February 23 - 29, 2020

Another exciting week for us, Denis and Sharon 

(MacDougal) Durie came to Puerto Morelos 

for 2 weeks vacation on the Port side, they live in Strathroy, Ontario. Sharon is originally from our home town of Manitowaning.

Sharon has a lot in common with Howard and Theresa because she went to high school in Espanola. Not at the same time of course but they know a lot of the same people. Small world sometimes.

Allan installed a new ceiling fan in the 

bathroom of our casa and

 and Ann Maguire came to stay with us until the 
end of our time here this year.

The first day with us Allan had to go to Cancun for dental work so Ann and I went with him as far as Plaza Las Americas for a bit of shopping.

They still have a Sears store there with the same great selection and the prices as they had here in Canada. How I do miss Sears stores and the old catalogues.

Following lunch at the Olive Garden in Plaza Las Americas we went to Market 23 where I was able to purchase some vanilla beans for Clinton, he wants to make his own vanilla.

During a walk through of the Market we came upon these beautiful dresses.

When we arrived back in Puerto Morelos 

we went to the port for dinner where Ann was able to 
have her lobster dinner.

 Lobster was on the top of her list as a must have.

We ate at El Pesquero,  I didn't notice the snow machine crossing sign until it was pointed out to me. lol

Another item to mark off her list was waffles at El Nicho for brunch. 

 Allan's Hibiscus is doing well, it had  been taken over with a bug, our gardener Chucho suggested a spray which I bought and it works wonders. I didn't know but apparently these plants can be little bug factories.

When Allan was cleaning off the pool bodega roof I was able to get a photo of the neighbour's flowering vine. Just gorgeous.

The remote for one of our air conditioners needed 

to be replaced, nothing is simple. We were unable to program it to work so we called in Fernando - Fernando can fix anything!

We do cook meals in often, this time we had chicken wings and fries - Oh so good especially with Heinz Ketchup!

The next day was to be a beach day, BRRR was it cold - the sun was not shining and the North wind was blowing hard.

Notice not too many umbrellas were open, no sun so no need.

The temperature went down to 23 degrees that early afternoon,

and down to 18 degrees in the late afternoon, early evening. I guess this is winter in Mexico. 

Saturday Denis, Allan, Howard,Theresa, myself, Ann and Sharon went to Playa Del Carmen for dinner at the Alux restaurant. 

https://www.aluxrestaurant.com/en/

Dinner in a cave, what an amazing atmosphere!

Our meal began with this little cold potato on a pleasant tasting sauce. Denis and Howard looked at each other with a quizzical look, wondering if  this was an indication of the size of servings for the balance of the meal.

Orders at our table consisted of Cornish Hen,

Wild Boar,

                     and Duck.

Our dinner was served in the large open dining area but there were small private tables set up in openings throughout  the cavern for a more private/intimate setting.

The variation of lighting makes the cavern beautiful.

Need I mention that two in our group left the table hungry? I won't mention names.

Ann found the feathered man waiting for a photo op.

This concludes another week in paradise.

Take care folks, stay safe, stay warm and keep smiling.

February 16 - 22, 2020

The week of February 16th began with the Carnival parade Sunday evening. We were able to meet with friends at 

La Cabana Restaurant for dinner and a perfect 

view of the parade as it passed by on Ave. Timon.

Alan B, Suzanne B, Susan G and Allan and I.

The parade floats were abundant and colourful again this year.

  

So much work goes into each and every float.

Monday we stopped for lunch at Las Koras on Calle Chaca near Timon for lunch, I love my shrimp cocktails!

The chef in the BBQ area was preparing 

 octopuses/octopi (depending on your grammar choice) for cooking.

Aside from eating out and joining in on the local festivities we do have to make time for house cleaning. Windows were on the list this week.

Lew and his friend 

the red hatter, met us for dinner again the week,

this time at La Pepita. We met Lew and Gloria years back when we were staying with Rob and Joanne at Casa De Los Viajeros on the port side, we try to get together as often as we can while in Puerto Morelos.

Another great dinner!

The trees and bushes are so beautiful when in bloom.

NEW! This Chicken/Pizza place is opening up  just one street North of us on the corner of Propela and Velero. It was not open so if anyone has any information on it let us know. Hopefully it is still open when we return in October so we can try it out.

Calle Goleta has an auto-body repair shop and painting for your automobiles. There is always a car in the yard being worked on which makes me think he is busy.

We will be heading home soon, that means I am so going to miss the refried beans of Mexico.

One day this week we made  a trip into Cancun and on the way we stopped at the Tequila Factory. At the entrance we found this tree interesting with its decorative wrappings, but there was no explanation as to the reason for the scarves.

Last year was our first visit when Clinton was in Puerto Morelos. This year Allan and I decided to make a return trip  to purchase some tequila to take home to Clinton because he did not get to come Puerto Morelos this year to purchase his own.

Claudia joined us, she had never been to this particular Tequila Factory and wanted to sample their types and flavours.

There are many to choose from, making it very difficult to decide which one you like the best.

The brand  is  "Berrinche Tequila" and is made in Jalisco, Mexico. The host told us they are now trying to sell their products in British Columbia Canada. Once that is approved I hope Ontario is next.

Yes there is a tequila with a worm in the bottom of the bottle and you are expected to eat it with the last drink. 

Reminds me of  the traditional Sourtoe Cocktail in Dawson City https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGzfENx7I-U

YUK! Gag a maggot, I can not imagine!

Following the shopping spree of this trip we stopped at Cantina La Curva an authentic Mexican restaurant at the intersection of Av. Del Sol and Ave. Andres Quintana Roo in Cancun. An excellent choice and it was a return trip for us.

Each of us ordered independently along with this dish to share. There is no English spoken here so we were happy that Emilio and Claudia were with us.

On Saturday there was a "Margarita" contest held at I Wanna Pizza to raise funds for animals. Several people made Margaritas for you to sample, at the end of  your sampling you were asked to put a donation into the collection jar of the Margarita mixologist who made the Margareta  you liked best. The money was counted from each collection jar and the person with the largest amount of money won the contest.

I joined Claudia there and used the event as an 

opportunity to get her back to our house for 

her surprise birthday party at 5:30

It worked! She was very trusting and believed all the fibs I told her to get her there. She was certainly surprised.

We invited a small group of Claudia's 

closest friends for the occasion.

Her birthday is on in March after we leave to 

head back to Canada so we thought we would 

hold a small surprise party for her.

 We love you Claudia, you have certainly been a 

blessing in our lives. I know you will enjoy your 

real birthday with family this time - do have fun!

Until next post stay safe, stay warm and keep smiling because that smile is warming  the hearts of the people you meet.