As a solo traveler I am always on the look out for new friends and trying to meet people. This can sometimes challenge the hidden ‘Nanna’ persona that is lurking deep inside me.
Sunday night in Playa and my new friends are keen to go out. ‘Great, where should we meet for dinner’ I say. There are vague mumblings I come to the general consensus that dinner is not an overly important part of the equation. Seems I will not be enjoying wine with my evening meal. Fair enough. ‘What time?’ I venture. ‘We’ll let you know’.
By 8pm I am in need of food and no closer to finding out the location of drinks. I venture out and scoff some $3 tacos with the thought that we will be going out shortly. The text comes through – 10pm.
10pm?
Are people still awake at 10pm let alone wanting to go out? Sure, I remember the days of turning up the music and dancing around the house drinking cheap wine waiting to go out late, but I was sure those days were behind me.
It seems not.
We headed off around 10.30pm to the local hostel where ladies get free drinks between 10pm and 11pm. I was dubious about whether or not I will be able to secure a Bombay Gin, no matter what the price.
Climbing the stairs to the roof I saw nothing but other 20 somethings. Hmm. Some were lounging in or by the pool, all with drinks. At the bar I discovered free drink options to be limited to tequila, rum and vodka – all brands I’d never heard of. Available to purchase, beer. I chose rum – nothing good can come from tequila or vodka.
I slotted into the 20 something’s conversation easily as it was mostly about travel. Phew, but when it started raining and we were jammed together under a tiny shelter with half naked (hot) 20 something men I started to feel my age.
At the conclusion of free drinks we departed in search of more. We wandered the beach to the bar strip. On arrival the pounding music and overly keen hosts trying to get young 20 something girls into their bar (to bring in the 20 something boys) was too much. Like Cinderella losing her glass slipper, I was off.
The next morning the reports that came in were of a great night all around – dancing on the bar, free drinks all night and looking at hot boys…and a 5am finish. Looks like I better brush up on my staying up late skills…and get familiar with unknown brands of Mexican alcohol!
