Thought I might as well update while I have 10 unexpected minutes on the 'puter.

I think this town is meant to be the relaxed alternative to Cancun and I imagine it is. It's also meant to be a bit upmarket and the 'designer' shops show that. There's a lot of building going on - all apparently designed to up the ante. However, the sheer tackiness of lots of the shops are a turn off - why would anyone want a t-shirt saying "I'm in Playa, b****"? Still, I can't moan - it's safe and easy to settle in here.

Away from the central street there's a feeling of real Mexico and I'd implore people to wander off a bit. It's significantly cheaper back there as well.

On my hotel - The Real del Mayab - I'd really recommend it as an excellent option slightly away from the main drag. Large rooms, OK showers and standard continental breakfast, but with lovely staff. If there are two of you this would be remarkable value. Plus you get to hear a c*** crowing in the morning.

So - I'm settled in a nice hotel in a half-decent town on my holidays and I can have a dip in the Caribbean whenever. There's only one thing to do. Sod off to somewhere I don't know on a 5 hour bus ride and see what the day brings. Idiot.