The Idiot's Guide To Surviving a Tulum Vacation

[topshelf]

THE IDIOT’S GUIDE TO SURVIVING A TULUM VACATION
In planning for our anniversary trip to Mexico I thought how nice it would be to have a travel guide already laid out for us. The dos and don’ts of a Mexican vacation. While I found a lot of information (mostly here on Tulum.info), never was it compiled in one guide. I decided to change all of that. We set out on a ten night trip to the Riviera Maya, the first five nights of which were in Tulum. While initially our goal had been rest and relaxation, instead it was devoted to bringing the world this useful guide. Ten nights and eleven days of grueling work!
I will do my best to answer questions as I go. Before we start, however, I’ll answer one I know will be asked over and over. Yes. I do know that many of our pictures are out of focus, ill-framed, and generally of poor quality. Yes, the horizons slant at angles only to be calculated in eighth grade geometry class. We worked diligently to make them so. Why, you ask? So as not to intimidate future trip reporters. I mean, who really wants to post their second rate images after seeing the likes of TheWindyCity’s pics? No such problem here. Intimidation factor = 0.
So this is how a landlocked husband and wife from Colorado
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Mexico%20July%202009/cabin2009103.jpg

wound up becoming the foremost authority on Tulum.
Enjoy!



CHAPTER 1: TRANSPORTATION

There are many forms of transportation in Mexico. You can travel by scooter:
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%201/DSC_0514.jpg


By bike:
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%201/DSC_0027.jpg

On foot:
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%201/CristionaWalkontheTulumBeach.jpg

By boat:
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%201/3rdAnniversary144.jpg


Or by spaceship:
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%201/019.jpg

The best bet for Tulum is to rent a car. While we hadn’t done so with any of our previous trips to the Riviera Maya, having the freedom to move freely from the beach road into the town or into the Biosphere was a big plus. We rented from Dollar and got a great deal. Like many people have noted be careful when you need to fill up with gas. Our attendant tried the old turn your back and change the bill routine. I yelled at him and told him I knew what he had done. I said I wouldn’t give him any more money. Told him he lost his tip because of it too. He seemed happy to let this crazy gringo hit the road. All in all it was a sort of funny experience, but I’m glad I was prepared for it.

Tulum Traveler Tip #1: Make sure your hubcaps are securely fastened.

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%201/DSC_0506.jpg

Tulum Traveler Tip #2: Always obey the traffic signs, even if they are a bit confusing.

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%201/011.jpg



NEXT INSTALLMENT: CHOOSING THE RIGHT DESTINATION

[kcaraco]

Awesome start! Loved the secure hub cap tip! :D

Can't wait for more (great pics, BTW!)

Cheers,
Kat

[minniemex]

Seriously funny:D Keep it coming.

Can you explain the dude in cardboard on the beach??:confused:

[Margoinmexico]

Seriously funny:D Keep it coming.

Can you explain the dude in cardboard on the beach??:confused:


That's my honey after one of his binges.........Newsbot please come home!

Oh yeah, FABULOUS report!

[PhyllisB]

Oh, this is gonna be gooooooood! :D

[ilovewyoming]

That's my honey after one of his binges.........Newsbot please come home!

Oh yeah, FABULOUS report!

Margo! TOOO damn funny..
Hey you two!
This a great start to a great trip report..Very clever and am loving your trip report style.
The hubcabs are funny!!!

[heenan]

Hubcap pic is great. Those plastic ties are so versatile!

[Tranquilo Tomas]

Ok my fellow Coloradan, so far, the humorous and creative approach to your trip report has earned you an A+. Way to go . . . keep it coming hombre . . . you've got my attention. :cool:.

[BP.]

Oh, Jeez, funny stuff, topshelf (and Margo.) Bring on the next installment!

[topshelf]

Seriously funny:D Keep it coming.

Can you explain the dude in cardboard on the beach??:confused:


I actually took that picture on the second part of our trip. We had always wanted to visit Puerto Morelos, so we found a few hours to do so. While there isn't too much to the town, it has a very cute town square with a few shops and restaurants around it. While we wouldn't spend too long there, we really liked it. The "robot / spaceman" picture was taken there.

I like Margo's answer better, but here is the real scoop. The day we were there, there was a large organized group of high school aged kids. They were split into teams and throughout the town square there were various contests and activities in which each team was competing. It was fun to watch, as each group had their own team color, and several of the groups had come up with songs / chants as they were competing. Fun team spirit! Anyway, each team had a cardboard robot. Don't know why, but very funny. I've included the only two other pictures I can find of the day. The first is on the beach where each participant competed in a timed obstacle course. Watching the robot try was hilarious. The second picture is of a really funny game. Teams need to take this huge plank of wood, and push one end up and over, letting it crash to the ground. They move the board together in this way until they reach the other side.

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Extras/0165.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Extras/0255.jpg

[TnTWalter]

Good start.

:beerchug:

[minniemex]

That had to be fun to watch!! LOL I love that they were having such a great time! You don't see that very often anymore here in the states. Funny thing about the wood game. When we were in the D.R., my grandson found a piece of board (called him "woody") and spent an entire afternoon throwing it in the ocean and retrieving it.
http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/621713296_z5dDd-M.jpg


I hope you won't mind though if in the future, the cardboard man A.K.A. "newsbot" comes back to haunt Margo!

[think]

great report so far! :eat-drink:

[Lynnette]

I knew from the moment I read your title , that this was going to be a fabulous report!!! Keep it coming....excellent start!!! :)

[tbpeaceful]

Hurray! This looks like fun. Love the non-intimidating factor too.

Happy days - T.

[PhyllisB]

Patiently waiting for the next chapter!!!! :D :D :D

[topshelf]

CHAPTER 2: CHOOSING THE RIGHT DESTINATION
Do your research and pick a great destination. A recent little invention called the internet makes this job much easier. Even if you are looking for information on the smallest of hotels, it’s now just a click away! I must say I wound up with the most info from the helpful and fun Tulum.info crowd. We picked Suenos, which is located on the south end of the beach road just a little over 1 km from the Sian Kaan.
The sign from the beach road:

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%202/0292.jpg

Suenos:
From the water:

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%202/SuenosfromtheWaterintheMorning.jpg

The rooms are divided into five or so small buildings with 2 or 3 rooms each

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%202/SuenosintheMorning.jpg



The Selva Master Suite:
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%202/BedatSuenos.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%202/SuenosCeiling.jpg



http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%202/Suenosmastersuitechair2.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%202/SuenosMasterSuite.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%202/SuenosMasterSuite2.jpg

The Restaurant:
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%202/SuenosRestaurant.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%202/0183.jpg



The Yoga Palapa:
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%202/Suenosyogapalapa.jpg

and the yoga deck
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%202/Suenosyogadeck.jpg


More to come ...

[SamKam]

Hey topshelf-
Am headed to Tulum for the first time this coming Sunday. Being a renowned idiot I could sure use as much of your guide as possible before I leave.

Thanks. Loving it so far . . .

[PhyllisB]

I just loved the dining palapa!!! What a great view, and felt intimate too. When I was there, guests had to pre-arrange for dinner.... and there wasn't really public restaurant access. What's the new restaurant setup? Can anyone go in and eat there now?

[lazydog]

That looks like an amazing view from the room decks. Heaven....
Looking forward to more of this great report!

[graceland]

Very enjoyable report; like the style!:)

Gracie

[minniemex]

Love this picture of Suenos ~

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%202/SuenosfromtheWaterintheMorning.jpg

[Lynnette]

Minniemex beat me to it....this is a fabulous shot of Suenos!!!

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%202/SuenosfromtheWaterintheMorning.jpg

[topshelf]

Hey topshelf-
Am headed to Tulum for the first time this coming Sunday. Being a renowned idiot I could sure use as much of your guide as possible before I leave.

Thanks. Loving it so far . . .

Have fun with your trip. While there are way more qualified people on this board, if you have any specific questions don't hesitate to ask. The way my report is shaping up, I'm not sure it will truly be all that informative!

[topshelf]

I just loved the dining palapa!!! What a great view, and felt intimate too. When I was there, guests had to pre-arrange for dinner.... and there wasn't really public restaurant access. What's the new restaurant setup? Can anyone go in and eat there now?

It is still set up just for guests. They ask you to let them know if you plan on eating dinner there so they can prepare. They are pretty loose with that request though. On our first night there we hadn't decided where to eat, got back from a walk, and they offered to make us dinner.

We were the only guests there the entire five nights, so I felt a little strange making them cook for us, but never once did anyone act like it was an imposition.

[minniemex]

It is still set up just for guests. They ask you to let them know if you plan on eating dinner there so they can prepare. They are pretty loose with that request though. On our first night there we hadn't decided where to eat, got back from a walk, and they offered to make us dinner.

We were the only guests there the entire five nights, so I felt a little strange making them cook for us, but never once did anyone act like it was an imposition.

Wow, talk about having the "private chef" experience!! How lucky. I have to agree with you, it would feel somewhat strange!

[topshelf]

CHOOSING THE RIGHT DESTINATION (CONTINUED)...

The Pool:
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%202/Suenospool.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%202/0172.jpg

The Grounds:
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%202/0062-Copy.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%202/SuenosGroundsfromDeck.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%202/SuenosintheMorning2.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%202/007.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%202/Suenoshammock.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%202/Suenosgrounds.jpg

The Beach:
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%202/0285.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%202/Suenosbeachbeds.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%202/0262.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%202/0297.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%202/SuenosPalm2.jpg

[Lynnette]

Beautiful shot!!!


http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%202/0297.jpg

[topshelf]

Beautiful shot!!!




Thanks! My philosophy is take a TON of pictures, and a couple are bound to be good.

[elvo73]

Great report and beautiful pictures, keep it coming :)

[PhyllisB]

The whole place to yourself!!!! That's awesome!!! Your own private resort! :D

Jorge loves to cook for guests, so I'm sure he loved it. We had a great dinner when we were there in '05, shared with some other guests. Good times!!!

[topshelf]

Tulum Traveler Tip #3: If at all possible, try to ensure that there are no other guests at the resort of your choice. That's right! Then the place becomes your own privately staffed getaway. While it felt a bit awkward at first, this was the case at Suenos. Five nights of just us, our wonderful hosts Elizabeth, Jorge, and Giovanna, and then the attentive and friendly staff. How do you ensure you are the only guests? You could be as obnoxious as possible and hope everyone leaves, but I'd suggest just getting lucky.

Tulum Traveler Tip #4: Choosing a resort is as much about choosing your neighbors as anything else. It’s like when we moved into our current house and heard everyone mutter, “there goes the neighborhood!” Bottom line, look into not only your place but the surrounding area. Suenos’ neighbor to the North is the upstanding Ocho. To the South, even better. Suenos’ neighbor to the South:

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%202/0196.jpg
The view of our Southern neighbors from our deck:

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%202/Suenoslookingsouth.jpg

Tulum Traveler Tip #5: Make sure there is a good security staff at the resort. Ours was headed up by three very friendly but vigilant dogs. Never felt safer. Here are pics of a couple of them. Ceiba is the brown one and for no extra charge he'll go on long runs with you into the biosphere. Your own personal bodyguard!
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%202/Suenosdog2.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%202/Suenosdog3.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%202/Suenosdog.jpg



NEXT UP: WHICH ACTIVITIES ARE RIGHT FOR YOU?

[TheWindyCity]

I mean, who really wants to post their second rate images after seeing the likes of TheWindyCity’s pics? No such problem here.

Thank you for the shout, but I think you truly meant "Lynnette".

I like the new style of writing you bring to the board. I don't think it's ever been done here like this. And a great job on the photos. You have the eye!

[kcaraco]

Totally loving your report...ah, personal security! Que Bueno! As a cat mama, who really would love to have a dog (!), I can appreciate the extra special care those pups gave you! Wonderful, keep it coming!

Cheers,
Kat

[beachreader]

Loving the report, remember how much I would love to stay at Suenos someday!

Is the hairless dog still there? I thought they had three dogs, one of which was a very unique, completely hairless dog such as I'd never seen before. Hope he (she?)'s still OK!

[topshelf]

Loving the report, remember how much I would love to stay at Suenos someday!

Is the hairless dog still there? I thought they had three dogs, one of which was a very unique, completely hairless dog such as I'd never seen before. Hope he (she?)'s still OK!

Yep. he (she?) is fine. I just can't seem to find a picture at the moment. Actually, Elizabeth had a second hairless that she brought be a couple of days also.

My favorite was Ceiba, though, as she was tireless running the beach early in the morning with me.

[topshelf]

Thank you for the shout, but I think you truly meant "Lynnette".

I like the new style of writing you bring to the board. I don't think it's ever been done here like this. And a great job on the photos. You have the eye!

Your pics are pretty amazing, as are Lynette's, and Mayaflya, and...

Like I said before, I just take a lot. In the digital age, it's easy to dump all of the bad ones and no one has to know.

[Tranquilo Tomas]

I concur with so many Tuluminaros on this board . . . great beach shots! Looks like you had the same problem we had . . . battling the crowded beach! ;)
Just out of curiosity . . . are you guys Denverites?

[Shebug]

Your report keeps me smiling, whenever I read new installments. Love your photos like everyone else, and love your quirky, offbeat angles...

More!

Shebug

[PhyllisB]

Yep. he (she?) is fine. I just can't seem to find a picture at the moment. Actually, Elizabeth had a second hairless that she brought be a couple of days also.

My favorite was Ceiba, though, as she was tireless running the beach early in the morning with me.

Here she is!

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t267/pb2131/PB050008.jpg

I don't remember her name either. I think we just called her Aztec, since I think the breed is Aztec Hairless. Glad to hear she's still doing great. She was a pretty sprightly puppy in '05, always wanting to mess with the other two. Kevin just loved her.

Those dogs were awesome. It was hard to even venture onto the beach for a walk without Ceiba coming along! We snuck out a few times. ;)

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t267/pb2131/PB070022.jpg

[minniemex]

Great job!! Keep it coming!! Love the looks of Suenos too! Just too many places to stay and not enough time or money.:(

[letele]

I love it - you're keeping me entertained during another looooong and boring work week! Keep it up! :)

[mayaflya]

Your pics are pretty amazing, as are Lynette's, and Mayaflya, and...

Like I said before, I just take a lot. In the digital age, it's easy to dump all of the bad ones and no one has to know.

You, my friend, have learned the secret....let's keep that under wraps, OK?

[topshelf]

I concur with so many Tuluminaros on this board . . . great beach shots! Looks like you had the same problem we had . . . battling the crowded beach! ;)
Just out of curiosity . . . are you guys Denverites?


Grew up in Fort Collins, lived in Denver area for about 10 years, but recently moved back up north again. You?

[5nights]

Grew up in Fort Collins, lived in Denver area for about 10 years, but recently moved back up north again. You?

We lived in Fort Collins for almost 9 years...great place to live. Come to think of it, why did we ever leave???? :confused:

[elvo73]

Beautiful pictures of the beach and suenos, I will be there next summer, can't wait to hear more of your great report :)

[topshelf]

CHAPTER 3: WHICH ACTIVITIES ARE RIGHT FOR YOU?

Choose a destination with a variety of enjoyable activities. At Suenos I can suggest:

Relaxing in the sun:
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/0263.jpg


Taking a walk on the beach going North:
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/SuenosBeachLookingNorth.jpg

Or South:
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/SuenosBeachLookingSouth.jpg

Then maybe a quick siesta:
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/006.jpg

Let your wife win a soccer game:
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/Cristiplayingbeachsoccer2.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/Cristiplayingbeachsoccer.jpg



http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/030.jpg

More relaxing:
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/0174.jpg


MORE ACTIVITIES TO COME...

[Grasshopper]

TS - LOVING THIS...Keep it coming. I got the vacation Jones' bad and need more of your survival guide amigo! Gracias

[topshelf]

Ok. Let's try to remember where we left off...relax, walk South, walk North, chill out some more, get my butt kicked in soccer, maybe a little nap,

Oh yeah.

Go shopping:
We like the fruit stand:
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/021.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/028.jpg



What are these anyway???

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/0203.jpg

Take a break:
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/0102.jpg

A little romance:
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/0192.jpg

More beach time:
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/009.jpg

Check out some ruins:
Tulum:

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/TulumRuins.jpg


In the biosphere:

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/RuinonCanalTour.jpg

Hit the sea:
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/DavidintheWateratSuenos.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/Cristiinthewater.jpg

Or a cenote:
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/DSC_0174.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/DSC_0181.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/DSC_0223.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/CasaCenoteWater.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/DSC_0219.jpg

Probably time for a little nap:
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/016.jpg

[minniemex]

Sounds like you are finding everything there is to love in Tulum:p

[PhyllisB]

Most excellent!

[tbpeaceful]

I'm guessing one (or both) of you is an artist! Nice photos and fun report. Gracias!

Happy days - T.

[Margoinmexico]

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/028.jpg



What are these anyway???

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/0203.jpg








not sure the spelling, but pitilla maybe? Pitia? they are delicious and beautiful as well, white inside with little black seeds, that look like pok a dots!

I just saw the plant that grows them for the first time, it is one of those parasite plants that grows on other trees.........

Great report, loving the photos, but the writing is very fun.....

aaaaaaaaaauuuuuuuuuuu!!!!!!!!!

[minniemex]

I forgot to comment how inventive and cute this picture is!!

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/0192.jpg

[dionski]

I just had myself a topshelf :beerchug:

nice story in pics

d2

[PhyllisB]

Ummmmmmm, is this book over, or are there more chapters? Mas, Mas! We want more!

[topshelf]

I went to post more this afternoon from the office but somehow I lost my work (the dog ate it!). I'll get another installment posted tomorrow.

[topshelf]

ACTIVITIES CONTINUED:

It can also be fun to take a longer excursion. Just remember that takes away from the all important “sit and do nothing” approach we’ve adopted. We decided one day at Cesiak would be perfect for us. Both the canal and kayak trips looked fun. We would have chosen the kayaks if they had attached a rope and pulled us along. Again, I suggest paying for the group tour, but then winding up with the private one. Use the obnoxious and/or lucky approach described in chapter 2.

The sea:
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/054.jpg

The lagoon and our chariot:
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/058.jpg

The canal:
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/Canal2.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/Canal.jpg

The beach at Cesiak:
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/CesiakPalapa.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/PalapasatCesiak.jpg

View from the Cesiak tower:
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/CesiakView2.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/CesiakDeckView.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/Cristionthedeck.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/Viewfromcesiaktower2.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/viewfromcesiaktower.jpg

Pose for funny pictures:
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/0282.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/0293.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/DSC_0213.jpg



Don’t forget to enjoy the beach:
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/0212-Copy.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/0182.jpg

Enjoy the sunrise:
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/SuenosPalmatSunrise.jpg

Or maybe the sunset:
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/SuenosSunset4.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/SuenosSunset.jpg



Have a drink:
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/0152.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/SolontheSuenosDeck.jpg



Relax!
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/0024.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/0154.jpg


Tulum Tip #5: Set up fun timer pics for your entire group. Instead of asking someone else to take a picture of you and your loved one, find a palm tree, rock, table or other inanimate object to take the picture for you. This can be both fun and challenging at the same time. You success rate may be low, but you might get a few keepers. Side note: This approach is an added bonus if you are a hermit or just don’t like people! Why interact with another human being and risk making friends?
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/CristiandDavidonSuenosBeach.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/CristiandDavidonSuenosDeck.jpg


http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/0242.jpg


NEXT UP: SPEAKING THE LANGUAGE

[PhyllisB]

Oh, I love those pictures of you two! They're great!!!

The water/sky contrast in those CeSiak pictures is really neat too.

Woohoo, more chapters! :D

[beachreader]

Wow, rough waters in the Sian Ka'an! Great pics.


http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/054.jpg

[heenan]

Love that pic that BR put in her post - and all the other wide open empty beach pics!

[topshelf]

I forgot to comment how inventive and cute this picture is!!

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%203/0192.jpg

This is one of my personal favorites. I want to transfer it to canvas or something. I'm pretty sure my wife would tell you I'm usually not romantic enough, but I was playing in the waves and came across the "v" and got the idea. When I finished I arranged them on her sarong when she wasn't looking.

[topshelf]

Oh, I love those pictures of you two! They're great!!!

The water/sky contrast in those CeSiak pictures is really neat too.

Woohoo, more chapters! :D

Thanks. I wasn't sure how the CeSiak pictures would turn out because it was a bit cloudy the morning we went. It really made for a sort of cool contrast though.

[topshelf]

Wow, rough waters in the Sian Ka'an! Great pics.




It was a little rough that day. I consider myself a decent swimmer and there was quite a pull to those waves too. I got out a little far and the sea didn't want to let me get back in. I momentary bit of panic. :o

[tbpeaceful]

Gorgeous! Simply gorgeous. Thanks.

Happy days - T.

[lazydog]

Beautiful. That is so cute, the ones you took of yourself, love it!

[topshelf]

CHAPTER 4: SPEAKING THE LANGUAGE

While knowing Spanish isn’t a must, it certainly helps. When we returned I immediately went out and bought my copy of Rosetta Stone. For all you youngsters out there trying to decide which language to take in school, remember that while the French teacher may be hot, that won’t be so useful down the road! We were able to communicate pretty well most of the time but here are a few examples you may run into:

A. During the course of our trip we had an occasion where we needed some medication. Hence a trip to the local Farmicia (see, I'm learning already!):

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%204/027.jpg

It took three employees to try to understand my wife’s issue, and we still went away with the wrong stuff!

B. Don Cafetos was another example. While the waiter spoke some English, we thought we knew enough Spanish to navigate a menu. More likely, we knew just enough to be dangerous. (By the way, Queso Fundido is the best name for food ever!) Anyway, we decided we both wanted soup. I got the Charro Beans which I’ve had many places (they put little hot dog slices in theirs – brought me back to my elementary school cafeteria days.) Cristi, however, found this interesting item in the soup section. We could make out that it had bananas and cream, so we were thinking some cream of banana soup. Sounds interesting right? Here is what she got:

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%204/0163.jpg


Tasty, but not quite the soup she was expecting.


I figure learning Spanish won’t be too hard. I already have a head start. Besides the basics (hola, gracias, de nada, por favor...) I also know

Cerveza
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%204/DosEquisatCasaCenote.jpg



Taco
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%204/CasaCenotechickentacos.jpg



Agua
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%204/0036.jpg

Cucumber agua
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%204/0314.jpg



Sol
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%204/022.jpg



http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%204/SuenosSunrisewithDriftwood.jpg

Playa
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%204/0032.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%204/TulumPalmTree-Copy.jpg


Gringos

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%204/031.jpg

Futbolero

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%204/034.jpg

Pirata

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%204/DSC_0396.jpg



Senorita

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%204/DSC_0197.jpg

Salsa

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%204/HotSauce.jpg

Palapa

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%204/0016.jpg

Bandido

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%204/IMG_0028.jpg

I figure I'm about halfway to being fluent, right?


TULUM TIP #6: You don't have to know Spanish to sound like you do. Try mixing the words above together. We do it all the time and think we're pretty funny. We get a few strange looks, but that's nothing new! I'd just like to thank you all for following along on our adventure so far. "Gracias palapa pirata de nada." I really mean that.

NEXT UP: THE MONEY SHOT

[PhyllisB]

LOL! Perfecto! Love it!

That banana thing... very odd.

Hope your wife got what she needed, eventually. I've had some interesting conversations at the farmacia as well. It is helpful when you can just point to what you think you need, since the boxes & brand names are sometimes similar.

[Sandfan]

Stayed next to Ocho? Nice area. One evening as we ate at Ocho's, the scenery during our meal was enhanced by a jogger frolicking along the water's edge about dusk. She had a top on, but was joyfully free of clothing below. She turned up the beach at Suenos, obviously where she was staying and skipped back and forth to the water a few times. She looked like she was having such spontaneous fun, you couldn't help but smile and appreciate the atmosphere more. Could that have been the lady of this thread? If so, more power to ya! Way to enjoy a vacation.

Loving the report.

[topshelf]

Stayed next to Ocho? Nice area. One evening as we ate at Ocho's, the scenery during our meal was enhanced by a jogger frolicking along the water's edge about dusk. She had a top on, but was joyfully free of clothing below. She turned up the beach at Suenos, obviously where she was staying and skipped back and forth to the water a few times. She looked like she was having such spontaneous fun, you couldn't help but smile and appreciate the atmosphere more. Could that have been the lady of this thread? If so, more power to ya! Way to enjoy a vacation.

Loving the report.

No. We had fun, but not that much fun!

[beachreader]

I hate it when I forget my pants! :o

[bellydancer]

I am just loving your report...you are tooooo funny!

BTW...your wife is so pretty...I would kill for a figure like that!:)

[beachreader]

I'd have thought with all that bellydancing, you'd already be there! :)

[ilovewyoming]

not sure the spelling, but pitilla maybe? Pitia? they are delicious and beautiful as well, white inside with little black seeds, that look like pok a dots!

I just saw the plant that grows them for the first time, it is one of those parasite plants that grows on other trees.........

Great report, loving the photos, but the writing is very fun.....

aaaaaaaaaauuuuuuuuuuu!!!!!!!!!
WE ATE THOSE AT XAMACH!!!! Remember Margo? Now I know what they look like..very YUMMMMMMY!

[Tranquilo Tomas]

This was absolutely my favorite part of your report thusfar! Hilarious and some of the best pics. You're really stretching this adventure out and doing a great job keeping us entertained with your creativity. Thanks.
I must say that if you ever get stopped by the policia for speeding (like I did in May), having a wife fluent in Spanish (and cute to boot) helps tremendously.
I said some choice Spanish phrases in the car before the officer came to the window. :D

[ilovewyoming]

great great great trip report....!!!
:):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)
enjoying every segement and love your style... You have raised the bar on trip reporting...!!! Love the pictures of you guys and the places you have been to! (and all of us have also been to!!!!) It is always good to get another perspective/report on a place we all have fallen in love with...carry on!!!!

[Margoinmexico]

:wave:I love your trip report, can{t wait for more! I also love how you think!

I{m with you on the take Español en la escuela niños!!!!!!!!! Sure wish I had.....if I get a chance to influence a kid, I tell them, learn Spanish, Guitar and start Yoga.....

when I moved to Mexico, I too knew some Spanish

Tortilla, Cerveza, Tequila, Siesta, hopefully in that order....

the only masculine word I seemed to know was Baño...

now if I could just figure out this silly Mexican keyboard!!!!:p

[topshelf]

Thank you all for the kind words. I wish I could post quicker but work just isn't cooperating right now.

As for the report, I didn't plan on it taking this format, but about as often as a solar eclipse I wind up with a little creativity.

I honestly don't know where the story will go from here. I guess we'll be finished when I run out of pictures.

Thanks for reading!

[bellydancer]

I'd have thought with all that bellydancing, you'd already be there! :)

Beachreader...I WISH!! Maybe if I would have kept taking the lessons it would have helped (probably not!) but sadly I didn't and now I'm stuck with the name...would love to change it but don't want to lose my posting numbers here and on other boards! I joined this board and several others at the time I had just started the bellydancing lessons and was really into it so I thought the name was cute and catchy...now I regret it!!:D

[topshelf]

CHAPTER 5: THE MONEY SHOT

As avid vacationers, I’m sure you all know what this chapter is about. Sunrises (and sets) of course! Those beautiful colors just beg to be photographed. Never mind that EVERYONE takes thousands of sunrise pictures every morning. Yours must be better, right? When you return home, start by showing four or five pictures to get the wheels turning.

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%205/sunrise6.jpg





http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%205/SuenosSunriseLookingSouth2.jpg



http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%205/SuenosSunrisewithDriftwood.jpg



http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%205/SuenosSunrise22.jpg

The groans that emit from friends after they have seen one after another sunrise picture that looks the same to all except the photographer (“No, this one isn’t anything like the last, notice how the sun reflects off the water at a much different angle. These must have been taken a good 30 seconds apart.”) are groans of joy and not pain.

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%205/SuenosSunrise7.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%205/SuenosSunrise8.jpg


People are just jealous when they say “If you’ve seen one sunrise (or set) picture you’ve seen them all.” Take as many as you can and subject family and friends (amigos) to them whenever possible.

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%205/SuenosSunrise2-1.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%205/SuenosSunrise3.jpg



http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%205/SuenosSunrise4.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%205/SuenosSunset6.jpg

TULUM TIP #7 : Know the difference between the sun rising and setting. Be sure to label your pictures correctly. Nothing is more embarrassing than showing off your prized “sunset” picture over the Caribbean facing East!
Sunrise:

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%205/sunrise3.jpg

Sunset:
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%205/SuenosSunset2-1.jpg

Sunrise:
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%205/DSC_0112.jpg

Sunset:
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%205/SuenosSunset3.jpg

TULUM TIP #8: If you haven’t changed your desktop at work to your best sunrise (or set) picture within two weeks of returning from vacation, co-workers will wonder if you in fact even went to Mexico.

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%205/SuenosSunriseBehindPalm.jpg

NEXT UP: CHOOSE A RESORT WITH CHARACTER

[PhyllisB]

Muy bien, muy bien! We LOVE sunrise/sunset pictures around here! If your friends give you the cold shoulder, just come here. Post as many as you want, as often as you want. Heck, Minnie created a sunrise slideshow!

Yours are great!!!!

[beachreader]

"The groans that emit from friends after they have seen one after another sunrise picture that looks the same to all except the photographer (“No, this one isn’t anything like the last, notice how the sun reflects off the water at a much different angle. These must have been taken a good 30 seconds apart.”) are groans of joy and not pain."



Wait a minute, you mean not everyone loves looking at hundreds of pictures of sunrises and sets? :eek: Who are these people?

Too funny about the 30-seconds-apart thing. I get up early and am just so amazed by the whole sun-rising process, I can take like 50 pictures in that 20 minutes or so. Like I'm afraid I'm going to miss something. One of these days I'm just going to leave my camera in the room and absorb it all with my own eyeballs and not try to capture it on digits.

Having said that, I think I'm going to go change my desktop pic... :sun:

[Toni]

I have been totally enchanted with your report and the beautiful fotos. It is great! You two are so darn cute and are having a wonderful time. It is a delight to read and "see" the joy! Wonderful

[bellydancer]

This sunrise is absolutely beautiful!!! Looks like a postcard.



http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%205/DSC_0112.jpg

[debski]

excellent report!!!!! how lucky you were to have Sueno's all to yourself!

oh, the name of the fruit you were wondering about is: Dragon Fruit! and it tastes wonderful!!!!

[Jana]

Wonderful trip report, so fun to read! All your pics are great but I really like the ones of Cesiak.

[topshelf]

CHAPTER 6: CHOOSING A RESORT WITH CHARACTER
We all know that there are hundreds of beach resorts all over Mexico. You can find all sorts of high end amenities that make you feel like a king or queen. Sometimes lost in the shuffle, though, is selecting a destination that sets it self apart. For us choosing a resort with character is a must. No! Not these characters!

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%206/312.jpg

(Disclaimer: This was NOT taken in Tulum!!!)



I mean real character. At Suenos the artistic feel was just amazing. The hand crafted attention to detail was a real treat. It is evident how much time and energy Jorge and Elizabeth have invested in making Suenos special. I can't imagine how devastating it must have been to them when a retreat with such beauty and art was closed down for a time. Lucky for us they fought the good fight and won!
The stairs leading up to our suite had whimsical designs

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%206/0275.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%206/0296.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%206/0305.jpg

The outside of each building showed a superb handcrafted touch
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%206/SuenosBuilding.jpg



Each suite has a style of its own.

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%206/Suenosbathroom3.jpg

With artistic and fun windows to enjoy the view

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%206/0243.jpg

Most amazing, however, was the art carved directly into the walls

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%206/Suenosart.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%206/041.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%206/0392.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%206/0382.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%206/040.jpg

From the sign at the beach road entrance on, Suenos is full of artistic beauty.

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%202/0292.jpg

UP NEXT: THE FOOD!

[beachreader]

This post was like cool water in the desert. Thanks for continuing--can't wait for the food! :)

[PhyllisB]

This post was like cool water in the desert. Thanks for continuing--can't wait for the food! :)

Amen!

I don't want it to end!

Mmmm, Suenos. Love it!

[Tranquilo Tomas]

Hombre, you are the new Suenos ambassador. They should give you a prefered customer discount on your next visit. Enjoying your "month long" trip report . . .
Just how many photos did you snap?

[topshelf]

Muy bien, muy bien! We LOVE sunrise/sunset pictures around here! If your friends give you the cold shoulder, just come here. Post as many as you want, as often as you want. Heck, Minnie created a sunrise slideshow!

Yours are great!!!!

I wish I had a good picture of it, but one of the coolest sights of the entire trip happened in the middle of the night. We slept with the shade open and screen door for a bunch a reasons. It was great to get the breeze and hear the ocean, and while I'm not normally an early riser, at Suenos I woke up early and loved it every morning.

Anyway, I woke up about 2:00 a.m. and from my bed looked out onto the water. It was amazing! There was very bright moonlight reflecting off of the water and illuminating the lone palm on the Suenos beach. Words don't do it justice. Unfortunately, being a relative photo novice, I couldn't capture the picture in the dark.

It was the most exhilarating thing I've ever seen.

I wasn't going to post this pic as it is SO horrible but just to give you an idea:

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%205/SuenosbyMoonlight.jpg

I know it looks like crap but I promise it was amazing!

[topshelf]

Hombre, you are the new Suenos ambassador. They should give you a prefered customer discount on your next visit. Enjoying your "month long" trip report . . .
Just how many photos did you snap?

I waited a month to get caught up at work so I could post it all at once. Well, you've seen how well that worked! I'm sorry for the drawn out trip report but I'm glad some have enjoyed it.

I took a bunch of pictures this time. For every one you see, there were probably five others that completely stunk.

[topshelf]

This post was like cool water in the desert. Thanks for continuing--can't wait for the food! :)

The food is the best part of most vacations, huh? Thanks for the encouragement!

[tbpeaceful]

OK. Now I understand the love affair with Suenos. Your photographs are incredible and I am glad to see more added to the story.....I think a bunch of us hope it will keep going and going, and going.
Alot of the fun with the photos is learning. I'm glad you posted the moonlight one too. Not to be greedy, but hoping for more. (Oh and can there really be too many sunrise shots?)

Happy days - T.

[kcaraco]

Amazing art at Suenos! I love the artisanship of the Mexican people...it really touches my heart and soul, especially in such a beautiful location as Tulum.

Looking forward to the food chapter :homer_sub:

Cheers,
Kat

[beachreader]

That moonlight/palm tree must have been an amazing sight. I bet you just stood there for a long time watching it. The full moon in Tulum is truly amazing, like daylight with the bright white sand reflecting. We never used or wanted a flashlight (well, it was turtle season, so wouldn't have used a flashlight anyway). I took a long walk up the beach and back in the middle of the night all by myself and felt like it was midday.

I might have to start planning all of my trips around the full moon cycle. Views of the stars have gotten occluded by the light pollution in the area (from PDC, Cozumel, even Tulum itself now, not to mention hotels with lights in front), so I think we can often see more stars up here, but that moon is amazing down there.

:star:

[PhyllisB]

I remember seeing my moonshadow for the first time. So cool!

[Margoinmexico]

:wave:That sign in front of Suenos is new, which means they are far from being done with creating their lovely place....:star::star::star:

Loving the report, maybe if we all pitch in and buy he and his wife another trip to Tulum, the report will never end!:eat-drink: DO NOT appologize for dragging this out! We love it this way!!!:sun:

[Tranquilo Tomas]

"I might have to start planning all of my trips around the full moon cycle. Views of the stars have gotten occluded by the light pollution in the area (from PDC, Cozumel, even Tulum itself now, not to mention hotels with lights in front), so I think we can often see more stars up here, but that moon is amazing down there."

We've planned many trips when we knew the moon would be full. Nothing like the silvery magic of moonlight on the playa!

[Margoinmexico]

:wave: New moon, full moon, I think it is all beautiful.....this last new moon there were so many falling stars and the milky way was amazing.....no problem seeing the stars from here!

Everyone loves the full moon, but what most people don't know is that every night the moon comes up about an hour and a half later than the night before........so while the full moon comes up as the sun goes down....the NEXT night, it is full dark with amazing stars when the almost full moon levitates out of the water.....creating a yellow brick road that you are sure you can walk right out on the water to the moon and touch it......

Niki and I woke up in Cancun at the Royal Sands yesterday, and the full moon was just going down on the bay side as the sun was coming up over the ocean....pretty nice.......but then an hour later, there was a rainbow from one side of the hotel zone to the other.....:sun:

[beachreader]

Niki and I woke up in Cancun at the Royal Sands yesterday, and the full moon was just going down on the bay side as the sun was coming up over the ocean....pretty nice.......but then an hour later, there was a rainbow from one side of the hotel zone to the other.....:sun:


Sounds beautiful, but that first sentence caught my eye. What were you and Niki doing waking up at the Royal Sands? Sounds like a separate, mini trip report is due? :p

[topshelf]

CHAPTER 7: THE FOOD

I would imagine that to the majority of vacationers out there, meals on your trip are as important as anything else. I must admit one of the reasons we stayed in the PDC area for so many trips is that we love the variety of food / restaurants there. I was anxious about the quality and choices we would have in Tulum, but I should not have been. Every place we ate had good food. To everyone who gave a recommendation here I give a big thank you! Most everything that was said was spot on.

I don't think I would be considered a "foodie" although I'm not sure as that word wasn't covered in my sixth grade vocabulary class. I do love trying new things and can enjoy a four course meal or a late-night taco stand. I watch my share of the Food Network but that's about it. Not exactly discriminating taste buds I guess, but I do love the meal experience. A good food pairing to my uneducated taste buds would probably be chips and guacamole! In Mexico if someone asked me about a drink pairing I'd probably tell them that everything tastes better with a margarita or Sol!

Anyway, taking pictures of your meal before you dig in is all the rage now. I'd never done it before but made a point to try during this trip. Please try to somehow overlook the pictures with a bite taken out of the food. Some things just looked too appetizing to wait!

For any self respecting guide book like this one you also need a rating system. Included with the food pictures for each location will be a rating for the food, service, ambiance, and overall. PLEASE NOTE THAT IN THE IGSTV RATING SYSTEM, A SCORE OF 1 IS THE WORST AND 5 IS THE ABSOLUTE BEST. That said, everything we ate was good and we only had one poor dining experience overall. Here we go:

Casa Cenote
Food: 13
Service: 12
Ambiance: 37
Overall: 21

Notes: Food was good but go there for the location / view

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%207/CasaCenoteSign.jpg



http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%207/CasaCenoteTacos.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%207/CasaCenote.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%207/CasaCenoteChipsandSalsa.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%207/DosEquisatCasaCenote.jpg


Suenos
Food: 17
Service: 18
Ambiance: 32
Overall: 22

Notes: Dinner was beautifully presentation-wise and good. The included continental breakfast was more than enough for us and is a wonderful way to kick off the day. The quesadillas we had for lunch there were great! (note they are paired with a margarita)

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%207/Suenosdinner2.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%207/Suenosdinner3.jpg


http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%207/Suenosdinner.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%207/0093.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%207/0174.jpg


Don Cafetos
Food: 13
Service: 12
Ambiance: 16
Overall: 14

Notes: Fun atmosphere, good food. The pickled vegetables that are delivered to each table are definitely unique. Good place to sit and people - watch.

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%207/0145.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%207/0163.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%207/0173.jpg


I have to take a break. Time for lunch :beerchug:

COMING UP: MORE FOOD!

[beachreader]

Your rating system is cracking me up! :p

Food at Suenos looks great, and I love that their continental seems to include yogurt for a bit more substance. Most places charge extra for yogurt and other proteins.

That queso fundido (one of the great names of a foodstuff IMO) looks SO good, I might need to go make lunch now, though it'll just be a salad. :(

[PhyllisB]

The breakfast at Suenos is huge. Even though it doesn't include warm breakfast food like eggs & such, I would hardly call it continental. HUGE fruit plate (one plate big enough for 2 people easy), yogurt & granola, and breads/pastries with jam... I think of continental breakfasts as "lite" but theirs is definitely a full meal.

[topshelf]

When I'm on vacation I LOVE a big breakfast. I'm also a big eggs guy, especially in Mexico. Hey! That's another Spanish word I know - Huevos.

Anyway, I would have had no problems paying for a more substantial breakfast at Suenos if I needed / wanted it, but we got plenty. It really was a great way to start the day.

[SunBaby]

Hey topshelf,
What type of camera did you use for all these fab shots of Tulum???

[topshelf]

CHAPTER 7: THE FOOD (CONTINUED)

OK, where were we? Oh yes, my favorite topic - food! We will continue with the same rating system as above.

El Tabano
Food: 26
Service: 18
Ambiance: 33
Overall: 26

Notes: After applying mosquito repellent, this place becomes much more enjoyable. My wife says the crepe we shared was the single best thing we ate the entire trip. I'd be hard pressed to disagree. Ambiance went through the roof when they lost all electrical power. Made things more romantic, and the chef just kept on cooking through it all. Extra bonus points for the blue crab who ran over my foot during dinner.

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%207/038.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%207/0295.jpg

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http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%207/0313.jpg


Cetli
Food: 357
Service: 592
Ambiance: 30
Overall: 326

Notes: Everything about Cetli is special. The owner / chef shows that Mexican cuisine can be refined and tasty all at the same time. We could tell it really meant a lot to her that we liked the meal. Bonus for the cucumber water. Also, while it wasn't cheap, it wasn't nearly as expensive as I expected. Several other places that weren't quite as good cost more. We really considered eating the rest of our meals there. Seriously.

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%207/0314.jpg

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http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%207/0342.jpg


Cesiak
Food: 22
Service: 7
Ambiance: 43
Overall: 24

Notes: Pictures really don't do the food justice. Usually they serve fajitas for the lunch tours and fish in the evening, but since we were alone on the tour, he gave us our choice. I don't love fish, but I did love this!

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%207/0013.jpg


Posada Margharita
Food: 21
Service: -6
Ambiance: 3
Overall: 6

Notes: I loved my fish (thanks for the suggestion). Cristi thought her pasta dish was only OK. The lack of service and attitude of the staff really ruined this meal for us however.

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%207/0302.jpg



http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%207/031.jpg


http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%207/0322.jpg

La Zebra
Food: 20
Service: 17
Ambiance: 23
Overall: 20

Notes: Best ceviche I've ever had. Mojitos with a great view didn't hurt either.

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%207/015.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%207/0162.jpg


HC de Monterrey
Food: 22
Service: 22
Ambiance: 8

Notes: Great arrachera with either potato or onion and alvocado. Sol was ice cold. Good, inexpensive meal.

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%207/022.jpg


Never fear, there are so many types of great meals to be had in Tulum, no matter your budget or tastes. When we return we will return to some of these spots and try others as well. We definitely didn't starve!!!

Tulum Travel Tip #???: One way to definitely show you are a tourist (besides walking around with your head buried in a map, not speaking the language, wearing a goofy sombrero, etc.) is to go on a churro hunt on the streets of Tulum. Especially if it is getting late and maybe you've had a little too much to drink! No one knows what they even are. Churros may be Spanish in origin, or even a USA creation, but I don't think they are from Mexico. More like Taco Bell I guess. They don't seem to exist in Tulum. :)

[topshelf]

Hey topshelf,
What type of camera did you use for all these fab shots of Tulum???

The camera equipment is definitely more advanced than the photographer, I can tell you that!

I have a Nikon SLR that I've had for four or five years now. It is a Nikon D70 and I like it, although I'm sure the megapixels could be better now. I also have a Canon PowerShot SD790 IS Digital Elph camera that we got about a year ago or so. For a small point and shoot we couldn't be happier with it.

[last minute]

Great food pics! Yum! Now I have even more places on my to do list!

[PhyllisB]

Oh, that cucumber juice at Cetli was SOOOOO yummy!!!! I gotta figure out how to make my own......

Sorry to hear about your lousy meal at Posada Margherita. Seems like we've seen lots of bad service reviews from there lately.

[beachreader]

Tulum Travel Tip #???: One way to definitely show you are a tourist (besides walking around with your head buried in a map, not speaking the language, wearing a goofy sombrero, etc.) is to go on a churro hunt on the streets of Tulum. Especially if it is getting late and maybe you've had a little too much to drink! No one knows what they even are. Churros may be Spanish in origin, or even a USA creation, but I don't think they are from Mexico. More like Taco Bell I guess. They don't seem to exist in Tulum. :)


If you go to Spain, however, the churro hunt is rewarded with crispy churros and thick hot chocolate. Mmmmmm. :)

[beachreader]

Love that cucumber water at Cetli (my favorite thing there, honestly, I could have had gallons), and I also loved El Tabano, even though it's named after a particularly nasty biting fly, the kind that seems to take a chunk of flesh when they get you.

[minniemex]

If you go to Spain, however, the churro hunt is rewarded with crispy churros and thick hot chocolate. Mmmmmm. :)

That is so true!! AND they now have them in chocolate!!

I saved this trip report for last and am loving every bit of it!! I loved the "bonus" points for the blue crab running over your foot!! Love your sense of humor!! Love the "rating" system "IGSTV".

I also had a full moon late night experience in Spain ~ my picture didn't turn out any better than yours!!:beerchug: I fully understand your "experience".

Thanks for taking the time to share this all with us!! I am so having Tulum withdrawal and your report has helped tremendously!!

[Margoinmexico]

:wave:Man, the best churros I've ever had were at ZAMAs. They were on the Chef menu one night last high season, and were freaking incredible, came with a little bowl of CHOCOLATE to dip them in............wowowowow! SO they are not on the regular menu, but look for them....

Also, there used to be a little churro shop in the pueblo, on Centauro Sur, the same street as Elements just a block off of 307. They closed during the swine hurricane, but maybe they'll reopen for high season.......they were fabulous.

They are also around during festivals and things.....I ALWAYS get them when I see them!!!!!!!:o

[beachreader]

Quick hijack, here. Margo, about that chef's menu at Zamas, how do we get to see it? I've never been given a menu other than the simple one they always have. Should I just ask for it? Or do they only have it on days when he's there or something?

[topshelf]

CHAPTER 8: WILDLIFE

One of the best things about visiting a new part of the world is getting to see all sorts of native wildlife. I'm not talking about salsa night at La Zebra either! Being from Colorado, we get plenty of chances to go to the mountains and see wildlife. Mexico, however, presents a wealth of creatures we'd never see at home.

For example, we've seen:


small lizards:

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%208/3rdAnniversary194.jpg

and bigger ones:

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%208/088.jpg

All kinds of crabs:

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%208/039.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%208/035.jpg

Friendly frogs:

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%208/DSC_0241.jpg

From the sea:

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%208/010.jpg

And a variety of feathered friends:

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%208/DSC_0243.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%208/038.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%208/ParrottatZoetry.jpg


http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%208/ParrottMeetsHisMatch.jpg

If you are really interested in birds, visiting the biosphere is a must:


http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%208/CanalTourBird3.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%208/CanalTourBird2.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%208/CanalTourBird.jpg

Some of the animals seemed very domesticated:


http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%208/DSC_0226.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%208/DSC_0386.jpg



http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%208/DSC_0217.jpg


http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%208/008.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%208/DSC_0244.jpg


http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%208/001.jpg

And others not so domesticated. I'm not sure who is doing the hunting here!

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%208/DSC_0011.jpg


Tulum Travel Tip #10:

Many tourists seem to be worried about catching swine flu in the airport. For us, a much more legitimate worry would be head lice! Be careful. The airport is full of danger!!!

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%208/CristiTurtle.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%208/017.jpg


Tulum Travel Tip #11:

Don't feed the wildlife!

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%208/023.jpg


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Up Next: Our Goodbyes

[kcaraco]

Nooooo! Not time for goodbye already!

Gotta give you the gold star for this trip report. It's one of the most enjoyable I think I have ever read! :star:

Cheers,
Kat

[lostgirlfound]

Can you tell me what was in those yummy looking crepes please?

[Margoinmexico]

Quick hijack, here. Margo, about that chef's menu at Zamas, how do we get to see it? I've never been given a menu other than the simple one they always have. Should I just ask for it? Or do they only have it on days when he's there or something?

:wave:Maybe it´s a high season thing, but often when they have music, they have a separate menu that is fab...thanks to the generosity of my friends there, I have gotten to eat it many times.....I go there to get exercise dancing, but then end up eating KILLER FOOD instead...:eek::burp:;)...my life is tough....

I do know Paul is there now, and making great food.....:eat-drink:

[Margoinmexico]

Friendly frogs:

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%208/DSC_0241.jpg
ARe those frogs really from here? I know that I hear them and know they are around, but the only frog I´ve seen in 3 years was huge and black and at the top of a tall palm tree, we cut down the tree and it and a HUGE Iguana had the ride of their lives.....it disappeared quickly.....and yes, they do seem to be happy.....:rolleyes:
From the sea:

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%208/010.jpg

I remember when I first got here, I saw 3 of these before I figured out they were really truly from nature....they look like something you´d buy at the Barbie isle at Toys R US!

Up Next: Our Goodbyes


NOOOOOOOOO! It can´t end, I love this report!

[topshelf]

CHAPTER 9: OUR GOODBYES


It’s never easy for a vacation to end. It is harder still to leave somewhere as wonderful as Tulum. Suenos was everything we could have asked for, the weather was beautiful, and the food delicious. So what can possibly tide the Tulum traveler over until the next trip, you ask? A trip report is a great start. At first I was hesitant to begin this guide. I thought it would just remind me that now I’m here and not there. However sifting through all of the pictures and writing about our goofy mishaps somehow let me experience everything all over again. If it helped anyone else bide their time until the next journey, all the better. I know I plan on reading other trip reports start to finish as I look forward to our next Tulum adventure.
Thank you for all of the kind encouragement and comments. The IGSTV has been fun. For everyone who reserved your bound copy, please hold your breath for the next 6 to 8 weeks and I’m sure it will arrive. Also, stay tuned for more Idiot’s Guides such as The Idiot’s Guide to Surviving a Mind Numbing AI Vacation
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f192/thomasdj11/Chapter%209/DSC_0091.jpg


And the sure to be popular
The Idiot’s Guide to Avoiding Divorce after You Turn Your Basement into a Swing Bar







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Thanks everyone for following along!

[Margoinmexico]

:wave:FREAKING EXCELLENT REPORT!!!!!!!!!!!

I still think we should send him back to Tulum so we can get another report!!!

[last minute]

You did not turn your basement into a swing/tiki bar! That is hilarious!:D

[heenan]

Love the basement bar.
Hope you brought back some Tulum sand to sprinkle on the floor.

[minniemex]

Love the report and love the swing bar!! Too funny......

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/Board%20Pictures/001.jpg

Thanks for taking the time to share your trip with us!! Mucho Gracias.

[Heather in Paradise]

That. Flippin'. Ruled.:star:

[beachreader]

It did! And thanks, Heather, for bumping this up, somehow I missed the end before.

Topshelf, I wish you many happy travels! (And hopefully, many trip reports for the rest of us to enjoy!)

[itsjustme]

AWESOME style of trip report!!!! :D

What a cute couple you two are.

I'm sure the swing bar went over just fine with the wifey....making up is always the best part of a "misunderstanding"!!!

[topshelf]

That. Flippin'. Ruled.:star:

Thanks Heather. Your help planning our first trip to PDC several years ago through playa.info helped begin our love affair with QROO!

[topshelf]

Topshelf, I wish you many happy travels! (And hopefully, many trip reports for the rest of us to enjoy!)

Thanks beachreader. I look forward to hearing of your latest travels!

[topshelf]

AWESOME style of trip report!!!! :D

What a cute couple you two are.

I'm sure the swing bar went over just fine with the wifey....making up is always the best part of a "misunderstanding"!!!

The bar has grown on the wife. The swings might hurt the resale value if it ever comes to that but we'll just have to find the right buyer!

[Lynnette]

What a fun report.................I'm looking forward to more of your Roo travels. PS..........cute swing bar. :)