Michele in Playa's blog

Dia de los Muertos in Playa del Carmen

Michele in Playa — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 14:25:49 -0500

Most people, knowing my disinterest in Halloween, are confused to learn that I really enjoy the celebration of Dia de los Muertos. As a matter of fact, this is my favorite holiday in my new home country and I look forward to it every year! Commonly known as Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), this...

Blog Action - A Real Estate Throwdown on Ambergris Caye, Belize!

Michele in Playa — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 16:41:00 -0400

After thinking long and hard about poverty, the subject of Blog Action Day 2008, I find myself with more questions than answers. First and foremost is "What IS poverty?" and secondly "Who makes that determination?” Can we categorize poverty solely in economic terms? It certainly seems that our...

Getting it Right

Michele in Playa — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 15:57:07 -0400

There are a lot of things that frustrate me, day to day, in my new home country. The inability of shopkeepers to keep an appropriate amount of change in the cash register. Mind numbing lines at the bank. The impossibility of completing a task without having to make three or four trips in an attempt...

Recycling on the Riviera Maya - How are we doing in 2008?

Michele in Playa — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 13:36:04 -0400

Over the past four years, I have seen the concept of recycling evolve from a "silly notion" promoted only by a bunch of "gringos" to a full on Cultural Revolution. Rarely a day goes by that I don't receive an email from someone, Ex-pat or Mexican National, reminding me about a recycling...

Going Green in Playa del Carmen - Home Composting

Michele in Playa — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 13:26:52 -0400

Growing up in upstate New York, I was fortunate to live on 20 beautiful acres. Much of the property was wooded provided me with hours of tree climbing, exploring and make believe fun, Several acres were dedicated to grazing land for my beloved horses and the rest comprised...

Back to Belize - Part 2

Michele in Playa — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 18:39:25 -0400

Back to Belize - Part 2

We awoke to pleasant rays of much needed sunshine, bid a hasty "adieu" to Turtle Inn and carted ourselves back toward town to Captain Jaks, a modest but charming property recommended to us by a friend in Playa. We were immediately greeted by Tamalyn...

Hechizo - Culinary Enchantment in Tulum

Michele in Playa — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 19:49:20 -0400

Tucked away at the southern end of Tulum's world famous beaches, perched on the edge of the Sian Kaan biosphere, the more intrepid traveler will find Hechizo, a restaurant certain to cast a powerful spell on even the most discriminating diner. On a lush oceanfront parcel known as Rancho San Eric,...

Back to Belize - Part 1 June 2008

Michele in Playa — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:19:04 -0400

"They say your heart never leaves, once you've been down to Belize."

So says songwriter and part-time Belize resident Jerry Jeff Walker. Rob and I have been to Belize three times this year already and certainly these lyrics ring true for our family. I find myself reading and re-reading my online...