Playa del Carmen, Wednesday

1336 At Legends for non all inclusive lunch of steak quesadillas and onion rings. Healthy. Meeting Zs sister, mum, J here 330 to go to Xcaret, others went earlier, Z and Dave both came up to my room to tell me about 12.

Hating this onsxreen keyboard it is like slow torture.

Had shower, shave (no shit), done laundry, changed my al inclusive wristband for ordinary one (tho this one is red and first was brown, go figure) and withdrew more cash. The 3k I took out last night seems excessively depleted but wtf. Want to be sure have plenty for today and think it is like 1100 entrance to xcaret.

Seems hotter today than before, fortunately air-conditioning in legends is good.

Temptation to write more than bare facts is linked when I have tk eexpress myself via the knscreen keyboard (before autocprrect that was mehboard which is oddly apposite).

1551 No sign of anyone. Having fourth small beer, will probably stick on til maybe 5 and then write it off.  Fortunately I don't think this is a big deal so if do miss it due to some fuck up not really a problem. Do hope I can see J before bed tonight tho as she has borrowed my phone charger. Its a shame my SIM doesn't seem to want to work but so it goes.

Bored, slightly bloated (portions huge) and a bit cold with the air conditioning. Meh. As I have doubtless said not regarding this trip as an opportunity to do or see anything in particular, for better or worse it is enforced vegetation with a possibility of limited socializing.

Oh, I have a mosquito bite on my ankle and another on my leg. As always I wonder how this is possible when i wear socks and trousers except in my room. None on my arms as yet, so maybe the repellent works.

2347 Back at hotel. There was a mix up and theyfs t u r n e d up at 5. No problem. Only missed out on - gasp - water related activities at Xcaret. I saw the show only - rather good if touch long at an hour, very interested by the exhibition of the mesoamrican ball game (the fire hockey variant after was cool too, I asked!Z'smum after and she said that was also a historixaly correct thing, if I understood her correctly), baila de Los viejicitos also cool.

Taxibus back, I had couple of beers at living while some others ate,got charger back from Javaria and had solo michelada back at hotel bar before coming up for a shower, this painful entry and bed. Early start tomorrow as we are meting at 815 in reception for catamaran trip.

Maybe there will be some discusiin tomorrow but I am wondering if I should cut my losses and fuck off solo to eg tulum on Friday or Saturday. We will see.

Playa del Carmen, Tuesday, part 2

Wednesday 0150. Phone keyboard is well and truly knackered. It's so bad even with the hardware keyboard not slid out it still sometimes interjects crap into what you're trying to enter.

Wandered around a bit, had lunch at la Cieba first (was going to go to Legends but it was heaving so couldn't get a table), wandered around. Met Jim & Valeria & her mother at hotel bar, had a chat with them, showered, met up with others there. We went to Las Tulipas (not right, something like that) in the hotel afterwards. Lime soup v good, steak and chips IMO good but the resident foodie said the steak was defrosted and not very good. Sometimes having low standards is an advantage, I thought it was OK. (Question: is it in fact a genuine advantage in all situations to have low standards? It probably needs some serious offsetting advantage to have taste. I can perhaps justify it with e.g. programming, but in other areas? Anyway...)

We went to the Blue Parrot beach club (right next to Coco Maya) afterwards. I hung around on my own a lot not wanting to intrude excessively. Moderately diverting all the same, if not a blinding night.

No idea what the plan is tomorrow. Not too fussed. Frankly am unlikely to e.g. push for trip to Tulum or whatever, I shall follow along blindly with the group's decisions, except maybe to not bother should it be excessively water-oriented. I will doubtless be back here again and can do all the archaeological sites my heart desires in my own times and on my own terms. I am kind of treating this as just some time away from "stuff" (work etc) and maybe see if I can chill out a bit.

Anyway, towards bed.

Playa del Carmen, Tuesday

1124 Phone keyboard works again. At hotel bar, just arranged via Skype text and e-mail to join others at La Ceiba in few mins but have a beer so not zooming over.

Will waffle about last night later when time permits.

1150 Feh. Phone keyboard has gone again so bashing this out on on screen keyboard

Met some of guys at la ceiba. They are going to beach and I will meet them in hotel bar 6-7ish. All good. Having another beer at hotel bar before going back to room to shower, do laundry then will go to Legends for lunch, wander,  drink, maybe even see if guide book lists a local museum. Hating this on screen keyboard. Could it be humidity or is the keyboard cable dodgy or what?

Trying the landscape on sscreen keyboard which is marginally less foul but still not a patch on he physical keyboard. Am going to tolerate minor typos to save my sanity.

Ronan and Hugh stayed at club after us last night and said it was ok. Maybe it was just me but it felt quite unfriendly and the floor seemed quite slippery. A Guy openly offered me coke as I went into the bog (tho Dave said he got some Guy chaisng him down street offering drugs yesterday). I hadhad five or six diet cokes at previous place so I think I was maybe on some weird caffeine high, stupid as it may sound.

6-12 party at fusion on beach was good, great food, free drinks (started with couple of margaritas then several coronas. Then realised I was a bit pissed hence the cokes). Zheyla showed a video she had made for Z and Valerie gave her a photo album this keyboard sfill sucks.gy

145%3 Lnch at La Cfeiba. Kpfegyboard swtill feckpfed. Swigyh.

Playa del Carmen, Monday

1220 Sort of woke up 8ish and got up about 1030/11, had shower, did laundry and then sat on balcony listening to a bit of music on phone. That was actually quite pleasant, felt I ought to come down just in case I was expected to so cut it a bit shorter than might otherwise have done. No one seems to be around, I have come to the hotel bar for a beer, fuck it, it's free. Bit shit at the bar, the barman chappy was fiddling with the fridge and had his hands full of beers so I didn't order anything, thinking I'd let him finish serving or what have you. Maybe a minute later after some 'WTF' kind of looks between him and some other staff he asked me if I wanted anything to drink. Feel a bit of a tosser, clearly I am not in a great mood. I should be ruder, obviously.

My personal plan is to have this beer, maybe even a second, then go for lunch (I will just go to that place opposite where I went yesterday, La Ceiba) and a walk, not necessarily in that order. However I am inclined to lunch relatively early; I am not starving but I could eat, and yesterday I felt a bit on the bloated side having dinner because I'd eaten lunch relatively recently. I assume the others will have breakfasted and will omit lunch like yesterday. Also I don't know what the food situation will be like at the party so there may not be anything I can eat.

I don't actually know anything except that the party starts at 6pm on beach somewhere near hotel. I think I will head over to the beach where everyone was yesterday about 430pm to see if they're there, if not I shall maybe loiter in reception about 530/6 and see what happens. If push comes to shove I can call Z on her mobile via Skype from here in the hotel - actually I could text her too, which would be cheaper for her, but she'd have no way to reply so perhaps a bit futile. I could text her when I am loitering in reception to say so. Am sure it will be fine.

I may have a few beers during the day. I think it's very important I not be massively pissed especially since the party could be late and obviously I don't want to cause offence by sloping off early. On the other hand, yesterday I think I was decidedly a few drinks behind everyone else because they'd been drinking stuff at the beach club whereas I'd been a good boy during the afternoon. Apart from feeling a bit over full I guess I was probably drinking on a fuller stomach than I'm used to as well.

I do think I should maybe go for lunch after this beer, then I can always have a couple back here after, ideally with a walk somewhere thrown in. I might have a beer or two at some random bar on my walk, frankly I don't think I'm getting great value from this all inclusive but I'd rather have a wander and feel a bit free than chisel out a couple of free beers for the sake of it. Maybe tomorrow when the pressure is off a little I will have a minor bender on the freebies.

Guts feel a little heavy but I am trying to believe it's nothing. Haven't drunk the tap water, but have cleaned my teeth with it. Last two nights I got water from the bars so I had some for morning. On my walk today I should probably see if I can get a big bottle so I have it ready to drink before I go to bed after the party or in the morning.

1307 Fuck it, having a second beer. Writing a long waffly e-mail to Rab. Really have been very moderate with my drinking so far. If you assume the small chopes yesterday are equivalent to bottles, I had maybe ten bottles - under 6 pints - a single tequila and tiny bit of mezcal all night, over maybe 6-7 hours. With food too. Of course that's techically a binge and vastly exceeds my governmentally-prescribed allowance but still.

1338 Nearly done with second beer. Lunch beckons then a walk with perhaps a beer or two and purchase of water. On reflection I think I might not go to the beach on the offchance of meeting the rest of the guys, I will just be in the hotel bar from 5ish and text Z so she knows. I am sure they will be coming back to shower etc after the beach so it's hardly going to take her out of her way.

1521 At Las Delicias (arbitrary semi-acceptable bar/restaurant on main street) for post-walk beer. Went to La Ceiba, J came over to say hi as i was finishing up, she didn't go to the beach as wanted to sleep and unpack and stuff. Apparently some of the guys will be at the hotel bar from 5 so I will join them there.

Beer is hitting the spot I must say. Walked maybe 40 mins. Not seen much of massive interest though did see a number of Oxxo stores and my first farmacias del ahorro, just in case there was any doubt I am in Mexico. Quite hot out walking but acceptable. One thing I have probably done for the best as a result of being with the group is carrying my daypack instead of wearing/carrying a jacket for the pockets. I am leaving it behind at night though and making do with my trouser pockets.

1534 Think after this will go back to hotel, get a bottle of water at bar to take back to my room (free, and will save the big one, plus that will be cold), have a shower, put my white T-shirt on for the party and maybe surf a little before going down to bar to meet people.

Oh, I went into the little pharmacy place near hotel to buy some more insect repellent (Z has the shared bottle) and the big bottle of water. Only big one I could see was Evian so I took that, rather decently I thought the chap at the counter told me it was expensive as it was imported and offered me a bottle of local water instead. One of those little things that make you realise people aren't always out to rip you off.

I might wear the white shirt I wore with the tuxedo, I have washed it but it is perhaps a bit creased. On the other hand, it's probably looser and a bit more comfortable, even with the long sleeves, than my white T-shirt, which is a bit vest-ish and will perhaps hug my gut more than I'd like. We'll see.

I might have another beer here first. It's quite pleasant sitting here even if it's not quite as shady as I'd like. (Place is at 5ta Av Norte con calle 22, FWIW.)

1715 Back at hotel, showered, changed (white normal shirt, not T-shirt) at bar. Hope people do turn up. Got Z's present and card with me in carrier bag.

MXN70 bill at Las Delicias, made it 80 but paranoid that's maybe too little (I mean, it's over 10% but small absolute amount)

0205 Back at hotel phone keyboard knackered so not waffling.  Z did us proud. Good night except for foul club (by consensus not just me) Mandala after main party at Fusion on beach. Had five or six virgin diet cokes after feeling bit drunk fairly early on and think I got quite badly wired on the caffeine.

Playa del Carmen, Sunday evening

1823 Decided to have a shower anyway. Since I'm doing my own laundry I can 'afford' to waste clean clothes on a change tonight and I figure people are not going to turn up dead on time so if I get there at 645 or even 7 it's no big deal.

On walk back to beach after lunch I walked past a bar playing 'First of the gang to die' and I immediately broke out in a big smile. Little things like that mean a lot sometimes.

0230 Back at hotel. Little things sometimes fuck things up a lot sometimes as well. Todo casi bien y mañana es otro dia. Dum spiro spero.

Playa del Carmen, Sunday

1502 At La Ceiba opposite hotel having just had buffet.

Didn't feel too bad this morning, first surfaced about 8am and sort of got up 11am ish. Had an e-mail from Mum saying LloydsTSB wanted me to phone to verify the transactions, which seemed a tedious expensive chore until I remembered I could use Skype and got it sorted in a few minutes.

Did a bit of laundry, had a shower and was going to go out for lunch and to withdraw cash before trying to find the rest of the guys, but Z and Dave knocked on my door about midday and said we were all meeting in reception.

Had a beer down there and we all signed up for the three day all inclusive deal; for me it was IIRC MXN2100 because my booking was the bog standard basic package. This includes free drinks so I suspect there may be some heavy consumption. We had another beer and attended the Virgin induction, then headed off to the beach. I went along just to find out where they were sitting - phone and/or GPS Essentials singularly refusing to play ball with taking note of GPS position - then went off to get some lunch. They all had breakfast at the hotel and I didn't, plus beaches aren't really my bag anyway. I don't know how they work in terms of getting changed and towels and all that crap, I feel like a tosser wearing swimming trunks out of the water and I can't swim anyway. (Of course, I can't simply not be able to swim. Just as I had to go through a course of expensive lessons to not be able to drive, I had to go through a tedious and unpleasant series of swimming lessons every summer holiday for years in order not to be able to swim.)

A disturbing number of the activities on offer here seem to involve water. I shall perhaps duck out of some/all, it depends on exactly what is involved. I am prepared to get wet but I am not swimming.

Had a glass of some sweet white liquid with the buffet. I wonder if this is dulce de leche? No idea. Will ask Z later if I remember. It is OK but frankly I'd prefer milk, it's a bit sickly sweet. They have water and tea/coffee, but no coke. It's hardly busy in here and I am in no great rush to get back to the beach, so I might get a tea (if they have it; I suspect it's just coffee actually).

They do have teabags and hot water but I didn't notice and got a black coffee. There is no milk and no spoons to stir the sugar in but it will be OK.

When I came in here I was feeling a bit hacked off and I wasn't sure what the procedure was. I sat at a table for a few minutes without attracting any attention so I decided that here especially I should just play the dumb tourist card. I walked up to a waitress clearing a table and asked her in English if I could eat free here with this wristband. She said yes and I should just help myself, so I did. Two separate waitresses asked me to sign the bill with my room number but I said I'd already signed the second time and that seemed OK. (They spoke to me in Spanish so I did the same. Didn't do that to start with for maximum touristness, plus if I ask in Spanish and misinterpret her response about whether I can eat free that's my problem, whereas it's her problem if she gives me the wrong answer in English.)

I should leave a tip (even though it's just a buffet) but I have nothing smaller than a 50. I might ask if I can get 20 change. Yeah, just done that.

Oh, Z bought me a new hat on the way to the beach, as my 'London cap' is black. I will give her the MXN300 later; I went and withdrew some more money before I came here.

Haven't taken any photos yet; I gather beaches and cameras don't mix, plus since it is too hot to wear my jacket I am carrying my 'nearly empty' daypack around with me to hold most stuff (wallet and phone in zipped trouser pockets, though) and I am deliberately not bringing any more than necessary in it (I do have swimming trunks and my viscose towel, since I was hedging my bets with the beach) as there is a distinct possibility I will lose it. Even without drinking, I am not used to carrying one. I might leave it at the hotel if we all go back there; I could pop across now and leave it anyway, but it seems best to hang onto it for now.

Might get another coffee. I can't see why I shouldn't camp here as long as I like, it's not as if there aren't loads of free tables, and I tipped moderately well (infinity percent ;-) ). As long as it's not alcohol I don't see a big problem. I am sure the plans are rather fluid but Dave seemed to think they'd be at the beach at least a couple of hours, so I reckon getting back there at 1615 would be fine and I could still find myself there for an hour or two. It's a shame my phone doesn't work but still. Disinclined to buy a local SIM when I have free wifi (which reaches across to this restaurant, so may send this early) even if it might be handy for coordinating with group. But maybe a Mexican number would be ultra expensive for them to call anyway.

Body and primarily hands feel sticky. It's the sunblock plus insect repellent (we seem to be sharing the bottle I got last night with Zheyla) and maybe a bit of sweat.

It is hot but especially in the shade and if there's a breeze it is quite pleasant, not inferno-like. Someone said the locals consider this 'fresh', as there is a breeze. The rep said it can get down to 12C or so if cold air comes down from the US, and not to trust the weather forecast.

Think I will get another coffee then perhaps pop back into hotel, wash my hands and maybe borrow a book from the shelf in the reception so I can read it (hard to read phone even in shade out there, it's so bright) if hanging around at beach.

As I have probably said before, I hope when I return to London winter will be over. I know March can be cold but fingers crossed it won't be bitter like it was the last week or so. I haven't actually checked the weather back home.

Just occurred to me I can Skype Mum from here as the wifi reaches.

1811 Found the guys on the beach OK, we are back at the hotel and meeting at 630 at Legends just opposite the hotel. Vaguely tempted to have a shower but since I'm not all sandy etc I think I won't as time is slightly short. May splash a bit of water on myself.

Will send this now since probably won't make any entries during tonight and this way if I lose my phone at least this is gone.

Playa del Carmen, Saturday

0151 Sunday. Back at hotel. We left the bar by the beach -Coco Maya- about 130. 730am london time. Not a bad effort. Feel I am getting to know people via the medium of drunkenness. I am a bit pissed but don't feel too bad. Tomorrow is a quiet 'beach' day, I am in theory encountering people at the El Tukan beach club some time. I have felt this moderately drunk and had it all go tits up in the early hours of the morning before but I have a litre of trustworthy water and I really do feel OKish so fingers crossed. No tequila, just beers, including a couple of micheladas.

That was probably the closest I will ever come to Ibiza, and I am not even sad about that. The open airness of it made the club vibe and the loud music quite fun.

I suspect this will be a rather pseudo-Ibiza-ish heavy drinking trip but that's cool, frankly it suits me. I've been far too restrained recently and I can exercise some more restraint when I'm back in London.

We had several at the hotel first then we went to Coco Maya. Zheyla was supposed to re-join us but she locked her keys out of her car.

She took me with a friend of hers to withdraw cash and buy insecticide before we went to the hotel bar. I need to salt some away safely but that can wait til tomorrow.

Barring serious problems I am *not* drinking the tap water. I think that's what always fucks me over.

Anyway, towards bed. Not sure if I should set an alarm for tomorrow or not.

I can hear music pounding from here, though at not insane volume. I am not complaining, I can sleep through anything, as long as it's not making the bed vibrate it's cool.

London-Mexico

0956 On FCC train at London Bridge about to leave for Gatwick. Not feeling too much of a tosser in the tuxedo yet; at least in my head it's the bow tie that really attracts attention. Z is insisting we all meet at the airport at 1030 and check in together. (I am checked in online, but IKWSM.) So we can all go through security fully dressed and attract maximum attention. I've always wondered what a fully cavity search is like. Still, we must submit to humiliation and inconvenience to preserve our liberty.

Snow flakes in the air (and in my heart :-) ) but not on the ground. I think it's about 3C but fortunately there's not too much wind so it's not too uncomfortable, not that I'm out in it much (especially now). Wearing a T-shirt under the shirt because I was worried I'd be too cold en route to airport. Probably not a bad idea anyway, I think JR suggested it might be useful for the plane as it may be cool on there and I may not want to keep this jacket on for comfort reasons.

Didn't want to get up this morning but did manage it eventually at 0850ish. Ideally would have left home a bit earlier (actually left about 0935) but been lucky with connections and barring a problem with this train I will be there about the expected time. Which is good, as it will keep the bow tie wearing discomfort and wankery interval down to two hours. (The flight takes off at 1230 so I guess I should be in my seat by 1220ish, and there is no way I'm keeping the tie on then, so no one better ask!)

1049 Dropped bag. Stupidly left my 'security belt' in the checked in bag - I had slipped it in when took it off due to tuxedo (tucked in shirt) awkwardness. Gave me a bit of a jitter but as long as bag doesn't get lost it's OK, I have all the stuff I need for flight in my hand luggage anyway. Just annoying.

1157 On plane. Row going on just behind me about some people who have been let down by their seat reservations; ground staff getting involved. Thank fk I managed to get my aisle seat. Javaria and Ed are I believe sat in the row ahead of me so they get the emergency exit row; I guess that's the upside of taking a chance on seat allocation at the airport, since Virgin don't let you book it in advance. I can't actually see them but I am sure they said row 75 (I am in 76C) - Javaria was just behind me as we came on so not sure where they are, maybe I got confused. Not too worried; I know it's maybe a bit antisocial but on a flight I prefer not to have to worry about social niceties.

Row still going on about the seats behind me. Cabin crew member is doing broken record and saying ground staff's word goes. I think the woman who has the seat they want is willing to swap (though not clear) and they might be insisting anyway. The woman who has the seat isn't saying anything, not sure if she is there. I do feel for those guys, believe me. I am sure it could happen on any airline but it is something that would put me off flying Virgin again, given how keen I am on aisle seat. I just hope I am OK on return flight; those guys also checked in online and apparently had the seat they expected right up to the gate or something. Fingers crossed and at least if I am fked on return flight I will hopefully be a) more relaxed and b) on my way home (so less 'excited' but also less 'stressed').

Oh, I got asked to take off the ID badge I was wearing for the James Bond theme stuff in case I got mistaken for crew. Not a big deal, just mentioning it.

J did say they were getting changed and I wonder if that's why I don't recognise the glimpse of them I see through the crack in the seat in front. I don't have a handy change of clothes but it's not too bad, though am a bit annoyed if that was the plan and I didn't know. It was probably on Facebook.

1415 Feeling not too bad at all. Brought Hugh Thomson's "Tequila Oil" with me, which I got for Christmas over a year ago (possibly two) and never read. Very entertaining indeed, possibly also a good way to pick up a few words more Spanish. Feeling a bit 'jealous' because I never got to do any of that kind of stuff, but maybe 38 is the new 18 and it's not too late.

Don't think I said before most (not all - J and Ed are somewhere up here) of the group are sat together. I didn't try to change my seat, given I have some minor personal issues which make me nervous about flying right now (though I feel fine at the moment) I didn't want to risk losing my aisle seat and although sitting with the group would probably have been OK, frankly I'd rather get to know them over a beer or two than on a plane. As it is I can read my book or whatever without feeling compelled to be sociable. To paraphrase If...., "Fly. Socialise. But don't mix the two."

The menu for the flight - fk, they have a menu! - is not mega promising. Far too much sauce on the meals for my liking. But I may be OK with bangers & mash, and frankly airline food is usually so 'airliney' that sauces which would be a problem in a restaurant can sometimes be moderately tolerable.

Tiny tiny bit of turbulence now, just bumpy road stuff, no biggie. Wouldn't mention it if I hadn't been writing this anyway. Stayed up til 2am last night because didn't feel like going to bed and also figured as long as I didn't oversleep if I was a bit tired today I'd be more likely to sleep on flight (I haven't felt any drowsiness yet, though unless - it didn't - that just-got-on-board somnolence hit me, that's hardly surprising). Was reading onebag.com (more for entertainment than advice, though it did make me move my torch from my main bag to my daypack) and happened to come across the claim that aircraft are tested to a point that the wings would never come off during turbulence without the occupants all having been killed by the violent motion first.

1502 Just eaten. Gravy on the sausage and mash was pretty thick so I scraped it off the sausages and ate just them. Not really hungry, but seemed prudent to eat what I could and it does after all pass the time. Had a G&T earlier and got a beer with the meal, which I have saved for after. Cabin attendant told me to be careful opening it so maybe it will explode in my face; I shall try to keep my mouth open.

1524 I should say - I mean, it's fascinating - that with my usual foresightedness I bought some sausage rolls at Tesco so I could eat something this morning before I left. I'd have had a proper meal but not with such an early start. The foresightedness was however just something which crossed my mind last night; I don't think I'd normally have bothered.

Oh, at the bag drop/check in there was some suggestion we'd go into the V-lounge or whatever, but since we only had maybe an hour airside anyway we didn't. Good job as it was twenty odd quid; one poor chap had paid anyway as they asked when he checked in. Even in a tuxedo I clearly look too cheap for them to try upselling me. :-) (Also my check in woman looked about fifty and acted about seventy, there was this weird half-awake languidness about her.)

On the way through duty free we (I had no active part, natch) posed for a photo round the grand piano at the Jack Daniels Tennessee Honey (or whatever) stand and got a small free shot.

1625 J just tapped me on the shoulder to ask how flight was going; she is sat behind me on other side of aisle. Not sure where Ed is. She mentioned the problem with the seats; maybe she was 'the woman' from earlier. It's hardly a mystery I must have solved before I can rest, but would be interesting to know the full story. I suspect it may come out in general conversation later.

1706 Just finished book. Very good, shall have to check out the numerous books referenced and maybe also the film Touch of Evil.

Turned in-flight map on a bit ago, 6h 9m to go. Bored. Back hurts a bit. May see if there are any interesting films on offer, failing that I have books and music on my phone.

Wondering if I should adjust my watch/phone to Cancun time now. Probably doesn't matter. Six hours difference; if I write it down maybe I'll remember. Sod it, I will switch to Cancun time.

1251 Just watched Moonrise Kingdom. I did have some interest in seeing this when it came out. Not bad, I suspect it would repay a second viewing (but not on this flight).

My nose seems to be getting blocked on one nostril. I will save the excitement of blowing it for later. Still about four and a half hours to go, well, maybe more like four. Some other possible films to watch but I might see if I can drowse with some music.

Cabin crew came and asked if they could take my blanket if I wasn't using it, apparently a baby wants one. I am just such a hell of a nice guy.

I see the film was rated PG-13 for "sexual content and smoking".

1413 Watched a rather poor Simpsons episode and now listening to Half Man Half Biscuit. Been to the bog to stretch my legs and empty various orifices, including my nose. Aaaah. The extra oxygen inflow is making me dizzy.

ETA is 1721.

Still finding the idea of travelling with people odd. Has its advantages of course. I can presumably get to the hotel on virtual autopilot since I will just go with the crowd. Want to withdraw some cash at the airport, although it's less critical since I'm not on my own, I'll still feel a lot happier with some local currency in my pocket.

Damn well hope my bag isn't misrouted or stolen, since I have minimal non-tuxedo clothing otherwise and it has my tablets in since it contains the security belt. Fingers crossed, I guess it's not very likely. Would be a pisser but not the end of the world. Hey, it might get me out of the visit to the XaHaWotsit eco lagoon place which I believe is on tomorrow's itinerary but sounds way too water-based for my tastes. (Haven't studied my guide book much. I don't know how much time I will need to occupy on my own initiative. If time permits me to visit that archaelogical site whose name escapes me (about 400km as the crow flies from Cancun, as measured by my finger on the screen) I will be well satisfied. This is a different kind of trip to what I'm used to so have to treat it as such. It may simply be too far to go over to that site anyway, but I will see how the land lies in terms of buses, organised tours and free time after the first day or two. For example, if there is a bus terminal round the corner from the hotel it will be easy to make enquiries, otherwise it may slip.

"Surging out of convalesence". Strong contender for best song ever.

Do wonder if I should be writing this on blog as I feel a bit constrained since Z may read it. On the other hands, it is monumentally unlikely (especially if I am discrete about making blog entries and only do it in private and thus don't remind her), I am not really saying anything wrong and I do sort of like - even though I don't expect anyone to read it - having this blog. Somehow it is just slightly different to (say) sending e-mails to myself, even though I am basically writing this to look back on myself not for anyone else. Meh.

I suppose maybe it's the idea that these wafflings are out there practically anonymously and one day someone might do an obscure search and find an odd charm in the mundanity of it all. (I've certainly had that happen to me occasionally.)

Phone battery is at 62% so should easily last. I have two charged spares in my bag anyway.

1516 I must say they are doing fairly well at providing frequent food and drink. Can't help feeling there is a bit of a feeding time at the zoo quality whenever the trolley comes past. Listening to "Crest of a Knave".

1546 "A Humpty Dumpty Thing". 1.5h to go. Perhaps it's the same group thing mentioned earlier but I haven't (yet, at least) got that "shit, the flight will be over soon and I'll have to do stuff" feeling I sometimes get. I guess it's the flight equivalent of not wanting to get out of bed. ;-)

1629 "Le Pop". Mainly for "Demon Kitty Rag", though it's a good album. We just got told to put our seat backs upright. We are 468km away. Surely this is too soon? I just hope they don't make us turn electrical devices off too soon. 45 mins eta.

1748 In queue from hell for immigration. They were so insistent before we got off that we had our passports in our hands as we left the plane. Bwahahaha.

We had to wait a few extra mins to get off so some paramedics could get on board to help a passenger who hadn't been feeling well.

Baggage reclaim is after immigration, which seems somehow wrong. Am solo in the queue, I assume the others are elsewhere (I was very late getting off due to not seieng any reason to force my way off in a hurry) and I will meet them at baggage reclaim.

1918 Reunited with my bag, an emotional moment. Suspect got through immigration no more than 10 minutes ago. No sign of others yet and my mobile doesn't seem to be working. Will hang on maybe 30 mins (perhaps less) then make my own way. Be good if phone would work tho as don't want them waiting for me.

2118 In room.

Mexico packing

Let me be honest, this is mainly a test entry which I thought I'd try to make relevant enough to keep.

Been having a look over the packing list and assembling a shopping list. Not sure about the clothes yet. The rather dead-weight tuxedo adds bulk to my total clothes volume, but on the other hand I can try to offset that by being more efficient in other areas (I have been a bit heavier than I'd like on previous trips anyway) and on this trip for once I should be, for better or worse, relatively stationary - I am booked in the same hotel for all ten nights, so as long as it fits in my bag weight is not quite so important. I am still perhaps a little tight on space due to the tuxedo but we will see how it goes. Frankly I probably could take a suitcase instead of my travel bag given the limited need for mobility, but I do rather like the idea of travelling light so I am going to give it a go.

The tuxedo adds volume in that the trousers and shirt are not massively re-wearable for the rest of the trip so I need to pack an extra pair to compensate, and I also need to pack a second jacket instead of just having one which I wear instead of pack. To be fair, having travelled with my fleece the last n times, I have needed space in the bag to shove that when it got too hot; this time I am taking a lighter jacket which may help compensate. I do worry how I will manage without the fleece's beautifully capacious pockets, but this is a good chance to experiment. I am not dropping the fleece because of the tuxedo but because it's too heavy to be ideal in a warm climate.

I also need to take two pairs of shoes, since I suspect - and am certainly not going to gamble on it - black shoes won't go with most of my normal travel gear (cream-ish trousers and jeans).

I am seriously thinking about not taking any jeans; they *are* heavy and bulky and slow to dry, and although I have worn them without major problems on previous trips they are probably less than ideal in a hot climate. If I do go visit any ruins the 'ruggedness' of jeans appeals, but in reality I don't think it's a big deal.

I should make a note of exactly what clothes I took and how I got on towards the end of the trip for future reference.

I also have to pack Z's present but that isn't going to be very bulky - after all, she will have to carry all her presents back, so it's in her interest as well as mine to keep it small and light! Being deliberately cagey here just in case she should read this (not likely, but not inconceivable, especially if I am not secretive about making blog entries while abroad).