Tulum Trip Report - Nueva Vida de Ramiro April 5 to April 10, 2010

[Jorge&Marcia]

"My owners went to Mexico and all they got me was this stupid Sombrero!"



Marcia and I are back from five glorious days in Tulum. Now we're back to work and already we're missing the beach. We'll be posting our trip report and plenty of pictures over the following few days.

[minniemex]

Whoo hoo!! Another trip report!! We can be relentless when you make these promises!

[beachreader]

Looks like he really loves that sombrero, too!

[letele]

Haha! Where did you find that? I simply MUST get one for my kitties!

[CoconutShrimp]

Yea don't make us bring out the toe tapping hot dog/baguette! Looking forward to your TR!

[manitou]

Another NVR thread!!! Man I miss that place.

[Margoinmexico]

Me too! Lovely to meet you both, a great connection with you two....and an inspiration to us all. Manitou, you guys have a lot in common.....

[Jorge&Marcia]

Well, the day had finally arrived! We were so excited and at the same time, exhausted. We had been up all Saturday night for an Easter vigil and didn’t get home until 7:00 am Sunday morning. In addition we had to find a new cat-sitter since the lady who had originally promised to take care of our Forest decided to back out at the last moment. We had left Forest with her the previous week to see how he would get along but it seems Forest had tormented her cat so much that he was apparently suffering from depression.

Now it was 3:30 am and we were on the way to New York’s LaGuardia airport for a 6:00 am departure. We had decided to check in only one bag and carry-on the other just as a precaution. With half of each other’s clothes in the carry-on, we didn’t have to worry should the other bag get lost. Check in was a breeze and after some coffee and a bagel, we boarded the plane. We arrived in Atlanta at 8:15 am with plenty of time to catch our connecting flight. We took the train to Terminal E and walked to gate 18. By 9:15 we were boarding the plane and by 9:40 am we were in the air - right on time.



We tried to get some sleep on board but that wasn’t going to happen. The plane was full of spring breakers headed to Cancun. So we did the next best thing: we ordered two Bloody Mary’s. That seemed to have started a trend because of all a sudden everyone appeared to be ordering a Bloody Mary as well. It was fun though and despite the slight exhaustion, I was excited to be on the way to Tulum with my love!




By 11:40 am we started going through some pretty nasty turbulence.



Of course all the spring breakers were having a blast and would cheer every time the plane hit an air pocket. It kind of reminded me of that scene in “Alive” right before the plane broke up. Fortunately, it didn’t last too long and before we knew it, we were flying over Cancun.



The pilot announced that we were getting ready to land and that sent all the spring breakers into a cheering frenzy. The party had appeared to have started. After all that turbulence, I was just happy to get back on tierra firme!



We made our way through immigration and to the carousel to pick up the bag we had checked in. It made it just fine. Then we waited on another line and placed all our bags on an X-ray machine. At the end of the line, there is a red button that everyone has to press. If the light turns on, your bags have to go through a physical inspection. Of course, I was the chosen one. When I opened the bag, the lady inspector asked me if this was my bag. “Yes,” I responded as she made her way through all the lady garments. Fortunately she saw Marcia standing by and figured they were hers.

We worked our way through what we first thought were very helpful airport employers offering to carry our bags and even get us free breakfast at a local resort. Turns out they were actually trying to sell us a time share. No gracias.

Here is the representative for Continental car rental looking for us...


…and he was nice enough to take a picture of us.


As you can see, Marcia is pretty happy to have arrived. I was still a little embarrassed from the ladies garment incident!

After all this excitement, I had forgotten to withdraw money from the airport ATM. I asked the representative if I would be able to find an ATM close to the rental agency and he told me there was one right in the same building. At the rental agency Javier personally walked me to the Santander ATM machine which was right around the corner from the rental office - maximum withdrawal was $5,000 pesos.

As we waited for our car, I noticed all the car’s being rented out were really beat up. I asked Javier to make sure to give me a newer car so I wouldn’t have to worry about any breakdowns. He obliged but not after trying to offer me a free breakfast buffet at a fancy resort in Playa de Carmen. No gracias, but he was gracious enough to get me a newer car nonetheless and with only 9,200 km on it. He was also nice enough to indicate an alternative route around Playa de Carmen that would save us at least half an hour. It sounded a little suspicious at first but Javier appeared to be a nice guy.

We inspected the little silver Chevy Hatchback thoroughly and signed for it. Later, we would find out that we hadn’t inspected the car close enough. More on that later.

They swiped my card twice: one for the total amount due on the rental and the other that was left blank and would be used as a security deposit. At first, I was little apprehensive about signing a blank credit slip but they assured me that it would be returned to me at the end of the rental. After a few more pleasantries, we loaded our bags, headed down the wrong side of the street, made our way back and were on our way heading south on Highway 307.

Only 100 km to go.


The Ado bus headed to Tulum.


By this time, we had been driving about half an hour when I noticed we hadn’t filled the tank with petro. We pulled over at the next Pemex somewhere before Playa de Carmen and got myself ready. I had read so much on this site of all the scams that go on at Pemex that I was ready for anything. I had hardly stopped the car before I was out the door and standing next to the pump and the attendant. I asked him to fill the tank with ciento noventa pesos ($190) and watched as he reset the pump. I asked if he would also check the oil and he obliged. I gave him $200 pesos including his tip and we were back on our way. No problems here! (Thanks for the tip James.)

La via de desviación por Playa de Carmen:


This road gets you back to Highway 307 by where Centro Maya Mall is located.


We were back on Highway 307 after diverting through Playa de Carmen. Then I started to wonder if Javier was pulling my leg or if I really did save a half hour on my trip. Unless you know the Playa de Carmen area there’s no way of telling. Well, it was a nice ‘diversion’ through some pretty interesting neighborhoods.

One thing we did notice was the number of large resorts along 307. Many of them had these massive walls at their entrance. Didn’t quite understand the functionality but we took a picture of one of them.



By the way, Marcia is taking the pictures-I’m doing the driving. Just in case anyone’s wondering.

After an hour and a half ride, we had finally arrived in Tulum.


Look familiar kiddies?

It was 2:30 pm and we were hungry. First stop: To be continued…

Haha! Where did you find that? I simply MUST get one for my kitties!

letel, I found them in one of the larger souvenir shops along the main road in the Pueblo. I believe they were $30 pesos but I haggled him down to $25.

Me too! Lovely to meet you both, a great connection with you two....and an inspiration to us all. Manitou, you guys have a lot in common.....

Margo, it was such a delight to meet you. Marcia and I can't stop talking about that awesome massage you gave us. The only regret we had is that we couldn't meet up at Zamas for a few drinks and a jam session. I promise-next time!

[letele]

Your pictures are making me so excited! I can't wait to see what comes next!!!

[CoconutShrimp]

Great start!! I can't wait for more!

[manitou]

This is going to be great! Great read so far and you aren't even to Nueva Vida yet! Can't wait for more.

[ilovewyoming]

We had no problem with Continental last year..have reservations this upcoming trip. Talked to Javier on phone afew weeks back who is located in cancun..
I don't want to be bothered with: You can get this if you go to this presentation. Had that happen at Avis 2 years back.
Javier knows what we need for this trip: 2 jeep patriots or similar...i will not be happy if i am offered 2 mini vans

[minniemex]

Great start!! I am excited to hear more!

[Lynnette]

Good start....love your sense of humor!!

[Jorge&Marcia]

Thanks.

Haven't had much time to work on Part II of the trip report but I promise to have something by the end of the weekend. Some of the notes stop making sense after a while but I figure the Margaritas were to blame for that. Yes, there were notes-some 10 pages in addition to the 600+ pictures I took. I know I'm way too compulsive at times. Or is it obsessive? Frankly, I have never done anything like this on any of our past trips. But I kind of see it as a way of preserving our memories on-line so everyone can see. I just hope my boss doesn't find this website!

I also want to thank Marcia for being such a true sport on this trip. I know at first I must have driven her crazy with all my notes and pictures-especially at the restaurants-but by mid-trip, she was helping me with the pictures. I luv you mor!

Now I'll shut up and get back to work.

We had no problem with Continental last year..have reservations this upcoming trip. Talked to Javier on phone afew weeks back who is located in cancun..
I don't want to be bothered with: You can get this if you go to this presentation. Had that happen at Avis 2 years back.
Javier knows what we need for this trip: 2 jeep patriots or similar...i will not be happy if i am offered 2 mini vans

Actually, Javier just stands back by his desk while the other reps take care of you with the rental. After you complete your paperwork and are waiting for the car, you are asked to see Javier who hands you a map and then tells you about how beautiful Playa de Carmen is. I didn't really find it to intrusive but I firmly told him that I wasn't interested. He quickly backed off and didn't pursue the issue further.

[beachreader]

That must be a new thing at Continental, I've never had a sales pitch there in several years. Or perhaps they just don't even bother approaching single women with such stuff.

Anyway, thanks for the great report start, can't wait for more!

[minniemex]

I haven't ever been approached there either and I do travel with a significant other!

[mayaflya]

We used Continental for the first time last month. It looked like they had a somewhat low key time share pitch going... a desk with brochures and someone that was shepherding the operation, but they either were being picky about who they thought would be interested, or just low energy ;-)....we got a greeting but no real sales pitch..of course, the sales guy was aware that we were headed to Xcalak..probably not a prime customer!

[Jorge&Marcia]

[Hey, didn’t know there was a limit of 15,000 characters on here so I had to separate this part of the report into two.]

First stop: Urge Tacos.

I had the fish tacos.


Marcia tried the chicken taco along with her fish taco.


As you can see, we took advantage of the condiment bar which contained an array of salsas from very mild to extra spicy along with various types of vegetable toppings. The green sauce was our favorite.

We also ordered the Ceviche Mixto with octopus and shrimp.


This dish was very well prepared with lots of fresh seafood and plenty of limes. Great dish.

Here is Marcia enjoying a Dos Equis. “Stay thirsty my friends.”


Yours truly after a most enjoyable meal.


This restaurant appears to be frequented by locals and is very unpretentious. The food was great, the atmosphere was pleasant and the service was excellent. A great place for lunch. 7 out of 10 stars.

After lunch we took a trip to Mercado San Francisco.


We picked up our cooler, two bags of ice, some orange juice and a bag of limes. (The bags of ice are paid at the register and the security guard hands the bags to you as you leave the market.) Then we looked around for the tequila but to our surprise, there was only a limited amount for sale. We asked one of the employers and he informed us that there was a liquor store located a few blocks down on the left off Highway 307. We paid for our stash, picked up our ice and drove down 307 in search of Tequila.

Looking for Tequila.




By now, it was getting really hot and we were getting tired. We found a Super Mar Caribe located between Centauro and Oriente Streets that had a decent selection of Tequila’s and picked up a bottle of El Jimador and a bottle of Controy. (Later, Margo would inform us that Covi had a better collection of Tequila’s.) We paid the attendant and as we were heading out the door we noticed an HSBC ATM machine.



We made another withdrawal so we wouldn’t have to worry about it later. Since our vacation funds were in Marcia’s account, I asked her to make the withdrawal with her ATM card. We took the pesos, our Tequila and Controy and walked back to our car. (Notice anything missing here?).

We were finally heading to NVR.

Heading south on the Boca Paila Road and some of those infamous Topes.


Bungalows on the beach side of Boca Paila Road.


Bungalows on the opposite side of Boca Paila Road.


The public beach right after Zamas and the security post to the right.


And after a few more bungalows, here it was, finally. Nueva Vida de Ramiro.


Part IIB coming right up.

[Jorge&Marcia]

We pulled into the Zona Corazon on the beach side of the Boca Paila Road but didn’t notice any parking. So after going around the roundabout, we found the parking section right across the street. As soon as we pulled in, Jesus who was the concierge for the Zona Corazon walked out to meet us and within seconds an assistant arrived with a wheelbarrow to take our bags.

The Zona Corazon parking area.


Our parking spot for the week.


Marcia headed to the room while I went with Jesus to settle our balance.

The concierge desk for Corazon area.


You also can ask either Mirabella, in the mornings or Jesus who works in the afternoon until 8 pm to charge your batteries here. No need to walk all the way to the main lobby area.

When I returned, Marcia and I settled on the balcony to enjoy the beautiful view and two Dos Equis Jesus was nice enough to order for us.



As you can see from the palm trees and the waves, it was really windy. A nice change from the heat in the Pueblo.

The stairs leading to the second floor unit.


Our private balcony.


Some interior pictures of Suspiro.






Some of the beautiful wall decorations in the room.






We loved in the interior of this room. The room was very functional and well decorated. The Palapa roof gave the room that rustic appeal while the colors made the room feel cozy and refreshing at the same time.

A picture of the safe.


And the private lavatory (in case anyone is interested).


And the outside shower with a view of the beach.


We only used this once. While it sounds romantic, there was a little too much exposure for our taste.

The beach at sundown.


The balcony at night where we would enjoy a cocktail before dinner.


Our personal bar. (This was not part of the room.)


By now, we had been up some 18 hours and were quite exhausted but we were also a little hungry. We had taken a walk to Casa Banana earlier in the afternoon to have a Margarita and met Silverio. We asked if he would be able to charge the drinks to our room and he obliged but begrudgingly. He was kind of curt and unfriendly. When we asked how we can have breakfast delivered to the room, he thought it would be better for us to simply come to the restaurant. Maybe he was just having a bad day. Maybe we were just a little tired. Perhaps we should have insisted but Marcia thought it’d be better if we slept in.

Nonetheless, we decided to have dinner here since we were simply too tired to drive elsewhere. We walked to the restaurant and it was quite busy. We were given the option of sitting at a table right next to the open grill or a communal table in the center of the dining area. We chose the latter for the simple reason that we felt like we were being cooked alive at the table next to the grill.

So we make our way to the communal table where two other parties were seated. I introduce Marcia and myself to the other guests and we proceeded to order. And we couldn’t help but notice that sitting right next to us was none other than the most interesting man in the world.



No kidding folks. Or at least someone with an uncanny resemblance to the fictional character in the Dos Equis commercial. And for the rest of the evening, we listened to the most interesting man in the world talk about all his exotic adventures and all the famous people he had met. It made for an entertaining evening.

Just in case there are those who do not know the most interesting man in the world…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92nDN...eature=related

We decided to order the smallest steak on the menu which I believe was the flank steak and the sausage appetizer that Silverio made very clear to us was included with the steak order. We ordered two more Margaritas. The sausage platter arrived and unfortunately, it was overcooked and too salty. But before we could even get through half our sausage, our steak had arrived. Marcia was a little put off with the service and it didn’t help that the steak was so salty it was almost inedible. I wanted to return it but by this time we were too exhausted and decided to simply head back to our room. We paid the bill which came to $250 pesos and included the Margaritas we had ordered earlier that afternoon. Unfortunately, we couldn’t take any pictures of the food we ordered.

The location of this restaurant is very convenient for those staying at NVR but unfortunately, the food and service left much to be desired-at least for us on this particular day. It was busy when we arrived for dinner but frankly, Silverio could have been a little more cordial. As for the food, this would turn out to be our worst dining experience of the trip. 4 out of 10 stars with two stars going to the most interesting man in the world for his lively entertainment.

We walked back to our room and went to bed. It had been a long day so we planned on sleeping in a little. We also didn’t have to worry about any intrusive server knocking on our door so early in the morning with breakfast as Silverio suggested.

And this concludes our first day.