simultaneously

Go tubing on the Boise River! Just look out for the cannonballing children. The water is pretty chilly, even in the summer, but it’s still a good time….

Looking for an affordable, clean place to stay? Playa Maya in Playa del Carmen isn’t the lap of luxury, but it’s just what we were seeking. The hotel restaurant’s coconut shrimp is fabulous, its location on the beach is lovely, the room was comfortable, and the staff were super helpful. We also enjoyed eating at the Mayan restaurant a few blocks away—beware the Mayan Sacrifice drink there, though….unless you’re ready to be the center of attention at a quiet, low-key restaurant.

PDC is a relaxing vacation spot but not “authentic”—so it depends on what you want from the trip. (I was trying to replenish white blood cells after waaaay too many colds last winter, so the sea/sun/food were my priorities on this particular trip.) We found the atmosphere to be fun but not obnoxious. I’m ashamed to admit that we spoke almost no Spanish. My only regret was spending too much time at the restaurants/shops on the main street (5th avenue) at night….wish instead we’d headed into the less touristy parts of town.

P.S. If you’re looking for adventure, are reasonably fit, and aren’t travelling with young children, consider taking a day to go to the Hidden Worlds eco-tourism park…beautiful & lots of fun! Be sure to buy the photo CD at the end—worth it to have a record of your adventures.

I imagine it’s especially worth visiting if you have kids. No terribly different from the science museums in all the other big cities in the US—interactive (which to me means kinda germy), noisy, and wide-ranging in sub matter—except that it’s FREE. Even parking is free. That’s one magical thing about St. Louis: all you really need to go to a museum is a shirt and some shoes.

If you’re an adult don’t miss: 1) Gorbachev in the visual illusions area (you’ll see what I mean—can’t fig out whether it’s a political statement or no) 2) The chance to shoot a radar gun at cars below on 64/40 to see how fast they’re going.

The famous traveling Body Works exhibit starts up in a few weeks at the STL Science Center, so I’ll be going back soon. (That particular exhibit is probably not free, btw.)