the places I visit on the island paradise where I live


Jul 28, 2014

Playa del Carmen Street Art Part 2

Street art photos courtesy of India Lee
India Lee is a woman I know from Cozumel. She was living here when I arrived in 1999-2000. I think she had already lived in Cozumel a while. She and a friend moved to the Riviera Maya area to sell at one of the hotel resorts being built and we lost track of each other. I was happy to find her again on Facebook. Thanks again, India Lee, for the great photos of the new street art at Playa!





These were my favorites. Enjoy!

Jul 27, 2014

Playa del Carmen Street Art Part 1

Street Art Playa del Carmen courtesy of India Lee
Very rarely do I like to double post on both my Gargoyles & Graffiti blog and here on Design in Cozumel, but I think this is such an important phonomenon I wanted to report on both. In the process of cleaning up Playa del Carmen, in anticipation of all the new shops, plazas, hotels, and condos ... the city decided to embrace street art. Instead of trying to cover it up, they are having young people all over the city making fabulous graffiti or street art. I love it. Graffiti is a popular form of expression since Roman times, even before. Look at cave paintings.


more street art at Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Notice that the pieces are signed and adorn many of the blah or ugly concrete block walls around town. Bravo to Playa del Carmen to come up with such a colorful and fun solution.




Courtesy of India Lee
India Lee, thanks for posting on Facebook!

Jul 6, 2014

The Cozumel Art of Sarah Williams Pritchett











Sarah Willams Pritchett is a wonderful artist that lives in Cozumel. She also happens to be my neighbor. We always say hi when we meet on the street or at a birthday party. We don't really know each other very well. But I am astounded and delighted at the art she has produced over the last few years. Hers is a rare and wonderful talent.
















These are prints we have in our store for sale. They are quite wonderful. Hope you can stop by and see them. If you would like to know about purchasing one of her originals, let us know. We can put you in touch with her, or you can contact Sarah directly at cozumelwatercolors@gmail.com







Jul 3, 2014

Musings of the Day: 15 Years in Mexico


Our Godchild's Christening


My family
12 Things I have learned after living almost 15 years in Mexico

When at the grocery store meat counter, I know to order 200 or 300 grams of ham, not 200 or 300 kilos like I used to 15 years ago. (What a look of shock I saw on the women’s faces!)

I have learned how to pronounce “estacionamiento” (parking lot) and “impermeabilizante” (waterproofing … materials for our roof).

I know to order camarĂ³n (shrimp) con “un poco de ajo” (a little garlic), instead of “un poco de ojo” (a little eye).

Spanglish is okay; at least it is better than only speaking English.

I have learned to accept things the way they are, at least most of the time.

I no longer refer to the United States as my home.

I don’t mention anymore the way things are done in the states. Standard answer from my husband always was: “Where do you live? Not the USA.”

People from the states look too tall and pale.

If somebody doesn’t arrive for an appointment, just come back later.

Kissing and greeting people you barely know is acceptable behavior.

Forgiveness is a way of life.


Happiness abounds.