Ruth: Day 59: Ruins at Tulum and High Pressure Sales

There is just something special about Sunday morning breakfast outdoors; hot coffee for the grown-ups, pancakes for the kids. Good fuel for a day exploring Tulum.  Just one stop to stock up on pesos from the ATM and beverages from the cooler, and we're headed south for the ruins.
Our tour guide told us the story of the ancient Mayans that built this city on the cliffs, their commerce and religion.  We walked the grounds, remarking on the stones that still remain, of architectural beauty and skill.  It would've been great to have seen the amazing panorama from the ocean, but didn't have our swimsuits.  Found it hard to resist taking photos of the iguanas everywhere, and they in turn were eager to pose; they seemed to take on the role of guardians of the ancient temples.
Patrick and Liz say that Tulum has a great deal more touristy feel, with many market stalls and fast talking salesmen; I definitely have to work on my bargaining skills.   I'm such a sucker for "Hmm, lady, this is good quality, can't get a better deal!"
We've taken to afternoon siestas - reading, resting, watching from our balcony as the pelicans fish the waters off the beach; suddenly diving, swooping.  Also saw a hawk with a wriggling fish in its claws fly just past our balcony. He could've dropped it off for our dinner...
Instead, we chose dinner in, at Grandma and Grandpa's third floor suite.  It was deli night and we feasted on favorites - Tillamook cheddar, manchego, crackers, salami, smoked oysters and mussels, green olives, red wine and horchata; with chocolate covered Oreos for dessert!  All, in no way to diminish the offerings of the local restaurants, but just to assure we look forward again tomorrow to their delicious, fresh fare.
Evenings, we've had great fun playing cards and catching up on almost 2 months apart from family. The breeze is blowing through the window to keep us cool, the ocean waves provide the music.