Trip to Cancun with Marissa and Michael

 Monday 

We are so excited to head off on our trip to Cancun.  The flight was fantastic, but as we flew into the island it started raining... what???  Luckily this was the only rain we saw the whole week.  We had a bit of a struggle trying to find the transportation, and then they didn't have our reservation, but luckily the hotel gave us free rides to hotel - it took a little finagling, and it really helped that Michael speaks excellent Spanish.  

The hotel is magnificent - so luxurious.  We got checked in, and signed up for all the excursions we want to do - We will snorkel and take a day trip to Tulum.  Our rooms assignments are perfect - Marissa and Michael are across the hall from us.  We are in 4149 and they are in 4148.

Our luggage was taken to the room - we have a beautiful view out to the ocean. 

After getting settled into our rooms, we walked over to the Steak House (pool side restaurant) for a delicious dinner.  We each ordered something different.  Since it is an all inclusive resort, we feel completely comfortable ordering whatever we want and as much as we want.  Haha.  Everything was great, but now we are all stuffed.  Following dinner we walked to the main lobby to watch the show for the evening.  I didn't think Mark would like it because it was a bunch of modern break dances, but it was so spectacular.  The performers are so athletic!!!  I was so impressed.

Tuesday

Tuesday morning we took a golf cart over to the Grand Palace for a tour and free breakfast. Breakfast at the Grand Palace was amazing: omelets, smoothies, and local fruit platters filled our appetites to satisfaction.  Michael found a drink he loves.  From there we went on membership tour that took over 3 hours (promised it would be 90 minutes - I hate these).  We were not interested, but in the end Mark and I bought two 1/2 price travel deals with the Moon Palace.  Even after we bought those tickets, we were approached by a lady to purchase the membership - she was very upset that we weren't interested.  It was so good to get out of there.

We had a buffet lunch back at the Moon Palace before going to relax and play at the pool.  The buffet has food from all around the world.  So many choices - so little room in the tummy.  This is definitely not going to be good for Betsy's waistline and hips.  

Betsy, Marissa and Michael did the Flow rider.  Marissa and Michael really got the knack of it.  Later that afternoon we played singles and doubles tennis together.  We were having such a good time on the court that we almost forgot our dinner reservation at the Japanese Tapenaki Restaurant.  What a great time!  The chef put on quite the show and we all enjoyed a delicious dinner with unending drinks.  Mark and Michael love this unique drink that is only served at a few restaurants - luckily this is one of them.  

After dinner we laughed and played through a round of 18 holes of mini-golf outdoors.  The weather is perfect. Such a good time.  Mark and I decided to go to the Mexican Dance show while Marissa and Michael headed to the Arcade.  The dance was fantastic - such colorful costumes and dramatic presentation of culture!  Mark and I went to the arcade after the dancing.  I crushed Mark at air hockey (3-0), but then he beat me at ping-pong.  Unfortunately, the sun was super strong today and Marissa didn't realize how much sun she got - she is burnt.  Betsy brought After sun gel that she gave to Marissa to ease her discomfort.

Wednesday

Although all I wanted to do was sleep in, we arranged to go snorkeling at 9:00 AM.  To make the morning go smoothly we ordered room service.  Marissa and Michael did too.  Theirs came 10 minutes before ours.  Unfortunately, they messed up our order so we only go a smoothie and some fruit.  Mark really needed more than this to settle his stomach with the motion of the boat.  I didn't have time to eat.  It was a perfect morning for a snorkel trip.  The sun was up, the waves were smooth and the fish were out.  Unfortunately, the 10 minute boat ride was more like a 20 minute boat ride and the captain drove super fast - aka - Mark started to feel motion sickness.  We had an incredible time seeing fish, coral, and even a sea turtle while snorkeling.  Unfortunately, Mark ended up getting sick (puked in the water) which then made me sick (I puked in the water - just a little).  YIKES!  Luckily, as soon as that happens, we both felt better.  The captain took us to two locations to snorkel.  It was fantastic!!!  The ride back to the hotel was shorter, and welcomed!!!  I was so happy to be back on dry land, so was Mark.

We saw this huge lizard and stalked it for a while.  SO funny!

Pool time and lunch time!  We all walked over to the pool - we got Mark a lounger out of the sun so he could lay down (he's still not feeling well).  Marissa, Michael and I laid out and then joined Mark to order some pool side food.  The best part about being by the pool is the continuous frozen (virgin) drinks.  I rotate between a strawberry daiquiri, Pina Colada and a new drink called a Miami Vice (mix between a strawberry daiquiri and Pina Colada).  Lunch by the pool was so fun - we each ordered something different and shared bites here and there.  The cheeseburger was the best.  

Mark is feeling so much better.  Thank goodness!  Mark and I adventured out to the beach with Marissa and Michael.  We decided on taking the sail boat out for a ride.  Wow!  This was a blast, but I will say, Mark made me a little uncomfortable with the angle of his turns - but it all worked out.  We only sailed a few runs with them to teach them how to operate the boat, then Mark and I jumped ship so they could sail by themselves for a while.  While they were out we went kayaking!  It was a great adventure!

In the afternoons it's super fun to get some handmade ice cream.  Michael, Marissa and I enjoyed different flavors - my favorite is the mint.  This was the perfect energy boost before some tennis.

The four of us headed over to the courts to have some shots and games with tennis.  Marissa has really improved and I'm so stiff.  Luckily we allowed enough time to enjoy a long session of tennis before going to the fancy Italian restaurant at the golf course.  We took the golf cart ride to the restaurant.  When we arrived the sign saying "Beware of Alligators" caught our eye.  The landscape is spectacular!  Lush, green, ponds, trails!  So amazing!  Dinner was super fancy... three course meal.  Great for Marissa and Michael, but I just can't eat that much!  The portion sizes were so random.  Marissa only received 5 ravioli, but I had a big plate of pasta (I didn't like my pasta) - Michael and I ordered the same item and we both didn't care for it.  He then ordered some tempting meat but it seemed undercooked to me.  I had a few bites, but then didn't feel comfortable having any more.  It wasn't my favorite restaurant, so far.

The rest of the night bedazzled us - we played games at the arcade, "anyone for a game of pool?"  Did I tell you Mark is a pool shark?  Yep, and I stink!  oops!  But I ruled the Air hockey again!  We enjoyed passing our time here before attending the outdoor Fire Dance show.  WOW!  Spectacular!  Amazing!

Thursday

Today I am so happy that we added another day to our trip.  After today we would be going home if we didn't, but thank goodness we did.  There is just so much more to see and do.  Today we had breakfast delivered to the room, and headed over to the EXPO center to catch our transportation to Tulum!  YES!  We are going on a days excursion to Tulum and then to Rio Secreto!  I'm so excited.

The drive down was long - luckily Mark did great!  Tulum is AWESOME!  It's right on the beach - so many