Oh Mexico...

Well, needless to say, coming back from our vacation has not been an easy adjustment. Our time was spent in the tiny coastal town Puerto Aventuras. It was an absolutely beautiful, quiet, and peaceful vacation.Despite the fact that it was Easter week the beaches were rather quiet in out little part of Mexico. Further up the coast in Playa del Carmen, Cancun, and Cozumel they were crowded with vacationers with families and of course the ever present spring break crowd.We were very pleased to have missed out on the crowds and feel like we really found a little paradise in this tiny town. Hopefully it will stay that way.Each morning were greeted by happy smiling pineapples down by the beach. The locals were very friendly and accommodating. Our weather could not have been more perfect. Warm humid nights and sunny, breezy days with temps in the mid-eighties. What more could you possibly ask for after a long winter in Minnesota?

Of course this is where most of our time was spent, but we also did some excursions to Playa del Carmen and took the ferry out to Cozumel. Both were very crowded and busy, but I must say the shopping for the most part was fun.

What's a Mexican vacation without some ice cold cerveza to keep you cool.Much of my time was spent in this position enjoying the view. However, I did manage to get in a couple of runs in and around the resort and the marina. I also got on a spin bike for an hour one morning, but aside from this and all the walking we did while shopping I never even thought about or missed the bike.Along with cerveza there was the always ever present margarita or two. Believe when I say that two of these was plenty for this amigo.

It appears that a good deal of my time was spent in this position. Now doesn't this just look inviting and relaxing? It's a good thing that none of you can see that Speedo I'm wearing. (Ha! Ha!)

The evening were right up there with the sun and the beach. The food we had each night was phenomenal and I enjoyed a variety of shrimp dishes during the course of our week there.

I even enjoyed the shopping which didn't include REI, the local bike shop, or an online cycling retailer. We came home with some exquisite pottery and a variety of other things.

These are a few of the things that we purchased. I really enjoyed the colorful clothing and artwork.

One of the other odd things I enjoyed was the Spanish architecture. Particular the stairs leading to people's apartments or condos around the marina. I just love the combination of curves and straight lines and this photo was only one of many.

This is a view of the marina in Puerto Aventuras. Swimming dolphins, tiny shop, and several good restaurants highlight the marina area.

Evenings around the marina were the most beautiful and also very relaxing.

Some of the fishing charters would entertain their clients to a grill out of their days catch and there was never a day that they came without something to throw on the grill.Some of the live entertaining at Cafe Ole' that we got to listen to each night. Mostly American musicians and American music. Primarily folk music which I found enjoyable.

Our view of Cafe Ole' from the suite that we stayed in. What could be more relaxing that laying in a hammock, reading a good book, and listening to some fine music. What a fantastic vacation we had.

I envision myself returning to this little paradise quite often in the future. I'm even seriously considering getting my dive certification so I can add this to my list of activities the next time we go down.