Wild Life at the Royal Hideaway

While we were staying at the Royal Hideaway resort, we encountered several regular inhabitants of the grounds.  A flock of gulls came for their daily freshwater bath at the infinity pool in the late afternoon.  The iguana emerged at the same corner of the pool each morning to catch the rays.  The big rodent (forgot its name in Spanish) was relatively shy.  They have obviously become accustomed to the guests staring and snapping pictures of them.  Except the black crow-like birds with yellow beady eyes, none of the other birds and animals begged for food.

Riviera Maya Scam #2

Aahhhhh, we were finally relaxing by the beach.  Beautiful weather.  Great view.  The staff came around and asked what we’d like to drink.  Now, this is R&R!

As we were sipping our drinks, a man approached us and asked how we were doing, are we enjoying our vacation, etc.  He asked if we’d be interested in snorkeling, use the waverunners, parasailing, etc.  We both like snorkeling, so we decided to book a day trip to Isla Mujeres.  We were given the following information/instructions:  we are to take a van to Cancun (an hour ride) and onto a catamaran, to sail to this island (an hour ride); don’t take any jewelry, money (everything is included in the price we are paying, including transportation, lunch and drinks) or credit cards.  Just take your bathing suit, sunscreen, and spare clothing in case you get cold.  You don’t need anything else, he assured us.  Riiiiight!

Next morning, we arrived at the dock in Cancun around 10 am. As we were waiting for our boat to arrive, two young men in uniform with badges (those stinking IDs again!) came over, unfolded a table, and addressed the people waiting to board the boats with a megaphone. In good English, they claimed that our destination is protected by the environmental groups and government to save the local ecology.  Hey, their goals are admirable.  No arguments there.  That said, the men explained that the sunscreen used by tourists are killing the coral.  All sunscreen must therefore be of a type that is biodegradable.  No exceptions.  Here’s is the catch: they claimed that there is a chance that the authorities may stop and inspect us to determine if we are using the appropriate sunscreen, emphasizing that it is important to abide by the law.  They offered to check the sunscreen we are using to make sure that we are using the environmentally correct sunscreen.  People waiting for their boats lined up to show these men their sunscreen for approval.  Guess how many people got this approval?  If you don’t have the right sunscreen, the men in uniforms have the correct one and they will sell you one.  For US$22.  They have apple-scented or strawberry-scented versions.

Later, we walked by a local pharmacy and noticed that most, if not all, of the sunscreens on sale were not biodegradable.  Sigh.  Do the locals use biodegradable sunscreen?

We want to save the environment, yes, but preferably without getting ripped off.  – S

Cabana or cabaña / Things In Life

A couple of days in a cabana (or cabaña) at the Royal Hideaway.  Wish you were here.

¤ Listen to the track by clicking the link below. Press play in new window.

Things in Life – Dennis Brown

It’s not everyday we’re gonna be the same way
there must be a change somehow
there are bad times and good times too
So have a little faith in what you do
cause you don’t seem to realize
the things you’ve got to face in life
today you’re up, tomorrow you’re down
so thank God that you’re still around town

Though we’ve got to work like slaves
just to eat a piece of bread
but as we go along each day we’ll find
happiness to sooth the mind cause
it’s not everyday we’re gonna be the same way
there must be a change somehow
there are bad times and good times too
So have a little faith in what you do.

Hotel Deseo, Playa del Carmen

This rather chic boutique hotel is located on the “fifth avenue” of Playa del Carmen at Calle 12. We did not stay here but I was impressed by its inviting entrance so I wandered into it to investigate further. The raw stone steps, lacking a handrail, leads from the street level up towards the building, and mimics the approach to a Mayan temple, such as the ruins at nearby Chichén Itzá.  At the top of the steps is the lobby-bar-pool area, scattered with tables and lounge beds, and the rooms are above overlooking the area.  The hotel is in the direction of the beach and as there are no other taller buildings in front, the rooms would have views of the ocean and the island of Cozumel.  The bar has a swim-up side for the pool dwellers. From the outer edge of the pool, one could probably peer down (or splash water) at the pedestrians on the main street.  The place is designed for “seen and to-be-seen in swimsuit” action, with real voyeuristic potential. The noise from the bar would prevent any sleep but may conveniently drown out bedroom sounds. Facing east, the rooms would be perfect to see sunrise, after an all-nighter.  Just don’t expect rest or privacy here.  No commission was received for this write-up. – C

The Fifth Avenue of Playa del Carmen

Our resort is located in Playacar which is a gated community at the south end of Playa del Carmen. We took a short cab ride into town one late afternoon as the bars and restaurants were beginning to open for business.  The driver dropped us off on the corner of Calle 8 norte and Avenida 5a, which is the midpoint of the main tourist pedestrian precinct (the “fifth avenue” as it is marketed to the tourists).  New York has its influence even here.  Because every one in the resort spoke English and most guests were American, we did not feel like being in a foreign country until we went into town. Boutique hotels, bars, and restaurants line the street, this must be a very happening place during spring break.  Although we felt very safe, we noticed policemen with machine gun hanging around some of the street corners.

Despite the obligatory tourist fare, we particularly liked a few stores that sold silverwares, mirrors, lamp shades, and textile products.  Like other tourists, we purchased some small souvenirs; and a big canvas bag for our snorkeling trip to Isla Mujeres the next day. – C

Riviera Maya Scam #1

Here is our first tale for the would-be visitor of Cancun and the Riviera Maya.

Unlike our Iceland trip earlier this summer, we booked an all-inclusive package so that we don’t have to deal with the details. Although this is our first visit to Riviera Maya, we thought this is a well-trodden tourist area, so we let our guard down early.

After the long flight of almost 5 hours, we finally landed in Cancun, Mexico.  Even as we were standing to collect our checked luggage, I could feel the heat and humidity.  If I thought that the line of planes for takeoff was long (see post on November 2009), I obviously had another thing coming because the line of people trying to go through customs was even longer (can I add that there were little people screaming and running amok too?).  I couldn’t wait to go outside and start our vacation, one where we do nothing, just zoning out.

We cleared customs and walked out to a large hall which was filled with uniformed people with IDs hanging around their necks.  As I was looking at the little bright candy apple red folder that Liberty Travel gave us which contained the voucher for the airport-to-hotel transfer, one of them approached us and led us towards a man by a lectern. I went because above the man, it said “Informacion”. We got Manuel (not his real name to protect, not him, us) who started by giving us some good information: change the money at a bank which will give us a much better rate than the hotel; go to this place and/or that island, etc.  He told us our bus would be waiting outside, the driver wearing a orange polo shirt, and it would not leave for another 20 minutes.  He then stated that a hotel in Cancun has recently been renovated and wanted to have people visit and we should go.  For going to the hotel, we get a free adventure such as the fantastic Jungle Tour (normally $75 p/person) or visit the Chichen Itza (normally $67 p/person). Or a free massage. All we have to do is deposit $40 with Manuel and show up the next day at this hotel in Cancun.  Even the transportation from our resort to this hotel will be provided by Manuel and he would contact us at the resort to ensure that our trip to this hotel in Cancun would be smooth.

The little folder provided by Liberty Travel contained some travel information which said that we shouldn’t be fooled into attending any timeshare schemes.  We both thought Manuel was trying to sell us exactly that.  Maybe Manuel saw something on our faces, because he immediately pointed out a line in the little brochure which stated, “This is not timeshare related marketing”.   We still did not commit and wanted to turn around.  Just then, another guy approached and said “Is there a problem?  How is Manuel doing?”  Showing us his and Manuel’s IDs, “Listen, we are legitimate.  The government would not give us these IDs, if we weren’t.  We are not trying to cheat anyone.”  Pointing to the CCTV in the ceiling, “See the camera up there?  We are not trying to cheat.”, he said.

By this time, I was tired and desperate to leave.  Fine.  Whatever.  Here’s $40.  Just let us go.  Even as we walked towards the exit (I can see sunlight!), several other men tried to stop us.  I told them the password:  we already spoke to Manuel.  The men then stepped aside and let us through.  One dude didn’t believe me and actually looked at Manuel to confirm.  I had to repeat the magic password at least twice before we were allowed to exit the building.  As we left the airport building, we were greeted by another ring of people, and low and behold, we spotted a men in an orange polo shirt who escorted us to our private car.  He confirmed that he cannot go inside the building to meet us, and that Manuel was indeed selling us timeshare.

And no, we did not go to that stinking hotel that was just renovated.  Manuel did not call us at the resort as he promised.  Had we gone, we would be held hostage for hours to buy timeshare, and wasted our vacation time.  So, first time travelers to Cancun: beware of men with IDs at the airport. – S

vacation food porn #5 and #6

And the series continues with …

vacation food porn #5: sugar blast, red fruits, pistachio souffle (in back)

vacation food porn #6: salmon fried, ali oii tournedo, potato and line of harissa

vacation food porn #1-#4 recap

These pictures were previously posted on our sister blog at  www.chrisandsue.tumblr.com. I just want to consolidate our vacation pictures here with a re-post. Sorry about the repetitions if you have seen these pictures already. The “vacation food porn” series is by no means near its end as we have a whole lot more dishes to share.

vacation food porn #1 – fettucine neri, squid, soft perfume of lime

vacation food porn #2 – mini-tamale-flan-gelato-sweet sweet corn

vacation food porn #3 – tomato consommé with stewed lamb ravioli

vacation food porn #4 – foie gras, yoghurt, honey, figs

The Resort: Royal Hideaway Playacar

The resort was exactly how we wanted it.  No high-rise hotel, no pool parties, just quiet enjoyment of the weather, ocean, and food.  The staff greeted us with champagne and offered us high tea when we checked-in at around 4 pm.  Supposedly, the entire resort has wi-fi and we were given a login username and password, but strangely it only worked in the evenings (at least it worked).  I never managed to get reception for my itouch, although the blackberry worked well.  Beside the infinity pool by the beach, the resort has a number of smaller dipping pools and jacuzzis by the villas.  Most were not used by the guests but the birds took advantage of them as their personal bathing pool.  Since the place is designed to offer privacy, even though it was only half full, it did not look deserted.  A band played at one of the bars in the evenings and it had only one or two tables of guests nightly.  Sadly, it is a sign of the times. I hope their business picks up during the holidays.  More pictures to come tomorrow.

Six days at the Riviera Maya

Temperature was perfect. Alternating days of sun and fluffy clouds.

Spent most of the time by the pool/beach, a couple of days in a cabana.

Did some reading, staring at the turquoise sea, sleeping, people watching, ipod, swimming, Nintendo DS, sipping tropical drinks … Repeat.

Adventuras de Chris y Sue

It all started with Chris being antsy and very anxious to get away from home and work.   I, on the other hand, wanted to just stay home.  We have so many things that needed to be taken care of!  But no, Chris was very adamant that we go away.  We went to a local travel agency on a Saturday late afternoon (30 minutes before closing, as a matter of fact) and told the agent: we’d like to go on a  beach vacation for about 6-7 days.  The agent then made suggestions and among several given to us, we chose this place: Royal Hideaway Playacar, Mexico.  As long as I have known Chris, he has never made a decision so quickly.  Frankly, I’m still amazed.  Wow. – S

We are starting this blog with our trip to Mexico.  This place is a small all-inclusive resort, discreet and very different from those megaresorts up north in Cancun. That’s our balcony on the second floor to the left.  We have our own concierge and restaurants are all a la carte.  Sue is surprising me and the staff with her poco Espanol which is bouncing back fast from her high school years.  – C

Traffic jam @ EWR

On our way to Mexico, we were delayed by an hour because we were the twentieth plane waiting on the runway to take off from Newark International airport.  The weather was fine.  Thanksgiving was more than a week away.  So why was it so bad ?  Eventually when it was our turn, we looked back and counted another fourteen planes behind us.