Postcards from Tulum, Mexico

"As if you were fire from within, the moon lives in the lining of your skin" - Pablo Neruda 

What you see and what he or she sees will always be more different than similar, at least this is what I think. I could tell you stories about a certain place or an experience, but you'll have your own to create. But I also believe in the power of inspiring others through words and pictures (and music, too). They can take you to places. I like to know what to expect going into a restaurant hence I usually read menus ahead; I browse attractions because I want to make the most out of everything but more importantly I like to anticipate. I love the anticipation of everything. A lot of times I find myself building up anticipation and when it gets really near I wish it wouldn't happen - because when it happens it also ends. And I don't want things to end. I've explained this irony of mine to close friends before.

Tulum was a sweet and spontaneous getaway. It was not something on my travel list. I remembered how we were sitting in a coffee shop in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. It was snowing outside, we were craving for the sun. Then we started browsing for places to go and saw really cheap flight tickets to Tulum. We've been seeing Tulum all over Instagram. It looked a little less touristy than the resorts in Cancun, yet quirky and a little hippie. So just like that we bought our tickets. This was also my first time to Mexico so it was really exciting.

My Tulum Pocket Notes:

• It's 1.5 hours away from Cancun (where you'll fly in) and you can either rent a car, split a cab with your companions or take a bus. I read many reviews about how good the bus service is and though we wanted to try, the timing did not work out for us so we traveled by cab instead.

• Bring cash! It would just make your travels 10 times easier and the currency exchange is way better than swiping your credit card or using USD.

• Mosquito repellent - I grew up in a tropical country but I am deadly afraid of mosquitos because they love me...

• It's helpful to speak un poquito Espanol because most cab drivers barely speak English in Tulum, and you get to engage more with the locals. It's also helpful when you order food. For the most part we were able to get by with our very basic Spanish (I wish I could speak Spanish fluently, it's just so useful)!

• With my very basic Spanish, I managed to purchase a local prepaid phone card at a convenient store.

Tulum gives me all the lush vibes, with every single corner being extremely picturesque. A basic geography of Tulum - it's made up of Tulum town and the beach area. The beach area is where you'll find all the stunning resorts and of course, the sea, but it's also way more touristy. Tulum town is a 10-min drive from the beach, or do it like us and bike 45 minutes there (it was quite the workout but Tulum itself is very bike-friendly). The town is where the locals live and you'll find cheap, local delicacies. Our airbnb was in Tulum town and looking back I'm really happy we stayed in town because we got to see and experience Tulum as a whole. I think one would less likely explore and wander around town if living in the beach area. Also Tulum happens to be extremely vegan-friendly (this was the healthiest I've ever been on a trip). I think it's because it is heavily influence by health-conscious folks that settled down in Tulum. In a way, we thought Tulum would be less Americanized (unlike Cancun), but very quickly realized it wasn't the case.

To Explore / To Do:

• Casa Malca (Pablo's Mansion)- Casa Malca has a little story behind it. This mansion was once owned by an infamous drug lord, Pablo Escobar, and it was abandoned for many years after he passed away. After that an art dealer turned this place into a luxury boutique hotel filled with his art collection and furniture. We were truly amazed by how beautifully curated this space was. I mean, when else does one see arm chairs swings and massive colorful rugs, also curtains and drapes casually being suspended from "the sky"? I really liked this place because it sort of felt like a mini art exhibit in a place you wouldn't expect to find, not to mention the fact that it is a perfect photo spot.

• Grand Cenote- There are many cenote surrounding Tulum, and we chose to visit the Grand Cenote since it was one of the more famous ones. Cenotes are essentially natural holes usually found in caves. And no, I can't swim but I was quite excited for a dip, until we got there and saw how overcrowded the cenote was. It felt just like a swimming pool. I think the whole instagram vs. reality thing hit us too hard on this (facepalm). Also, I grew up in Borneo Island, where the sea and snorkeling experience is truly one of the most breathtaking things on earth. Hence my advice is - go super early to beat the crowd so you can make the most out of the experience. There are many cenote to visit around Tulum, and some may be less crowded than others. Despite the underwhelming experience, the water was crystal clear in a deep blue color and it was a unique sight to take in.

• Parque Nacional Tulum- We explored one of the many Mayan ruins Mexico is known for. We did not sign up for any of the tours and chose to walk on our own. It can feel like a short hike so definitely wear comfy shoes. And don't go at noon like we did because we were melting under the sun.

• Yoga Class- Tulum is one of the most popular places where people attend yoga retreats and training. I highly recommend taking a drop-in yoga class at any one of the resorts in the beach area. We weren't expecting much when we signed up for a sunset yoga class, but wow, it was such a wonderful and rejuvenating experience. We took our class at Sanara Tulum.

To Eat:

• El Camello- This was our first meal in Tulum, and it's also our favorite meal of the trip. When you see locals dining here, you know you're at the right place. Absolutely loved the fried fish and seafood soup we had, also the fact that there was unlimited tortilla chips. I'd say this is a must.

• Raw Love Tulum- I don't know how else to describe this place other than it was made for instagram. We went to both locations (in Tulum town and beach area) because we loved it so much. Everything on the menu is vegan. I will never get over their açaí bowls, smoothies and raw chocolate cake.

• The Real Coconut- The most special meal we had in Tulum. Just like its name, everything on the menu is coconut-based. Think coconut vegan cream cheese, coconut flour tacos, coconut dressing... Even though it was one of the pricier meals, it was so worth it because the flavors were so creative and interesting, nothing like we've had before. If you love coconut, don't miss this spot. It also has a beautiful dining balcony overlooking the sea.

• Posada Margherita- When a friend recommended pizza in Tulum, I was highly skeptical. Yet it was so delicious. The fact that - the owner is Italian, the dough is made to order and it's baked in a wood-fired oven, I don't know how else it could go wrong.

• DelCielo- Bustling brunch spot in Tulum town. We loved everything we ordered, but I wouldn't say it's a must. If you're craving for a delicious, classic American brunch though, this is the place to go.

• Antojitos La Chiapaneca- Amazing and authentic tacos for just 50 cents each. I have no words.

• Gitano- I think we can all agree that this is the most romantic restaurant / bar in Tulum. It's famous for the interior, but cocktails were mediocre and on the pricier side. But everything about the interior screams ROMANTIC, it's hard for one to not fall in love with the space.

• Matcha Mama- Super cute matcha stall selling drinks, and it's decorated with plants, string lights and photo-worthy swings.

• Campanella Cremeria- A nice spot for gelato and they have a lot of tropical fruit flavors. I didn't love it in particular (sorry, very picky with my ice-cream) but it's a popular spot.

• Casa Jaguar- This place made me feel like I was dining in a very beautiful jungle, as we were surrounded by tall palm trees. The food itself was mediocre, yet the ambience itself was a sensory indulgent.

Where We Stayed: A cozy & beautifully decorated airbnb, which is part of an apartment hotel. Our host was lovely, and we got a two-bedroom unit all to ourselves. The actual unit is true to the photos listed. I love all the wood furniture, and we got plenty of natural lighting. If you're looking for a place to stay in Tulum town, I highly recommend this listing. Click here for the link.

Tulum is like this sweet oasis near enough to the states for a short, sunny getaway without having to break the bank. A getaway that you could have just as much fun even if you went unplanned. It has everything one may need to recharge, rejuvenate, and let loose. For now there are way too many island escape for me to explore, but maybe I'll find myself back here before even knowing it.