Day off with the girls - Komchen

Even though we have been a two car family for a few months now, I still feel that we only have one car. Real estate had been keeping us so busy that I just had to have my own car, there are times that we need it for clients, as they tend to come en mass, and times that I just wanted to run to the store by myself. I never dreamed that I wouldn't have my own car when we moved here. I bought my first car at 14 and have had one ever since. Things change when you move to Mexico! Many couples share a car, others don't have a car at all. Anyway Doug's truck has been in and out of the shop recently and he has been using my car. I was starting to get cabin fever and ready to have a little "me" time, when Marlene mentioned that she and Barbara Bell were going off to a little village to buy some plants. Boy was I in! We left Chelem around 9 am and headed off to Komchen. Komchen is a small village/puebla about 40 minutes from here down winding, narrow. back roads. It is a town so small that I didn't see a gas station or restaurant, just a few small tiendas and houses.

This is leaving Chelem and crossing the lagoon, it's always a great day in paradise when you see flamingos!

As we entered into Komchen there were flowers blooming everywhere.


The nursery was across the street from a small tienda, you had to walk through a field and hang a right. If you didn't know it was there you would never find it.

It was like walking through a jungle maze....


Marlene and the owner

My favorite! Barbara picked out a truckload literally, of plants, 3 royal palms that were probably 12 foot tall each, less than $15 each. We filled the back of the truck with a variety of different tropical plants for under $80.


Hot, thirsty and hungry we walked across the street to the tienda which we had heard served lunch.



Check out the homemade brooms and squeegies!

There were only 3 small tables so we ended up sharing with some very nice Mexican gentlemen. Barbara is so happy with all her plants, she just can't stop smiling.




Barbara and I each had a plateful of fried chicken, boneless breast, hammered and breaded, served with rice, salad, tortillas and a soft drink.

Marlene had meatballs in a some kind of soup with spaghetti noodles and fresh herbs. Total for all three of us, less than $12.


Time to load up the truck and head back to Chelem

Most of the way home there wasn't a lot to see, just jungle and narrow roads, but, we all thought these arches were kinda cool. I always wonder, who lived here, where are they now, what did they do?






We came to another little town as we were on our way home, I think it was Caucel, but don't quote me on that. This little boy was so cute, just sitting there all by his self, smiling, happy with the world.





A very common form of transportation here in the Yucatan. Maybe if I buy one of these, Doug won't be using it all the time!


Ahhhhhh as we cross back over to paradise and my own little world...... another pink flamingo.

What a great day! Everything here is about the journey, not the destination. Here we have time to stop and enjoy life. We live in such a beautiful place, full of wonderful people, how blessed I am! I talk to clients all the time, their world is hectic, it's getting cold, it's raining and snowing. Here it's snowing sunshine! Till next time, I'm just chillin' in Chelem.

The Start of a New Life

As most of you know it seems that there is always a reason for a party here in the Yucatan. Last night we went to the First Annual Chili Cook Off with the proceeds going for Christmas in Chelem. It was held at La Playa Restaurant, the only restaurant here in the Chelem/Chuburna area on the beach. It is also the home of the new Mayan Living Beach Office. We all had a great time and raised close to $600 for the local children for Christmas. We tasted some fabulous chili and Carlos had another fantastic buffet. Unfortunately I forgot my camera so you will just have to imagine how wonderful it was.



All of us that live here and most that visit know Issy, the cute and charming evening waiter at El Bull Pen. A couple of weeks ago a few lucky gringos were invited to his baby boy Alejandro's baptismal party. Alejandro was 3 months old, the actual baptism was held in Progreso with the party being held here in Chelem. Here are some pix, a little late but they still give you guys up north a feel for the wonderful life that we live here.


The cake
Issy's wife Sandy with little Alejandro




Issy, Sandy, Alejandro and Issy's Mom


Just look at that face!


The gringo table
Gringo group shot

Nancy looks like a natural with a babe in arms

Patrick on the other hand looks scared to death!

Marlene with the family, she looks wonderful holding Alejandro doesn't she?
Funny how the men all have the same expression on their faces......

After photos it was time for music and dancing

Marlene doing the light fandango
Sophia being dragged on the dance floor

She's a little more relaxed now

While the adults dance and party the kids just look on


I believ that this is Issy's brother and grandmother, but don't quote me on this!



Now everybody is getting in on the action

Look at this family, aren't they cute, the kids love having their pictures taken


And my favorite picture of all, sent to me by Marlene, is this grandmother enjoying herself or what?

What a great time that we all had. Laughing, dancing, hanging out with friends and of course having a few cervezas! Just one more reason to live in this wonderful community. Warm breezes and cold beers coming at ya from Chelem!