I have just returned from a 5-day trip to Mexico (Cancun) and Chicago is finally starting to feel like home. It is so nice to have a place to come back to that is familiar. That being said, just a few things about Mexico…
– They say the water is sketchy. We were at a 5-star resort, so I didn’t think it would be a problem. Now I’m realizing that just about any foreign country has different foods and water supplies and you never know how it’s going to affect your body. So…just be prepared.
– Mexico is a strange and beautiful place. There is an overwhelming military/government presence that is offset by the almost nonchalant attitude of the natives. They are a people immersed in pride for their history and local culture but a little stuck when it comes to contemporary culture. The landscape can only be described as “strips”–large, modern buildings (Sam’s Club?!) are contrasted by nearby dusty shacks and adobo-like tequilerias all along the same length of highway. Everything seems very spread out and very flat, hot and dry.
-Amidst all these contrasting economic levels lies the neighborhood of Playacar, the wealthy “American” resort area (you don’t find many Mexicans vacationing here…but I can’t help but notice it must provide a lot of good jobs). The resort where we stayed had to have been one of the best–they are all lined up along the beach and you can walk along the beachfronts of each different resort where cabanas and lounge chairs are strewn for vacationers from the US to Germany (apparently the Europeans don’t realize that nude beaches are restricted to certain areas!)
-“All-inclusive” = amazing. What a treat to have someone else foot the bill for every meal, drink or room-service you desire! It was as good as a second honeymoon!
-If you ever go to Mexico, choose a resort in Playacar and don’t leave the area. Don’t take a cab unless it is called by the hotel staff and don’t wander around aimlessly. It’s a fun place to be, but beneath the easy-breezy exterior there can be a lot of dangerous things. To end on a happy note….thank goodness it’s 60 degrees today in Chicago! 🙂
hiddenart
So, how *hot* was the weather? Humid? I mean in comparison to what it would be like in the summer, surely it was milder sunshine?
marjoriefair
@hiddenart – It was actually really perfect—hot, but there was a constant breeze from the ocean, so it didn’t get sweltering. I guess this was their “winter” weather. It did get cooler in the evenings (in the 50s), but the coldest was when I was on the fishing boat–the sea wind made it freezing!
P.S. Ha…just saw on the news a woman got arrested for breast-feeding and talking on her cell phone at the same time while driving! Crazy!!