Playa del Carmen

My parents came to visit us for the second time since we've been in Mexico. Since they had already seen what Ciudad del Carmen had to offer, we decided to take the party elsewhere. They flew into Cancun, and we drove to Playa del Carmen just 30 minutes south. We stayed at The Royal, perfectly located on the beach and 5th Avenue. The property was gorgeous, the staff was very helpful, and the drinks were plentiful. :p We spent most of our days enjoying the beach and ended every night playing cards as a family. I have to say that we feel pretty darn lucky to have such gorgeous beaches in our backyard. 

My favorite part of the resort was the pool outside of our room. We laid in those lounge chairs most afternoons while a waitress brought us drink, after drink, after drink, after… well you get the point. My mom had a good laugh when I asked "Do we tell her to stop bringing drinks at some point?!" Luckily the sun went down before my liver gave out. 

 

We apparently decided to travel on the busiest weekend in the Riviera Maya. Between Mexican Nationals traveling for Easter vacation and Spring Breakers, the beach was a little crowded. We somehow managed to enjoy ourselves being served unlimited drinks at the beach and people watching.

 

 

Our trip to Playa del Carmen was so much fun! I have to say that it's fun as you get older to become friends with your parents. You always think of them as your best friends growing up, but now that I'm "Billy's problem" we really cut up together. This trip was definitely one for the books.

Pascua en Mérida

Last Sunday I had the wonderful joy of spending Easter, or Pascua as it is called in Spanish, with my family in Mérida. We were lucky enough to experience the tradition and culture that is shared in the White City every Sunday. We started our day with a bike ride down the beautiful Paseo de Montejo. Every Sunday in Mérida, Paseo de Montejo is closed down from 8am-12pm to allow families to enjoy the historic street by cruising on bikes, running, or even roller blading. 

Once we completed the route, we returned our bikes and headed to the Centro Historico. One of my favorite parts of Mérida is the main square, Plaza Grande, where the Catholic Cathedral is located. On Sundays, they close down the streets by the square and have an open-air market where vendors sell handmade, traditional goods including hammocks, clothing, and toys. 

On one side of the square is an art museum in the old governor's palace. We discovered this gem when we visited Mérida with Billy's parents, Mrs. Gail and Mr. Steve. The building is filled with breathtaking political murals. From the outside, you can catch a cool view of the Cathedral through the museum's arches. 

Finally, to close out our Sunday in the square, we found our place to watch the traditional Yucatecan dance that takes place at 1pm on the side of the square. The dancers wear traditional garb and dance to familiar songs as a way to honor their culture. 

As you can see, Billy and I had a very memorable Easter with my parents. I wanted to do these activities the last few times that I visited Mérida. I'm glad that I could finally cross them off of my bucket list with people who are special to me. It was definitely a day that I'll never forget!