Yesterday, immediately after check in, we were approached by a young woman who said she would like to tell us all about the Mayan Palace, what amenities were available, what the different restaurants offer, and show us around the complex, etc. Having just arrived, we politely declined. She then offered us a “free” breakfast the following morning, and said she would be glad to give us all the details then. We asked if this was a sales presentation, and of course, she denied that it was. We made arrangements for breakfast at 8:30 a.m. She said to meet at building “L”. Since we had been to the Cancun Palace a couple times, we were aware of timeshare sharks and their methods of operation. We checked our Mayan Palace map and could see that building “L” was labeled as a sales building. Upon arrival, right at 8:30 a.m., we are asked to register and also for the name of the person we are to meet. The women of our group immediately ask if this “free” breakfast was a prelude to a sales presentation, and were told it was. These strong, independent women then surrounded the sales rep and the manager, and turned the tables on them, saying how we had been misled about the free breakfast and presentation, and how promises had been made and broken. These women were not to be intimidated. It didn’t take long before the manager apologized, and as a way to make up for our “inconvenience”, would deduct the 10% tax that is applied to anything you charge to your room account. But no free breakfast. So it’s off to find something to eat. While Frank and Yvonna decided to eat at the buffet ($21 p.p.), the rest of us head for the Havana Moon restaurant.

The Havana Moon has a very nice menu of reasonably priced selections. Prices for breakfast there run from $3.50 for a basket of pastry up through $8.95 for the most expensive item, which was the eggs benedict with hollandaise. The food was very good, well presented, and enjoyed by all. And if you ordered something from the menu, the pastries were complimentary.

The only down side to the Havana Moon’s breakfast menu was discovered by our English friend Jackie. They didn’t serve “proper” tea…only the flavored variety!

After breakfast, we go off in search of what the grounds have to offer. It’s quite obvious that the towel game is in full force at the Mayan Palace. Nearly every lounge has a towel or other item in place to reserve it. Finding a spot for 9 people can be a bit frustrating, but fortunately for us, one of our group is an early riser, and has secured a spot directly across from the swim up bar.

Today’s weather was very good. Plenty of sun, a nice breeze, and the pool water felt like it had been heated. Happy Hour begins at 11:00 a.m. at the swim up and lasts until 1:00 p.m. They also do a “drink of the day” that is 2 for 1 all day long. Most drinks are $7, so we make the most of Happy Hour.

There are lots of activities at the Mayan Palace, but today we chose not to participate. A day to chill and relax with friends. John, Frank, and Jim did book a fishing adventure for tomorrow. It’s something they’ve always thought would be fun.

We decide later that we’d like to adventure into Playa del Carmen in the evening. We arranged transportation through the concierge but found that while there was room on the 5 o’clock Mayan Palace bus, there would be no room on any return bus. We’d have to find our own way back. The Mayan Palace charges $4 p.p. round trip or $3 one way to P.D.C. We board the bus and we’re on our way. It’s a short 30 minute ride, and the bus driver stopped at Constitution and 30th street to let us off in front of the Mega Mart. It’s a long way from 5th Avenue, and we ask “why here”? Several people got off, but most seem confused. This is not where the driver had dropped them off earlier in the week. By now half the people had gotten off the bus, but again, those wonderfully strong women of ours convince the people to get back on the bus and stay on it until the driver takes us closer to 5th Ave. The driver gives up, and takes us several streets closer until he can’t go any further (I think it was 15th Ave.). We all get off and have but a short walk to 5th Ave.

We stroll down 5th Ave. looking at the restaurants, to find a good place for dinner. So many places with such varied menus. We finally decide on La Caprichoza.

We are escorted upstairs and seated at a table overlooking the avenue. What a great seat! The menu is extensive and selections are made. John selected seafood ceviche as his appetizer.

I had the sopa de lima, and Judy had walnut cream soup, which was a delicious cream soup with cilantro, celery, and milk, and walnuts.

For my meal, I chose chicken with mole sauce.

It was delicious! Judy had the pineapple chicken.

Some of us chose steaks, some Mexican dishes, but everything was delicious. The drink of the day was a special margarita made with orange and lime juice and served on the rocks. Wonderfully refreshing.

After our meals, we walked the avenue for a while, then found a taxi to take the 9 of us back to the Mayan Palace. It was a nice big van that comfortably seated all of us, and the cost was $60. By this time $7 per person felt like a reasonable price. We were all tired from our first day’s adventures in Mexico.