Coast to Coast

Well Jonna and Mimi have been trying to get us back to Akumal for some time now but I was always reluctant as our border collies were old and couldn't do the trip and I would never leave them with anyone but sadly they are no longer with us so, Akumal became an easier trip. Barney our cat came though so there were 3 dogs and 4 cats in total and Barney never stopped complaining the whole time we were there. He isn't allowed out at the condo so spent the whole time trying to escape.

However it was great to get away. This time we did a few things we hadn't done before. Mimi had to leave early to help with the free Spay and Neuter clinic in Merida but Jonna stayed ( so were down to 2 dogs and  Barney  ) and we even extended our stay a couple of days too.

We decided to go to Puerto Aventuras which is  a man made area of lagoons, high end condos, shops and restaurants all connected by walkways. The lagoons house many dolphins and the displays are quite amazing.

How the other half live

Tricks a plenty

  

Enjoying a limonade or something

Mmm what are they renting exactly?

Next on the list was Playa del Carmen and famous fifth Avenue. I came here with Claire about 8 years ago and nothing much has changed....... there's just more of it. It's very touristy which I quite like actually. Tourists are usually in a good mood after all they are out to enjoy themselves. The thing is having lived in Mexico for two years I have realised that the souvenir shops are all the same wherever you are..... same old tat.

Playa del Carmen 5th Avenue.

Limomenta

We stopped for lunch at this little Thai place that Jonna knew where we had the best drink ever...Non alchoholic I might say. Limomenta we think it was called... It was like a slushy in texture and a mix of lemon and mint...Mmmmm delicious and refreshing.

Onwards and upwards as they say....Talum beach...................

Wow, I couldn't believe the sand  how soft it felt underfoot a, like silver dust . Actually Jonna had an explanation for this.  She said it probably comes from the vast amounts of coral that the parrot fish nibble on. So basically it's made from Parrot fish sh... It  tainted the illusion somehow but made me laugh at the same time.......So next time you walk on Talum beach remember.....Parrot fish sh..

Our favourite place to eat in Akumal is The Turtle bay cafe owned by Jen and Brad. they do a great breakfast and bake all their own pastries.

Turtle Bay cafe

Turtle Bay cafe

We were lucky to visit Brad and Jens house as Mimi had to pick up some dog cages. Jen is very much involved in animal care and rescue in Akumal and told us at one point she rescued 18 dogs from an animal shelter that was closing dow just so they wouldn't be put to sleep.

At present she has 5 dogs and numerous cats that roam freely . They have 3 hectares in the jungle....yes jungle... even the monkeys pay them a visit now and again..... Not everybody's cup of tea but hey it takes all sorts?

They have a lovely house, very open plan and one of the biggest bathrooms I have ever seen... but as Jen say the dogs follow you all over so you need a big bathroom..... yeah right Jen, just why I would have a big bathroom too ?........ but then, she is animal bonkers.

Mimi and Stephen on the porch.

They have the most amazing pool...it is made from an actual cenote and right outside their front door.

How cool is this?

Our last day was spent on the beach only a few short steps from  Jonna and Mimi's condo....

Bliss

The view over Half Moon Bay

The view from the apartment.





We really are lucky to have great friends......... especially the ones with such a great place in Akumal. We had a great time as usual.



Now I will leave you with one thought ... they say every picture tells a story......

..

This is a pitcher of Margaritas...........what was I thinking ?