Back from my Yucatan vacation! Great snorkeling, much needed relaxation and lots of fun! But the flights, customs, security checks and the long waits in lines made it almost not worth the trouble of traveling there. We were most disappointed at the building and sale of lots in the biosphere, Sian Kahn, which is supposed to be a protected area. It was pretty obvious that the influx of American and European dollars has finally taken it's toll. Can't blame the Mexicans for wanting to cash in on the tourists, but as one returning vacationer we spoke with on the plane put it....."well, they will just sink with the rest of us!" Hundreds of taxis traveling up and down the peninsula spoke to the lack of public transportation and the latest job opportunity in the area. We saw Office Depot and Sam's Club in Playa del Carmen, along with a 7-11. Oh my gosh.
The days of secluded, relaxing adventure vacations down there have been replaced by Disneyland-like lagoons and crowded vans of people going to "jungle adventure" theme parks.
Prices were astronomical and we paid $7.00 for a frappacino at a Baskin-Robbins in the airport. Not your typical cheap Mexican vacation anymore! I still loved the beaches, the snorkeling and waking up to sounds of waves and birds. Tread lightly if you want to still go there. The only thing that can save the area is responsible tourism.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
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7-11 in Mexico! I'm glad I passed on Cancun this year. We're headed for Costa Rica on the 14th. I'll send you some pictures.
We (I) talked about going to Costa Rica. It would have been my preference really. Some how I just knew things would not be the same down there. Of course, Cancun has been a zoo-like atmosphere and touristo trap in my book for a long time. Along with Cozumel. But Tulum and Akumal? Sorry to say they are jumping on the same upscale band wagon. If I wanted to stay in a posh hotel on the beach, I think I would just go to San Diego and spend my hard earned dollars. Have fun in Costa Rica. I want to know all about it. I've heard that around in the inland bay area is the coolest!
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