I got up this morning - yes I was first up again - and started drooling thinking of our much anticipated trip to Va Q' Va Restaurant. Vic & I walked to the chedraui to pick up some supplies and souvenirs. We managed the 2 km walk there in the blistering heat and humidity but took the bus back. It costs 10.50 pesos or about $1.00 Cdn. They come very frequently and are clean and fast. Toronto could learn a few things from them. The walk took us through the golf course and then into the Main Street in the area (Blvd. Kulcunan) which is right beside the lagoon. I took a picture of the "watch out for crocodiles" signs posted along the way. I can tell you I was watching after the terrible accident with the man that lost his legs and life the other day. We decided to get a bite to eat in the chedraui food court. We chose to share some fresh fruit and a grilled Serrano ham & cheese sandwich. Yummy!
After getting back to the condo, we cooled off and then got ready to go for a late lunch/ early dinner and waited for the cab to pick us up. The restaurant is about 25 minutes from the condo in the downtown core where I would not normally set foot. It is authentic to the core. It was full of locals. As tourists, Paul, Vic & I were in a minority. In fact Paul, Vic & I may have been the only non Mexicans in the place. On the front of the menu it said "menos de 24 hrs!!!" which means if your meal does not arrive in 24 hours it's free. The place is huge and was almost full at 2:30 pm. They have a drink which is in a huge beer stein rimmed with hot spice and has beer, 4 types of hot sauces, clamato juice and a skewer of 4 shrimps. It did no appeal to me at all. We stuck with margaritas and ordered a huge platter with 2 types of fish and 3 types of shrimp, spiced onions, shredded cabbage and, of course, guacamole. It comes with soft tortillas to make tacos with if you choose.
I'm sure we were sitting beside a drug lord. He was having his shoes shined while eating. The restaurant allows various salespeople in the restaurant to peddle their wares, including dvd's, cd's, snacks, and shoe shine guys. There was also a 2 man group playing wood xylophones. They kept looking over at us because I was taking pictures. They also had a mariachi band. Vic needed to be directed to the bano (washroom, pronounced banyo)) and the waiter escorted him there. He came back with a big smile in his face. And the waiter seemed VERY happy as well. Hmmm!!! When I went 3 workers escorted me! We had a lot of laughs and it was an experience I'll never forget.
After leaving Va Q' Va, by taxi, we went to another place overlooking the lagoon for martinis and to watch the sunset. Gorgeous breeze and setting. I was waiting to see the crocodiles but I guess they weren't hungry.
Paul & Claudia have a saying similar to "oy vay". They say "oyeesh". It's very catchy. They were saying it quite a bit last night, especially while trying to salsa dance when we arrived home.
I know I keep saying this but it was another fantastico day.
You know what they say about the best laid plans. Our schedule has changed again due to transportation issues and after another board meeting we decided to go to Isla Mujeres Friday and Chichen Itza on Saturday. Not sure how that will turn out as our tour guide may be under the weather tomorrow. I'll keep you posted.