Well that sort of catches you all up to date. We are in the midst of the hawkeye bball season, the men aren't doing so well, it has been a rough start and the big ten season just started. Hope we can get more wins that the football team. The women's bball team is down to just 8 healthy players, it could be a long winter in Carver Hawkeye arena. the wrestling team is the bright spot.
Tonight is New Years Eve, we are old, I think we may just enjoy the comforts of home and enjoy sitting on the couch.
We will be traveling to Miami to watch the Hawkeye football team play in the ORange bowl. Can't wait to get back on the Beach
Hope you had a great 2009, here's hoping to a better 2010. Happy NEw YEar!!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Traveling home, hasta lluego Mexico
A sad day, we had to go back to snow and cold.
In tru fashion I woke up at the ass crack again. I wanted to see the sunrise, so we headed to the beach with the camera. We caught the guy who was grooming the beach with a special machine. Finally the sun came up. It was kind of cloudy, but it was still fun to watch. We waved good bye to the beach, and headed to the buffet for one last feast.
Our bus was leaving at 9:30, we were packed and in the lobby and ready to go. WE hopped a bus that was non stop to the airport. A beautiful day and we had to miss it to travel back home.
We got to the airport, checked in with our airline, then had to get through security. After security was a huge store to buy things, alcohol at 3 for $20 bucks. Then we boarded the plane and were on our way to Memphis.
We were outside of New Orleans when we hit some turbulence. There was a storm system that we were flying into. I hate flying so this just made it worse. Luckliy the plane was big enough so that it wasn't too bad.
We got into Memphis and this is where we had to go through customs. SO we had to get our bags again, and remember to put any liquids that we bought at the store in cancun in our checked bags. Then go through security again. Nothing like a little travel hassle. WE had a small layover so we grabbed some BBQ.
After a gate change we were on the plane headed to Moline. WE get on the runway and get ready for take off, get winded up and then the pilot hits the brakes. It is as if the wheels had locked up, I am in panic mode. I want to get off the plane and got back and sleep in the airport. So the pilot turns it around and we get ready for take off #2. It was a success and we are in the air. There is no explanation of what just happened.
The flight attendant annouces there will be some turbulance, but if she can serve us she will. However there is no water on the plane, no ice, and no water in the bathroom. WE can have pop or alcohol. Then not 10 minutes go by and she annouces that since the ride is too rough we will get no service.
She wasn't kidding this 50 minute flight feels like 6 hours. The turbulence is horrible, the plane keeps dropping. I am in tears, I pull my hoodie over my head and keep checking my watch.
Finally I can see lights on the ground, we are getting close to landing. Then we make the approach to the runway. WE land, and it is windy and slightly icy, I believe we skidded to a stop. The worst ride ever!
While waiting for our bags I laid down on the ground and gave it a big ol hug, oh how I hate to fly!
What a beautiful vacation, we hope to all go somewhere similar again. hope you enoyed my adventures and my story telling
The final day in paradise
Our final full day at Dreams. What a week it has been!
WE made sure to do a whole lotta nothing today. After a small stroll along the beach collecting shells. WE grabbed a lounge chair until it was lunch time. Then we ate at the beach side buffet.
We caught up with the Cartheys and since the flag was yellow on the beach we decided to try our newly developed snorkeling skills in the open water. The flag had been red all week limiting the activities in the water.
WE had a great time snorkeling, but it was kind of frightening being so far from the beach. We saw lots of fish and some amazing coral. Amber and I thought it was time to come in when we saw something hiding under a rock with antenna.
It was then time to lounge around some more, take a nap or two. We then moved to the pool for the 3pm crazy time. It was ahigh jump contest. Irv was going to participate. Amb and I made sure to watch with Gilberto at the bar. It was a great last day.
We made plans to all catch up before supper once again. We ended up chilling on the Carthey's balcony with some iced down coronas. Those fridges in the room didn't seem to keep things very cold.
It was carribbean night, so we went down to check out the party. There was a buffet of all kinds of delicious foods. Then there was a reggae band, some dancing, and a capoera show. All kinds of entertainment.
It was time to go back to the room and start some packing. WE also came home to a towel person. It was sad to pack up. WE have had a great time here. The weather was great, the people were great, it was so relaxing. WE need to come back soon.
WE made sure to do a whole lotta nothing today. After a small stroll along the beach collecting shells. WE grabbed a lounge chair until it was lunch time. Then we ate at the beach side buffet.
We caught up with the Cartheys and since the flag was yellow on the beach we decided to try our newly developed snorkeling skills in the open water. The flag had been red all week limiting the activities in the water.
WE had a great time snorkeling, but it was kind of frightening being so far from the beach. We saw lots of fish and some amazing coral. Amber and I thought it was time to come in when we saw something hiding under a rock with antenna.
It was then time to lounge around some more, take a nap or two. We then moved to the pool for the 3pm crazy time. It was ahigh jump contest. Irv was going to participate. Amb and I made sure to watch with Gilberto at the bar. It was a great last day.
We made plans to all catch up before supper once again. We ended up chilling on the Carthey's balcony with some iced down coronas. Those fridges in the room didn't seem to keep things very cold.
It was carribbean night, so we went down to check out the party. There was a buffet of all kinds of delicious foods. Then there was a reggae band, some dancing, and a capoera show. All kinds of entertainment.
It was time to go back to the room and start some packing. WE also came home to a towel person. It was sad to pack up. WE have had a great time here. The weather was great, the people were great, it was so relaxing. WE need to come back soon.
Adios Amigos
On Thursday the 4 day group was out the door, as well as Craig and DaMel. It is too bad their time was cut so short. The resort is great! We said our goodbyes and then were deteremined to do a whole heck of a lotta nothing!
We also hadn't jumped onthe beds yet, so before we hit the beach we made sure to get our bounce on!
WE were at the beach and it was iced tea mojito day, so had to try that drink, it was alright. We then lounged and lounged until it was lunch time. WE hit up El Patio, the mexican joint for some eats.
After lunch we moved to a different spot on the beach, near the rock climbing wall in the ocean. Josh thought he would give it a try, however it wasn't anchored the best, and it was kind of hard.
We lounged some more, then caught up with the crazy game in the pool. Today it was baskeball, you had to try and make a crazy shot. Josh played, but didn't make the shot. Then after that was water polo. Josh thought he should play that as well. I made way to the bar in the pool where I reconnected with the people we met from Des Moines. It was their last night, then they had to go back to the snow that we were missing.
We met up for our evening of cocktails and the Carthey's were going to try Sushi, Josh and I were going to try Asian. Irv and Miranda were going to try the french restuarant.
Josh and I were seated, not a wait at all. This was also a place where we ordered courses and the waiter asked us what we would like for each course, he was really nice. The food was so good at this place.
Half way through our dinner Irv and Miranda showed up, they gave up on the french.
After our delicious dinner we caught the show for the evening. It started with some juggler guy, who really sucked. Then it was time to the mayan dancing, which was great. Very colorful and intense.
Our day of relaxing was exhausting so we called it a night. WE came back to our room and found another towel animal.
We also hadn't jumped onthe beds yet, so before we hit the beach we made sure to get our bounce on!
WE were at the beach and it was iced tea mojito day, so had to try that drink, it was alright. We then lounged and lounged until it was lunch time. WE hit up El Patio, the mexican joint for some eats.
After lunch we moved to a different spot on the beach, near the rock climbing wall in the ocean. Josh thought he would give it a try, however it wasn't anchored the best, and it was kind of hard.
We lounged some more, then caught up with the crazy game in the pool. Today it was baskeball, you had to try and make a crazy shot. Josh played, but didn't make the shot. Then after that was water polo. Josh thought he should play that as well. I made way to the bar in the pool where I reconnected with the people we met from Des Moines. It was their last night, then they had to go back to the snow that we were missing.
We met up for our evening of cocktails and the Carthey's were going to try Sushi, Josh and I were going to try Asian. Irv and Miranda were going to try the french restuarant.
Josh and I were seated, not a wait at all. This was also a place where we ordered courses and the waiter asked us what we would like for each course, he was really nice. The food was so good at this place.
Half way through our dinner Irv and Miranda showed up, they gave up on the french.
After our delicious dinner we caught the show for the evening. It started with some juggler guy, who really sucked. Then it was time to the mayan dancing, which was great. Very colorful and intense.
Our day of relaxing was exhausting so we called it a night. WE came back to our room and found another towel animal.
A Mayan Adventure
Well I woke up still with the poos, but I was determined to make the snorkel trip.
WE had to meet in the lobby at 7:30, for our ride to go snorkeling.
Our guide Jesus was there and picked up a van load of people. There was the Cartheys, the Berkas, Irv and Ryan, then a group from Oregon and a couple from Detroit.
Our first stop was a cave. This was a fresh water cave fed by an underground river. The water was very clear and very refreshing, or cool. Amber was the guinea pig and had to jump in first. As she jumped Jesus says "And the true temperature of the water...." Amber pops up and says "Brrrr"
There were not many fish in this cave, no light = no life. there were bats though.
We then moved on to a cenote, which is a fresh water fed pond. There were many fish and lots of algae. There was also cliff diving and ziplining.
After we explored this, it was time for a feast of food. There was BBQ chicken, rice beans, chips and salsa, it looked so good, but I didn't eat much given my stomach problems.
In case you were confused as to which bathroom to use.
After we ate lunch we then hopped in the fancy van and went to the fresh water inlet that hooked up to the ocean. This is where we might see some more fish, sting rays and sea turtles. I was excited.
WE hopped in the water like pros and were headed out to open water. The ocean was very rough that day. We saw lots of fish, and of all sizes. WE saw a sting ray and then out of no where Irv spotted a sea turtle. Only one and this turtle was trying to get away from all of us snorkelers.
On our way back in we saw an electric sting ray, it camoflouged in well with the sand. I tried my best to take lots of pictures with my underwater camera.
When we were done with this snorkel adventure we ended up in Akumal. We were talked into stopping at a bar, I know twist our arms right. We stopped at La buena Vida, a bar right on the ocean front. We walked up the steps and you were on the beach. The floor of the bar was the sand. The tables were on the ocean. They even had crows nests to sit in, complete with a bucket to haul up the beers. This place was awesome!
It was time to go back to the resort, the other patrons thought it would be best to drink free drinks at the resort. So we parted ways with Jose and ended up hitting the pool for drinks at the bar with Gilberto the best bartender. At the bar was the group from Oregon and then the couple from Detroit. The people you run into down here are so nice.
We once again make tenative plans to meet up with the group for drinks and then decide where we will eat. We stop at mom and dad's room to check in on them. Dad has had himself an adventure. He took the day to walk the beach. He didn't wear any sunscreen or bring along any water. He was burnt to a crisp. He did collect a lot of shells. He also had to tell us how he found this coconut and cracked it open and drank the juice and ate it. Totally something he would do.
We headed down for supper and decided we would wait our the french resturant. Talk about a wait. It was almost 9pm when we were seated. It was once again a lot of courses to order from on the menu. Although this waiter was not as nice, he practically tore the menu from our hands before we were done ordereing. I guess when you order, soup, salad, a cheese tray, a main course, and then dessert, they don't want to hear anymore. By 10:30 we were stuffed with food, not the best. Anyway it was getting late so we called it a night.
We got back to the hotel room where Josh had to order some mac and cheese from room service. WE also discovered another towel animal. It was also that night the Mexican poos hit Josh.
WE had to meet in the lobby at 7:30, for our ride to go snorkeling.
Our guide Jesus was there and picked up a van load of people. There was the Cartheys, the Berkas, Irv and Ryan, then a group from Oregon and a couple from Detroit.
Our first stop was a cave. This was a fresh water cave fed by an underground river. The water was very clear and very refreshing, or cool. Amber was the guinea pig and had to jump in first. As she jumped Jesus says "And the true temperature of the water...." Amber pops up and says "Brrrr"
There were not many fish in this cave, no light = no life. there were bats though.
We then moved on to a cenote, which is a fresh water fed pond. There were many fish and lots of algae. There was also cliff diving and ziplining.
After we explored this, it was time for a feast of food. There was BBQ chicken, rice beans, chips and salsa, it looked so good, but I didn't eat much given my stomach problems.
In case you were confused as to which bathroom to use.
After we ate lunch we then hopped in the fancy van and went to the fresh water inlet that hooked up to the ocean. This is where we might see some more fish, sting rays and sea turtles. I was excited.
WE hopped in the water like pros and were headed out to open water. The ocean was very rough that day. We saw lots of fish, and of all sizes. WE saw a sting ray and then out of no where Irv spotted a sea turtle. Only one and this turtle was trying to get away from all of us snorkelers.
On our way back in we saw an electric sting ray, it camoflouged in well with the sand. I tried my best to take lots of pictures with my underwater camera.
When we were done with this snorkel adventure we ended up in Akumal. We were talked into stopping at a bar, I know twist our arms right. We stopped at La buena Vida, a bar right on the ocean front. We walked up the steps and you were on the beach. The floor of the bar was the sand. The tables were on the ocean. They even had crows nests to sit in, complete with a bucket to haul up the beers. This place was awesome!
It was time to go back to the resort, the other patrons thought it would be best to drink free drinks at the resort. So we parted ways with Jose and ended up hitting the pool for drinks at the bar with Gilberto the best bartender. At the bar was the group from Oregon and then the couple from Detroit. The people you run into down here are so nice.
We once again make tenative plans to meet up with the group for drinks and then decide where we will eat. We stop at mom and dad's room to check in on them. Dad has had himself an adventure. He took the day to walk the beach. He didn't wear any sunscreen or bring along any water. He was burnt to a crisp. He did collect a lot of shells. He also had to tell us how he found this coconut and cracked it open and drank the juice and ate it. Totally something he would do.
We headed down for supper and decided we would wait our the french resturant. Talk about a wait. It was almost 9pm when we were seated. It was once again a lot of courses to order from on the menu. Although this waiter was not as nice, he practically tore the menu from our hands before we were done ordereing. I guess when you order, soup, salad, a cheese tray, a main course, and then dessert, they don't want to hear anymore. By 10:30 we were stuffed with food, not the best. Anyway it was getting late so we called it a night.
We got back to the hotel room where Josh had to order some mac and cheese from room service. WE also discovered another towel animal. It was also that night the Mexican poos hit Josh.
Tuesday in Tulum
Man I am exhausted and I am only up to Tuesday. On Tuesday Josh, Dad and I decided to take the short cab ride to the Tulum ruins.
WE went to the bellhop desk and they hailed us a cab. Which was just a hand clap away. We get in the cab with a guy who speaks no english. This was going to be a journey. I wracked my brain and remembered what I could from high school. It actually was a pleasant ride.
We were dropped off and had to walk about a half mile to the ruins site. On the way we came across these huts. Dad thought it would be a good idea to take some photos in front of them and tell people this is where we stayed.
We paid the admission and went to check out the ruins. Between the natural erosion there wasn't too much left of some of the structures. Humans had been restricted from walking on them becuase of the destruction they cause as well. We explored, but were more interested in visiting the hidden beach.
We dound the beach, and it was awesome. There was no reef near the swimming area, and the waves were huge. It was a hot sunny day, it was great! Dad even did some exploring and found some rock to hide from the waves.
After the fun in the water we treked through the remainder of the ruins and dryed off. It was super sunny and I was getting toasty. Time to find drink and food. SO we made the small hike back to the tulum area.
WE walked up to a restuarant, and were seated outside. Some how I was talked into this huge mango margarita. It was delicious. WE ordered some eats.
After eating we went and checked out the shops. Dad was determined to barter for a hat. he only had $5, not really enough for the hat, but he had fun trying. We had had enough of the hassle, you know "plastic is fantastic" so we hailed another cab and headed back to the resort.
Once back to the resort we all made plans to meet up for a cocktail hour, then maybe go eat Italian for supper.
We all did go get Italian for supper. Talk about a lot of food. We ordered something from every course. There were appetizers, pasta, meat and dessert. I think a soup course as well. We were stuffed, it was delicious.
Once we made it back to our room for the night we discovered a towel creature on the bed, a dinosaur. Not only was there a towel creature we had a lizard in the room as well. When they came to get it out, they used RAID.
It was that night that I was introduced to the Mexican poos. Amber had already had dose of them earlier that day. Who knows, I think a combination of too much everything. I was worried as the next day we were going snorkeling.
WE went to the bellhop desk and they hailed us a cab. Which was just a hand clap away. We get in the cab with a guy who speaks no english. This was going to be a journey. I wracked my brain and remembered what I could from high school. It actually was a pleasant ride.
We were dropped off and had to walk about a half mile to the ruins site. On the way we came across these huts. Dad thought it would be a good idea to take some photos in front of them and tell people this is where we stayed.
We paid the admission and went to check out the ruins. Between the natural erosion there wasn't too much left of some of the structures. Humans had been restricted from walking on them becuase of the destruction they cause as well. We explored, but were more interested in visiting the hidden beach.
We dound the beach, and it was awesome. There was no reef near the swimming area, and the waves were huge. It was a hot sunny day, it was great! Dad even did some exploring and found some rock to hide from the waves.
After the fun in the water we treked through the remainder of the ruins and dryed off. It was super sunny and I was getting toasty. Time to find drink and food. SO we made the small hike back to the tulum area.
WE walked up to a restuarant, and were seated outside. Some how I was talked into this huge mango margarita. It was delicious. WE ordered some eats.
After eating we went and checked out the shops. Dad was determined to barter for a hat. he only had $5, not really enough for the hat, but he had fun trying. We had had enough of the hassle, you know "plastic is fantastic" so we hailed another cab and headed back to the resort.
Once back to the resort we all made plans to meet up for a cocktail hour, then maybe go eat Italian for supper.
We all did go get Italian for supper. Talk about a lot of food. We ordered something from every course. There were appetizers, pasta, meat and dessert. I think a soup course as well. We were stuffed, it was delicious.
Once we made it back to our room for the night we discovered a towel creature on the bed, a dinosaur. Not only was there a towel creature we had a lizard in the room as well. When they came to get it out, they used RAID.
It was that night that I was introduced to the Mexican poos. Amber had already had dose of them earlier that day. Who knows, I think a combination of too much everything. I was worried as the next day we were going snorkeling.
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