Like re-locating to any other city in the world, the initial days can leave one wondering if it was the right decision to move. My first week in Playa del Carmen had me seriously contemplating a return ticket home. The man-eating cockroaches, (ok, there was one, an inch long and already dead, but scary all the same for this Canuck) the language barrier, (playing charades in the grocery store was how I spent my mornings) and oh, then there was the feeling of being on vacation 24/7, that was especially hard!
A few weeks after our arrival, my three children started the school year off and thus began the play dates, birthday parties and extra-curricular activities. Thanks to the wonderful school community, we met so many great people and have established many fantastic relationships, some like family, here in Mexico.
But what to do if you do not have kids to propel you out of your comfort zone and forge new relationships? Although Playa del Carmen is a relatively small city, there are many events, festivals, and hobbies which bring single or coupled people together. There is much more beyond the night clubs on Calle 12, places where anyone willing to bury their social angst at least once or twice, can go to for a dose of connectedness and camaraderie.
For starters, people in Playa spend as much time as possible outside. The endless summer climate promotes outdoor living and active lifestyles. There are a few workout facilities which offer group classes such as yoga, kickboxing, spinning, crossfit, and pilates to name a few. The Gym (1st Avenue between Calle 16 and Constituyentes), Evolve (Calle 24 between 5th & 10th Avenue), and the Unidad Deportiva Mario Villanueva stadium (Calle 34 and 10th Avenue) are just a few of the popular gyms and outdoor tracks where you can get fit and meet some quality people.
Stand up paddle boarding, kiteboarding and diving are popular water activities enjoyed by Playenses and visitors alike. There are schools offering beginner and advanced classes all along the sublime Mayan Riviera coastline. For more information on board sports, please visit www.pdckiteboarding.com , www.playaboardsports.com, or suppdc.com. For diving instruction, go to www.phantomdivers.com or www.abyssdivecenter.com.
There are also several meet up groups hosted around the city from tennis to personal development to paleo enthusiasts. These meet ups are a great way to get to know like-minded people who can possibly help you to become familiarized with the city from an insider’s point of view. Visit www.meetup.com for more details.
Volunteering is a noble endeavor which will not only fill your basic human need for contribution, but is a terrific way to meet people. There are many opportunities in Playa del Carmen to help including The Keeping Kids In School Project, Playa Animal Rescue, and Flora, Fauna y Cultura De Mexico A.C. For more information on how you can make a difference and build lasting relationships, click on the name of the cause for the link.
Sitting in a gorgeous outdoor classroom, learning Spanish, exploring on weekend excursions and partaking in cooking or photography classes together is another way you are apt to make friends. With many language schools in Playa del Carmen such as Solexico, Playalingua and ALFA, you will be speaking the language and living like a local in no time.
Each month, ladies in Playa del Carmen get together for Wednesday Women & Wine. This amicable group meets at various local restaurants or pubs on the first Wednesday of every month. Many longterm friendships have been cultivated as a result of these casual girls nights out. See the Wednesday Women With Wine Facebook page to view upcoming locations and times.
One of the most attractive aspects of Playa del Carmen is that it is a very multi-cultural community, teeming with residents from around the world, each bringing something interesting to the conversation table. Every person has a unique background, and a one-of-a-kind story to tell. As you sit back and listen, you become aware of each other’s differences and similarities. You realize that although people arrived from different ends of the earth, most here have similar desires which ultimately led to a crossing of paths in Playa del Carmen. We were all willing to risk our comfortable lives for something more, a surreal experience – a life of which dreams are made.
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