A Great Final Month in Mexico and then Onward!

With Halloween/Dia de los Muertos festivities over, it was back to work on the window screens at the hostel.  We went into full drive knowing that Arik and Eitan were coming down in a week.  Unfortunately, the result of pushing ourselves was that Nathan fell sick.  After about four days, we decided it was time to dip into our first aid kit and utilize the antibiotics the doctor had prescribed for us in case of any respiratory problems.  Initially he improved, but then stayed the same.  Worried, we asked around and made an appointment with a local, private doctor.  He was very nice, seemed knowledgeable, did the typical "doctor" type of checkup.....abeit he was in shorts and barefoot!  It was determined that it was probably viral in nature and would have to run its course over the next 10-14 days.  Fast forward two weeks and no better, we experienced our first visit to a Mexican Hospital!  Everyone was very nice, most spoke English, and after listening to our saga and a brief check-up, the "Doctora" believed is was a type of allergy and recommended Claratin and a saline nasal spray.  Just to be on the safe side, the Doctora wrote an Rx for a chest X-ray which two days later came back ok.  So, total for the ER visit and chest X-ray: $174 USD.  Not too shabby.

In the meantime, we welcomed Arik and Eitan on November 11th for a week-long visit!  It was fun to watch them get to know and interact with Mia!  We had several great meals out and about in Tulum, especially at Cenzontle down on the beach! We spent several days relaxing on the beach, I made a pre-Thanksgiving Dinner (tropical themed meal prepared on the BBQ),  while still serving stuffing, scalloped potatoes, veggies, and a very non-traditional Tiramisu for dessert (no oven, so had to be creative)! There was shopping in Playa del Carmen, and days just resting and reading at home.  Arik was sick for a couple of days, so at least he got to rest in warm weather rather than in cold

Denver!  The week flew by and after a tearful farewell, we went back to routine and finally finished up the last of the window screens.  We spent the actual Thanksgiving celebrating with 40 of our new friends here in Tulum at a potluck Thanksgiving Dinner at a beautiful home in the middle of the jungle!  A few days later we celebrated Mia's six-month birthday on November 28th with her first taste of real food!  First four days was pureed chayote followed by four days of carrots.  She wasn't too sure about this food thing, but at least didn't spit it out, and over the course of the next few days started opening her mouth for the food!  Apples are next on the menu!

The following week we hosted two of my friends from Israel - Gabi and Evie (they actually only came from Miami as both have grown children living there and made the quick five-day visit).  We had a lovely time at the beach, visiting the Mayan Ruins, dining around town, relaxing, and catching up on Israel gossip.  Their visit came at a perfect time, distracting me from the upcoming adventures we are about to begin.  Now we're in the homestretch, with only a few days to go before we pack up again and head out for our next adventure in New Zealand.  Won't lie.... a bit apprehensive and anxious -- it's been so comfortable here, but think we are both ready (to start traveling, not packing, again)!

Gabi and Evie Arrived!

Cocktails on the Beach....

At the Tulum Mayan Ruins

Love my toes!

This is not my normal food......