Nights in Playa

We walked the long resort hallways in pursuit of the lobby, where Tessa and Adam undoubtedly waited for us (thanks to me, we’re almost always late or just on time for any dates).  It was three years ago now that we started this tradition, and once again we were leaving the resort for an evening.  The four of us hopped in a cab and were well on our way into town.  Driving in Mexico is always an adventure, in every sense of the word.  Speed bumps are upside down, rules of the road seem to be a mere suggestion, heavily armed police check-points are extremely common…and that’s just the highway!  Once you get closer to town, it’s a glimpse of what life is likefor the locals that really transports you, as though a point of passage into their world.  We paid our driver and made some sort of loose deal with him that he’d be back to pick us up at 10, though we knew this was an unlikely arrangement as we were all on vacation time.

We arrived to the usual Playa chaos.  A strange mix of tourists and locals, young and old, and of course, the occasional illegal wild animal.  A few stores piqued our interest along the way, but our big mission was to our usual restaurant of choice – La Parilla.  We snagged a patio spot and enjoyed chips and salsa, tacos, enchiladas, and margaritas over great conversation.  It was then time to walk it off and roam the streets of Playa del Carmen in search for some more drinks.  We stumbled upon an old favourite of mine and Adam’s, a bar called ula gula.  Complete with live music and THE most delicious cocktails, it was there that we sat together content, observing a world that is so alive at night, rich in Mexican culture and extreme(ly awesome) people watching.  We honestly could have stayed right there for hours, but it was back to the resort for us.  It’s always best to leave while you’re still having fun, wouldn’t you agree?