Robert's Travel Blog

 It was a beautiful day, with just a few clouds, so I took the bus (12 pesos/69¢) to Playa Delfines, Dolphins Beach. It's as beautiful as it looks.  The sand is tiny and white and the ocean is big and turquoise. The palapas (umbrella-looking thingies) are free, but you have to arrive early to stake your claim: Down to the beach! Yes, there was seaweed.  I don't mind, and love the smell. I had to wade in up to my ankles! Then I was barefoot so my feet would dry, and the sand was so hot I was literally hopping! Looks like fun!

The truth about my day going from downtown to the Zona Hotelera.  90/32 degrees + 70% humidity, "feels like" 108/42. I don't know what made me think it was a good idea to skip lunch (vague ideas of finding something I could eat) and go out in the noonday sun, mad dogs and Englishmen? This little guy was crossing the street just down the road.  My first iguana of the trip. Have I mentioned that I used to have an iguana as a pet?  His name was "Iggy," but not because of the reason you're thinking -- rather, he looked like Iggy Pop. You cross the ADO bus station with its lovely new heat-radiating asphalt. And on to Avenida Tulum, where the R1 and R2 buses go down to the Hotel Zone. (Just a bonus pic of a typical street stand.) Problem #1: where (the fuck) are the bus stops???? I raised my hand, but two R1 buses ignored me.  Already sweaty hot. It turns out your best bet is to look for a cluster of people by the road. Hopefully there are a few that want the same...

 Within a few blocks from my apartment, there are four parks.  They didn't have any signs (that I noticed) with their names, and Google Maps was no help, so they'll have to remain anonymous. On the way: Park #1: Groovy Banyan tree trunk! Very pretty: Park #2: Interesting recycling! Occasionally you see a "mototaxi" (tuk-tuk): I have no idea what this is or what it means: Park #3 wasn't as nice, and wasn't maintained very well: Park #4: Cool benches! By this time I was a sweaty mess.  Time for ice cream! Snickers flavor, yum! ($2.57)

 There's a really nice plant stand, with lots of plants I coveted: Restaurant La Parrilla (grill), nice but too pricey for me! Why? To remind you that you're eating the flesh of what was once a living animal? Setting up for some kind of fun fair: Kinda cool-looking hotel: My destination, food stands! The next night . . . And the fun fair was in full swing! It's part of Guelaguetza, a festival that celebrates everything Oaxacan.  In Oaxaca, but Cancún has its own version. Everyone loves a surprise package, right? I got one for 100 pesos ($5.71): Et viola! The phone holder is cute but so lightweight that it falls over as soon as you put your phone in it: And I don't need a new wallet! The name "Grenobil" does make it tempting, though. This fun fair so reminded me of the carnivals of my youth in Greenwood.  Same rides.  In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if some of them are the very ones :) I HAD to go on one, so picked the Trabant (apparently aka the Mexican S...