Your tax dollars at work

For all of the complaining that happens in, around and about Mexico- the Mexican gov't - and that nothing ever happens and the gov't does nothing....I have some positive things to share.

In the states I remember these signs that would say, "Your tax dollars at work." usually posted in front of some horrible construction site and detour that you were about to deal with. I also remember thinking what a waste it was to have the sign at all. Clearly we can see that something is going on. This was basically the gov't way of saying..." see- see- we are doing something. "

Well, here is the sign for you guys Tulum. Tulum's gov't is working hard to get things in top shape for the busy holiday season. This season promises to bring many new people to the Tulum area - some again and many for the first time. One new development that these guys will see....

A new bike/walking path that goes all the way from the light in Tulum town to the beach and south for about 1/2 a km. This new bike path is great. Bikes are such a wonderful way to get around Tulum. Our flat terrine, easy going people and eco friendly attitude lend to bikes PEFECTLY! This great new path is wide and smooth and an absolutely perfect addition to our little town.

What I love too are the new little palapa bus stations that are up and down the road as well. This is perfect whether you are waiting for the collectivos that run the beach road or you are walking or biking and need to take a shade break.

This new path is great and is almost finished. I will bring more pics when it is done.

There is also being money spent in areas that no tourist will ever be. So it is not all being spent on those that come and leave our shores. In Villas Tulum what was once a waste land of nothing- old broken play equipment and rocks underneath is 3 blocks of wonderful park. The palapa at the entrance to Villas Tulum is being repaired and the floor expanded to hold more people. The 2nd block is now a fully paved basketball court- complete with beautiful planters filled with palms that will shade the park nicly in a few years and 3rd.... the park structures are getting new flooring as well. Rather then large jagged rocks under the swing there will now be a smooth - kid friendly floor. In addition the paths that lead through the kids park are safe for kids to run around and play.

It is so nice that we have decided that we are going to have our daughter's birthday party there. It is open, nice, easy and right next to the park!!!! I am really happy with the improvements that Tulum continues to make.

I cannot speak for the Mexican gov;t in general- or really the gov't of Quintana Roo but I can say that Tulum is doing something. And the something that they are doing is going to have immediate and lasting impressions of visitors and locals alike!

Tacos El Wero, Tulum Pueblo *** - NOW MONTERREY MEXICAN GRILL!!!)

**** These guys have a brand new location on the main Avenue of Tulum across from the ADO bus station!!   They are now called Monterrey Mexican Grill and are now serving a wonderful dinner menu. ***

I am often asked, "where are the best tacos in Tulum?" This is a very hard question to answer. The tacos around Tulum are all generally the same and made up of the same basic ingredients. Or are they???

I like different taco places for different things. But I have recently found a new taco places that satisfies the whole family in 1 stop. The new Taco El Wero in Tulum. Located just next to the Fruiteria Pool just 2 blocks off the main avenue. To get to this great spot simply make a left at the first glorietta (or roundabout) at the entrance of the main avenue. Rocca and Scotia bank are on the left corner.

The first thing that I loved about this spot was the fresh made FLOUR tortillas. Everything around here is corn tortillas which are awesome but fresh FLOUR tortillas. These are as worth it as fresh corn. And even better- rare around here. Remember how I said that tacos in Tulum are pretty much the same? Well, here is 1 spot where Tacos El Wero stands out.

The place is brightly painted and easy to find. Decorated with murals, near completion depicting the owners home state of Nuevo Leon. This young family from Monterrey really understands what to serve up to its hungry clientele. The options on the menu range from carne asada to chorizo and eggs, chicharon and Tinga. There are also a number of basics that are perfect for kids, picky eaters or simple snacks.

For this meal I had 1 carne asada, 1 Tinga - made of a shredded chicken, and a bean and cheese quesadilla as well as some fried bean quesadillas all made with their amazing fresh flour tortillas.

The Carne Asada was my favorite. The meat was thick and juicy. It was also not fatty which I liked. There are some taco stands that have very fatty meat- partly because that is what a lot of people like for their tacos. This meat was wonderful. In addition to the quality of the meat itself was the beautiful sauce that covered the meat. This taco was amazing. Especially with all the fixings..... ohhh baby!!!! the Tinga is also a fav. The meat is moist and full of flavor.

Now it was time to dress my little babies for lunch! The condiments, all displayed in classic molcajetes, range between a red jalapeno based salsa and a Serrano paste salsa with the traditional shredded cabbage and tomatoes. Both salsas had a bite but were full of spices and flavor. I heard another diner say to her friend, "they should bottle these salsas and sell them." I could not agree more. Especially the thick Serrano paste salsa. It was great. I am not sure if my husband would ever be able to kiss me again but I could eat a bottle of that alone.

Great location...CHECK!!!

Good quality ingredients and tasty food... CHECK!!!

Next is the price.... This is important here in Tulum- well everywhere I guess. The prices at Tacos El Wero are great. Only 7 pesos for a taco and only 7 pesos for a drink!!!! That is a great deal. Especially for the amount of meat that you get in your taco. Plus they have a killer deal 5 tacos vapor and a drink for only 30 pesos!!!! WOW! That is great!

This is a place that satisfies the whole family! Come by and check out this great spot for the whole family. Or grab a big order to go and take it down to the beach or to your favorite cenote. These guys will fill up your bag with plenty of fixings for that perfect lunch.

This is one of those spots that is perfect for the whole family. Food that satisfies everyone, salsa that make you sweat and prices that you can smile about. See you at Tacos El Wero. Open Monday thru Saturday 8-3!!!!

Amber Jewlery by Oscar***

Great jewelry can be found all over Tulum. People are selling in shops, on the avenue and up and down the beach. Every piece is different and reflects the artists that made it. I had the pleasure about a year and half ago becoming friends with 1 such artist.

Oscar Castell Blanch Tovilla is such an amazing artist and person. Before I even knew of his many talents, he struck me as a wonderful person. our kids are good friends and we have many mutual friends. I was lucky to get a lot of time to spend with this great guy. One day we were sitting at a friends house and I complimented him on his beautiful amber necklace that he was wearing. He replied- "thanks, I made it."

this particular piece of amber had a stunning carving and was threaded on a string of equally beautiful beads. It looked so amazing on him. Before moving to Tulum I had not seen such beautiful amber and now I see it all over. but very few pieces are as stunning as some of the ones that Oscar has. His son also has a beautiful necklace that looked so great on him. I really want to get one for my son.

Amber has been used in jewelry since the stone age. It is made of tree resin that has aged and hardened for millions of years. It's deep - well- amber color has made it a favorite for jewelry but! haha. Used in ancient Greece and throughout history for in medicines. Amber has many healing powers as well.



Oscar makes beautiful jewelry out of breathtaking pieces of Amber from Chiapas, Mexico. Some are smooth pebbles and others more raw. Many of the pieces hold natures treasures that have fossilized in the amber and others have been carved with breathtaking images of Mayan gods. In addition to the amber, Oscar uses prehistoric stones to accentuate these amazing pieces.



Perfect for adults and children, the healing and protective powers of these amber necklaces and stones are the perfect addition to any collection. I am getting one for my son for his birthday. It looks great on him and this powerful energy close to his heart is very good for him.



Oscar is a man of many talents. In addition to making beautiful jewelry- he is also a talented DJ. Known as DJ Rushcar, his beats can be heard in many locations around town. You can see where you can find him on the Tulum Living Events Calendar.



One project of Oscars that I am most excited to learn more about is Dos Palmas. This healing piece of land is where Oscar and his talented friends are creating a magical retreat location. This is a place where visitors can experience the culture and magic of this area. Highlighting the healing properties of mesoamerica utilizing massage, treatments, yoga, temezcals, and ceremonies, the experiences of Dos Palmas promises to be an unforgettable experience.



You can read more about this project very soon. I will report back with all of the details. You can check the calendar for times and dates of events and temezcals.

Halloween in Tulum

Halloween in Tulum is defiantly celebrated. Mexico in general celebrates the holiday of Dia de los Muertos. The Day of the Dead. I will write that post in a little bit. But whether it is because of the large number of ex pats that live in the area or a trend through out Mexico- Halloween was in full force.

The festivities started as early as Friday. We chose to head north to Puerto Morelos where some friends live. It was a fun day in the main square- kids and adults all dressed up and artisans selling all of the traditional artisan favorites. One of my favorite bands was playing and that was great. The name of the band in Bandicaro. I need to check the spelling and get a cd of their music. They are great. After a great night in Puerto Morelos we headed back to Tulum.

Saturday was the big party day for Halloween in Tulum. There were parties heard all over the main avenue and the beach. We chose to head to Pepenero's first. We all got dressed up and headed out to town. Pepenero's was filled with many of our favorite people. And we all had a great time- dancing and laughing. There were many other parties this night as well. It was our plan to go to more then just 1 but we had such a good time we stayed in Pepenero's.

On Sunday all of the adults and kids in Tulum geared up for a big night! We chose to blow off some sugar induced craziness with a jont to the beach. You have to love a few hours at the beach. It just re centers you.

We had a large group of people meet up at our house to send the kids out for trick or treating. The band of kids that we had were like an army marching up the streets taking no prisoners. New kids seeing that they were clearly out numbered joined our brood. It was a great site.

As the evening went on it was time to rinse off the crazy make up and get the kiddies into bed and let the grown ups go out to play. Great costumes could be found all over the place. Great music and laughter could be heard from bars and restaurants all over the avenue and Bar 307 was no exception. That is where we chose to go. There was a cover which is not the norm in Tulum but on a night like this it is to be expected.

A good time was heard by all and we danced until the early morning hours. I did not hear any reports of craziness or any unsafe behavior. It seems that all Tuluminarians celebrated without any major problems and you have to love that.

Next up is the Day of the Dead- and that is 1 more excellent tradition. Stay tuned.