Day 15: Friends and Fun
One of the things we made sure to tell our family and friends was that they were welcome to come visit us as we traveled. Of course, we meant it sincerely, but wondered if anyone would actually be able to make the trip to Playa del Carmen. We know life is busy, and schedules are packed. So…imagine our surprise when we had not one…but TWO separate visits from dear friends! On Sunday afternoon (yesterday), our friend Linda, also from Chicago, met us at a restaurant close by. We finally got to introduce our… Read More
Day 12: Learning to Make Guacamole
Part of our 3-day resort training included a Mexican Cooking Class! We learned how to make one of our favorite foods…Guacamole. The ingredients? 1. Fresh Avocados 2. Cilantro 3. Habanero Peppers 4. Freshly squeezed Lime Juice 5. Salt & Pepper Time well spent!
Day 7: Venturing Out to Shop
After attending our first church service in Playa, we headed over to Sam’s Club, just down the street, to stock up on many needed supplies and food. We assumed this would be the best place to shop but after looking through the prices and talking to several locals, we have determined that shopping at La Mega or Walmart may be just as cost effective, in addition to searching out little specialty shops like Dak (on Constitution and 30th, near La Mega) that offers fresh produce as well as Gluten-Free products. The first… Read More
Day 8: Mikayla’s First Adventure
Day 8 Mikayla’s Blog: What is an adventure? I believe an adventure is experiencing something new. Arriving in Mexico was just the beginning to a very long adventure for my family and me. It started out as just an idea, a dream long wished for, but soon grew to possible options, then fully emerged as a plan laid out for the next year and two months. The first real thrill and feeling of reality came when we jumped in the car at 5:15 am with all of our luggage, on the morning… Read More
Day 6: Ryan’s First Impressions
Along the streets in Playa del Carmen, there are no speed limits, no lanes, and no lights. Motorcycles glide in and out of groups of people, as do cars and taxis. People walk everywhere, usually not heeding the vehicles right behind them. Jaywalking laws don’t exist in Playa Del Carmen. Thankfully Starbucks does.The tour people here will ask you, “ Have you been with your kids to swim with the dolphins?”You’ll say, “No, not yet.”They’ll say, “How ‘bout now, amigo?” You’ll say, “No thank you.” They’ll say, “Come on, amigo, I give you… Read More
Day 6: Dinner Tonight…
After meeting our Spanish teachers for the first time at Kava Kasa tonight, we headed back home, hungry but not in the mood to cook. We opted to steer clear of the more expensive Fifth Avenue restaurants, and opted instead to explore the non-touristy areas of Playa. While walking, our paths intersected with a “salesman”, trying to draw us into the restaurant he worked for. We explained that we were not tourists and were more interested in finding a place where the locals ate. We were not too convincing at first,… Read More
Deena
Welcome. I’m Deena, the author of Six Hearts One Journey. I am wife to Ryan and mother to four rapidly growing children, Mikayla, Ryan, Kathryn, & Danny. I’m also a closet Introvert, 75% Tomboy, and a Chess Geek. I love to read, write, learn, and explore. Some of my favorite things in the world are Travel, Food, Photography, and Apologetics. But…this Blog will hopefully never be “All about me!” In fact, the most unique thing about me is that I am loved…truly, deeply, genuinely loved by an Almighty King who calls me His… Read More
Day 5: And the Internet is Alive!
Did I mention we finally have Internet? They got it up and working on Day 5 (Friday), just a little longer than their promised 24-72 hours. We are thrilled, except for the fact that we no longer have an excuse to head over to Starbucks every day. And no, the flower has nothing to do with this little update, just thought it was pretty. We pass it on our way up and down the steps to our condo.
Day 5: Kathryn’s First Days
Kathryn’s Blog & Photos: We arrived safely in Mexico on Monday afternoon and have seen a lot already. One interesting thing I observed is the way vendors are so eager to earn money they never stop pressing you to buy something until you are out of ear-shot. It’s always tempting to buy fun, colorful items, but sometimes they’re pretty pricey. One time I asked how much a miniature marble elephant cost and was told I could only buy the whole family of elephants for $20! A few sellers always lower prices so… Read More
Ryan
Husband to Deena, and dad to four great kids, Ryan loves to travel and spend time with his family. He enjoys many things, including reading, writing, singing, playing the guitar, trying new foods, traveling and experiencing new things. He is most excited about personal growth, both as a family and as an individual as we embark upon this journey.
Danny
Deena Gainor
Kathryn
Ryan Gainor
Ryan Thomas
Mikayla
Six Hearts One Journey 
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