Tuesday afternoon we decided (okay, I decided) that we should head into Playa del Carmen so that Shirley can have the experience of "Regatear" (Haggling) with the aggressive merchants. . .One guy had the audacity to say to me "Don't be so CHEAP!" In plain English! Shirley bought a couple of trinkets. . .I didn't buy anything.
We rode on the Collectivo. We walked a short distance to the main road (pretty much an expressway). There we stood on the side of the road, and soon a minivan came racing toward us with lights flashing and horn beeping (asking us if we want a ride). . .We waved and he stopped just past us like he was picking up a hitchhiker, and then "backed up" on the expressway. Still we got on, and I'm sure Shirley was worried about her safety at first. But it was a very nice air conditioned mini van, and a safe ride to Playa del Carmen. GREAT American music enroute to Playa. If you come here, definitely use the Collectivo. . .It's reasonable ($3 per person each way to Playa del Carmen and back) which is about a 30 minute drive. A taxi is over $30 one way. Look for this symbol on minivans (the public transportation here):
Our Dinner at Le Gourmet was SOOO Freaking Fantastic, we had to go back to the same restaurant last night for more. I told you all about Raymundo Valle, who sets us up with our every wish. . .After our dinner at Le Gourmet, we met an associate of Raymundo. . .Marisol Martinez. REMEMBER THESE TWO NAMES IF YOU EVER WANT TO COME TO THIS RESORT (we'll take some pictures with them before we leave). They will make sure that your vacation is all that you dream. Marisol pulled a couple of strings and got us a second reservation at Le Gourmet right away.
At Le Gourmet. . .From the minute you walk in the door, the staff is attentive. . .As soon as you are seated, a cocktail (Kir Royale) arrives along with a warm wash cloth.
Here are some culinary pictures of our dinner there on Tuesday and Wednesday:
My appetizer of Terrine de Fois Gras. . .MUY Delicioso! And Shirley's "Garden Salade". . .(To each his or her own)
We had our choice of two soups. . .A shellfish bisque (Fantastic) or Creme of Almond Soup (Heavenly). I ate the Shellfish bisque the first night and Creme de Almond the second night. . .We will definitely have to make this. The next picture is my entree of marinated salmon with a satiny buerre blanc and a combination of red and black caviar. . .Comida de Los Reyes (Food of the Kings). . .Shirley had grilled shrimp
Then the desserts. . .We each ordered a different cold souffle. I had asked the staff if they could prepare sometihing tableside. . .They refused us (It was a busy night and I didn't see the Maitre D who usually does the flambees). . .The desserts look much better than they taste, as is consistent with our experience at almost all "all inclusive" resorts:
The second night, I chose an appetizer of roasted sea scallops with asparagus (Shirley ate that same salad she had the night before):
We passed on dessert the second night. . .Instead, we had Bailey's on the Rocks!
The Guest Services Staff here (Raymundo and Marisol) never cease to impress us with little "Extras", always doing something more (like getting us reservations, even last minute; having the housekeeping staff do things to our suite. . .etc). . .Last night after we got back from dinner, here's what we found (along with another bottle of tequila):
The sweet life continues. . .My favorite thing to do during the day is to grab a lawn chair, pull it into the water, order up a tropical drink. . .like a bahama mama, pina colada, mojito, etc. . .Then just lie there basking in the sun. . .The waves wash up over you, keeping you slightly cool. . .The bottomless insulated mug keeps you cool on the inside. . .and you don't even have to get up to use the bathroom. I stayed there WAY TOO LONG yesterday, and today I have a red stomach and chest to show for it. More sunscreen today!!
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