Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Mexico is one country literally millions of Americans visit every year. My first visit to Mexico was actually a day trip to Baja California while on vacation in San Diego. We booked a tour on a Gray Line Tour Bus which took us around Tijuana, Rosarito, and finally Ensenada. It's a pity I haven't really seen and explored more of Mexico given its proximity to the US. Anyway, I certainly welcomed the opportunity to visit the Eastern Coast of US' neighbor to the south on this cruise.
When we arrived in Mexico, Playa del Carmen was our first stop. It was the hub for connections for cruise ship tourists traveling farther inland in the Yucatan Peninsula. It was there where we joined other fellow travelers who had signed up for a trip to Tulum to see the age old Mayan ruins by the Carribbean Sea.
On board the tender en route to Playa del Carmen
Just take a look at this beach frequented by the locals in Playa del Carmen. At the time of our visit, we saw a few young boys swimming and playing here with their friends.
A view of the Playa del Carmen Terminal where many passengers arrived at and waited for tenders to return to the cruise ships
A group tour is not complete without the compulsory visit some to souvenir shops.
Some of the wares sold in the souvenir shops.
Care for a Mexican blanket?
The quaint thatched roof restrooms in Playa del Carmen
I didn't buy anything during the stop at the souvenir stores. There was a time when I didn't really care much for trinkets to decorate my house with. That has changed though, big time.