Reminiscing Cancun (2/24/08-3/2/08)

Well we have been back from Cancun for a couple weeks now, and of course I'm barely getting this blogged (shocker!). I have yet to post our NYC... I'm guessing it will never happen. But the good news is that blogging on a Mac has become easier. Three Cheers for that, yo!!!

  

We're still adapting back into reality. Of course it's hard to get back into a routine, but it's also really hard to come back to 40 degree weather after a week of mid-80s. But thankfully, Spring is on the horizon! It won't be long until I feel like I'm back in Cancun... minus the beautiful aqua ocean, white sand beaches, mariachi bands, and time-share stalkers (Cancun does have that one imperfection-- but it wasn't that bad!) So here is a summary of our trip and a look at few of our 500+ pictures! If you want to see a bigger selection, click HERE (there were too many to post on the blog!)

Sunday: We arrived in Cancun, checked in at our hotel (the Hilton-- very nice!) and had an early dinner by the pool(s) and enjoyed a nice evening swim (pretty much had the whole pool to ourselves).  

Monday: We spent the day shopping in the city at the market and had ourselves what turned out to be one of the best and cheapest meals of the whole trip (if you go to Cancun- be prepared to fork out a lot of moola for food- holy smokes!). We cooled off at the beach and pool when we got back to the hotel. Just another day in paradise.... 

Tuesday: We hopped on a "luxury" tour-bus to Chichen Itza (one of the New 7 Wonders of the World) and stopped along the way at an old Mayan village and swam in an ancient cenote where once upon a time Mayan leaders bathed (something like that- it was hard to listen to all the tour-guide's details with a 2-year old vying for our attention). Speaking of our tour guide- he was wonderful! His name is "Manny" -- if you ever get the pleasure of going on one of these tours you can try to request him. :) We were fascinated with the ruins and to learn about those who built these amazing structures.   

Wednesday: This was kind of a "chill" day-- literally and figuratively. It was windy and overcast, and did rain for a brief moment. It was probably only 70 degrees (chilly for Cancun standards) so we just hung out at the hotel, and later took a bus closer to town where we hung out at a mall and had dinner. The most exciting part of the day was when Trav had a brawl with a hidden rock under the waves he was trying to play in. The rock won. Ouch!

Thursday: We decided to

live dangerously and venture off on our own. We rented a car and drove to Tulum. (The pic at the top is us at Tulum). These ruins were awesome as well- and in a location we would prefer to Chichen Itza's, (had we lived 1500 years ago and been in the market for a seaside-village home). Really- it was very beautiful and we saw a lot of lizards, which made Afton's day, and probably whole trip! Later we went to an "Eco Theme Park" called Xcaret. It was pretty cool, but really just a glorified zoo. I think if we had more time there it would have been a better experience (most exhibits and activities closed at 5:30- and we didn't get to the park until 1:00). But we did have a nice refreshing float down an underground river - and we saw some Jaguars that Afton is still talking about. So-- overall it was a great day!  

  

Friday: This was probably one of our favorite days. We took a ferry to a small island called Isla Mujeres. We played at the beach, and wandered the colorful streets. We ate at an awesome little restaurant right on the beach where Trav and Afton enjoyed their seafood and I had some pretty good chicken fajitas. I enjoyed the one-man band the most. He didn't stop smiling the whole time he sang. It was so cute!  

Saturday: Despite the last-day-of-vacation blues creeping in, we still had a great day. We debated on doing another "excursion" but ultimately decided it would be best to have another relaxing day enjoying the beach, pool, and the town. We went to a huge mall and spotted an aquarium that we ended up visiting. Afton touched a "shark" and saw turtles and that was all she could talk about the rest of the day. I love that she has no-fear and that she has such a love for animals. We finished our souvenir shopping and had a nice dinner prior to the dreaded packing.  

Sunday: We had to wake up early to finish packing and to 

get to the airport. But I snuck a couple more pictures of Afton on the beach in this cute dress my mom bought for her. It was a little windy- so she had the great "tousled hair" look goin' on... she worked it! :)  

We loved our trip and can't wait to go back some day. We hope next time we get to enjoy it with more people! (Hint-Hint). :)