Xmas in Mexico - Final Thoughts

A few thoughts after coming back from Mexico.

Safety – I found all the three places we visited to be quite safe. I still would not walk by myself anywhere at night, but as a family, it was safe to walk in the early night. I am not sure about after 9 pm as we were not out that late any day. I think in Playa del Carmen on 5^th Ave, one can be out late also. Other places were all safe in the day time without any issues. 

Money – If one is not staying at one of the all-inclusive places, then I would budget minimum 100 pesos per day per person. That would include only the food.  Any shopping would be separate. Food is not exactly cheap, but we found that paying in pesos was cheaper than paying in dollars. And a lot of restaurants would charge more with credit card, so better take cash.

Shopping – I wish I had known that I would find everything in Cancun's Mercado 28 so I could have skipped all the shopping everywhere else, especially Playa del Carmen was the most expensive of all places. Valladolid was really good for general shopping, clothes, shoes etc. But I would not have shopped at Chichen Itza either. It seems that you would not find these things elsewhere, but we found everything in Cancun and better prices.

Food – This was a little bit issue for us because we are vegetarian. But we did not really have problems anywhere. We were happy with pizza also. But even street food could be made vegetarian. So all good. I would say some of the food was really tasty, the sauces were very good and guacamole was just great! There were chips and sauce everywhere. Street food was actually quite tasty.

Transportation – It was not that difficult to get around in this part of Mexico. The Ado buses connect cities and are comfortable. Within the city there are plenty of taxis and one can bargain but can get good price. We were able to reserve taxis online also to and from airport. All transportation was on time and safe and clean.

Time – I always feel that I need one more day in these places I visit. I would have liked to spend one more day in Playa del Carmen and gone to visit Cozumel and Tulum. Xcaret was definitely a good visit but it was a controlled environment. I would have liked to see more of nature.  I would have also liked to stay one more day in Valladolid and maybe visit some cenotes – although that is debatable, because almost all cenotes charge 40 or more pesos per person to visit. So it probably would become and expensive day. But I do miss not going to even one.

Xmas in Mexico - Day 5

Time to move to the next city Valladolid we have time in the morning so we had some breakfast in this interesting looking Mexican place breakfast is okay small portions and than USA, and taste was okay. The restaurant had amazing décor.  It was a museum by itself.

We then walked around shopping and looking. It as a beautiful day, no rain. We got some money exchanged. We should have gotten more money exchanged here. We saw the city center with the nice park and church right on the beach.

Came back, checked out, and walked about a mile to the Ado bus station. We got some snack while waiting the bus.  The bus departed at 1 p.m. promptly. It was a small minivan, very comfortable. There was a movie playing doing the journey. We were all sleeping! Two and half hours later we were in Valladolid after the bus made one stop near Tulum. Good service.

Valladolid is a small town it was crowded when we came, may because of Christmas shopping; it was Christmas Eve. We walked about two blocks to our hotel, Maria Guadelupe. It’s small one maybe 8 to 10 rooms. Big issue was that they take only cash, no dollars, no credit card. We thought it was all paid for when Bhabhi made the reservation.  We had very little cash so we checked in and went to the bank to get some pesos. There was a long line but we got in line and it was moving fast. Bhaiya and Viki went to see if other banks would also change but they did not, so as I was at the counter, they came back and we exchanged all the money we wanted to. While we were there Bhabhi found out that we can buy tickets at Chichen Itza only with cash (which turned out to be wrong - they also take credit card).

We then walked to the hotel and gave the money.  We came out and saw a cab driver; we asked him to come in the morning to take us to Chichen Itza. He would take peso 50 per person, good deal. He also said there would be many taxis here but that turned out to be wrong – maybe because it was 25^th Dec the next day.

Viki found an ice cream place that he wanted to go to. The gelato was expensive and the taste was all right. There were some unique flavors. We then walked to the cental park and the church. There were a couple guys playing some drums. Gave a nice feeling of being in a different country.  Sat around for a bit. Later we went to Domino's Pizza to get pizza for the night as there was not many vegetarian places around. There were some nice potatoes and cinnamon bites with the pizza.  

Nice day! Walked back and went to sleep as we have to get up early so we are ready by 7:15 am for breakfast.

Xmas in Mexico - Day 4

All got ready by 7 a.m. and had quick breakfast of the bread and pizza. We were out looking for a taxi for Xcaret. We bargained one down to 350 Pesos.  We had to also get a taxi/van that could seat 5 people. There were plenty that could seat four passengers.  In any case, it took him about 20 minutes to get there. Just like Disney, it is kind of off road, one will have walk about 1 mile to get to the enterance of the park from the main highway. 

We exchanged our tickets for bracelets and then it was time to go in. We were right on time at 8:30 am. There are many paths marked on the map and in the park as well. It is very well made, all the location are marked on the map and in the park so there is no confusion. There are several spots where you can scan your bracelet and let the Xcaret park take a photo. You can buy all these photos at the end of the day.  Good money making scheme!

Viki was our guide and he took the white path to the aviary first. The park has an aviary, aquarium, butterfly garden, some aquatic wildlife, some animals, some ancient ruins, a cemetery, a church, a 10-minute boat ride, a one-mile underground and ground river for people to swim adult hour to see, a nice museum, many shows during the day, an orchid garden, a Beach area for activities, a few restaurants, and finally a grand show at night. The park was neat and clean, plenty of restrooms, plenty of water etc. The only thing I thought was amiss was affordable food. Simple nachos and cheese were $6. Lunch buffet was $35 per person. That’s just too much. But the places were full!!

We started at the aviary and made our way to the cemetery and to the butterfly garden and aquarium. There was a lot of walking involved and plenty to see on the way. We had brought our snacks so that worked out well. The tower ride was short and sweet and so was the boat ride. Everything had its own character and so I am glad we did not miss anything. The only thing was that walking everywhere was taking up too much time and of course one has to take a little break once in a while.

It was 5 pm before we realized we needed to swim the underground river or we will be late for the 7:30 pm night show which is not to be missed. We had been seeing the river and people swimming in it all day and it was not something we wanted to miss.  Four of us were ready for the swim except Bhabhi who would have to change into the swim suit when all of us were already wearing ours.  Oh well, she would have to miss this. We could not burden her with all our bags so were used their wonderful system where you take all the belongings, put them in a duffle bag, give you’re the key, scan your bracelet; and they give it to you at the end of the river. Very efficient and very secure.  Sarvesh and I came out at the next exit in the river.  It was a bit much for me since I am not a very good swimmer so I got tired; also there were no ropes to hold on to. The other thing that helps me is if I can keep my feet on the ground, but the river was about 6ft deep so that also was bothering me. Viki wanted to go all the way so Bhaiya decided to go with him.  Sarvesh and I walked to the next exit and waited but they did not come there. After a while we went to the end of the river and waited. They came swimming and happy! What an achievement for them floating and swimming for a mile on the river.

We got our bags and got changed.  Bhabhi was to meet at as number 35 for dinner but everything was closing at 5:30 and when we were there just 10 minutes before so we rushed there.  She managed to get us two sandwiches with fries.  We sat by the beach and ate.  

We walk back to see the spectacular show. It was on completely the other side of the park.  It was getting so crowded and we also got into the crowd. Ultimately we were standing in line for 40 minutes and eventually we realized we could have gotten a seat easily even if we had come at 7:15 for the 7:30 show because the theater was very large. The theater was open and huge with seating on all four sides. The bottom one third was for people also ordered dinner so had special seats. We were higher up and would have been even if we had come at 7:15pm.  I went to the restroom and then got me a couple Xcaret plastic drinking glasses as mementos.

The show was spectacular! All the dances, music, actions were amazing. They showed the old Mayan cultural ceremonies with the playing of the ball with the fireball with sticks (like hockey); and then the Spaniards came and ruined their culture and then make them all Christians; then there was a lot of slavery. There were a number of dances and displays from different parts of Mexico. All was just grand and colorful. We left about 10 minutes early to beat the crowd so we don’t have to fight for a taxi. It was 500 pesos to get back to hotel - standard price, no bargaining.

We walked over 11 miles today really tired. But still Viki and I went out to get pizza for dinner. Still great pizza.

Xmas in Mexico - Day 3

Next morning had breakfast, it was similar kind as yesterday. We had to check out at 12 p.m. so we went to the beach for about an hour. The water was great. I went to the pool also; the water was cooler than the ocean but still enjoyable.  By 12 we were all checked out, but we're told that we could stay till 4 p.m., so we went for lunch at the usual place but buffet was closed there.  We played air hockey and billiards for a while and then went to the pool.  It turns out that is where the buffet was today.  It was good food again.  I just could not eat much because I was so full from breakfast, but still had some soup salad and little bit pasta.

Slept around the pool till 2:30 p.m. then left to check in to the other hotel, Kimbe. The hotel was on the street next to 5th avenue, which is a big shopping street. The hotel was okay, the price was okay according to the location, but no breakfast.  And I found out later that the bed was lousy. The toilet was also leaking, I think the room needs a little maintenance.

We went to walk around the hotel.  We knew it was going to rain so no use going to Tulum or Cozumel. We walked around on the 10th avenue and then turned around to come to the 5th avenue and then it started raining and it did not stop until into the night.  We all got a little wet but we kept stopping and shopping our way back.  We got some fresh churros for about 40 pesos. Very tasty!! 

Came back and rested a bit and then went to Bhaiya’s room to chitchat and eat snacks.  Watched football and then the kids and Bhabhi went to get pizza.  They came back with three large pizza, really tasty thin crust pizza. I had one slice, three slices were left for the morning.

Tomorrow we have to get up early and go to Xcaret. We had also gotten some bread and jam from a 7 eleven for breakfast tomorrow.

Xmas in Mexico - Day 2

Today we were supposed to go for the timeshare meeting at 9 a.m. They would give us breakfast at another resort and then talk to us for about 30 minutes about getting a timeshare. All in all it would take about 90 minutes, but as they were starting it seems like it would take three hours, so it was not worth visiting another resort and having breakfast there. Waste of time. 

We went for our own breakfast at Allegro.  We had a great spread of eggs, fruits, breads and vegetables. We got changed and went to the beach, played in the water for sometime.  Then at 11:30 I went to the pool for the aqua gym. I was only one there and it was fun. Sarvesh and Satvik came there to play basketball in the pool.

A little later I had some fries and nachos that were being served near the pool and went to the ocean again.  Around 2 p.m. we went for lunch and yes, full again!! Good food. Lots of variety of soup, salad etc. By afternoon it started raining.  Sarvesh and Satvik played some air hockey and billiards. I enjoy watching them. We went to the rooms and there was nothing to do because it was raining outside. Bhaiya came to our room and we watched football

At 7:30pm we went for dinner. Today they were making us lasagna because buffet was all seafood. We started with soup and salad. The lasagna was a disappointment as it was all mushrooms. I felt bad leaving so much food for waste, but what to do? We ate a lot of the other stuff that was there. It was enough.

We then went to the show at 8:30. Again the crew was again having activities with the kids. At 9 p.m. they started the silent party which was that everybody got headphones and we had buttons from which we could choose from three DJs’ music. Of course all music choices were fun dancing songs, one was Spanish only. We all got except for Bhabhi. Bhaiya and Bhabhi left early, the kids and enjoyed till about 10:30 p.m.

Xmas in Mexico - Day 1

Bhaiya and all came around 7 pm on 19th from Columbus. Not much to do but to get ready for tomorrow

It was an early start for us.  We all got ready early to leave for Miami airport by 8 a.m., since we did not know how much time we are needed to get to the airport but 8 pm should be good for the 12 p.m. flight.  We parked at the hotel and got their shuttle to go to the airport.  All went okay and on time. The flight was on time but the landing was delayed by 40 minutes because of weather.

Bhabhi was in contact with the taxi driver who had already texted her, it was their policy to take the customer flight and phone number so that flight arrivals could be monitored. All was smooth sailing once we landed.  We came out and found our taxi and we were on our way to Playa del Carmen. Got there by 5ish; check-in was a little slow at Allegro. It was all inclusive so they gave us wrist bands, different colors for different age group for alcohol sake.  The all inclusive was our first experience so we went for a walk around the campus. It was beautiful, two pools, the beach area was clean and beautiful; the rooms were like cottages and gave the feeling of an aashram.

We went to eat at 6 p.m. at the buffet. It was good food, lots of fruits and vegetables, nothing like daal roti but we got really stuffed on all kinds of foods. There was tons of guacamole – I just loved it!! And then of course lots of variety for dessert. It started raining a bit so we went to our rooms. We got a third bed for Viki so that the kids won't have to share the queen bed.

Around 8:30 p.m. we went to see the Mexican night show at the theater. For about 30 minutes the crew played around with the kids; really fun games and activities; and the kids were really enjoying it. Sometimes I feel bad that we don't drink because it's open bar.  The show started at 9 p.m. there was the mariachi band and a singer all really good and then there was a group of eight dances they have some really nice traditional dances great costume and great entertainment great way to end the day.

Sleep was good. There was some chatter outside but otherwise it was all okay.