Last stop: Tulum

We left Punta Allen early in the a.m. because we were dying for a hot shower and I really had to do some business transactions online, otherwise things would not be happy in our company/business world.
We had to find a fisherman that would sell us some gas (there is no gas station)--at least enough to get up to the Pemex in Tulum, and we took off.
We first stopped at on of the little boutique resorts in Boca Paila on the way for some coffee and breakfast. Now mind you, it took us a good hour + to even get to there. We stopped arbitrarily at a place called Villas Las Estrallas which was very cute and had good food and coffee, albeit definitely gringo/european prices. We struck up a conversation with the couple sitting at a table next to us and they were very interesting--living in Costa Rica for 6 months and the US for 6 months. The waiter was at his wit's end because apparently a lot of the staff didn't show up due to major partying the night before on Christmas Eve. That is when most Mexicans celebrate Christmas.
On to Tulum, we found a hotel on the main drag with everything we needed: hot water and Wi-Fi. Plus it was only 400 pesos a night (came to around 67.00 USD for 2 nights)

Tulum has a main drag with lots of little touristy shops and restaurants, but there are still some cheapo local places to eat. We chose one of those: Pollo Bronco, where you could get a whole grilled chicken with rice and salsa for only 100 pesos (about 8 USD)--perfect to split between two people

The next day we rented bicycles and rode out to the public beach. Tulum has a nice bicycle path that goes out to the turn off to the public beach and also down to Boca Pailo where the boutique hotels are.

Phil cruising on the main drag^
The first little beach we came to had a beach area and a very picturesque rocky area. Here is where you can swim nude if you want although we did see a few women sunbathing topless at the public beach. NO pictures of that, sorry guys!

Here is a picture of the main public beach, which is lovely, with a couple hotels right off the beach that have restaurants as well

After a while we pedaled back to town and relaxed, napping and taking it easy until dinner. We had an amazing dinner at a place on the main drag called "Buenos Aires" which specialized in grilled meats and seafood. I liked Tulum a lot. A little touristy, but not obnoxiously so. YOu can still find good deals here and the town is very laid back. A LOT of Europeans and very few Americans, which gives the town a different feel that I definitely enjoyed.
Thus ended our time in Mexico. Back home to Belize and our doggies. Some American friends express concern about traveling to Mexico--no need to worry. The police presence here, particularly in the touristed areas is HUGE. There are cops of every kind everywhere all the time. Mexican cops can be corrupt, but generally not where it concerns the general tourist. Mexico knows that tourism is one of it's biggest money-makers and I think they are really trying to protect that. I love Mexico and will come here again and explore more of the country! We've been to the Pacific coast a couple of times and loved it, but would like to try further south on the Pacific near Guatemala. A big country with lots to see and do! Hasta Luego, Mexico!