If this photo doesn’t scream Mexico I don’t know what does! We are getting all geared up for Mexico’s Independence Day festivities! Viva Mexico!
-by Bea Lozano
“A Day Full of Wonder at Xcaret”
Sure you have likely seen many reviews about Xcaret Park but given that it is a place I love I would like to share my own thoughts and feelings about this wonderful destination!
What is Xcaret?
Xcaret is one of the biggest and most attractive eco-friendly attractions here in the Riviera Maya! And it’s no wonder since the park is filled with so many beautiful aspects to explore. I always recommend getting the Xcaret Plus package because it includes a fabulous meal and also all of your necessary aquatics and snorkel gear.
What can I do at Xcaret?
You can start anywhere in the park but for me I always prefer to start off swimming through the underground river and allow the rest of the day for exploring through the jungle, swimming in the lagoons and visiting the Mayan Village.
The underground River is a mysterious and historical experience. If you have never swum through an underground cenote cave before it can be wondrous to know that you are exploring some of the greatest nature in the Riviera Maya which is known for their underground magic! Xcaret provides a very safe and structured way to do it! They provide you with all the necessary equipment to snorkel! You will never be lost as there are lots of exits with xcaret personnel available if you get tired; but most people will enjoy the entire route. Along the way there are plenty of areas where you can have your photo taken!
After your swim you can move on to any other activity that you desire. I like to take some time to relax in the hammocks over- looking an incredible view of the ocean and crashing waves! It is pretty much breathtaking to see this area of the park. You might also decide to grab a tube and hang out in the lagoon. There is no schedule; you do as you please!
After spending time hanging in the sun and enjoying some swimming I like to start my hike or walk through the jungle to check out all the nature and history. Along a long walking path around the park you can see lots of different wild animals such as Jaguars and spider monkeys, huge sea turtles, sharks and deer! That is just to name a few! My favorite is the butterfly house where you can visit and find amazing and colorful butterflies flying all around you in their natural habitat! For me it is just incredible to see.
If you are tired of walking you can enjoy a canoe ride through the river where you can look around at all the nature surrounding you.
Wait there’s More?
Aside from all the nature Xcaret is rich in Mayan culture. It offers a great experience to visit some Mayan ruins and see what a typical Mayan Village would have looked like years ago, as well as a beautiful Mayan graveyard full of colorful and interesting gravestones!
By this time you have probably had a long day and have worked up an appetite. Although Xcaret has many food options to choose from all around the park I always like to use my included at the Mexican buffet that is located just towards the entrance. In my opinion this is probably your best food option and it has a complete selection of various Mexican dishes! If you can arrive around 5 pm you can also enjoy some nice entertainment as there is a horse show right there for everyone to see with some great Mexican attire for the riders as well as lovely music. It’s fun and the kids enjoy this part as well.
The Mexican Show is a Must See Experience!
You must not leave the park without watching the Mexican show! Xcaret includes two wonderful performances that are included in the price of your ticket and they are amazing and spectacular shows full of Mexican and Mayan Culture. Recently during low season I have seen a new show that they have created that blew my socks off. It was a show full of Music and Dancing and colorful traditional Mexican attire. Each act represented history from different states of Mexico. Immediately following that performance you are invited to see a fire filled typical ball game from back in the Mayan days! I will tell you that it is incredible!
Of course at the end of the night you can shop in one of the best souvenir stores that I have seen in Mexico. By saying this I mean that it is not cheesy cheap souvenirs. They sell things that are worth taking home. Also, you can pick up and buy your photos if desired.
The day is long but well worth it and is absolutely a must do when you arrive here in the Riviera Maya!
-by Bea Lozano
How One Baby-Boomer Lived Her Life-long Dream
Remember the old Map Quest joke where if you asked for driving directions overseas it gave you all the necessary directions to bring you to the shore line and then told you to swim across the Atlantic Ocean?
Very funny huh?
Well, until someone actually did! It’s for sure most of you have already heard of the courageous Diana Nyad but if not you are in for a story! This 64 year old woman took on the challenge of swimming a complete 53 hour swim from Cuba to Miami! Battling Jelly fish and salt water effects she made it through with an incredible team of people who kept her safe and motivated through her 3 day, 2 night journey!
Why did she do it?
Probably not because she wanted to risk her life in shark infested waters battling jelly fish and to end up with lacerations on her face from the salt water! Rather because it gives an incredible feeling of success!
This was a dream of hers that she was persistent in pursuing as this was not her first attempt to make it on this particular route. It was actually her fourth attempt! Her first try came early on in her 20’s but she held onto that dream for the next 40 years and continued trying three more times in her sixties with the last attempt obviously being her victory.
Follow your dreams
This just shows that when you have a dream and your mind set on something, even if it seems wild or painful, you can do it with a strong will. And this is exactly what she directly points out when she said:
“The people who follow me aren’t sports hounds. They’re human beings who are dealing with their own heartaches and their own obstacles in life. And they want to know how to get through. And I think I’m a person who represents, A, never give up. You find a way if something is really important to your heart, you look and see what’s inside yourself and you find a way.”
“Never give up”
This statement holds a wealth of meaning for many people! Remember when we wrote recently about the Neon Race in Cancun (click here if you would like to read about it), we quoted one of our team members who started off by saying she doesn’t actually love to run but there is a bigger purpose and a bigger picture which makes her to continue on pushing her body to the limit.
It’s really all about pride, success, achievement, and making seemingly impossible things come true. And that is an important lesson for everyone to learn. Whether you are running a marathon, pursuing a new job, relocating to Mexico, changing your life, having children, or swimming from one country to another you can achieve whatever it is that is in your heart!
Baby Boomers are still booming!
But let’s not forget there is another very important lesson that Diana Nyad has left for everyone, whether she intended to or not; at age 64 you still have plenty of life ahead of you. Your body works, your mind works and your dreams are still in-tact! She totally beat the notion that moving into your 60’s means you have to sit in your rocking chair and knit sweaters! Baby Boomers, this is your time to rock!!
Follow your dreams…
-by Bea Lozano
You Won’t Find This in the US! The Etiquette of Petty Thieves in Mexico
I’m always telling people that crime and safety, generally speaking, are not worse problems in Mexico than in the United States and most other countries – especially in the tourist areas. Yet, it’s only fair (and helpful to any newcomers) to acknowledge that petty theft is in fact one of the few crimes that is worse in Mexico, and that people need to take some common-sense precautions to avoid it.
Basically, what it boils down to is don’t put your wallet in your back pocket, and don’t carry items of considerable value in plain sight.
However, this is not the point of today’s post. The point is that in Mexico, in many cases, even petty thieves have a kind of an “etiquette” of how to treat the people they are robbing.
Consider this story that a friend of mine told me.
This (Mexican) friend of mine was in the old colonial downtown of Mexico City. (Mexico City is actually relatively low in crime, even compared to large U.S. cities, and always listed on the “green light” list of safe places to travel in Mexico – but, again, that’s a side point.)
He and a group of his friends started off a friendly chat with some strangers. At some point in the conversation, these strangers informed them that they were going to rob them! (You know, a nice friendly part of every daily conversation …) They were also informed that they had others waiting around the corners to get them if they tried to run away. If they just cooperated and gave up their valuables, they would walk away safely. Generally, in Mexico, cooperation is the best approach to take if you do find yourself the victim of petty theft, so these guys opened up their wallets, handed over their cash, their cell phones, etc.
hey got to this friend of mine. He didn’t have a cent on him. The thieves took a look in his wallet to confirm that he was as cash-less as he claimed to be. Satisfied that this guy really had nothing to rob, and didn’t even have a few pesos for lunch, he reached into his back pocket and pulled out a subway ticket.
“There you go, brother,” he said handing him the ticket, “now you can get home for lunch.”
The thieves made off with the valuables, and these guys were free to go home – without any cash, of course!
But imagine that; a thief feels sorry for you and gives you a subway ticket to get home!
I’ve heard other similar stories where a petty thief is convinced that their “victim” has less than they do, so they actually give that person something! It sounds ironic, but now and then, it does happen.
Now, I have to point out that someone who looks like a foreigner (most expats) will usually have trouble convincing a thief that he is needier than the thief. Also, these stories are most certainly the exception rather than the rule. But the point is, that as far as I have heard, this would simply never happen in the U.S., not even if the thief thought the victim was worse off.
Mexican petty thieves are not someone you want to bump into, but they do have their etiquette.
-by Thomas Lloyd
Do what you want and have fun doing it! #ThrowbackThursday
A valuable motto in life, these girls show us that you have more fun when you do what you want, and if that includes sunbathing and enjoying a beautiful scenery, is much better so… make it happen!
-by Bea Lozano
Why I Love Mexico – #WordlessWednesday
(source: inspiration station)
-by Bea Lozano
The Hidden Magic of Guanajuato, Mexico
Recently, we’ve started exploring some of Mexico’s “Hidden Gems” – places that absolutely fabulous to visit, but in the international picture, are entirely off the radar.
The central Mexican city of Guanajuato is one such place.
The Magical City
With beautiful, classic old homes, and alleyways so narrow that two people leaning out two opposite windows could kiss, this city is not only very beautiful, but also very romantic. The hill landscape and and the seemingly orderless roads add an element of the unknown and discovery. There are also the classic old churches and gardens with bright flowers:
The city is also fmous for its mines and mummies:
A Beautiful State
Besides the beautiful city, there are many amazing places to see throughout the state, which has the same name. These include the town where the Mexican War of Independence started (Dolores Hidalgo,) old monasteries and a huge statue of Jesus on hill (called “Cierro de Cubilete”) just north of the city of Guanajuato:
A Touch of the International
While I’ve said that Guanajuato is largely off the international radar, there are a couple of striking exeptions. One is the town of San Miguel de Allende, which is a beautiful colonial town that is home to between 8000 and 12,000 expats, mostly Americans. This is one of the largest community of Americans in Mexico, and they have been largely responsible for restoring and keeping up the authentic colonial beauty of the town.
Another exception is that in 2012, the pope visted the City of Guanajuato and gave a Mass at the bottom of the hill where the huge state of Jesus; since he was old, he couldn’t travel to the top:
Some Americans will be familiar with San Miguel de Allende or the pope’s visit to El Cierro de Cubilete, but even most of these will be unaware that these are located within the State of Guanajuato, or of the riches to be seen and experienced here!
I would certainly recommend Guanajuato as a top option for a place to visit on your travels around Mexico – or even to live in for those interested in a small colonial town like San Miguel.
-by Bea Lozano
Happy Labor Day from Playa del Carmen!
What is the ideal way to spend your Labor Day weekend? Tell us, we want to know.
Find Us on Facebook [www.facebook.com/LetsRetireinMexico] and let us know. Don´t be shy!
-by Bea Lozano
Running the 10 Kilometer Cancun Neon Race
For all you runners out there! We wanted to draw attention to the great race opportunities that are being offered here in the Riviera Maya. Like other major cities all across the world, the Riviera Maya is joining in on this much participated trend. Last month we told you about 5k and 10k (3 and 6 mile) race that was held right here in Playa del Carmen and since then we have traveled to Cancun to participate in the 5 and 10 k Neon Race in Cancun.
A Family Event
This turned out to be an incredible event for runners and also for supporters who were cheering on their friends and family! The event started at 6 pm where runners got themselves all decked out with Neon Paint and glow sticks! There were other items for sale like funny colorful hats, sunglasses and glowing headbands! It was a chance to express yourself and be creative while you run! We saw people all dressed up with neon colored wigs, body paint, crazy skirts and stockings and bright colored running sneakers! It definitely brought personality and fun to running!
Neon Night
As soon as the night sky came along the sky was lit up with Neon colors and it looked awesome!! There was a slight hiccup when a huge raincloud made its way through about 10 minutes before starting but that didn’t stop the runners. The race went on! Thankfully the rain stopped shortly after and the runners had a dry run!
Why Pay to Run?
But what’s with the trend? Why would someone pay money for a number for something they can do for free every day in their own neighborhood?
One of our team members who ran the race says:
“I don’t necessarily love running but I am addicted to the feeling you get when crossing the finish line! It’s amazing to see all the people out there cheering you on! It’s invigorating and exciting and gives you adrenaline!
“Nobody actually wants to run a 21k or 42k race but they want the feeling you get from surviving it and accomplishing the seemingly impossible task of pushing your body to the limit and fighting through to the end. It makes other things seem less impossible in life.
“We all run for different reasons and all of them being great ones and healthy ones! You can run because your happy or maybe you need to burn some anger, or maybe you just want to let your mind be free for each step you take towards the finish line; it could be as simple as running for a cause like breast cancer or other wonderful organizations where your efforts will be appreciated.
“I have good strong legs! When I run I remember the people who don’t have legs and wish they could run. This is why I run and why it feels good!”
As the Good Feeling catches on we will likely see more and more of these races popping up and definitely more contributors. If you are looking for other race opportunities close to Playa here are a couple recommendations:
“The running Dead Cancun” https://www.facebook.com/TheRunningDeadCancun coming to Puerto Morelos on September 22nd! You may choose to be a runner having to escape the zombies or twist it up a bit and do a monster chase to scare away the runners. Sounds like a super fun haunted house type event to me!
Then there is the Annual Marathon Riviera Maya coming October 27th right in Playa del Carmen! https://www.facebook.com/maratonrivieramaya
-by Bea Lozano
Travel Advisory Against Connecticut: American Woman Killed in Drug Conflict
“BREAKING NEWS: Travel Advisory against Connecticut: American Woman Killed in Drug Conflict”
“After a 40-year-old American woman was shot dead in a conflict involving the cocaine trade, U.S. Officials have issued an official advisory against travel to Connecticut, and have strongly suggested that Americans avoid New England …”
Sounds absurd doesn’t it?
Well, this would be only a little more absurd than many headlines that are thrown out there about Mexico. The only part that’s more absurd is that if someone were killed in a drug conflict in Connecticut it would be taken for granted that it is an American. Also, it would be impossible for the millions of Americans in the area to avoid such travel!
But there are two ideas we need to notice; one is that we don’t avoid going to Connecticut or the surrounding area because people are killed in drug conflicts. The other is that people do, in fact, get killed in drug conflicts and similar senseless crime on a regular basis there, as in many other parts of the U.S.
You can read the news story here.
Yet, if an American were shot in a drug conflict in Tijuana, it would be all over the news, and some Americans would be canceling their trips to Cancun.
People should always be careful when they plan their travels, whether it’s in Mexico or in the U.S. But the best tool is to be informed by actual data and not by sensational news stories.
-by Thomas Lloyd
