Where (Part 2)

As I mentioned in a previous post, Verana a 15-20 minute jaunt from Yelapa, a small fishing village populated by locals and expats. We spent two afternoons exploring the place and taking in the view. It was what I imagined Tulum to be 20 years ago.

We walked there via a rough-hewn stone patch that flanks the bay. Watsu therapists, yoga retreats and a B&B on the right. A whale-friendly bay on the left.

In Yelapa, the streets are built for foot traffic and twist and turn through buildings constructed from a hodgepodge of materials.

Dogs are everywhere.
(I was ready to haul top right home in my rolly bag.
Owen's mild counterpart chilled bottom left.)
As are kids.
Some people use donkeys for transportation. Others ATVs.
Boat traffic is constant. Car traffic is nonexistent.

The people are friendly and open, evidenced by my two favorite signs:
"Pull cord & yell Christina." & "My name is Ley. I also sell shrimp."

The community is upcycling, recycling and waste-management conscious.

And save for this para glider that almost took me out
(while Will and Beach Dog watched).

The beach is amazing.
Great people watching. Plenty of chairs. In fact, in a 100-yard stretch,
there are 9 restaurant/bar spots. Will and I played Scrabble. He sat in chair from Angelinas.
I sat in a chair from Dominicos. Across one table. But it isn't busy or touristy.
A very chill, relaxed vibe.

We hope to go back. Maybe to Hotel Lagunita, Casa Viaje, Casa Pericos
or via Palapa in Yelapa. Not that we have anything against Verana. It would
just be a way to save some money and experience something different.

(Read more about Yelapa in Budget Travel.)

It was a phenomenal vacation - a perfect babymoon.
We highly recommend Verana and Yelapa.
Now back to the real baby blogging business.