Day 4: Playa del Carmen
Face rash is greatly improved this morning as the bumps have evened out and the redness somewhat subsided. My topfeet are also somewhat improved; the color evolving from purple to fiery red to just plain red. I have sprouted freckles on my underchin. I sometimes get them across my nose, but on the underchin is an interesting development.
Some cousins are contemplating buying a place south of here, at Playa del Carmen, so we accompanied them to poke around the property and sightsee. I was also in search of the world’s greatest bartender, Clemente. Black Cake, Red Meat and I ventured to Playa del Carmen several years ago, as a refuge from the harsh Missouri winter. It remains near the top of my favorite vacations, partly due to Clemente’s skill at mixing drinks. I didn’t encounter Clemente this time, but I did discover a new drink, called a chilada: One-third glass of fresh squeezed lime juice, Bohemian beer, and a salted glass rim. This at my cousins’ favorite restaurant, listening to a mariachi band and sampling quesa fundita. Melted cheese, in a bowl, with a few tortillas. So simple, but delicious. My mom and I also split a vegetarian “taco”: a plate full of refried beans, guacamole, mushrooms, sweet peppers and cactus covered in cheese and served with tortillas. After lunch, we wandered around the market, turning down offers to get our hair braided and the persistent sales pitches from the merchants.