Pez Maya, Punta Allen and Playa del Carmen

[Last updated: 24-Jul-2022]

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Sunday, 23-Apr-2017

Another rest day! Even though I awoke at 07:45, I stayed in my bunk until 09:00. Breakfast was a banana and cereal.

My jeans had been left folded, and in the same place, as when I took them off seven weeks previous when I arrived at Pez Maya. In order to get them ready for my departure on Friday (to remove any creases/wrinkles), I dunked them in a bucket of water and hung them out to dry; and it worked!

As Charlie was to return to Pez Maya after my departure, I created a 'ReadMe' file for him, describing the Compressor Log spreadsheet. I hope he understood what to do.

The remaining volunteers returned between 16:00 and 17:00, which was earlier than normal. To end the day, we played card games.

Monday, 24-Apr-2017

This morning's duty was Kitchen, when we started preparing Potato Crackers for lunch.

The usual refilling of the Tinaco and a full kitchen clean took place until about 09:45. A Boat Push took place at 10:00, ready for a planned Wave 1 departure at 10:30.

The sea was virtually flat (as can be seen in Photo MX-098), so the boat trip to the Barracuda Jazz site (GPS N20° 02' 21.91", W87° 27' 59.40") was a nice smooth and dry one; in fact, the best ride in the seven weeks since I arrived! I hoped that the remainder of this week's journeys to the dive sites would be the same! Once in the water, we (Kim. Brais, Romain and I) performed a Dive Against Debris (DAD) dive, down to 14 metres. We retrieved a number of plastic items that would otherwise have ended up on a beach, or even worse, inside a fish or turtle's stomach!

Although I am deeply concerned about the state of our oceans, including the importance of the coral reefs and their inhabitants, for me, coral monitoring is for the long term; be it 6 months, one year, five years, etc. Personally, I prefer to have/see quick results. That is why I thoroughly enjoyed this DAD dive, as the effects (and results) from what we did on that dive were immediate!


Photo MX-098

In my absence from the kitchen, Rob had fried the potato cubes (for our lunch); they were yummy!

My second dive of the day (Wave 3 at 16:00) was a coral spot with Sophie and Rob. I felt I had improved my knowledge yet again! Unfortunately, and much to my disappointment, I wasn't able to complete my coral program, because of what happened after the dive:

Approaching the beach, two lines of volunteers were in the water, ready and waiting for the Boat Push. On board, we (divers) were told by Captain Pete to "Jump and hold". [For safety reasons, this command implies that the divers jump into the not-too-deep water, with one hand still holding onto the side of the boat, to prevent going underneath the boat!] Well, thinking that the water was about chest deep, I jumped and held!

Unfortunately, where I jumped, the depth of the water was deeper than I (or anyone else) realised and I went completely under; probably due to a 'hollow' in the sand! In doing so, I was no longer able to hold onto the side of the boat. When I surfaced, I noticed that the water had streaks of blood in it.
Well (I thought), that should bring the sharks in!

On examining myself, I saw that my left arm was covered in blood! Because I went under, my hand slipped against one of the metal canopy clips, that are attached to the sides of the boat. It caused a large cut to my left hand, in particular, my little finger! I washed my hand continuously in the sea water and was told by Pete to go to the office and get it bandaged.

Outside the office, I realised I couldn't wrap any kind of bandage around my hand, at the same time, trying to stem the flow of blood! Taylor and Stuart were down at the compressors, so I shouted and asked if one of them could kindly help me. The question of whether they had completed the EFR training didn't come into my mind. Taylor came running to my aid!

Without ANY hesitation, she dived (no pun intended!) into the First Aid box and grabbed whatever she thought was needed: bandages, antiseptic cream and anti-bacterial solution. She promptly set about cleaning the mess of my hand! After she had cleaned my hand, we saw that I had a large gash down the inside length of my little finger. So large, it was obvious that stitches/sutres would be required. That meant a trip to hospital!
[I didn't trust anyone at the base with a needle and thread! ]

I don't remember how, but (unaided) I was able to get out of my wet suit and into some dry clothes. Meanwhile, a plan was hastily put in place, whereby Emma F would drive me to the Red Cross Clinic in Tulum; where we were prepared for a long wait. On our way, I was able to move my little finger and also feel when it was touched by my right hand. Therefore, and thankfullt, we presumed that the tendons and nerves had not been severed!

Upon arrival at the Red Cross Clinic, it wasn't busy, so I was attended to quite quickly. As soon as the nurse had cleaned and looked at the wound, she said "Stitches". I asked Emma to fetch my water bottle from the truck, because I started feeling dizzy and unwell! She returned and I took several mouthfuls.

Photo MX-099 (taken just before the nurse injected anaesthetic into my hand and finger) has been pixelated, as you might not want to see the actual injury.

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!
It is definitely not for the faint-hearted! Not even me, as shortly afterwards, I passed out/fainted!

The next thing I remember was that I was laying flat on my back, on the bed, with smelling salts being held under my nose! I also remember hearing the beep from a detector on one of my fingers of my right hand, taking my pulse. Emma said that she thought about eight sutures had been put into my finger. I felt very weak, but at the same time, very relaxed and comfortable at being on the trolley bed. At least I couldn't fall any further!


Photo MX-099

The nurse said that I had to return in seven days time to have the sutres removed, but Emma informed her that I was returning to the U.K. at the weekend. I would therefore need to have them removed in the U.K.

After the nurse and doctor had finished, I sat up, still feeling weak. I had some chewing gum in my rucksack, for sugar. Emma suggested going to Chedraui (the supermarket further along Avenida Coba) to get some chocolate and the prescription. If I needed sugar, the chewing gum certainly helped, as (a few minutes later) I was able to walk to the Reception area unaided! Before we left, I was told to keep the wound dry for two days. My thought was that I would not be able to dive no earlier than Thursday; and I was leaving on Friday. I asked myself 'Did I want to continue coral spotting?'

I wasn't sure if I had enough Mexican Pesos in my wallet to pay for the medical treatment I had received. Amazingly, I had exactly the amount that was required; I was left with absolutely nothing!

At Chedraui, I stayed in the vehicle while Emme went inside. She was gone a while, but eventually returned with a box of Chocolate Chip Cookies (Chokis) and a box of 5 choc ices (similar to Magnum). Wonderful! The choc ices disappeared very quickly: 1) because they tasted good, and 2) because they were melting in the heat! We had to visit a pharmacy, as Chedraui didn't have the specific type of prescription. However, Emma was given some Analgen Tabletas - Naproxeno Sódico - for female menstrual pain - possibly because the shop assistant thought the prescription was for Emma! After visiting a pharmacy along Avenida Tulum, I felt a lot better, and my strength had returned.

We finally arrived back at Pez Maya at about 21:30. Three volunteers were still playing card games in the Communial Area. I explained what had happened as best I could, and then retired to my hut. Rob was still awake and asked how I was. Thanks Rob.

* * *
There was one moment that I (and I hope, Taylor) found amusing, with reference to EFR. About half-way through her attention to my hand (outside the office), she said something like: "Oh! I forgot to say 'My name is Taylor. May I help you?'". Of course you can, but for this particular incident, it was me that asked for help!

Tuesday, 25-Apr-2017

I didn't know whether I had set my alarm, but it woke me up at 06:40. This morning's duty was Communial and Kitting Areas. With a bandage around my left hand (that had to be kept dry!), it was fairly obvious that I was only able to use my right hand. Despite that, and much to my surprise, I was asked to clean the toilets! Particularly from a hygene point-of-view, I thought toilets and flesh wounds were NOT to be mixed! I opted out and went to wash the communial chairs - with my right hand.

With that behind me, and with Pete's permission, I changed a tradition. Normally, announcements are made after evening dinner. However, I made an announcement after breakfast: I thanked Emma F for taking me to Tulum last night, I apologised to Stuart for leaving him on his own at the compressors, but my biggest thanks (deservedly) went to Taylor for her quick and caring response; that I won't forget!

After walking down near to the water's edge (to get a mobile phone signal!) I phoned home, and asked a member of the family to book an appointment at my medical centre, to have "a couple of stitches" removed. "I've cut my hand" is all I said. I didn't want to go into the gory details!

I completed the GVI End of Project Questionnaire. I wish I had completed it a few days later, as I later remembered a couple of comments I wanted to add.

Wednesday, 26-Apr-2017

Please note that the remainder of this diary is from memory, as I did not make any further written notes.

That said, there is one event that stands out in my mind. Following my first visit to Punta Allen (four weeks ago, on 29-Mar-2017), I wanted to revisit the community before leaving Mexico. That wish was granted today, although it nearly didn't happen, because of the number of volunteers also wanting to go.

We left at 08:00, fully loaded. As there was no room inside the truck, Zack was on a matress in the back! As I understood it, he needed to see someone about a problem with one of the outboard engines.

We arrived at Punta Allen and parked outside Lucy's restaurant, submitted our lunch requirements and walked to the infants' (kindergarden) school (Jardin de Niños los Arrecifez). Again, they came and greeted Héctor (and us) at the gate. In their classroom, we again introduced ourselves (in English), and after I had said "My name is Martin", the same 'bright spark' called me Ricky Martin (as he did four weeks ago)! Another amusing moment!

Then we walked around the corner to the Escuela Primaria (Primary School), where I wanted to meet Estrella again. I was fortunate to sit by her and held her hands. Héctor told her (in Spanish) "This is Martin", to which she replied "Yes, I remember him".

I can't remember how, but she detected the bandage on my left hand and asked "What has he done?" Neither Héctor nor I saw that question coming! But that wasn't all. Héctor told her that "He has cut his hand". She said "I hope it gets better soon." That comment simply floored me and made me feel very humble, and brought a HUGE lump to my throat - and a tear, or three, to my eyes!

The reason it affected me so much was the fact that my injury would eventually heal, whereas she may never have sight! My immediate reaction was to really do something for her this time - and before I left Mexico. Once I was able to speak, I told Héctor of my wish, and he went and spoke to her teacher. As I was going to Playa del Carmen on Friday, she told him of a shop where I could buy something for Estrella. Before leaving the school, I wanted, and had, a photo taken with her; thanks Héctor (see Photo MX-100).


Photo MX-100


Update 1 (Jun-2017)

On Friday (further down this page), Namate, Benji and I were unable to find the shop suggested by Estrella's teacher (in the preceding paragraph). I still wanted to get something for her. So after my return home to the UK, I started looking for a gift. I eventually found a child's tactile wristwatch on the Royal National Institue for the Blind (RNIB) web site. The next thing was how to get it from the U.K. to Pez Maya. It was suggested, by those at the base, not to trust the Mexican postal service! Therefore, my thought turned to those who might have family and friends going to Mexico. Namate said that she had family members visiting her in August, but I then learned (fortunately) that the site manager was soon to return to the UK for a holiday. He kindly offered to carry it back to Mexico, if I could get the wristwatch sent to his home address; which I duly did.

Update 2, Sep-2017

Around the middle weekend of September, I received the following two video clips and photo of: Héctor presenting the watch to Estrella (fitting it, and explaing how to use it), Héctor getting her to say "Thank you", and a photo of Estrella wearing the watch.

  1. Presentation (5 minutes, 38 seconds). The dialogue is in Spanish (I haven't yet managed to obtain an English translation), but the gist is that on his weekly visit to the school, Héctor eventually presented Estrella with the wristwatch. After putting it on her wrist, he described what she needs to do to feel the time.
  2. Thank You (29 seconds). Héctor asked Estrella to say "Thank you" in English, which she does.
  3. Photo MX-114.

Photo MX-114


It was time to plan some games with the children, and Héctor led them to a corner of the playground. The first game involved the children being divided into two teams and going to specific points around the school, where they needed to find a question, then run back to Héctor with the answer. If correct, he would send them off for the next question. I decided to help Estrella, and with the other memebers of the team, we ran around, holding hands (for guidance), looking for the question. One of the questions was "What shark can live in both sea water and fresh water?" I whispered into Estrella's ear "A Bull Shark", which she happily repeated to Héctor. "Yes, you are right!" he said! The smile across her face said it all!

On leaving the children (to go and have lunch) I had only one thought in my mind; what gift could/should I buy. While we were eating, Ricardo (from the first group of volunteers I met) drew up on his motorbike. I didn't hear everything that was said, just something about going for a swim.

Once we had finished our school duties, Héctor drove us over to the pier, where we waited for Ricardo. While we were there, a number of boats came and went, spewing and collecting the tourists, respectively. When Ricardo eventually arrived, he took us to a beach to the north of Punta Allen, where everyone (except me) jumped into the water; I didn't want to get my hand wet.

After playing around in the water, it was time to get back into the boat. The boat had a collapsible ladder that hung over the side, enabling people in the water to easily get into the boat. I wish the GVI boats had a similar device!

Ricardo headed south, towards the reef (to the east of Punta Allen). Once we were tethered to a buoy, it was time for everyone (except me) to don life jackets, snorkels and masks, and get into the water. Ricardo led the snorkellers the length of the reef!

There are a number of small buoys around the reef, used by visiting boats. When all have been taken, the 'captains' of newly-arriving boats 'daisy-chain' their boats to those that are already tethered. It's an interesting thing to see! I didn't think of taking a photo, as I was more amused in watching snorkellers in the water (Photo MX-101); some humans are really funny to watch!


Photo MX-101

Photo MX-102

Photo MX-103

Back in the boat (after an exhausting swim), Ricardo took us past the lighthouse, a nest containing Mexican Tiger Ospreys, around the peninsula, and into the fresh water lagoon. We arrived at the west side of Punta Allen, where we thanked Ricardo for the special boat trip that he had done for us, as well as saying "Goodbye".

When we returned to the truck, the vote was to go and visit the lighthouse. When we reached it, I so much wanted to go up with the others, and see the view from the top, but because of my injured hand, I didn't feel safe or confident enough in climbing over the first obstacle - the wall around the compound - and then jumping down on the inside. Oh well, perhaps next time! While I was waiting, I walked around and took a couple of photos (Photo MX-102 and Photo MX-103).

We travelled back to Pez Maya, arriving back in time for dinner!

Thursday, 27-Apr-2017

The bandage on my hand was replace this morning, so I said "No" to diving today (and thus my diving experience in Mexico had come to an unfortunate premature end), as I didn't want to get it wet. Instead, I started preparing for my departure tomorrow, rather than leave everything to the last minute!

At the end of the day, we were treated to a wine-tasting session (Photo MX-104) hosted by Romain. No only did he provide samples of the wines that he had for all to taste, he also informed us about other important characteristics of wine; for example, the smell and colour. It was very informative. Thanks Romain.

As it was my penultimate day at Pez Maya, I took a few more photographs (as follows) to remind me of my adventure here, and also to add to my album (and diary)!


Photo MX-104

Photo MX-105

Photo MX-106

Photo MX-107
 


Photo MX-108

Photo MX-109

Photo MX-110

Friday, 28-Apr-2017

There were five of us leaving today, with our departure point being the same: Playa del Carmen. We left Pez Maya and after arriving at Playa del Carmen, walked to the Hostel 3B. After everyone had checked in (except me), Namate, Benji and I left to find the shop where I hoped to buy a gift for Estrella. There were two problems with our expedition: 1) we didn't know the name of the shop, and 2) we knew only very approximately where it was!

Unfortunately, depsite (Benji) asking many people if they knew the whereabouts of a child's game/toy shop, or shop for the visually impaired, we weren't sucessful. I am very grateful that Benji was with us, as being Mexican, he did most of the asking. Disappointed, we gave up and returned to the hostel, from where I collected my suitcase.

Namate and Benji helped me with my suitcase to the BE Playa Hotel, where I had a reservation for two nights. After checking in, and seeing the room (Photo MX-111), the three of us went up to the roof bar where we had a cocktail (or two!) - and the Piña Coladas were very nice!


Photo MX-111

To Namate and Benji: Thank you very much for your help that afternoon!

Saturday, 29-Apr-2017

When I asked if there was a hotel shuttle car to the airport, I was told "Yes. It will cost you 700 MXP" (£29.16)! I didn't have that amount of cash on me, so I walked to the ADO Bus Station (on 20 Avenida Norte) and booked a seat on the 09:00 bus tomorrow morning; which cost 178 MXP (£7.42). It took me about 15 minutes to walk, so I thought, with a large suitcase, it may take some minutes longer.

I didn't want to leave Mexico without buying a dive polo shirt. I went into as many dive shops as I could find. When I went into one shop (I think it was Dive Mike), I was greeted better than normal! Upon seeing the Île de la Réunion emblem on my polo shirt, the two assistants immediately came up to me, saying that they are French and were from La Réunion! It was a lovely moment. The shop had one polo shirt that would have ticked the box, but unfortunately, it was made from Viscose, whereas I wanted a cotton shirt. I eventually found a black polo shirt in Scuba Libre.

While walking around, I came across the Bronze Portal Maya sculpture, on the Playa del Carmen beach (Photo MX-112). It is of a man and a woman in a swirl of water; quite an amazing sight!

I had dinner that evening at the Po Thai restaurant. I cannot remember what I ate, but it was very enjoyable! Before joining the group at the Hostel 3B, there was time to have another Piña Colada on the roof bar of the BE Playa Hotel with Namate (Photo MX-113), this time with Live Music!


Photo MX-112

Photo MX-113

After returning to the Hostel 3B, the sad time of leaving everyone eventually crept upon us. A group photo was taken, but I don't seem to have a copy!

I have said many times that I dislike Goodbyes, but (fortunately) I didn't leave the hostel alone. Rob was leaving this evening, to travel by overnight bus to Belize, so I accompanied him as far as the bus station (where we said our Goodbyes), and then I continued on to my hotel.


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