10 things I like about Mexico

A recent trip to Playa del Carmen, Mexico, was the perfect place to escape from the snow-dusted streets of home. There are lots of things I like about Mexico, particularly when it's winter in Canada. Here are the 10 favourites from my recent trip.

1. Frida Kahlo sells everything

Negra Modelo beer with Frida label

2. The beach is beautiful and not just for beach bunnies

Lunch stop at Zamas

3. Skeletons with boobs

Day of the Dead attraction at a tourista shop

4. Bicycle parking in the jungle

At the Mayan ruins of Coba

5. Iguanas and other animals we don't have at home

Iguana at Tulum

6. Really old and historic stuff like Mayan ruins

Chichen Itza: sculls with Temple of Kukulkan (El Castillo) in the background

7. Real tacos and tequila drinks

Fresh lime margarita with achiote shrimp tacos at Zamas

8. Mariachi music and talavera pottery

Talavera pottery frogs playing mariachi music (use your imagination)

9. Brightly coloured buildings

Valladolid, Yucatan

10. Fresh coconuts. Everywhere.

Our home in Playcar

What are your favourite things about Mexico?

Beauty and death

I was saddened to hear of the construction worker who died of his injuries from falling off the Canada Place sails in Vancouver. I watched the workers in August, appearing as ants against the massive white sail structure they were repairing. I have the greatest respect for workers who could do that kind of job so high off the ground, exposed to the elements, and often in plain view of a crowd of tourists. The photos below show the scale of their work. RIP.

(Click photos to enlarge.)