February3

Best Beach [EVER]: Tulum: Perfect, powdery sand; clear, turquoise water; just-right waves for body surfing; totally empty — these are the perfect beach cliches. And, even with explosive development, Tulum still delivers. We could even hear the waves breaking at night through the open window. Paradise.
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February1

Best Cenote for Thiefs: Ik Kil. Ik Kil’s proximity to Chichen Itza makes it a favorite stop for the massive tour bus trade. Which means pickpockets. Duh, rent the lockers, noobs.
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January28

Most Unexpected Non-Ripoff: Los Tres Cenotes. This was one of those extreme unknowns. It seemed cool from the few reports we’d read: a horse-drawn cart on tracks takes you to three different cenotes. After waiting about 90 minutes for our personal rail-cart driver and loading into the rickety contraption, still, no one asked for payment. Three hours later, the sun was setting, the “Ricos” had torn it up at all three swimming holes and we still had no idea how much this thing would cost. I had visions of being shaken down for hundreds of dollars at the drop-off point. But no. Our driver stopped, let us off and looked about to walk away. ?! David practically chased him down and offered 400 pesos, about $30. He smiled and walked away. Wow. Just, wow.
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January27
I am not like David — I sleep on vacation. I do, however, have lots of opinions.

Most Unexpected Hazard: Speed Bumps. Holy Jeebus, Mexico, what is this about? Speed bumps in town I get. But in the middle of a highway with a 110 km/hr speed limit? Tope is the Spanish word printed on the signs, but often, all you see are the upsidedown boobs. And then… screetching, skidding, badonkadonk, you-know-you-damaged-the-rental, heart all aflutter. Crap. I have no idea how we escaped with no (ok, very little) damage. The trusty Nissan Tilda was our friend.
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December18
Our Middle East posts are done! We still have about 60 percent of the video to compile and edit — it’s beginning to look like that may never get done.
They look great! Thanks to Trish for photographing, editing and producing these.

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