Cool! Looking forward to hearing more on what you find out. I didn't know how to e-mail someone from YouTube, but I did e-mail someone else who had a picture of the house on their yoga blog. I guess they'd have a yoga trip to Maya Tulum in November.

She said they had just liked the house, so they all got up on the porch and had their picture taken there, so no actual info on the house. Oh well.

It's funny what you find out on Google!

[minniemex]

Just a couple pictures of sand art we passed and the waves hadn't destroyed yet!!

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/454058638_MqTpm-L.jpg

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/454058626_YzEzL-L.jpg

[minniemex]

We were in the Pueblo one morning having breakfast and we were treated to a parade. Unknown to us it was their celebration of the start of the revolution in 1910. Here is a link to some more info ~

http://www.mexonline.com/revolution.htm

We had front row seats, as we were at Don Cafetos sitting at one of the tables on the sidewalk! It seemed that all the schools each had participation in the parade along with some adult groups. It was wonderful entertainment while eating breakfast!!


Here is a slide presentation of all the pictures I took ~


http://www.smugmug.com/ria/ShizamSlides-2007090601.swf?AlbumID=7082158&AlbumKey=MzFJy&transparent=true&crossFadeSpeed=500&clickUrl=http://www#46;smugmug46;com

Here are just a few for those who don't want to load the slide show!!

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/453917505_Gs2mH-L.jpg

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/453917101_gmcpG-L.jpg

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/453917238_9zXV2-L.jpg

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/453917421_yassT-L.jpg

[Lynnette]

A parade....how fun....very nice slideshow!!! I really like the cheerleaders and their formations...the kids with the cards are cool, too. I wonder if they're all locals? Now this is a priceless memory of Tulum!!

[susan]

What fun!! such a nice way to spend the morning.

[beachreader]

I love a parade!

[itsjustme]

Wonderful pictures ;)

The beach walk and pictures really helped me feel the area and how close the properties lay out along the beach.

Susan has the right idea "Canvas the malfunction shot".

Thanks for sharing.:o

[minniemex]

Well, we took our morning walk and surmised that we wouldn't be sitting on the beach today!! The winds were really up. So we decided to go to Akumal. We thought possibly we might get some snokeling in but not. It was just too turned up to see anything!! But the winds were very dimished compared to Tulum, so we had a nice swim and then proceeded to one of our favorite places ~ La Buena Vida.

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/455573137_SemS6-L.jpg

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/455573122_fTwJb-L.jpg

We had something Guac & Salsa to eat and admired the views!!

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/455573040_AZeXJ-L.jpg

We seemed to be on a "Guac" qwest this trip ~ Fred "never" liked it before. It seems his tastes have now morphed and he loves it!! He keeps saying " I can't believe I am eating this green *hit!!"


http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/455573060_bWxDS-L.jpg

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/455573052_Gva3Q-L.jpg

I really like Half Moon Bay except for the entry ~ very rocky in most parts!!

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/455573067_4t2TF-L.jpg

We had a wonderful day away from Tulum. We stopped at that new store across the street from the Chomac ~ I think this guy will probably be showing up in a lot of pictures!! Mine included!! LOL

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/455573310_aoFbL-L.jpg

We had Rum Raisin ice cream at Lucy's too!! Didn't get a picture ~ sorry..........:o

I was disappointed in that there were not a lot of flowers at this time of the year!! I really missed all the blooms ~ here is all I got!!

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/455573174_G94K2-L.jpg

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/455573193_S48ae-L.jpg

[Lynnette]

A day trip to Akumal is always fun...it's a shame that the water wasn't clear enough to snorkel. I think Half Moon Bay is pretty, but don't like the beach and rocky entry......I guess that's why I love the beautiful palm fringed beaches of Tulum so much more!!! :) Is that a quart size bottle of Corona that you're sharing with your buddy??


http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/455573310_aoFbL-L.jpg

[minniemex]

What???? Share my beer?? :beerchug:

[beachreader]

I can just see Minnie, wandering the streets of Akumal, quart o'beer wrapped in a paper bag clutched in her hand.

[PhyllisB]

I can just see Minnie, wandering the streets of Akumal, quart o'beer wrapped in a paper bag clutched in her hand.

LOL, me too Fran! :D

[ilovewyoming]

We stayed at Luna Azul in Akumal..rocky entry, but it seemed, at least this year, that there was a certain area, south, and not too far, that the entry and exit had BIGGER flatter rocks . It's not a problem unless the ocean is not calm. In Early Nov..it got kind of choppy, and being a not too good of a snorkeler or swimmer: .it took me a long time to get back in..you have to RIDE the waves and i was fighting them. Saw an octopus, small, not that far from shore, BIG Angel fish and turtles and urchins and schools and schools of fish, not to mention rays, and one that FLEW out of the ocean at the perfect time...LOVE Half Moon Bay...and Tulum and Solimon bay and turquoise water, white beaches, palapas,....should i go on? :)

[minniemex]

We didn't end up eating out that much!! We did have a few meals in town, as well as some on the beach. Here is what I have pictures of!! LOL It was so hard for some reason to remember to take the pictures ~ I must have been really hungry alot!!

Breakfasts ~

We ate at Bananas a few times, as they included a "continental" breakfast with the room. If you have a schedule you need to follow, do not eat here as the service is pretty slow at times. I have never figured out what the heck takes so long!! LOL The breakfast was good. You got a plate of fresh fruit, some toast (kinda bun like), fresh OJ and coffee. We often supplemented with an additional plate of eggs or pancakes ~ around 70 pesos. This made it a very affordable breakfast for only 14 pesos plus tip. (Continental price is 70 pesos, so tip on the 280 it would have been) For some reason, I just took a picture of the coffee pot!!

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/453089526_3bnwM-L.jpg

We ate at Don Cafetos in town more than once. Our favorite meal turned out to be the beef tacos.. Yummy!!

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/453089215_ATX6D-L.jpg

Of course, that included the appetizer of pickled veggies and peppers!!

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/453089203_oHpv2-L.jpg

Funny story ~ I have been working my way up to the peppers in this amazing dish and have found that I tolerate most of them well. I have shied away from those orange scotch bonnets, knowing they are the "hottest". But, I was doing so well, I thought I would try a bite!! And it was sooooooooo little............. well, tears, sneezing, coughing aside, I did very well. This is what was left!!

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/453089455_cDnYj-L.jpg

Fred also had this dish at Don Cafeto's and I think these were the chicken tacos.

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/453089226_W22TA-L.jpg

One of the things I did not like about DC was they charge for each cup of coffee you have. (this was at breakfast we had the coffee) Not that it amounted to much, but at least one refill right??

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/453089238_v6mQC-L.jpg

We stopped on our beach walks and had breakfast twice at Tita Tulums. I really love this little restaurant just for it's ambiance. Just out there close to the beach!! Fred had the scrambled with Jamon.

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/453089170_E3e7c-L.jpg

I had the Huevos Motolenos ~ not the best, but the taste was there!!

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/434957504_5hcCm-L.jpg

We also stopped at a few places that weren't open. One place had a buffet for breakfast, right on the beach, for $12 UD dollars ~ we decided to skip it because it was a very windy day and I didn't want sand in my food!! I thought the price was somewhat expensive also.

We stopped at Playa Kin Ha for brekky one morning, later in the week, and wished we had gone earlier because we really enjoyed it! The breakfasts were very minimal, but very tasty and the price was right too!! I don't think either breakfast was priced over 100 pesos. Oh, and the coffee refills were free!!

Fred had eggs OE ~

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/453089323_KVAzp-L.jpg

I had the french toast and it was sooooooooo good!!

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/453089313_XoC32-L.jpg


I think that pretty much covers DC and the breakfasts we had!!

More food later!!

[Lynnette]

Now I'm hungry. Your habanero experience at DC made me smile...I did the same thing. I love their pickled garlic...good to know that they serve the escabeche even at breakfast! How was the coffee at Bananas? How early did most of the restaurants open for breakfast? Nice breakfast pics...did you make Fred wait to eat, so you could get the shot? :D

[beachreader]

I think the US is the only place in the world with free coffee refills, sorry. :)

I'm looking forward to a few breakfasts on our deck, with a couple out and about. A couple of lunches on our deck, a couple out and about. I'd like to try at least one of Jacob's dinners, but there are so many places I want to have dinner, I don't know.

[minniemex]

The coffee at Bananas was ok I guess. I really am a tea person so I just drink the coffee because it is easier. I am fussy on my tea!! LOL I think it may have been instant. I think Bananas opened at 7:30, but were very slow to start!! They are really on Mexican time!!:D

Most of the others opened right around 8AM I would say. Sometimes they looked closed, but were actually open. We just stopped and asked each time if they were serving yet.

[minniemex]

I just spent an hour on another segment and lost it!! I am so bummed. Will try again later...........:mad::mad::mad::mad:

[minniemex]

Ok, I am going to try this again, only in shorter segments. I don't want my nimble fingers to mess things up again!! LOL

I want to post that we did eat at the Argentine Grill and it was horrid. Absolutely horrid. They were really busy that night and I think they ran out of meat and started serving rejects and trim to tell you the truth. I had a beef kabob and I actually had to spit one out because it was so fatty. That really turned me off. Fred had a rib eye and it was also horrid. I won't be eating there again, that is for sure!! We had an excellent meal there the year before, but this one was terrible. There are too many other places to eat to return there.

We stopped at Om for lunch a few times and had guac and some Chicken Satay. I didn't take any pictures, but it was all good. We just sat on the beach and munched. Really enjoyed it!!

On one of our walks we stopped at Dos Ceibas and had some guac. I will have to say, this was the best of the trip!! Really enjoyed it!!

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/446929480_KDQ74-L.jpg

It was soooooooooo good!! So were the drinks!! I love my Sangria!!

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/446929534_HVhaY-L.jpg

We ate a Zama's one night and went late to catch the live entertainment. We both split a pizza and it was yummy!! We just weren't that hungry.

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/453089300_GzXr3-L.jpg

We didn't stick around too long. The mossies were out in force and I was being eaten alive. The "entertainment" was a woman singing music that I wasn't all that fond of and she kept saying " Share the love, baby, share the love" during singing the songs..... She wanted applause and she wanted tips. I found it rude. I'm not sure what was worse, mossies or her. LOL

[minniemex]

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/458776958_6ztKn-L.jpg

We went to the Salsa lessons on Sunday night and they had drawn a huge crowd. There were some people that had been drinking for a while and your toes were in dangerous territory. We had done the lessons the year before and had a great time, but this was just way to crowded and the instructor seemed to be rushing the lesson. So we just walked back to Nueva and drank some wine on our patio until it was time for our reservations.

We ordered our drinks ~

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/453089480_WBktU-L.jpg

We decided to go with the BBQ again (we enjoyed it last year) and it did not disappoint!! They first served an assortment of sauces with chips ~

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/TULUM%202008/TULUM20081006.jpg

Then the BBQ ~

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/TULUM%202008/TULUM20081005.jpg

We decided we had room for dessert so ordered something bananas ~ probably not the best idea to order ice cream in Mexico!! It was somewhat sloppy by the time we got it!!

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/TULUM%202008/TULUM20081007.jpg

It tasted ok, I just wouldn't pay $120P for it again.

We had made our reservations later as we wanted to see the entertainment at La Zebra. The salsa teachers did a couple dances and it was awesome!! Wow could they dance. I would say even if you don't partake of the lessons, make your reservations later and enjoy all the dancing. There were quite a few locals dancing there also and some rivaled the teachers!! Great way to spend sipping some Sangria!!

Ok, tomorrow Dos Ceibas for dinner!!

[TheWindyCity]

I want to post that we did eat at the Argentine Grill and it was horrid. Absolutely horrid. They were really busy that night and I think they ran out of meat and started serving rejects and trim to tell you the truth. I had a beef kabob and I actually had to spit one out because it was so fatty. That really turned me off. Fred had a rib eye and it was also horrid. I won't be eating there again, that is for sure!! We had an excellent meal there the year before, but this one was terrible. There are too many other places to eat to return there.


I really wanted to like this place, but I couldn't agree with you more on the beef quality. It's just bad! I don't think they buy quality meat at all. We ordered the variety parillada, and the meats were all "horrid", very fatty and tough.
What I will say is that we did enjoy their Sangria, and empanadas, and salad, and I would return if for that only. I think beef in Mexico, especially this small town, is not of the quality that you will come to expect in the U.S. I think seafood is the best choice in Tulum.

Great photos of your Dos Ceibas visit. We enjoyed the drinks , appetizers, and entrees here immensely.

[minniemex]

We decided to give Dos Ceibas a try for dinner. We had never gone before for dinner.

This restaurant has by far the most ambiance for a romantic dinner that I have encountered in Tulum. We ordered our drinks and they brought out chips and salsa.

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/453089339_uuLUg-L.jpg

They had a huge group of people to serve that night. A yoga group had secured rooms there and also bought a meal plan. Our waiter explained this to us, as we had a long wait for our food!! It was interesting as there were a couple of men dressed in the red robes. I am not familiar enough with yoga to know what their title is but they were interesting to look at and see their interaction with their "flock" so to say. One man was at least 7 feet tall. He just looked out of place.

We finally got our meal ~

Fred had a white pasta dish ~ not sure if it was "al fredo" or not ~ he did say it was just "ok"

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/453089368_TodBb-L.jpg

I had Chicken Mole ~ it was yummy!! Can't get enough!!

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/453089349_QeZUR-L.jpg

As I stated before this is the most romantic restaurant on the beach. I would have loved to sit at this table (is this the one you got Windy??) After the huge party left I had to take these pictures!!

Without flash ~

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/446930822_RwkeF-L.jpg

With a flash ~

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/446930801_57mHj-L.jpg

The waiter was also nice enough to take our picture!!

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/446930624_LH7ty-L.jpg

Lucky me, the picture was before the Mole!!

[TheWindyCity]

Yep..that's the table. I agree..one of the most romantic restaurants on the beach, and dependably, great food and drinks. The chicken and mole brouht a tear to my eye, and a pang to my stomach! Thanks for the photos.

[beachreader]

Yay, food pics! Sorry to hear about the Argentine place, I'd heard such good things about them in the past. And I actually think that Mexican beef can be really excellent, but maybe we should just stick with arrachera for our meat fixes in Tulum. HC de Monterrey's was really good (but I wish I could eat the arrachera at Mayan Grill!).

Dos Ceibas is so lovely. When I was there, two years ago, there was a big bonfire in a pit in the corner of two walls (it would have been the northeast corner of the dining area). I'm wondering if it's actually where "your" table was, since I'm pretty sure they don't do bonfires anymore. Since they don't start dinner service until comparatively late (I think it may have been 8:00 that year? Maybe it was 7 but it felt late), they offered me a happy hour drink and invited me to sit at the fire. Other guests were there, and by the time dinner rolled around, we were all good friends.

I love bonfires, I'm sad that no one seems to have them anymore.

[itsjustme]

What a wonderful picture of you two at Dos Ceibas. Had to LOL about the "before the mole" comment. Hope you got the stains out of your white shirt. :)

So did you make reservations at a few restaurants for evening meals before you left or when you arrived? Since we're going during a busy time .....only time we can get away. I have in the past made a few before we have arrived at our destinations. What do you think for the Tulum area?

My mouth is watering for some fresh quac, mole sauce and the pickled/garlic veg's at Don Cafeto's. :p

[beachreader]

I think the only restaurant that I would even bother with a reservation in advance of arrival would be Hechizo, and even then you could do it on arrival for a date later in the week.

Posada Margerita also wants reservations, but again, you can usually just stop by and book for that evening or later in the week.

Hemingway has only a few tables, but I think she's more interested in feeding her guests, so she may not even take an advance reservation.

[minniemex]

I'm wondering if it's actually where "your" table was, since I'm pretty sure they don't do bonfires anymore. Since they don't start dinner service until comparatively late (I think it may have been 8:00 that year? Maybe it was 7 but it felt late), they offered me a happy hour drink and invited me to sit at the fire. Other guests were there, and by the time dinner rolled around, we were all good friends.

I love bonfires, I'm sad that no one seems to have them anymore.

Yep, that is exactly where that table is!! A bonfire in that corner would have been wonderful!! Lucky you to have experienced it before they quit doing it!!

[minniemex]

We usually made a reservation when we were walking the beach during the day. It worked out really well that way. We did make our reservation for La Zebra for the Sunday salsa night on Friday I think.

[Lynnette]

Beautiful photo of you & Fred!! Dos Ciebos is at the top of our list...that mole looks wonderful!!

[itsjustme]

Thanks for the input on reservation info. :)

LaZebra is a definate!! After a few shots of tequila....I will "THINK" I'm a excellent salsa dancer. ;)

[minniemex]

Before I forget, I wanted to post a picture of Kin-Ha where we had breakfast the one morning. This is their new building that replaces the old one destroyed by Dean.

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/446856995_njsCj-L.jpg

Ok, now I don't know if any of you have encountered this before, but it seems that europeans seem to always "pose" for pictures!! This has always cracked us up. When we were at the resort in the Maldives, this couples spent an hour taking these "posed" pictures. Maybe we have just seen more of it than others, I don't know. This trip I wanted to try to pose for a picture to see if it looked posed and maybe the europeans were on to something!! LOL So here goes my best "posed" picture.

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/446930900_BY7aw-L.jpg

Now if you ask me that looks "posed"!! Too funny!! I was trying to go over the top too, as this is what they do!!

[itsjustme]

Nice "pose".....you could have shown us a little more leg...;)

Pretty funny watching "Poser" getting the "just right" picture.

[minniemex]

We didn't have a lot of beautiful sunrises (yet again:mad:) but there were a few!! I usually do these first but Lee called me out, so I moved them to the end!!:D

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[beachreader]

Nice shots, Minnie! :eat-drink:

I am dying to know more about those new rooms above the Kin-Ha restaurant. I check TA every now and then to see if anyone posts pics of the actual rooms, but not much there. Hotels Tulum still shows only their old rooms, maybe I need to just check their proper website and ask for pics.

[itsjustme]

Beautiful....Thanks for sharing.

TGIF :beerchug:

[PhyllisB]

Excellent sunrise pix Minnie! You should add one or two of your favorites to our sunrise pix thread that's buried somewhere in the general forum!

Very well done!

[minniemex]

Nice shots, Minnie! :eat-drink:

I am dying to know more about those new rooms above the Kin-Ha restaurant. I check TA every now and then to see if anyone posts pics of the actual rooms, but not much there. Hotels Tulum still shows only their old rooms, maybe I need to just check their proper website and ask for pics.

There was a review for 2008 in Italian and I did a babel on it ~ still hard to understand. It did sound like they liked it though. I loved the view from their restaurant ~

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/461161807_okLjg-L.jpg

I loved the stairs going up to those new rooms also!!

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/461161819_VExYz-L.jpg

I am thinking this would be a cool property to check out next trip!! The rooms are what I would call "mid" price.

Here is a link to their website ~

http://www.hotelsyucatan.com/tulum/hotels/villa-kinha/

The pictures are from pre Dean and the new building I think. Also, TA lists it as being in town??

[beachreader]

I think there are two properties, one in town and one on the beach (Playa Kin-Ha). Definitely old pictures there.

Maybe I'll get up the gumption to go ask to see the new rooms myself.

[minniemex]

Just one more thing I forgot to mention. When we were in town one night, Fred forgot to turn off our car lights. When we returned to the car, the battery was dead. I am searching at this point for words in my head to try and get help. Fred walks up to this pharmacy we were parked by, says to the guy - with his hand extended he pretends to turn a key and says "urrrrahhhhhhhh...........click" and the man understands immediately. He (the man) says uno momento ~ leaves on foot and returns with his car and promptly gives us a jump start. I have to say I thought he was the nicest man in Tulum!! We gave him a $20 for his trouble and drove home. Every time we passed the pharmacy after that we waved to each other.:wave:

I also forgot about the big moth on our light one night!! Beachreader had one of these too!!!

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/446930457_fWb3x-L.jpg

I have just a few more pictures to share ~ didn't fit anywhere, but I liked them!!

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/434957188_N88S9-L.jpg

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/453434319_ZydEU-L.jpg

I am sad :o to say, this is it!!

[Lynnette]

Your B&W shots are cool...nicely done!! I'm sad your report is over too......it's been fantastic!!


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[susan]

Yes another well done report. Thanks for allowing all of us to dream a little more.

[Cinker1]

I'm sad your report is over too! It just makes me want the time to fly until I'm there in a month! LOVE LOVE LOVE your pictures. I just bought a new camera and am anxious to take pictures in Tulum.

[beachreader]

Love that one with the palm tree and the driftwood, very cool.

And who knew Fred was such a linguist? :)

[sherrys07]

Hi guys, I can't seem to find the map being referred to in this thread with all the Tulum restaurants. Any help? Thanks!

[minniemex]

Here is a link to take you there ~ It is a sticky at the top of our Resourse and FAQ section.

http://tulum.info/showthread.php?t=890&page=11

[Grasshopper]

Bueno Pics Amiga! The sunrises are my fav though! Bravo Bravo:eat-drink: