Day one In Playa Del Carmen, and more

 Day One - Travel to Playa Del Carmen

I had to get up at 3am to get to the airport.  The flight was at 5:30am.  Harrison and I had most of the car packed and ready to go.  I had 5 suitcases, LARGE suitcases, and two carry on bags.  And a Mask,  And a water bottle.....  I only had to re arrange three of the suitcases and leave a few things behind to get under the 50 pound limit of each suitcase.  

A teary and sleepy goodbye to Harrison and the USA and off I went.  The flights were just fine, on time and smooth.  I got to the baggage carousel in Cancun, and, realized I had 6 suitcases, and just me to try and push two full luggage carts!  What to do?  One of the employees said she would help me, but she was too busy and I knew my ride was waiting. So, I tried to push them both myself.  They would go along okay for a few feet, then begin to drift apart.  I would push one, then the other, go back for the other.  Hilarious and slow going.  I was determined to keep my sense of humor!  No one offered a hand, and I just kept on.  Of course, customs motioned me over.  Two clerks went through my suitcases, all of them, very aggressively.  They broke the zipper on one and everything went tumbling out.  They just walked away.  One coffee mug I brought with me broke.  (no, not a clouds mug)  One of them did help me push the two carts about 10 feet.  Whoo Hoo!

 

I mushed along, and made it outside.  I could not find my ride but I texted him that I was staying put.  He would have to find me.  He did, by asking if one of the security people if they had seen the 'lady pushing two carts'!  They had of course, noticed me.  Crazy lady with two carts...  And he found me, and off we went!  Driving in my 2007 Chevy Malibu :-)  

 

The apartment in Playa Del Carmen is fine.  Nice pool and walking area.  The two teachers, Erika and Jaime are making me feel very welcome.  I have all I need to get started on my new life. Erika has filled my fridge and Jaime has shrimp tacos and ceviche waiting for me!  Yum! I sleep great and get acclimated to the heat, humidity and time change.  

 

We go see the school on Saturday.  It is in the jungle.  So quiet, and wild.   It is inspiring.  I can picture the children here, and I am getting close to picturing myself there, teaching.  It is HOT and humid.  Something to get used to.  Everyone talks about the weather.

 

We then go to see a surprise... Jaime tells me it is a cenote.  It is a kind of sink hole, but to call it a hole does it a disservice.  It is a fresh water round 'hole' surrounded by the jungle.  They are all over in this part of Mexico.  There are a lot of underground rivers and caves.  Some of them 'cave' in over time and a deep cenote is formed.  It can be 40 meters deep. We are the only two there and it is magical.  Just to float on my back in the center of this dark, deep body of water, looking up at the sky and the clouds.  I feel grounded.  And so relaxed. 

 

 

I spend the next few days sleeping well and taking naps!  I explore the tourist area on 5th street with lots of shops and food.  It is not very crowded, and reminds me a bit of Fishermans Wharf with tons of street vendors and salesman....  I do get to the ocean.  The beaches are closed except for the private resorts.  They expect to open the beaches and the parks in a week.  

Really??  :-)

 

I am getting acclimated to the heat, the humidity and the culture.  I am supposed to start work on Monday, the 17th, but it looks like the staff may take another week off and I will be free.  I am thinking of going to Cozumel for a few days, as the rates for hotels are very low right now!!  

 

Hasta Luego!