Playa del Carmen is where the entertainment, shopping and nightlife is located. We were bummed that we didn't have a hotel reservation here. Next time we visit we will spend a few days in a hotel in this lively area. This is a long street with cobblestones so bring great walking shoes and if you go clubbing bring a bag to carry a cute pair of shoes in, don't wear them or you'll be in blister world for the rest of your trip, trust me this is a long, long street and half the fun of it is walking around from bar to bar.

Fifth avenue is the main drag full of fabulous places to hang out. I don't need to go into detail about any of them because they are all pretty much open air buildings viewable from the streets. There is everything there, high end wine bars, chocolate themed bars and even a few dive sports bars. As you wander down the street don't forget to look up because there are some second story bars. Take some time to look down hallways and explore the courtyards as these have some creative decorations as well.

Take some time to go to the beach and stroll along the sand since there are clubs along the ocean, we went to a few. Just walk along the beach and find one you like. We found one with swings hanging around the bar. We drank at a living room on the sand. They set rattan chairs and loveseats on the sand and decorated small tables with candles. There is a bar with a wooden dance floor, a DJ and colored lights projecting on the sand and makeshift sheer walls.

Make sure to visit this area if you are into the clubbing or fine dining scene. They have a magazine you can pick up which includes a large pull out map. The online website to the magazine is www.la5ta.com/Quinta/View/Flash
It's a little slow and you don't really need advance research but check it out if you need more details.

We spent some time lying on the beach. As you walk along, people try to "sell" you a spot under an umbrella or at a lounge chair. We swam in the ocean and walked along the beach, taking in all the sights.

There is great shopping and restaurants. Be sure to spend the whole day there. Remember to bicker with store owners for cheaper prices - they love it.

Also, eat at local places and stay away from Senior Frogs and Carlos and Charlie’s. They are way overpriced and the food is not like the locals make it!

We stopped first at Sam’s Club and were turned back at the entrance to get our free daily membership card at the booth right around the corner. With that in hand, we were allowed in to shop. Just like in the States and Canada, most items were available in bulk portions only, so it was not ideal for a week’s holiday. Ever on the lookout for bargains, I found these really cute little skirts for $8. Liquor was also being sold for a good price (liquor is not sold in these kinds of establishments in Canada). We bought a liter bottle of Bailey’s Irish Cream for $17.

One time we even had lunch at the outdoor patio at Sam’s, and although the food certainly was pretty much what one would expect, the best one could say was that it was cheap!

Our next stop was at Chedraui, where most of the locals seem to shop. It is a huge complex, selling not only food, but clothes, house wares, liquor, electronics, shoes, jewelry, and just about everything else. By the time we got there, our older folk were exhausted and elected to sit on benches, waiting for us at the front of the store.

It took us a terribly long time to buy food. We had prepared a grocery list based on items we normally purchase, but everything was labeled in Spanish. There were also things I have never seen, and many things I was expecting to find were not available.

Milk is sold in cartons and is not refrigerated. Eggs, too, are not refrigerated. There was a section that had pieces of large smelly fish hanging up—gross. We met a variety of other shoppers who were obviously enjoying their shopping experience more than we were. One lady couldn’t say enough good things about wandering around with a large tray upon which she placed the different selection of breads and buns she was planning to purchase. After about 2 hours, we managed to leave with a large cart full of food, with which we prepared breakfasts, spaghetti, chili, and salad and chicken with vegetables. It was definitely an adventure—and cheaper than eating every meal in a restaurant. We were delighted that we didn’t succumb to any kind of intestinal ailments.

Katie and I staked out chaises in the shade and put on some sunscreen. Then Katie took her lesson while I read homework and took pictures of her under the water. She loved diving in the pool, and spent most of an hour exploring with the tank and weights. At the end of it I signed her up for the trip.

While I and the girlfriend of another diver waited on the boat, I read homework and waited. An hour later Katie came up with very sore eardrums. She had had a lot of trouble clearing her ears, and had a lot of congestion in her nose and on her face. She was definitely not feeling very well. But she had enjoyed diving. Just could not clear her ears, probably due to a sneaky cold we did not realize she had.

I want to be very clear that the instruction was very good, and the master divers helpful, my daughter just had some problems.

Here, in Playa Del Carmen after sun tanning (hard working) hours on the beaches, the main attraction is Quinta Avenida or known to many as the 5th Avenida. The many souvenir shops, restaurants and tourists are the attractions themselves.

Tourists from all over the world: Europe, South and North America, walk in the evening hours looking for a bargains or just to meet a friendly soul.

For real bargain hunters, Playa Del Carmen (including Cancun) is not the place to buy fine artifacts or hand made woodcrafts. Prices are high and many shops do not want to negotiate prices. In the days that cruise ships arrive, prices are even higher and the dollar exchange goes down.

In town, walk along the beaches south of the ferry dock, in the area called Playacar. Here you will find many fine private villas or excellent hotels and resorts that were recently built. In Playacar you can find archeological vestiges too.

Walking north of the ferry dock, beaches lay parallel to the 5th Avenida and along fine smaller hotels and resorts.

To view more pictures, please visit my travel photo album:
http://community.webshots.com/album/23513026KaYPvWvrlo and www.worldisround.com/articles/7415/index.html

The presented pictures will show you great examples of fine Mexican architecture, fantastic compositions with nature and vibrant colors.

My comments under each picture will help you to know this beautiful place located in the middle of the Mayan Riviera.