I first went to Thailand in 1997 and immediately fell in love with the country. Thailand at that time to me was mysterious and exotic, full of potentials and pitfalls.
Fast forward to 2010 and here I am after 13 years and many trips to the LOS sharing, with the help of my 
Mexico Photos
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Over the past months several people have asked about seeing pictures of Golf and I and I have been simply directing them to the Thai Brides page which has several photos of the two of us from our wedding. Last week I did that and realized that those pictures are now over 3 years old and you guys deserve some updated pics!
So, here are some much more recent photos taken on our October 2009 trip to Playa del Carmen Mexico. Not sure if any of you have ever been there, but if you ever decide to visit Mexico I would HIGHLY recommend Playa as a relaxing and fun destination.
Since this isn’t really a post about Playa I’ll just quickly let you know that it is on the Caribbean side of Mexico, about 45 minutes south of Cancun, right across from Cozumel. It’s more of a family destination than a party town like Cancun, but still has it’s share of bars (especially on their Walking Street).
Since this is where we spent most of our time, here’s the beach club we used in Playa, called Mamita’s. The first photo is the beach and the second is from the restaurant right off the beach. The really nice thing is the waiters come right out to the beach chairs so you can have lunch and a beer or margarita literally feet from the sea with your toes stuck firmly in the sand.
(You can see bigger versions of each picture by clicking on it – RECOMMENDED)
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Here’s two photos of Golf and I, the first is on our way to the beach (you can see it was hot in Playa, even Golf is sweating a bit). The second is the compulsory picture with Senor Frog.
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Playa is on the Yucatan Penninsula in Mexico and is well known for many Mayan ruins, such as Chitzen Itza and the one we visited called Tulum. Tulum was a major port for the Mayans and was first mentioned by the Spanish in 1518. The ruins are some of the best preserved coastal Mayan ruins in Mexico.
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Finally I want to include some foodie pics. I know you guys there in Thailand are NOT gonna get great Mexican food like this, so try not to drool too much. The food in Playa is as good as it gets and is pretty darn cheap too if you get outside the tourist areas. Plus, most places run a happy hour from like 6-8pm and have 2 for 1 specials that work out to about US$1 a beer. Needless to say A LOT of cold beer was used to wash down the fabulous Mexican food!
The first picture is the guy making tacos al pastor at El Fogon (awesome restaurant!) Tacos al pastor for less than a dollar, awesome arrachara and the best red bean soup I have ever had! We ate there probably 5-6 times and the food was always great and our bill was never more than US$15. The second pic is our second favorite place called El Oasis. The shrimp (and the fish) tacos are to die for! I don’t think the pics do the tacos justice so you’ll have to take my word for it. They also server them with a tamarind sauce and habenero sauce that make them both sweet and super spicy…YUM! We stopped by here after happy hour or at the end of the night quite a few times.
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And here are some BBQ prawns we had on the beach and I mean actually on the beach feet from the ocean. Not quite as big as the tiger prawns in Thailand, but still sweet and tender and delicious. And the last shot is Golf and I enjoying one of our many meals at El Fogon.
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Hope you guys enjoyed the pictures and the quick Playa del Carmen trip report. Golf and I loved it there and when possible will be going back again. Like I said it is a family atmosphere there and I don’t think taking a baby will prove troublesome. Plus the plane ride is a quick 4 1/2 hours from here compared to the 18+ hour ride to Thailand. Of course Thailand still has our hearts, but this gem in Mexico is a good alternative!
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Steve, Mexico sounds marvelous and with great value as a added bonus as well. A few of the pics prove the weather is champion too, your brow seems to be sweating a touch. Golf looks a very attractive lady and you both look well happy together but if I may ask, where is her Thai two finger salute. There’s five clear shots of her and not one raised two finger salute. Perhaps she’s been away too long.
Hey Martyn, yes the weather was quite warm and I was loving it! Even Golf’s brow was sweating a touch and I can’t wait to see her reaction when we next return to Thailand because I’m certain that it is both hotter and more humid in Bangkok then it was in Mexico.
Thanks for pointing out the two finger salute…lol! I went back through all our Mexico photos and you know there wasn’t a single one with the two finger salute. I asked Golf about this and all she said was “no need”. Perhaps you’re right and she has been away from Thailand too long.
Hey Steve & Golf:
NIce pictures.
You both look like you are enjoying yourselves immensely in Mexico,
I know that in 2.5 years, when you make the “Big Move” back to Bangkok,
I will be there to welcome you back to “The Land of Smiles.” For all
the male members of the human-race that are reading Steve’s
Thailandmusings, but have not ventured to Bangkok, and if Steve’s wife
Golf is any indication of what female beauty awaits you in LOL, save your money,
reserve a hotel for at least two-weeks or more, and give yourself time to obtain
a reasonably priced airplane ticket. You will not be disapointed in an adventure
in Bangkok and a visit to the surrounding areas. Gentlemen, Thailand is a
Man’s paradise; the people are very, very polite, the weather is ideal, and the economy
normally agrees with most tourists’ budgets. I will be returning in April 2010, for my
third visit to Bangkok. Everyone should read all of Steve’s and Golf’s articles that have
been posted on Thailandmusings.com. There is a wealth of information contained
there-in, for the “First time” and the “Experienced” travler to Bangkok. I currently have
plans to retire in Bangkok.
Thanks Dennis, it will be nice to have someone welcome us back to Thailand when we finally make the move. It’s also great that you yourself will soon be making the move. We are both very excited for you and can’t wait to hear the stories once you’re back in the Big Mango.
nice Mexico photos really love that place i visited there last summer
Steve and Golf
First I want to say congratulations to you guys.
I seen that many relations between Thai and Foreinger and it almost never works out.
And if it does works out there is always money involved.
By the way Thanks for saying nice things about my country (Mexico ) , to me Thailand can be just like
Mexico in many ways, The spicy food , Street vendors, Open markets and people that wellcomes
all Foreigners with a smile…………..
I must say you guys make a nice couple and wish you the best in life……….