Turkey Day in Playa

11-27-08

It is beautiful here. Last night we had our own spin of a traditional Thanksgiving meal. It was an experience going to the local grocery store (Mega was the name) and picking out the items to cook. And, as a side note...it was all improvised because where we're staying doesn't have a kitchen stocked with spices and herbs, etc. So, it is very much of a "make do with what you can" environment.

Our Thanksgiving meal included pollo (chicken) ranchera style with mashed potatoes, green beans and aquash with bread. It was delicious. We ate outside on the palaypa and the weather was gorgeous. Afterwards, we met up with Liz's classmates at her school and went for Salsa lessons. The lessons were held in a cuban bar where the dance instructor was bilingual (English/Spanish). Girls were matched with guys and even if the number was off, the instructor was quick to get guys from the bar off their bar stools and out on the dance floor to appease the tourist! :o)

The night ended with a walk along the beach where there were locals tending to their fruit stands and a game of sand soccer going on across the street. These are the places that I like best...away from the tourist trap and a flavor or more local culture and lifestyle.

Tomorrow I am anticipating going to a more private beach and visiting some ruins. Tulum is nearby which is the Mayan ruins but it is an hour drive and I'm not sure when/if I will make it there. Instead, I am giong to visit the ones in Playa that have been moved here off the coast and placed closer to the town.