* You may have noted a change of narrative already, and perhaps the 'Now with added Dave' in the intro. It is true, that in the harmonious spirit of forthcoming matrimony, Mr. Samantha Frost has been conscripted to contribute to 'The Sam Show' - both in keystrokes and adventures. Hi there, I'm Dave... But more about that later!
Goodbye Hummer, hello velour tracksuits & small dogs in carry-on bags at LAX. With tickets and 1st nights accommodation booked only hours previously, we grip the aforementioned Piñata stick and start swinging. I can't wait to become immersed in the country that I've researched extensively and dreamed of visiting for years. Cancun International Airport doesn't quite deliver this opportunity however - not unless Mexico was a life and death game show! Edgy looking soldiers clutching triggers on their automatic weapons stand post at customs, as after clearing metal detectors every arriving passenger has to press a button which illuminates a big 'light-box of fate' - green & you're free to go, red & out come the rubber gloves for a thorough search! Fortune would have it we both landed a green light. We clear the last dregs of lobster red Spring Break 'revelers' who have seemingly bought the region out of sombrero's and tequila, and step out into Mexico
Playa Del Carmen has so much to offer - although our hotel is not one of those things. Sure it's new and very well appointed, but would you choose to laze by the pool under the buzzing tower of power lines that carry enough current to supply the entire region. Or with the drone of the freeway within stones throw, rather than the gentle lapping of the Caribbean? My anxiousness to absorb 'real' Mexico is further compounded by this conundrum. Only time and much chin rubbing rumination will reveal, the enormous impact of the tourist dollar has resulted in many regions of this proud country bastardising its own sense of identity for economic survival and the almighty greenback. Mayan Theme parks anyone? Lonely Planet claims Playa Del Carmen is the fastest growing city in Mexico, and in the entire world (?), but in places this booming growth seems so haphazard that it surely can't end well. Perhaps now that 'Mexican' Swine Influenza paranoia has decimated the regions biggest industry, things might slow down a little and normalcy may return. But enough amateur town planning philosophising - back to the holiday blog fun...!!
Needless to say upon sunrise we relocated - our home for the next few adventurous days would be the aptly titled 'Hotel Banana' - right in the mix near the Mad Cow restaurant, opposite Señor Frog's. Those crazy Mexicans - so much fun!! Our primary objective for this entire escapade is beach time, and getting some serious tan on. As such, it isn't long before we find our nirvana in every cardinal direction - prone upon beach beds, with the glistening white sand below us, the wind capped milky blue Caribbean at our feet, the blazing tropical sun above, and of course Apple Martini's in hand. Living 'la vida buena'...
Feeling suitably fabulous after more than the 1 apple the doctor recommends daily, we decide to investigate the fabled PDC nightlife. Standard reconnaissance procedure applies -Scout the strip of bars and clubs to see what's on offer, and return to best option. In this case with the red carpet and Mayan Riviera glitterati on the door. With 'door bitch' spiel ready we approach, however no Spanish or English is even spoken, the velvet rope is pulled back and we glide into a stunning rooftop club - made all the better by the open bar, endless canapés and random Rubik's cubes on offer. It would be rude not to capitalise on such hospitality - for a few hours! Eventually we depart our ivory castle and literally and figuratively descend back on street level, and make for the loudest sound system along the endless row of beach clubs. As if on cue, the DJ rips into a megamix of classic old-school hip-hop and we bounce and crunk ourselves into a frenzy! …D
No comments:
Post a Comment