Today was a sad day as it was time to leave our home away from home and head back to New York. We started our morning with an early breakfast and some major packing. How is it that we were able to fit everything when going to Mexico and had a hard time coming home? The Mexican air must have expanded everything! :) We were on our way at noon and in a TGI Fridays at the airport by 1 pm. Our flight was uneventful which is always good. It was actually the first time we weren't together since the wedding - our late booking landed us separate seats! :(
We are home now and have a lot ahead of us in the next few weeks - and we are looking forward to every minute of it. I think Ed would agree that we had an AMAZING honeymoon. Yes...it wasn't what we planned and Yes...we had to scramble at the last moment to make it happen...but it was a great lesson in life and in our new marriage. Things are never perfect. Things get messy...and don't always go as planned...but when you have a great partner by your side and you can face it together...it makes it all worth it.
Here's to the next chapter - Salud!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Day 10 - Last Day in Paradise
We can't even believe that this was the last full day of our honeymoon - where does the time go! Seriously...when we are at work, the hours DRAG on, but when sitting by the pool sipping a Sea Breeze time moves at the speed of light!
This morning did not go as planned.
The Plan - sleep and be lazy until our champagne breakfast arrives at 9:30 am.
What actually happened: Out of control air conditioner making lawn mower type sounds wakes us up at 8:30 am.
So it was only 1 less hour of sleep...but I can tell you the sound was not good. We seriously thought someone was drilling a hole in the wall above our bed! Luckily the maintenance guy was at our room in a flash and the AC was fixed fairly quick...but the champagne breakfast did not happen. We got off our butts and headed to the morning buffet for eggs, toast and mimosas (of course!!!).
We thought that the day would be another wash out, but were pleased to see the sun make an appearance - jus
t in time for our day at the resort's "lazy river". We found a lounge under a cabana (in case the looming clouds dropped rain), grabbed 2 blue floaties and were on our way. Now, the "lazy river" is just that...lazy. Well, not when we are in the pool. We decided it would be a perfect opportunity to be competitive and race! I don't think we participated in that much physical activity since we got here - well, outdoor activity that is. (again, sorry mom!) I'm not sure who won, but there were many onlookers who were both mildly pleased by the entertainment and mildly annoyed by the disturbance. :)
It was burgers for lunch and then back to the pool - this time for relaxing. The moment we sat down the clouds opened up and it started pouring down rain. Instead of hiding in the cabana, we figured, may as well hop in the pool! By the time we made our "lazy" lap, the sun was out - and boy did we catch some rays. We were so good ALL week but today we BURNED baby BURN! Needless to say we are resting now in anticipation of our last dinner here at the Excellence Resort. We are headed to Agave for some Mexican food and margaritas. And it's Circus Show tonight in the theater. We already saw it, but I am determined to get some video of the most AMAZING hula hooper I have ever seen. The Foundation girls will really appreciate it!!!
It's time to go home tomorrow which makes us sad, but we are so ready to start our life together as husband and wife in DC. There are so many things to look forward to - but we have to say we are so happy for the memories we have already started creating. :)
This morning did not go as planned.
The Plan - sleep and be lazy until our champagne breakfast arrives at 9:30 am.
What actually happened: Out of control air conditioner making lawn mower type sounds wakes us up at 8:30 am.
So it was only 1 less hour of sleep...but I can tell you the sound was not good. We seriously thought someone was drilling a hole in the wall above our bed! Luckily the maintenance guy was at our room in a flash and the AC was fixed fairly quick...but the champagne breakfast did not happen. We got off our butts and headed to the morning buffet for eggs, toast and mimosas (of course!!!).
We thought that the day would be another wash out, but were pleased to see the sun make an appearance - jus
t in time for our day at the resort's "lazy river". We found a lounge under a cabana (in case the looming clouds dropped rain), grabbed 2 blue floaties and were on our way. Now, the "lazy river" is just that...lazy. Well, not when we are in the pool. We decided it would be a perfect opportunity to be competitive and race! I don't think we participated in that much physical activity since we got here - well, outdoor activity that is. (again, sorry mom!) I'm not sure who won, but there were many onlookers who were both mildly pleased by the entertainment and mildly annoyed by the disturbance. :)It was burgers for lunch and then back to the pool - this time for relaxing. The moment we sat down the clouds opened up and it started pouring down rain. Instead of hiding in the cabana, we figured, may as well hop in the pool! By the time we made our "lazy" lap, the sun was out - and boy did we catch some rays. We were so good ALL week but today we BURNED baby BURN! Needless to say we are resting now in anticipation of our last dinner here at the Excellence Resort. We are headed to Agave for some Mexican food and margaritas. And it's Circus Show tonight in the theater. We already saw it, but I am determined to get some video of the most AMAZING hula hooper I have ever seen. The Foundation girls will really appreciate it!!!
It's time to go home tomorrow which makes us sad, but we are so ready to start our life together as husband and wife in DC. There are so many things to look forward to - but we have to say we are so happy for the memories we have already started creating. :)
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Day 8 - Happy Birthday Laura!!!
Feliz Cumpleanos Laura!! Today was my 32nd birthday otherwise known as 29 Part III. :) Getting older is not so bad when you are able to do it in a tropical paradise - and when you have all the mimosas you want at your finger tips! I woke up to a kiss from my husband and we made our way to The Lobster House for breakfast. My shrimp omelet was delicious as was our adorable waiter Jose who gifted me with a beautiful red rose. Uh-oh - PRESSURE ON Ed!!!!
Today's itinerary - lay by the pool...drink more fruity drinks...lay by the pool...take a nap...read some trashy chic lit...lay by the pool...dinner on a boat!!! We decided to try a new pool today and it was lovely - much quieter and all the floaties we wanted!! It was an early pool day since our ride was picking us up at 4 pm for our romantic lobster dinner on a boat. But before we left, I have to tell you that I have the MOST AMAZING husband!!! Upon returning to our room for showers, I was surprised with a gorgeous display of birthday flowers - check them out here: http://www.flipshare.com/view.aspx
Our trip to downtown Cancun took about 45 minutes and we landed on a dock with about
a dozen other couples. Our captain introduced himself and led us to our evening's restaurant - a Romantic Pirate Ship! I'm not even kidding - our romantic birthday dinner was not taking place on a luxury yacht - but a mini pirate ship named The Columbus. We hit the high seas at 5:30 and made our way into the harbor. It was a gorgeous evening with a cool breeze and a setting sun. The crew on board was wonderful providing us with beverages and entertainment.
After about 30 minutes we hoisted the anchor and it was time to cook! On the menu - Surf & Turf with veggies and a baked potato. Not so shabby! The best part about dinner, was where we actually ate it. As you can imagine, a pirate ship is not equipped with tables for 2 and fine linens. Instead, we had to sit on the deck and were strapped into what looked like adult high chairs. Since the photos are trapped in the camera, we took some video in order to explain: http://www.flipshare.com/view.aspx. TOO FUNNY!!!!!!
Dinner was delicious as was dessert - chocolate birthday cake! The captain had the crowd sing to me before heading back to the dock which was mildly embarrassing, but very sweet. All in all, it was a great dinner - something that we will always remember.
Our drive back to the resort brought us through downtown Cancun which was bustling! What a crazy place - no wonder Ed and the boys had such a good time down here for the bachelor party! Upon arrival at our hotel room we found that our fabulous wedding photographer sent us our first batch of photos from the big day AND THEY ARE AWESOME!!! It was such a perfect way to end the night...but wait...that wasn't the end!!!
Before retiring to our 4-Post bed, we hit the Excellence Theatre and caught "The Michael Jackson Show" complete with one reincarnated MJ and his back-up dancers. It's the same show as last week, but tonight was better - I had dance space!
It was an amazing night and a wonderful birthday. I think my 32nd year is going to be a good one! :)
Today's itinerary - lay by the pool...drink more fruity drinks...lay by the pool...take a nap...read some trashy chic lit...lay by the pool...dinner on a boat!!! We decided to try a new pool today and it was lovely - much quieter and all the floaties we wanted!! It was an early pool day since our ride was picking us up at 4 pm for our romantic lobster dinner on a boat. But before we left, I have to tell you that I have the MOST AMAZING husband!!! Upon returning to our room for showers, I was surprised with a gorgeous display of birthday flowers - check them out here: http://www.flipshare.com/view.aspx
Our trip to downtown Cancun took about 45 minutes and we landed on a dock with about
a dozen other couples. Our captain introduced himself and led us to our evening's restaurant - a Romantic Pirate Ship! I'm not even kidding - our romantic birthday dinner was not taking place on a luxury yacht - but a mini pirate ship named The Columbus. We hit the high seas at 5:30 and made our way into the harbor. It was a gorgeous evening with a cool breeze and a setting sun. The crew on board was wonderful providing us with beverages and entertainment.After about 30 minutes we hoisted the anchor and it was time to cook! On the menu - Surf & Turf with veggies and a baked potato. Not so shabby! The best part about dinner, was where we actually ate it. As you can imagine, a pirate ship is not equipped with tables for 2 and fine linens. Instead, we had to sit on the deck and were strapped into what looked like adult high chairs. Since the photos are trapped in the camera, we took some video in order to explain: http://www.flipshare.com/view.aspx. TOO FUNNY!!!!!!
Dinner was delicious as was dessert - chocolate birthday cake! The captain had the crowd sing to me before heading back to the dock which was mildly embarrassing, but very sweet. All in all, it was a great dinner - something that we will always remember.
Our drive back to the resort brought us through downtown Cancun which was bustling! What a crazy place - no wonder Ed and the boys had such a good time down here for the bachelor party! Upon arrival at our hotel room we found that our fabulous wedding photographer sent us our first batch of photos from the big day AND THEY ARE AWESOME!!! It was such a perfect way to end the night...but wait...that wasn't the end!!!
Before retiring to our 4-Post bed, we hit the Excellence Theatre and caught "The Michael Jackson Show" complete with one reincarnated MJ and his back-up dancers. It's the same show as last week, but tonight was better - I had dance space!
It was an amazing night and a wonderful birthday. I think my 32nd year is going to be a good one! :)
Day 9 - Rain, Rain Go Away!
Today was a bit of a wash out so there really is not much to report. I unfortunately had a crappy night sleep so the day started out a bit later than normal. We lost power for the 2nd night causing the room to be more humid than a 95 degree day in Manhattan in July. Not cute - but alas the power was restored, the AC was cranking and we were staring at the pouring rain outside our window.
After breakfast we retreated to the suite for some relaxation and other stuff ...wink, wink :) The day was actually quite lovely - some tv watching, some photo viewing, some card playing. I WHOOPED Ed's butt in Rummy 500 which did not make him pleased, but it made for a good time.
Dinner was at our favorite restaurant at the resort - Spice. It is Asian fusion and we went to TOWN with a 4 course meal that included sushi, spring rolls, thai beef salad, udon and tempura ice cream (YUM!).
We ended the evening with another round of Rummy 500 over drinks. It truly was a lazy day - here's hoping to sunshine tomorrow for our LAST FULL DAY (sad).
After breakfast we retreated to the suite for some relaxation and other stuff ...wink, wink :) The day was actually quite lovely - some tv watching, some photo viewing, some card playing. I WHOOPED Ed's butt in Rummy 500 which did not make him pleased, but it made for a good time.
Dinner was at our favorite restaurant at the resort - Spice. It is Asian fusion and we went to TOWN with a 4 course meal that included sushi, spring rolls, thai beef salad, udon and tempura ice cream (YUM!).
We ended the evening with another round of Rummy 500 over drinks. It truly was a lazy day - here's hoping to sunshine tomorrow for our LAST FULL DAY (sad).
Monday, April 26, 2010
Day 7 - Shopping!
Today started out the same as all the others - sunshine, cool breeze, amazing views. Pretty much the best way to wake up. I highly recommend it! After a delicious breakfast we headed to our room so we can lay out on the patio. I borrowed a book from the Excellence library since I already sped through the 2 that I brought. The day went by without a care in the world. But there was something to look forward to - SHOPPING IN PLAYA DEL CARMEN!!
We met our tour
guide and group at 4 pm and were whisked away to the cozy beach town of Playa Del Carmen. Their famous "Fifth Avenue" boasts many a souvenir shop along with wonderful restaurants and quaint hotels. It's like being in Rehobeth only in Mexico! We have 2 1/2 hours to roam the streets, take in the scenery and purchase all the Mexican goods one can afford! I landed myself some beautiful scarves while Ed was in search of the perfect Mayan calendar. Seems that we should have taken advantage of the $1 deals while at Chichen Itza earlier in the week!
We made a pit stop at an adorable outdoor pub and took advantage of the 2 for 1 deal on Dos Equis XX. After several beers and some delicious enchiladas we were on our way. We met back up with the group and headed back to the hotel where we enjoyed a 5 Star dinner at the resort's French Restaurant Chez Isabelle. Another great day/night in Cancun - how is it that there are only 3 days left?? Tomorrow I turn the big 32 - getting old is easy when you are in the Caribbean!
Video of our shopping trip to Playa Del Carmen: http://www.flipshare.com/view.aspx
We met our tour
guide and group at 4 pm and were whisked away to the cozy beach town of Playa Del Carmen. Their famous "Fifth Avenue" boasts many a souvenir shop along with wonderful restaurants and quaint hotels. It's like being in Rehobeth only in Mexico! We have 2 1/2 hours to roam the streets, take in the scenery and purchase all the Mexican goods one can afford! I landed myself some beautiful scarves while Ed was in search of the perfect Mayan calendar. Seems that we should have taken advantage of the $1 deals while at Chichen Itza earlier in the week!We made a pit stop at an adorable outdoor pub and took advantage of the 2 for 1 deal on Dos Equis XX. After several beers and some delicious enchiladas we were on our way. We met back up with the group and headed back to the hotel where we enjoyed a 5 Star dinner at the resort's French Restaurant Chez Isabelle. Another great day/night in Cancun - how is it that there are only 3 days left?? Tomorrow I turn the big 32 - getting old is easy when you are in the Caribbean!
Video of our shopping trip to Playa Del Carmen: http://www.flipshare.com/view.aspx
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Day 6 - Beach Time!
Today was one of those lazy days that you dream about when you are sitting at your desk staring at a computer screen. :) We woke up to more beautiful sunshine and decided to hit the beach after a hearty breakfast. And let me just add - all inclusive meals and drinks is VERY dangerous. Especially when the food is as good as it is here. I think I have eaten at least 2 gallons of guacamole since my arrival here!
The beach was hot so we parked ourselves under some shade and proceeded to read and sweat! A quick dip in the ocean cooled us down and I have to say, it was a more successful swim than when we were in the Dominican Republic 2 years ago. I'm sure you all remember the coral/Ed cut foot incident! :)
After a few hours we decided to head back to the pool to finish out the day. Dinner was at a lovely Italian restaurant and afterwards we were entertained with some really awesome International dance styles including one rendition of Irish Line Dancing. We are back in the room now hiding from the enormous thunderstorm that has engulfed the resort. Only 4 more days until reality - boo!!! But we are going to live up every last minute of it!!!
The beach was hot so we parked ourselves under some shade and proceeded to read and sweat! A quick dip in the ocean cooled us down and I have to say, it was a more successful swim than when we were in the Dominican Republic 2 years ago. I'm sure you all remember the coral/Ed cut foot incident! :)
After a few hours we decided to head back to the pool to finish out the day. Dinner was at a lovely Italian restaurant and afterwards we were entertained with some really awesome International dance styles including one rendition of Irish Line Dancing. We are back in the room now hiding from the enormous thunderstorm that has engulfed the resort. Only 4 more days until reality - boo!!! But we are going to live up every last minute of it!!!
Day 5 - Dolphins!!!
Another great day down here on the Riveria Maya. This morning we woke up and were whisked away to go play with some dolphins. The trip to the site took us through the bustling town of Playa del Carmen which is very quaint - we are headed there later in the week to do some shopping and after seeing the town, we are really looking forward to it.
We arrived at the dolphin sanctuary and were issued a locker, a life preserver, a trainer named Stephanie and a dolphin named Maya. The dolphins were all adorable, but of course Maya was the best. :) She spent some free time with us just swimming around so that we can pet her and then showed off some of her best tricks including a kiss, a song, some clapping and a foot push that had us moving across the lagoon. We shared the experience with a couple from Canada who looked no older than us but had 2 teenage kids at home. We hope we look like them at their age!!!!
After our visit with Maya we came back to the hotel and lounged by the pool for several hours. Dinner was at the Lobster House where Laura downed MANY a Mango Martini - damn things are good!! It was an early night after all the excitement. Tomorrow - day at the beach!
We arrived at the dolphin sanctuary and were issued a locker, a life preserver, a trainer named Stephanie and a dolphin named Maya. The dolphins were all adorable, but of course Maya was the best. :) She spent some free time with us just swimming around so that we can pet her and then showed off some of her best tricks including a kiss, a song, some clapping and a foot push that had us moving across the lagoon. We shared the experience with a couple from Canada who looked no older than us but had 2 teenage kids at home. We hope we look like them at their age!!!!
After our visit with Maya we came back to the hotel and lounged by the pool for several hours. Dinner was at the Lobster House where Laura downed MANY a Mango Martini - damn things are good!! It was an early night after all the excitement. Tomorrow - day at the beach!
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