It seems like with this single digit degree wet and snowy weather that it was very long ago I was sitting on a beach enjoying 80-90 degree weather and complaining about it being hot. Oh how I long to be on the beach right now, but than again, I sure did miss Collin. So to warm up my insides, (and maybe yours!) I wanted to share some of the stories/pictures/experiences from beautiful Cancun!
We left Utah early on a Wednesday morning. We had a lay-over in Dallas/Ft. Worth that was supposed to only be about an hour and a half. It ended up being a 3-4 hour layover, because we had to switch planes because of an engine and than they had to re-ticket all the passengers. It was a pain, but our ticket was upgraded and can I say that business class is really quite nice. We got into Cancun but by the time we got through customs and the baggage claim, it was already about 5 pm. It was beautiful going outside, because the skies were aglow in blue and pinks. We got into our hotel room, which although had a stunning view of the ocean, really left something to be desired. We were in a room with two "queen" sized beds, but apparently in Mexico, "queen-size" is more like a full bed. The first picture is the view of the sun rising. It was about 7 am and it was so quiet and so serene.
This was the view from our balconyThe balcony was one of my favorite parts. I loved sitting outside, listening and watching the ocean. I would also break the rules and leave the door open (apparently not the safest or most energy efficient idea) to listen to the waves roll in and out. I miss the ocean. I took for granted how close I used to be. The resort was really beautiful, and we had so many choices for meals.We changed clothes and went in search of food. The hotel was all-inclusive, so you could eat at any of the six restaurants or order room service for free, and with drinks. It had a huge variety and was pretty good. We crashed the first night, so tired from being up at 3:15 to get to the airport. The next day we woke up and headed out, ready for a day of relaxation and fun. We headed downtown (via the bus) and went to the local mall. I must admit, we really went in search of finding out about buying tickets for Luna Nueva (aka New Moon! Eeeeekkkkk!!!!) We also went in search of mosquito repellente, because even though Mike did not get bit once, I was bit about 14 times while in Mexico, and even managed to somehow bring a mosquito home, and suffered one more bite while in my home. Grrrr!!!! We discovered New Moon came out two days before the US debut, but the theater was not open yet. We headed back to do some swimming. I loved the ocean swimming, because it was warm and fun. Mike preferred the pool, which was tiled to look like the ocean with two contrasts of blues.
I love the ocean. I lobed the sand. It was soft and actually does not burn your feet like east coast beaches can. Not sure why, but that is just how it is. After swimming and showering, I persuaded Mike into heading back downtown to purchase tickets for New Moon. We went to the ticket counter, and there were tickets for a showing that started in 10 minutes. We hurried, thinking that the theater had to be filled. We got into the theater, and there was NOBODY in the theater. (Side note here: in Utah, pretty much every opening week showing sold out months before New Moon opened, so hence, my astonishment!) There were only 6 people (including us) during the whole show, in a Cinemark stadium seating theater. We headed back to the hotel for more relaxation.
Since it was our honeymoon, we decided to order room service and just relax. It was so nice. We read a ton and just spent time together, alone, something I will NEVER take for granted again.
Friday morning, we decided to do an excursion. We really liked the swimming with dolphins, and decided to head out to an island about 30 minutes from Cancun. The water is just stunning in Cancun. Even in the deep ocean, it is this amazing turquoise blue.
This video above is a far off shot of the Island and the water. It was a fun 30 minute boat ride. the crew have music for dancing and drinks (alcoholic and nonalcoholic) so it was just nice to relax and kick back.
The island was beautiful. But the thing about Mexican bathrooms is that to me (I have a strong sense of smell) is that they all smelled like urine to me. And the part of being on the island that really bothered me is that on the island, you cannot flush TP down the toilet. I cringed at that part. Swimming with the dolphins was a blast. We swam with Picasso and Padme. Padme was still a younger dolphin, and Picasso was the head hancho of all the dolphins. We hugged the dolphin, danced with them, swam across the water on their belly, were pushed through the water with them pushing against our feet, and were even kissed by the dolphins. It was crazy. We were exhausted after, so it was great to head back and take a snooze on the boat.
When we first checked in and discovered our room did not have a king-sized bed, we kept checking to see if a room with a king sized bed was available. There happened to be one when we got back. We packed up our clothes, and hauled our bags up the stairs, and headed to the room. Well, as we got to the door, we noticed there was a do-not-disturb sign on the outside of the room. We opened the door and there was a couple in there. I walked back up to the front desk, and because of the embarrassment of double booking a room, we were upgraded to a suite. I was in HEAVEN!!!! The bathroom was the size of our old room, and had a jetted tub that could easily seat four. The king size bed was so nice. We had reservations for the fancy Italian place, which offered a five-course meal. It was delicious!!! The dessert was to die for.
The food was not only good, but the presentation was beautiful. Mike had the chocolate souffle and I had white chocolate soup. We shared the two and it was mouthwatering when combined. Mike loved being able to eat so much wonderful food. The flavors were just so wonderful.
The picture below is of us in the bus (we rode it A LOT!) and most of the time it was great, but some of the times it was scary.
The view from the hotel were stunning. The coolest part (for me at least) was that while we were there, they had am Indian wedding, and the groom was an Indian prince. The parties were very lavish and very beautiful. I loved seeing all the beautiful clothing. The womens Sari's were all so different, but all very bright and colorful. The customs are intriguing.
The day of the wedding (it was also the day we were leaving) they had the groom and his party go out and he rode a horse to where they were meeting the bride's party and family. They had drums, music, and dancing. It was truly fascinating and I doubt I will ever have the opportunity to see something like it again. I loved talking to them about their customs and why they do things like they do.
The video below is of one of the resident peacocks. There were two, and they would roam pretty much everywhere. They would also eat out of your hand. All the birds there were pretty well fed. We were sitting at the outside grill eating when the two peacocks came up to eat. (Can I just say that I drank way to many pina-coladas, that were of the non-alcoholic variety, while in Mexico!) I did not know peacocks loved to eat human food, as I had never had one come up so close.
We had such a great time. I miss the warmth of the sun, miss the not cleaning/cooking/etc. of being in a hotel. I miss the sound of the ocean. I miss the colors. Cancun is soo different from anywhere I have lived. The colors and scents are just intoxicating. Truly a different world from brown, dry , and currently cold Utah. I would love to go back, but I think I would try another little area called Playa del Carmen. But you would not have to twist my arm to go back to Cancun. Our trip home was uneventful, except for the snow storm we came home to. Pretty sure the extreme change added to the cold I got once home. Summer can come fast enough!
