But I Can Dream...

This week, some of our friends are in one of our favorite spots, Tulum, soaking up the sun and sipping cold limonadas beach side, probably eating home made guacemole.  Others are in Vermont, where the Snow God has finally decided to smile her grace upon them.

Oh, I am a wee bit jealous as I sit in grey D.C.  So, thank you West Elm for making me feel better. For transporting me to Marrakech, a city that is magical. Intoxicating. A shopper's paradise.  A city I have been lucky enough to visit.  Now, I'm thinking our Vermont barn renovation nook should be in a Moroccan theme. Hmm....

A Mexican Wedding

The sun was setting on the Tulum beach when the lively Mexican wedding party descended in their finest.  There was a slight breeze as Abby and I rushed to see the bride say her vows.

But then I heard their giggles as the surf lapped at their barefeet.

They stole the show that day as the weeping bride and happy groom said "si." 

 

Colorful Mexico

On our perfect days in Mexico, there were perfect colors. Perfect mango and salmon hues.

Tasty yellows and reds.

Brilliant blues of sea and sky.

And a mixture of all those primary colors.

Not to forget the greens.

Or the simple crisp whites.

Frida Here, Frida There and then some more to buy

She gazes at you from high above. Sometimes from down below.  From a wooden box. From a matchbox. From a mirror.  From a frame.  Frida is everywhere in Tulum and you can't help but feel a certain affection, bordering on pity,  for this poor woman whose face graces so many commercial items here in Mexico. 

Frida suffers from commercial exploitation.   But there are other faces which keep her company.  Aside from Frida, there are the revolutionaries, of course. 

And then the ubiquitous masks and skulls.

All faces of Mexico in some form or another. 

A Mexican Party...I Mean Protest

I always love a good protest. The kind with banners and chanting and whistles. Preferably without police in riot gear, please. Although I have been present for a few of those during the dark days of Milosevic in Belgrade.

But in Mexico last week, the protest was anything but dark. Yes, there were banners with counter government proclamations. There were coffins bearing the names of government officials. And yes, there was even a skeleton representing someone.

But the protest against the closing of a Mexican utility was more party-like with stalls selling fruit and juices. People selling black and white photos of Che Guevara and other notable revolutionaries. And people mingling about in a happy sort of way.

Mexico on my Mind

My latest edition of Travel and Leisure arrived the other day and since it's a rainy weekend on Fire Island, I perused its pages yesterday while a fire raged a few feet away in our fireplace. There is a wonderful article on 25 great beach getaways from Chile to Kenya to Mexico. Since we're thinking of hassle-free travel for our next get away, the Campeche and Mazatlan articles were of particular interest. The latter boasts an Old Town and sounds as if it is now home to some interesting galleries, boutiques and this small boutique hotel, Casa Lucila, which has beachfront rooms and an enticing-looking spa.

Also of note is the article on the restored Four Seasons in Firenze, which is definitely being placed on my Must Visit list. Author Simon Watson says "a fine hotel, a really fine hotel, can give you a rosy opinion of your life and of your role in it." This definitely sounds like the place to wake up with that attitude and a good cup of hearty Italian espresso. 14th century frescos, a chef that heartily subscribes to "terroir" eating, more-than-attentive staff and manicured gardens surrounding this city jewel.

Take me Away

I'm still lusting after this hotel in Mexico...it's a bit of a secret where it is and the name but if you ask, I might tell.

Just Say No -- to an All-Inclusive

Sunday's travel pages in the Washington Post and New York Times were a disappointment...not that I don't want to go to the Caribbean in March. But the last thing I can imagine is an all-inclusive resort surrounded by American tourists whose idea of adventure is Cancun ("can we drink the water?" types). Last year, this was my idea of heaven.....I could just picture myself lounging near that pool. I fell in love with the website and photos and credit card in hand, called to book us for our March trip. Ah, the disappointment. It goes beyond that...words can't describe how my heart fell to my feet when the friendly person on the other end of the line in Mexico told me that they don't take children there. So, now I must live vicariously through these photos.

http://www.hotelazucar.com/ - photos courtesy of website.

Holdin' on to that Beach Feeling

Back in the city...I'm trying to hold onto that beach feeling. These photos are from our wonderful March visit to Tulum, Mexico. Can't you feel that breeze?

And Another Perfect Day

Thinking about that lazy, perfect Sunday afternoon in South Africa also got me thinking about other perfect days I've had in the past few months. What can be better than a deserted Mexican beach in March -- while snow flakes are swirling around the U.S.? Even better if it's early in the morning and there is no one else in sight on the beach? Ah, Tulum...yes, fond memories of this place as well. Cold beers...fresh guacamole...and yes, there was a late afternoon spa treatment involved that featured fresh chunks of aloe and a honey/sand scrub all undertaken at an outdoor spa on the edge of the ocean. Yes, that was a perfect day.