Living life in Quintana-Roo, Mexico
After our shortened stay in Belize, we settled in nicely at our Airbnb in the Tao Community near Akumal on the Mayan Riviera. Two days in and we already felt “at home.” The Akumal condo was a fantastic 2 bed/2 bath with a great outdoor space that included a private rooftop terrace with jacuzzi. I'm so in love with that condo, I wish I could snatch it up and plop it down next to some mountains 😊
The entire area seems to be expats, mostly from Canada. It’s a different experience for us being surrounded by expats. We usually stay in places that are a little off the beaten path, but I have to say, the weather kinda makes up for any complaints we might have about the area!
Last week, after twenty-eight days in our Akumal condo, we moved to a beautiful Casita in Puerto Aventuras. Our Casita sits on a 1.5 acre jungle property with the Airbnb host living in the main house. Generally, we avoid staying places with the Airbnb host on property just because we like our privacy. We made an exception on this one since it had glowing reviews, a 25 meter lap pool, and a dog. I kinda wish Airbnb had a search function for “temporary pet offered.” If we are still nomads ten years from now, I think we'll need to figure out the whole full time travel with a dog thing. I miss having a dog! But for now, I'll love on our local dog Branca!
Branca, our “temporary pet” lounging with me at the pool.
We have been slowly getting out and exploring the area, but have gotten in the habit of lazing by the pool and enjoying the sun most afternoons. Between this area being more of a touristy place than we are used to and Covid, we enjoy the peace and quiet of the pool. Plus our host here at the Casita has been so fun to chat with. She's a warm soul and I find it easy to get caught up talking with her, only to notice that it’s been hours when I look at my watch and realize it's past dinnertime. Ah, when you get two extroverts together, right?!
I've also been going to physical therapy—for $15 for an hour session! And it’s the best therapy I've ever had. She spends about forty-five minutes of the session massaging and stretching me. Sometimes Jim and I joke about what would change in our lives if we won the lottery? Jim says business class/first class tickets everywhere we go. I think a full-time PT traveling with me would be on the list. If not a PT, at least a massage therapist!
The area isn't a hotbed of Covid, but did recently move to level “orange” which restricts the number of people allowed at the beach, restaurants, etc. For the touristy stuff means 30% capacity. Nice to know whatever we decide to do won't be too busy!
The beach clubs have been nice—eating and relaxing on the beach with snorkeling sprinkled in—and I'm looking forward to trying out our new waterproof GoPro in the next few days. Stay tuned for some video once it's in hand!
Jim continues to make new jungle friends in the evenings while I'm sleeping. Like a baby tarantula. Ah, life in the jungle, right?