Two and a half months and we’re beginning to feel the edges of what it’s like to be retired. After a lifetime of “chop wood, carry water, repeat” days begin without an alarm clock or schedule. This week we returned to Chetumal, as my persistent rash is defying usual treatment and we are on to Plan B. We live in such a sanitized world in the US and acclimating to a new environment is a rite of passage for expats here. For some reason the skin really takes a hit. I will never need lip balm again, nor lotion for dry skin, and I will adapt.
Chetumal is the capital city (pop 140,000) of the state of Quitana Roo. It is the source of all things city for those of us living in quiet Bacalar (Walmart, Sam’s, movie theaters, medical, immigration, and live music). It’s a thirty minute drive and Lisa and I are learning our way around as streets are rarely identified and the city layout defies logic.
After a quick visit with Dr. Quintanilla, we headed downtown to El Centro.
Museum of Mayan Culture
The museum houses both a permanent display of the great Mayan cities and visiting free exhibits. I really enjoyed the Day of the Dead exhibit by artista Carmen Vazquez. Visit our Facebook page to see pictures of her amazing art.
Replica of a Mayan village
Model of Tikal, Guatemala
Mayan queen
After our museum visit we discovered a great little Turkish restaurant across the street and treated ourselves to coffee.
Turkish coffee beautifully served in tiny cups.
And now for the best part…we went to our first movie in Mexico…Gravity in 3D (tres day) with Spanish subtitles. With my old person card, we paid about $10US for us both. There were seven other people in the theater. Free museum entry, discounted movies…not bad, and we even enjoyed the movie!
Last night we also stopped to enjoy live music at a restaurant where we are making friends with the staff. Do you believe it, two dates in one week? Ah, we are learning to enjoy the retired life.
Que padre!
Date night with Lisa at El Pargo
A chance to practice Spanish.
When the mind is like water, calm and peaceful, it reflects the beauty in the world. When it is agitated, you can have paradise in front of you and not see it.
the adventures of dos tortas 
Sounds like y’all are settling in quite well. I hope your skin stuff heals quickly, I know how aggitating all that scratching can be. All of your old unit moved to different cubes recently. Enjoy it all to the fullest and be glad you are not here! I think of you often and miss your beautiful smile. Keep writing! With much love, Kim Relph.
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Thanks Kim, We’re going to see family for Thanksgiving in FL. Really looking forward to it. I miss my DSHS family too, but not that much…lol. Thanks for keeping in touch.
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Hi Tortas!
My God, I’ve never worked so hard to leave a blog comment in my life!!! It’s not you, it’s me…I couldn’t get logged in to WordPress. 🙂 OK, I think I’m in now.
I’ve been dying to see QR and hope we can make it there while we’re still in Mexico. I love the humidity because, like you it sounds like, I’ve got dry skin and the wet air makes me look five years younger! Can’t go wrong with that.
Renee
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Hi Renee, thanks for your persistence! This is our new home, so unless we’re off on a new adventure, we’ll be here. Love your blog. You’ll have to send Scout for a visit. Lisa will teach her to waterski, a skill every child needs! LOL
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