Our "Very Laid Back" Trip Report

[FITZ]

First the bad news..the photo store destroyed our film. Their machine chewed it up. They called this a.m. to offer us one free proccessing in the future in lieu of. I asked for the number to corporate. I'll deal with this Monday.
Boy, what a disappointment. We still have some pic's on the phone, but they are not that good. We're new at the phone pic stuff, so we'll work on that later today (after football, of course).
Now for the good stuff!

Day Uno-
Our whole intention on this trip was to do whatever we wanted, when we wanted, or not do anything at all. I'm sure no one ever thought of this before!! LOL!!
Flew US Air out of Chicago. Early flight. No sleep the night before, some tequila. The tequila started wearing off at the airport and we were both looking forward to nappy time. Not to happen as the plane was ice cold, especially where we sat by the emergency exit. I could almost see my breath! They ran out of the paper-thin blankets, but had plenty of pretzels. I don't think I will ever eat another pretzel again in my life.
When picking up our luggage in Cancun, they had a dog sniffing at everyone's luggage. Hmmmm..... This is interesting. I go to the washroom. When I come out, my honey (Glen) is being interrogated by the federale's and unpacking our carry on. The dog is all over our carry on. Uh-oh, (actually, WTF?). He didn't bring any "surprises" with him, did he? I get closer and he is holding a tuna foil packet, packets of mayo, saltines and life-savers. In his very poor Spanish, he's trying to explain that this is our back up emergency snack. Now, mind you, Glen talks louder when he tries to speak a foreign language, (which he really can't speak hardly any of), or when he gets nervous. He was both. I think the only thing they really understood was emergency, and he was saying it pretty loud. Everyone was stopping to look. Once I realized it was a food-sniffing pooch, I was on the floor rolling with laughter. I don't know if it was real laughter or relief induced!!! One way or another, it was hilarious! We've arrived!!
Grabbed the bus to Playa del Carmen. Our first, and probably last, overnighter there. We did want to check out Playa, and it came in handy as we were beat, with a slight hang-over. The hotel I had in mind was Hotel Tucan. On fifth ave there is a Hotel Tukan, where everyone sent us. Not the place. Could not find the Tucan with a "c", and we tried, hard. Glad we pack light. Stopping for a few 2 for 1 cold ones along the way assisted us in our journey.
My backup choice was Hotel LabNah. No problem, one room 45US a night. Older, small room overlooking Fifth ave, third floor, (they have nicer rooms). Fun people watching room! Loud music (the loud bass thump-thump club sound) from across the street until 1am. The hotel did warn us. The place was good. Small pool, patio areas here and there, very near the beach, nice and helpful employees. Breakfast was included. Good coffee, fresh OJ, sweet rolls, yogurt, fruit, granola. We reccomend it for the price.
We walked the beach, intending to swim here and there. A storm was coming in and the water was too rough. Had a bad snack and drinks during the storm. Watched a surfer have a blast. We are now starting to get very slap-happy, as we haven't slept in almost two days, and we're starting to party!
The storm ended and we head out for din. Walked around alot. I think that first day there we walked about 6 miles, easy. A dealer (yes, that kind of dealer), reccomeneded El Sappare (sp?) and said go that way. I figure a pot-smoking Mexican probably would know the best food around!Well, seven blocks later, we find it. Glad we did. El Fresco Mexican cooking. Inexpensive and good. Did some tequila with a sweet tomato juice chaser. Fantastic service. While I am next door, Glen decides he wants to find the guitar store and asks directions, as we know it's close by. Neither one of us (no one for that matter) has any idea what he said. I advised him to just walk down the street. He goes. I sit with tequila and cervesa! Next thing I know, the manager shows up at my table with an old, drunk guitar player. Somehow, Glen accidently ordered him. The employees all hung around my table now. I don't know if they were totally amused or watching out for my behind. I am alone, surrounded, and half out of my mind. How I wish I had a pic from the outside looking in. LOL!!!
After 15 minutes of them hovering, hearing no guitar music and me pretending like this happens to me everyday, Senor Bojangles announces he will play me a song for 10US. Here's 20 pesos for you to go away! Adios.
Checked out some cool art on the way back to the hotel. Nice place about 2 blocks west of Fifth around 13th. The entrance looks like a small alley way, but it opened up into several great art stores, botique's and restaurants. Really great stuff and we thouroughly enjoyed talking with the artists. (If I can find the card I'll edit the location in). Partied a bit more and were completely silly by this time. We really did alot today, considering we didn't check in until 3. Looked out over 5th for awhile and then proceeded to pass out cold. We're really looking forward to escaping Playa and going to Tulum tomorrow.

[mariposa]

funny first day..you still haven't left cancun right?

That SUCKS about your film. I'd be beside myself....When we were coming home from Amsterdam a very, gung ho sniffer pooch at JFK customs went nuts on our carry on. A crowd gathered and we were freaked! It was of course a wedge of gouda we had been eating on the plane..:rolleyes:

[luvmx]

I feel badly about your film horror story. That happened to me once
after a trip to the apostle Islands. The sad thing is nothing they offer can
replace your beautiful pictures. Can't wait to hear more about your trip.

[Gale in KY]

I am really sorry about your film, another vote for a new digital camera, although I am very partial to the quality of 35mm pics too.

The sniffing dog at the airport is looking for agricultural stuff..he scared the crap out of another of our members in April..she forgot about her fried chicken snack and left the bones in her carryon..hehe.

Playa is fun for a nights entertainment..I am rotflmao at the picture in my head of you being surrounded by Mr Bojangles and crew..heehee..

One of the places we thought about staying for a few days in April was Labnah..but the noise factor is a thumbs down..even in Playa, there are quiet places.

I think you found El Tukan Condotel on 5th..the Casa Tucan is up between 10th and 15th on Calle 4..close to Casa De Gopala, they used to share the pool. It's a few blocks of walking to get to 5th and the beach, but it's quiet..I stayed at Casa De Gopala once and was very pleased for the price.

Great start to your report, looking forward to more!

[lazydog]

Excellent writing, so funny. I think your report isn't even going to need photos, you have described it so well. Looking forward to the rest of it!

[FITZ]

This is even funnier! During a break in the Bears game, Glen informed me that it wasn't an old, drunk, guitar player he accidently ordered in Playa. The guy had a huge harp!!! Now it all comes back to me!!!! I remember it had strings at least. Must have been those tomato juice chasers!!!
Mariposa-We're in Playa at this writing, straight from the airport.
Thanks for all of the condolences for our dearly departed film. I found some good pics on the phone cam and after football, Glen promises to figure it out. I just don't know if he means tonight or the end of the season!
I can't wait to write day 2!

[beachreader]

Sounds like a blast, can't wait to hear more! I had a great time in Playa last year (December) with some girlfriends. I love Tulum for peace and beauty and beach and all that good stuff, but Playa is a very fun town with lots of great food and reasonable hotels (3 of us fit reasonably comfortably in a $70 room two blocks from the beach clubs).

[AdGuy]

Nice start, Fitz, and (like others have stated) a really drag about your film. Gale is right...this might be the perfect reason to get a digital camera. If you do, take a few memory cards and switch them out as you take pictures. In case one "goes bad" or "experiences technical difficulties" you won't have all your eggs in one basket. :rolleyes:

Can't wait to read more!

[minniemex]

Funny funny first day!! Laughed about the pooch - he got my strawberrys at the airport once!! Very sorry about the pictures - there should be more liability on their part. - It is hard to believe it ate every one of them!! I would also call corporate.

[FITZ]

Woke up in Playa and after breakfast, we each went our seperate ways for awhile. It was nice in the early a.m., the sun shining bright, not too hot, the shop keepers opening up, and a bustle of people going to work or wherever. We can't say we did not enjoy our visit.
Caught the Tulum bus and met a woman from Quebec, Jan, who had stayed at the LabNah as well. She was winging it in Tulum, so we suggested she join us to Cabana's Tulum, as perhaps they have a room for her.
We shared a great grilled chicken lunch across from the bus station. Jan was practicing her English with us, but all I could think about was getting on the beach. I got VERY antsy. Enough chat, let's go. We were very impressed by Jan's very good Spanish, pretty good English, and of course, fluent French.
Arrived at CT. Our room was ready, but we couldn't quite get to our key on the counter. Jan from Quebec was upset that her rate was more then ours, and had the two employees at the desk totally occupied. We stood there politely, for twenty minutes, while she negotiated. I think they were under the impression we were all together. I finally grabbed the key and we b-lined to the room.
The room location was great and the room, although a little dated, was clean and colorful, with murals painted on the walls. The beach was right outside of our patio. I think I was still putting my suit on when we ran into the water! Oh, that first transition of, "oh, it's a tad chilly" to "this feels like bathtub water"! We were in seventh heaven!
Dried off in the sun, which was just hinting to set. Unpacked. Invited Jan to dine with us nextdoor at Ana Y Jose. She had the shrimp pasta and we split the julienne salad, which was pretty big. The garlic butter and rolls were really good, as was everything else. Jan, again practiced her English with us, throughout the meal.
Our neighbors at CT were two Irish girls in their thirties, and were very fun. That night the five of us (Glen and four chicks) sat near the waters edge by candlelight, under the awesome stars, having a great time. I regretted forgetting my star map. Two beach dogs and a few crabs joined us.
The beds were not bad, we laid back and slipped away.

[beachreader]

Great day!

How were the beach chairs at CT? Last time I was there they looked mostly broken down, but perhaps they've been replaced by now.

[FITZ]

Beachreader-The chairs were those white low lying pre-formed things you lay on. I'm sure they have a name. They seemed pretty new and we're comfortable.
Can you help me delete one of my day 2 reports? I can't figure it out.

[preeya]

Fitz: Have you posted your report twice? How didi you find your Ana-y-jose experience? Ours was not that good at dinner. I'm Sorry about the photo not developing :(

[AdGuy]

Beachreader-The chairs were those white low lying pre-formed things you lay on. I'm sure they have a name. They seemed pretty new and we're comfortable.
Can you help me delete one of my day 2 reports? I can't figure it out.


Go to the post you want to delete and hit the EDIT button at the bottom right of your post (near the QUOTE button). There should be an option button on the new page offering to DELETE your post. That should take care of it. :)

[FITZ]

We left our drapes open and awoke to the start of the sunrise. We were going to go down to the beach, but the view was outstanding from our bed. We also didn't have to move. I kept nodding off and Glen would give me a gentle nudge when the colors became more enhanced. Nice of Glen, as I was the one intent on catching those first colors of the sunrise.
We snoozed until about 8. I'm not a big breakfast eater, so Glen went to get his coffee/omelet and I went to get my beach. We had brought air mattresses with us, and I went out and played. What fun on and in those waves! You've got to walk out a bit to locate a calmer area and you can just lay, paddle, roll or fly. I think boogie-boards would be a blast!
Glen joined me at the beach. He enjoyed his breakfast, sharing a table with Jan. Jan's intention is to take a bus out of Tulum to ?, everyday, so she can absorb the culture. She joined us at the beach for an hour, the whole time trying to convince us to join her on her bus trips. No appeared not to be an option, and she became annoyed. "You would rather sit on a beach and drink beer?"
After she left, we agreed to put a damper on our relationship with Jan.
We decided to do a beach walk and headed north. We had packed a small cooler with water and beers. Played with the binoculars and phone cam along the way. Swam in the water, threw our towels down wherever and had a beer, absorbing all of the beauty around us.
We came upon Posada Margehrita (sp?). I had heard great things and thought an app would be nice. The owner came over and after reciting the menu, advised us there were no apps. Oh boo-hoo! The food smelled great, but we didn't want to eat heavy, esp. during a beach walk. The most gracious owner brought us over a bread and nut app, on the house. How nice! The breads were great. Had some tiramasu. It was good, but needed more of a kick. We really meant to go back for din. Next time, without a doubt.
We stopped at Ana Y Jose's Beach Club. It was nice. Seemed to be many Italians. We weren't aware that they were bussed there. We had ordered a drink and sat to people watch, when all of the sudden everyone, about 50 people, get up at once and leave. I guess the bus was leaving, perhaps it was espresso time. Like I said, we didn't know there was a bus and we're like WTF? In 1 minute, we are completely alone. It was very strange.
We catch a cab and go into the pueblo. Walk a bit inside the pueblo, give away some mini-footballs to the kids. Meet a few families, who invited us to take pics. One family invited us in. If I could converse better in Spanish, we probably would have accepted. Very friendly and warm people. The children are just beautiful.
We look around in the stores, grab chicken to go, beers, ice, Don Julio, and taxi back to CT for din on our patio. The two beach dogs come by for a bite. These two were something else. The male was a black lab/pit mix and the female looked like terrier-greyhound mix. She had recently had pups. They were, without a doubt, a couple and stuck by eachother like glue. They had a very special relationship and even shared their food. Jan also comes over and joins us for din, and conversation, of course. It mainly revolves around us not taking a bus trip with her. We both start dropping polite hints. I guess they worked, as we had a nice quiet night on the beach, the two of us looking at the stars and hanging out with the beach dogs. Some good quiet music (downloaded on the phone), nice sipping tequila and eachother. That is until our 2 crazy Irish neighbors returned from bar-hopping in the Pueblo. They only made it to one bar!
They were very funny and we stayed up pretty late, getting to know eachother, laughing, and sharing our tequila by candlelight on the beach. The dogs stayed with us, and barked at anyone approaching our group.
It was all very complete.

[FITZ]

Delete just won't work for me. I'll just hope the copy drifts away.
I'll have more about Ana Y Jose's coming up.

I've talked to corporate about my film and everyone really has been understanding....so far, The guy that's handling my complaint has to talk to his guy..blaa-bla-bla-bla-bla. I'll keep you posted. I'm not going down quietly!
Another side addition to my trip. My employer filled my day position while I was gone, and is offering me nights only (it all has to do with $), which will not work. The sorry part is, I worked the Fri and Sat nights after I came back from MX Thurs, to help them as they were very short, and no one said a word to me. Very dirty pool. Grrrrrrrrrrrr......
Well, the film developer or my (ex) boss, can't take my memories! Ha! I've got one over on them!

[beachreader]

After she left, we agreed to put a damper on our relationship with Jan.


You made the right choice there! :D:D Too funny.

I'm loving your trip report, thanks for sharing everything--you're a terrific writer, I'm not missing the pics at all (well, maybe a little, but not as much as you probably are).

[TheWindyCity]

I can honestly say I'm not missing the pics. Very nice writing and descriptions of your trip. Glad you have your priorities straight on relaxing on the beach. That's why you're there!

[preeya]

I'm Sorry about your job position. I really hope things work out for you!

[PhyllisB]

I'll third that! Great report. I feel like I'm right there with ya, stargazing on the beach by candlelight! Sounds like a perfect trip so far!

[petecat]

Great job, I feel almost like I returned, having been back since the 14th it is bringing back some very good memories and you tell it so I feel as if I were sitting next to all of you!

[FITZ]

Woke up to an overcast morning and about 15 Italians hanging out at our patio, posing for pics, smoking, and chatting away. It was obviously their last day and they were doing the last minute photo, kissy-kissy- see 'ya stuff. The smoke was coming directly into our room. Yuck! They hung around for more than an hour. We were polite.
The only thing we disliked about this room (other then no jacuzzi, LOL!!), was we were right at the walkway to the reception/food area (#9?). We had our patio prepped pretty well with cooler, colorful towel-table cloth, chairs, footrests and nature stuff we picked up along the way. I also had my blow-up foot bath w/cool soaking stuff. We so enjoyed hanging out there, kicking back, Senor Santana's guitar softly crying in the backround. I don't even have to mention the view, and that was totally amazing from our room. People would naturally look in, the patio's are so open, it's hard not to. Some would say hello in whatever language. Others were very cold. Like ice. For whatever reason, what a shame.
Glen woke up with what looks and totally sounds like a cold. We had two things we had planned to do on this trip. Go to Akumal snorkeling and for din for finger lobsters at El Pescadore (we did both last year), and meet XDan and lend a hand with a palapa, and maybe party a tad. ( I guess that's more then two). We heard he likes the blues, so we felt we already had many common interests. Maybe even meet Hhowie!
The sky started to get dark at 6am and was dark by 8 am. Glen's major sniffles turned into a full-blown cold by 830am. We look out onto the beach and see our two beach dog buddies, walking along with another couple. I let out a little whistle. They heard me, looked our way, and both galloped towards us like we were their best long-lost friends! They were so excited to see us! The couple on the beach did a triple-take. The dogs were soaked and wagging all over us! It was very sweet. It started to rain, we washed the dog off us in the sea, as they slept on our patio. The four of us split some stale tortilla's.
We decided it was a perfect day to storm. Glen was having a bad time with his cold, we both felt the effects of a late night, and we had this great patio. It was thundering and lightening a bit, so it was very OK. We would chill 'til we were were chilled. And we can chill again if we want to!
We read for awhile. I realize I forgot to pack my sketching stuff. Darn. I had new pastels just for the trip. Double darn.
Glen snoozes off and on all afternoon, as the cold medicine decides. I chat a bit with our neighbors, who insist on waking up with hangovers every morning. They are dears, but rather boring during the day!! I take a walk to find the cenote, south up the beach road. I think the Mexican waiter told me it was very close by. I walked and couldn't find it.
Eventually Glen comes to, and we split a club sandwich at Ana y Jose's. Not bad and filling. Glen can't taste anything by this time because of his ever-worsening cold. The sandwich was good, service pretty poor. Took us about 20 minutes to get waited on at lunch. We were the only table occupied.
It rained off and on most of the day.
We played some ping pong at CT (tied) and took a walk south in search of ice. I believe AdGuy advised to get some at Los Lirios. We asked at the front desk, the man says go to cantina. We start there and turn around to advise we are not staying on the property. No problemo. We go to the bar and were going to have a drink first, but the bar was so small, we just asked for the ice. The guy hands us a half bag and wants no $ and refuses a tip. We feel funny about this whole ice thing and slink out of the place, quickly. The guards at their guard shack all perked up as we went by. We felt like we were making off with a plastic bag of gold! We run back to CT to get the ice in the cooler ASAP. Carlos, the owner at CT, sees us and I notice that he looks a tad amused. Turns out Carlos sells ice at CT. Note: We realize this day 4. We both agree Carlos seemed amused by us on day 3!
Before we go out for din, we decide on a nap. It's about 700pm. I wake up around 430am and discover Glen, unable to find the flashlight or bed, and not quite sure where he is. He forgot about no electricity. Yes, 4:30 A.M.! Long nap! No more cold meds for Glen. Very amusing. I guide him back.

[FITZ]

The only reason we haven't bought a digital is that we don't always take that many pics other then travel and we beach bumb/snorkel a bit and don't want to "lose" it while we're in the water. This is the first time I've lost film this way. The phone pics are starting to look up.

[beachreader]

This is such a great trip report, Fitz, thanks, can't wait for more.

And you're making me really reconsider CT. I'm generally more into artfully designed rooms, decent beds and ambience in a place, but for those prices I might just have to learn to love them after all!

[beachreader]

By the way, what time do they have coffee available at CT?

[PhyllisB]

Wow, I think I got the same cold that Glen did! It stunk (still stinks actually)!

Great report, I'm really enjoying it!

[FITZ]

Beahreader-I'm pretty sure someone is there at 7 am to make coffee. It wasn't Starbucks but not bad, 1.50 a cup, I think. 4US for an insulated urn. Glen found that out when he asked for a large coffee. I felt obligated to drink some and a half hour later I was flying over those waves! I don't handle caffeine too well!

[FITZ]

Glen is still down with his cold, Phyliss. His folks say everyone has one around them in Southern WI. I guess I lucked out and hopefully gained more resistance. At least to a cold. Day 8 is another story...

[lazydog]

Beer on the beach equals an excellent holiday! Great report.

[pepper]

Love reading these!!

That cenote is found by following a path through the grass - no sign, nada. You just see the path and walk; it's between CT and LL.

[minniemex]

So much fun reading your report!! We have all met Jan at one time or another I think!! LOL

[minniemex]

Wonderful report!! When we stayed at CT we had #10 - so we would have been neighbors!! I have pretty much decided for all that is there at CT we will probably stay there again - we can just do so much more with the dollars we would save! I loved the patio outside the room too! We thought next time we would ask for one of the rooms further North on the property. They seem to really rent those rooms closer first for some reason.

Sorry about Glens cold - it so sucks to get sick on vacation!!

[FITZ]

The room on the north side are more expensive. Somewhere around 85US.

[minniemex]

You cannot delete a thread you start, you can only delete a post within a thread.

I saw that CT had those beach chairs but at my age they are very dangerous things to get into, let alone OUT OF!!! I would look so really COOL getting in and out!! LOL!!

Here is a picture of the ones we are talking about........

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/Oct%2016%202007/DSC03213.jpg

[minniemex]

I thought all those cabanas in a line there were all the same price?? I did not know they differed.

I just went and checked the web site - it doesn't look like they are more??

www.yucatantravel.com/hotels/tulum/ctfactsheet.html (http://www.yucatantravel.com/hotels/tulum/ctfactsheet.html)

[beachreader]

Yes, I've seen those around and about. Not a fan. Other than the getting in and out issues, I like to be able to move my back angle up and down for reading.

Ah well, I guess for $70/nt. you gotta take what they give you! Besides, they do have the hammocks for the porches, that's a nice thing.

[beachreader]

Ack! Bummer, they raise their rates to holiday pricing on the 15th!

Well, maybe they'll give me a break if I decide to crash there on my last night.

[FITZ]

Jan told us they were more expensive. She should know, she talked to everyone!

[FITZ]

It appeared that CT would have a vacancy here and there, between reservations. Definetly worth a shot.

[firecop680]

Hate that your hubby got a cold but, I love the trip report!!!!:D:D

[FITZ]

After we had slept for 10 hours, we woke up to a stunning morning. Bright and not very hot. We actually never felt uncomfortable from the heat during our entire stay. We enjoy the weather at the end of November in Mexico. Just perfect for us.
Either everyone staying at CT sleeps all morning or they're gone first thing. The place was very quiet. Nice and quiet. I'm sure our neighbors are still sleeping, so we try to keep it down a bit. Jan stops by and tells us she is moving to the room two doors down. She invites us to join her for breakfast and/or bus trip. We decline both. We let her throw a few beers in our cooler for later. Our cooler has become communal in the last few days. No problemo.
Glen is now walking around with a roll of TP stuffed up each nostril. He's still not up for snorkeling Akumal, or too much of anything. As long as he's walking around, I don't care!
We walk down to the beach and noticed it had rained during the night. Alot of different stuff on the beach, including a big sponge. We had a blast sitting back watching people check it out. Touching it with their toe and jumping back. Glen wanted to attach a string to it, pull on it and freak someone out. He couldn't find any. That would have been a good one!
We cab it to the pueblo and have an early lunch at Don Cafetto's (sp?). We had chili rellenos and chicken enchilada's with cheese. The marinated veggies topped it off. We were hungry and that was some very good food! Glen really coudn't taste anything, except for the chili I told him wasn't too hot! Mistake on my part as his sinuses really started going to town. More rolls of TP. Poor Senor Glen.
We picked up more beer, ice and tequila. This time a somewhat cheaper tequila, which couldn't hold a candle to D.Julio. We return to CT, play in the water with our mattresses and relax on the beach and watch the sky turn from day to night. Another quick play together in the water as we watch the orange ball disappear behind the trees and the sky explode in colors. How perfect and totally romantic, even with Glen's runny nose! It was one of those moments when time stands still.
No more naps or night time cold meds. We showered and dressed to go out for din. I just love wearing my Caribe jewelry in November in the Caribe! It makes me feel so.. so Caribey!!
We've had good luck at Ana y Jose's and don't really feel like doing the taxi thing, so we walk all the way next door. We order a red and a white wine, after having to get up and fetch a waiter. Both wines were awful. We told the waiter and he already knew. Without a word he takes them and brings us two cervesas. They are out of fresh fish. We really wanted fresh fish. We order a shrimp pasta to split. We'll see what happens after that. We're not all that hungry. The rolls I enjoyed there the other night, weren't the same. They were cold and hard. I had to ask for the garlic butter. Our entree was an experience. It had cold, almost frozen portions in it. One fork full would be steaming and the next would be ice cold, including the shrimp. I know all about food prep, and this was made with a frozen shrimp sauce! Boo!!! I wanted to get the mayan coffee tableside show (the tourist in me-it begins and ends there). The waiter informed us it was too late. I think it was about 9. We didn't want to, but we paid, tipped and left. Why Ana y Jose's service is so awful, I can't understand. What appeared to be managers, saw us looking for service, and ignored us. We always had to seat ourselves after waiting, service was practically non-existant and we had a joke of a dinner there. Buyer beware.
We went back to CT and just sat back on the patio. Jan joined us, hard to miss us, as we are now neighbors. The Irish lassies came back from happy hours. Everyone was in high spirits. We had the new Eagles CD playing in the backround and passed around the tequila. Our beach dogs stopped by and hung out with us for quite awhile. What a love affair these two perro's have! And I thought Glen and I did pretty good. The boy doggy actually makes sure his gal gets her share of food. He could teach Glen a thing or two, especially when there's a pizza involved!!
We all stayed up pretty late and had alot of fun. I've spent some time in Ireland so it was very nice talking with the girls about their home...and Irish men!
The night we left for Tulum, I walked into the room and Glen and my girlfriend are discussing disposable razors, in depth (tequila). I was like, "what's up here?", and got quite a laugh out of it. Glen is now starting to get very comfy with "chick night" in Tulum. I'm getting worried. I need to find a football game tomorrow and get that testosterone level raised.
We walked down to the beach with the dogs and said goodnight to the stars.

[beachreader]

These are so great! I can't believe how little I'm missing the pictures, your writing is so much fun! I wish we were neighbors at CT with you--don't suppose you want to come back down next week?

Sorry that AyJ's sucked so bad for service and food. There are precious few dinners in paradise, it's a sin when one of them gets wasted like that!

[FITZ]

Thanks Beachreader!!
I sure would love to come down next week!
My (ex) boss pulled a real fast one on me. We could have easily stayed longer last week, but I felt obligated to return to work, only to be laid off after 2 days. Now we're both laid off!!
A trip wouldn't be the smartest thing right now. That being said,
I wish I could find a super-duper air fare out of Chicago or Milwaukee.

[beachreader]

Have you checked out Worry Free Vacations? or that Kayak.com Bing thing?

If you do find a fare, Gale and I will be at HL four nights 9-13, then playing things by ear but hopefully swinging down to Xamach at some point, if only for a visit. I'm coming back on the 17th.

I'm pretty sure those HL units can be set up for three people, so we'll keep an eye out for you! :D

[PhyllisB]

OMG, I'm laughing out loud and sending Kevin the lines about Glen's cold.... that was us in reverse! Oh, it sucks so bad to be sick on vacation but it sounds like it didn't deter you guys one bit.

You're setting the bar awfully high for those of us who are delinquent in writing our reports!!!!!!

BR is right about the no pix tho' - sometimes I think it's even better when you can conjure your own images in your mind, you know? Those twilight colors in the sky, the stars coming out.... fantastic!

[minniemex]

I think thats what makes CT fun too!! Everyone walking by......... really enjoying your report!!

[lazydog]

I'm trying to be "laid back" about these daily trip reports but part of me is wondering what the heck happened on day eight? Really enjoying reading.

[twirls]

I'm enjoying too!

[james]

thanks for sharing!

I've merged the threads into one, which is the preferred method of making a trip report, thanks

[beachreader]

We just had a discussion about this the other day, whether it's better to have separate threads for each day or all in one.

I guess this answers the question!

[FITZ]

It does answer the question, even though I preferred it the other way.

[FITZ]

It's all starting to melt into one day! LOL!!
Today is Akumal Bay snorkel day, another attempt. Not. Way overcast and Glen is still dragging. He'd go with me to Akumal, but is very sure his cold and snorkeling will not work well together. To me, I wouldn't want to go in without him. It was way to special last year, together.
Lucy's taco's and ice cream, El Pescadore's finger lobsters, exploring the pueblo, the lagoon, the reef, the sea and shore animals, and of course, slow dancing with the turtles. We stayed at Akumal for a week last year. It was good. Glen assures me next time. I really will hold him to his "next time". I know he meant it, which is comforting, to say the least!.
It looks like meeting X-Dan is out. I was looking forward to that as well. Last year we spent a few day trips south in the biosphere and really enjoyed it. I have a few funny, if not hilarious, stories about that, as well. Next trip, we hope to stay there.
Our tuna "stash" came in handy. Four slices of toast, a peculiar look from Carlos (again), and we have tuna salad sandwiches on our patio for breakfast. I packed a few little packets of mayo and relish. This was actually quite a treat! We sat back, assured the storm would go away.
By 10am it did! Yipee! Glen is still drippy and dragging, but is a real trooper! Yes! He will go for a beach walk! I pack up the water, beers, bino's, etc. and a tad of tequila (for his sinuses).
We had a blast!!
It was Sunday, so there were alot of Maya families on the beach. It was so beautiful to see the children play with birds, coconuts, palm leaves. pails and shovels. Mom and Pop taking a break and so enjoying their family. It plays such an important role, and is priority there. It is evident 24/7.
We walked, swam, checked out several properties, and eventually relaxed on the side of the property where the rocks start. Can't remeber the name, but a side wall provided much needed shade. We stayed for a bit, relaxed, took phone pics, and watched three young sisters play in the water. They were so beautiful! The older sis so protective and sweet. Dad was collecting empty beer bottles and cans. I was immedietly brought back to earth. Let's go. I don't know if they thought we were guests there or not, but Dad and Mom got up and offered us their (hotel) chairs. Once again, I really regretted not knowing how to converse well in Spanish. Glen and I would have loved to join them. Next time we will w/o a doubt. They were so welcoming. We exchanged hola's and continued to walk on..and on..
Made it to the "other side"of the rocky beach road. Stopped either at Azulik or just south. We couldn't figure out if it was the same property. Beautiful view, cold beers and tasty guac. We rock climbed for awhile. Just magical, with the waves smashing against the rocks. Sun was going down. Wow!!
I was intent on eating at Mayan Grill. Meant to last year (Nacho's Latitude). Quite funny as the sun was now down and we kept on with our journey north. No bug spray (mistake). There's a jungly-jungle area on the way there, and we got bombarded. Bugs love my sweet stuff, not so much Glen (referring to the bugs and Glen, tee-hee!). It got so bad I felt like 2 lb bugs were flinging off me. Some stuck. Some with stingers. They all had a feast.
So did we. We were so glad we found Mayan Grill. Not busy. We had the fresh grouper. Magnificent! The waiter was great. The prices were good. The view was also amazing. Nice art-rock atmosphere. Lightening in the sky a bit away. We would return w/o a doubt. We hung out until closing and shared some Julio with the waiter. Totally reccomended. and then some!
We had quite a beach walk, 9 hours or so, and had such a great time!
We have to leave tomorrow (we stayed 2 extra days already), and tonight we say adios to our neighbors. We went to bed early, hoping tomorrow, before check out, we could go meet Dan or go to Akumal. I'd settle for that cenote. I know it's right here, ..somewhere.

[beachreader]

Isn't Mayan Grill great? That was one heck of a long walk you had, though, hope the bugs didn't make it too miserable, but it sounds like you shrugged that off pretty easily (2-lb. bugs? :eek:)

[TheWindyCity]

Another great posting. Sounds like you made it into a perfect day by keeping it to the beach! We feel like we really missed out last May with the Mayan Grill being closed. It was the start of low season, and we were there 8 days and would always check to see if would ever open.
Maybe on our next visit.

[AdGuy]

As everyone knows, I'm a HUGE fan of Mayan Grill so I'm glad you got a chance to go...especially after your awful experience at Ana y Jose. My guess is your waiter was Alfonzo (Nacho's brother). Here's an early-morning photo memory for you of MG...
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i317/FloridaAdGuy/December2006TulumPictureson16MB438.jpg

Loving your report!

[TheWindyCity]

NNNNIIIIIICE photo Lee!

[mayaflya]

Lee,

Thanks for that shot! We ate at the Mayan Grill (Nachos) on our first visit to Tulum, but it was at night and we never got the view...wow, what a setting. The stars and candlelight and amazing seafood made the experience unforgettable....but we're going to have go back in daylight!

FRITZ,

Great report! If we all pitch in with photos, we can make up for the lost film and give you a photo album of your trip after all. Keep up the vivid details!

[minniemex]

Great reporting Fitz!!

Here is another for you............

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/Oct%2018%202007/DSC03338.jpg


Our sea was just alittle more churned up!!

[beachreader]

And here's one looking the other way. It's my favorite, and I use it for my laptop wallpaper.

Minnie, is yours a recent pic? I mean, look at the fancy wooden chairs!

Here's mine:

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7dd29b3127cce82421bdcce5700000016108Aas2rVo2ZuS

[minniemex]

Yep, that was from last time down in October 2007.

[beachreader]

They're very handsome, but also very uncomfortable-looking. I actually find those white plastic chairs pretty comfortable; they sort of conform to your body a bit and you can even lean back and stretch your legs out.

Oh well, I hope they haven't upped their prices tremendously to pay for these chairs. Did you notice if they had a new menu printed up?

Sigh.

[AdGuy]

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/Oct%2018%202007/DSC03338.jpg



Wow...I really like the new furniture! That was the only pet peeve about MG was the cheap plastic chairs/tables. These are so much nicer! :)

[beachreader]

I wonder if you'll love them so much when your margarita suddenly costs 100 pesos!






Wow, I'm grumpy today, maybe I need to go eat something.

[TheWindyCity]

Having not been here yet, this will have to be the new Oscar Y Lalo's substitute as a first stop for lunch when coming in from the airport. It looks great! I can almost taste a margarita and some ceviche right now.......sob:o!

[TheWindyCity]

They're very handsome, but also very uncomfortable-looking.

I think the view would numb the pain!

[AdGuy]

I wonder if you'll love them so much when your margarita suddenly costs 100 pesos!


Seeing that their margaritas ran $8USD anyway, yes...I'd pay it. It's only money!! http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/7/7_15_5v.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZNxmk762YYUS)

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i317/FloridaAdGuy/December2006TulumPictureson16MB004.jpg

[minniemex]

Giving away all my trip report photos, but here was ours!!

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/Oct%2018%202007/DSC03340.jpg


I don't remember the chairs being uncomfortable. I would have graded them but I didn't know they were new. It was my first time there!! LOL

[FITZ]

We had tried earlier in the week to go to Mayan Grill. I can't remember what day of the week it was. It was closed.
Thanks for all of the pics!
Just great!

Day 7-Woke up to a storm. No Akumal or the biosphere. Boo-hoo. Glen went to town to get $ to pay our bill. I remained behind to pack (another boo-hoo). The sun came out, Glen came back and we swam, played and laid for a bit. Traded addresses with our neighbors.
The dogs stopped by. A new addition to the beach, a darling little girl, tried so hard to get the dogs to play with her. No way. They wanted nothing to do with her, and both took off with their tails under their legs. Adios, perro's! I gave her my air mattress as compensation. She was happy with the deal.
We thanked Carlos and staff. Carlos was still looking at us with some amusement. We taxi'd to the bus station near Hotel Crucero, where the driver assured us we'd catch a bus to Cancun. We stopped in the hotel to say hello, as we had stayed there last year and really enjoyed the owners and staff. We missed Sharon and Mark, but the maid/bartender remembered us!! We ordered a couple of beers and went back to wait for the bus. We waited awhile. Go back for two more beers. Wait some more. A collectivo stops. We have full beers. The driver says no problemo. It was crowded and I feel like everyone was staring at us. Actually, they were. I glance at a guys watch. Oh my! It's only 10am and here we are sucking down beers on the collectivo, while these people are going to work! I really thought it was around 1pm! We got up early!
We ferried to Isla Mujeres, stopped and split a med. shrimp cocktail, some beers and a Julio each. We stayed on the top floor at Posada del Mar. We stayed here there last year, had the entire roof for viewing, as ours is the only room on the roof. Quite the view! The room is aging and the air cond. was too loud to really use. The price was good for us, 54US. The same 2 pigeons who argued with eachother throughout our last stay were there. We had forgotten how they had entertained us.
We went to the beach, sat back and watched a spectacular sunset. Went back to the room to change and go out for din, maybe party a bit. Never made it. Glen woke me at about 3 am and told me to get up. We had fallen asleep on the contents of our suitcases! My elbow was in a snorkel mask and my face had button indentations on it! This makes two nights we snoozed through! Oh well, must have needed it. We were more or less awake by this time, so we sat outside and looked at the stars for awhile.

[beachreader]

I forgot you were going on to Isla. Cool, happy to hear more about that place! Too funny about the beers at 10:30 a.m.





Lee, my lunchtime margarita (same size as in your pic) was 60 pesos last March, maybe 65, tops. One big reason that I loved it much more than the exact same size I got at Don Cafeto's beach place for 120 pesos!

[Lynnette]

I''m really enjoying your trip report. I think a Tulum/Isla combo is perfect!!!

[PhyllisB]

Wow, is it wierd that I miss the plastic chairs at Nacho's?????

Okay so I just read through the comments, and I'm with you BR! They look really uncomfortable to me, and not Tulum-y!

[Gale in KY]

Ah..such a beautiful place for years..before it was Nacho's, before it was Mayan Grill..it was Gringo Daves.

Since you guys have covered the scenery quite well, I will post the best dish ever! Stuffed Grouper was to die for!
http://www.quinthar.com/360ToGo/Images/Node0243_full_IMG_1548.JPG

[beachreader]

Ya know, I'd heard about Gringo Dave's years ago, never really knew where it was but hoped to find it someday. Now I know where it was, and it's not there anymore! :rolleyes:

[Lynnette]

Wasn't Nacho the cook at Gringo Dave's, and then bought it? :confused: The restaurant, I mean. :D That grouper looks soooooo good, Gale!

[Gale in KY]

Lynnette..you are as bad as I am..up before the crack of dawn on a Saturday..geez. :rolleyes:
That was my understanding, the old chef (can't remember his name) from Gringo Dave's bought the place when Dave relocated to Puerto Aventuras. Not sure if he is still the owner, it's changed names so many times, but the menu seems to remain similar to what it has always been.

[FITZ]

Day 8, our last and only full day on Isla. I woke up feeling like I had drunk a liter of cheap tequila, in one chug. We had hardly drank alcohol at all last night. Really! (And we still had passed out!) Go figure!
Glen's cold was still very evident. Our only roll of TP had doubled for Kleenex/nasal blocker, and we were now bargaining with eachother for TP squares. It was floor flights downstairs! I won Glen's watch (which I had hid last week anyway), the last cold water (which I did share), 30 pesos, and 9.7% of profits from his screenplay (which he's been working on for 11 years!). He was also supposed to get more T.P. He forgot. Bad Senor Glen.
We had breakfast at Piguano's (sp? The restaurant at Posada). I ordered the egg dish many rave about, on tortilla's with ham and peas? I though a breakfast might help me shake this "hangover". What was I thinking? I really don't like eggs, and rarely eat breakfast! I tried. They just looked so unappealing at the moment. I had coffee, toast and O.J. I traded Glen his watch back for his O.J. No trade necessary for my eggs. I threw them in as a perc.
We rented a golf cart for 24 hours for 50US. Drove around. I was feeling ill, very ill. I needed a washroom. Not the easiest thing to find at 11am on the other side of the island. We head to Casa O's. We had met Lynn, the owner, last year and had planned on visiting her anyway. Wish the circumstances were a tad different. They were closed so we went next door, where the owner was most inviting. Thank God. I b-lined to the ladies room. The rooms were tiny. So tiny that my knees hit the wall when I sat down. I was squeezed in there and I could not find a light switch. It was pitch black. At that time I didn't care. When I did care, I kind of chuckled as I felt my way around the interior of this "room". Who knows what I was touching in search of T.P.? I reminded myself that I AM a camper. Sometimes you just are one, without a choice.
I finally exit and Glen is all happy that he ordered me one of my fav's! A Kaluha Colada! Of, just what I need! Coconut milk! He drank his and mine. We went to Punta Sur. I sure wish I felt well enough to walk through. I need a bed and Glen whisks me back to the hotel.
Glen leaves on a mission to find a new phone charger. He lost his somewhere along the way and we are almost out of juice. This means no pics or calls, both important. Actually, we never we're able to get a phone signal, anywhere. I didn't know how important the pic's would be.
This is Glen's third trip to Mexico, and I really get a kick out of him getting more comfortable with each trip. I encourage him to go out on his own sometimes (for a few reasons, LOL!!). He always comes back with a few funny stories.
I get up and find him at Jax. We walk around town, step out of the rain and watch some futbol finals. We split a small pizza at Rolandi's. Just ok, but I'm from Chicago and really know my 'za! We shop around and Glen buys me a beatiful ring at the Silver Factory. Really nice people and I think a good deal, after he bargained. Glen is getting better and better!
We eventually drove back to Casa O's and had a drink, finally caught up with Lyn and her husband. A short, but sweet visit. Very nice people. I still don't feel "right" and really had to "go".
We went back to town, parked and walked for din. Passed Fredy's and turned back. I heard it was very good here. We picked a bad night. Fredy was hot and somewhat grumpy. I think he tried to be cordial, though. He took a nod at one of the tables. My lobster tail was way overcooked and the seasonings were too much in some areas of the meat. The baked pot was very small. Glen's grouper was way overcooked, and tasteless, as well. I didn't have the heart to be honest with Fredy, if he had asked. We paid and left. Twenty minutes later I inform Glen I really need to go to the room. He hung outside and I hugged my pillow, sweating profusely. The A/C is not an option as it is way too loud. I turn on the ceiling fan. Glen comes to bed, and I encourage him to go watch more stars. I really need my space. Boy, am I feeling nasty! Now, I feel like I'm getting bit up. There's an opening above the A/C. I am getting attacked, and am already bit up from the night before. I spray myself with off, accidently in my face. That did it. I will try not to be too explicit.
I don't think I have ever been so sick in my life, like this. I'm sitting there, doubled over, my eyes and nose are watering and I'm sweating my brains out, but I'm freezing. Now, at the same time I' wiping the Off, off my face, I feel a need for a bucket, quick. My two options are the T/P disposal pail, (which quite quickly becomes a NOT) or the sink, which is located about a foot above my head and over some. I become a contortionist. I hear Glen come in and go to bed. I think he thinks I'm in the bed. Maybe just as well. I am dying in here. He should miss this.
I go to flush the toilet and nothing. Oh &*@!, I broke it! Drats. No running water in the sink either. Double drats. I can't even remeber my response when I discovered no T.P. Nothing. Not even the cardboard! I could have sworn I lost every bodily fluid in that hour and was stranded in there. Glen!! It took awhile, as he was sleeping like a rock. I try to drink a tad of water and I'm off to the races again.
Glen!!! I open the door and toss a bar of soap at him. That does it and he is on his way down to reception. My hero! Although he's the reason for no T.P.. Might as well blame the water on him, maybe I'll get another trip this year!
He comes back, slides me the contraband and advises me, through the bathroom door, that the water won't be on until 8am. WTF??? It's now 4am. Well, at least I now have T.P. The water, via a miracle, came on around 5. I proceeded to be very sick until about 6. I actually started thinking hospital thoughts. Laying down was all I wanted to do, but all morning my body had other ideas. While we packed, I kept forcing the unwelcomed water down. Oh goodie! I get to go on a plane ride in three hours, and we have to get there first!
I had tried to take meds but they didn't stick around long enough to help. On top of it, Glen felt crappy and it wasn't just his cold.
He went to return the cart and I laid down. Neither of us had slept and it looked like last minute shopping was out, or last minute anything. At this point I really didn't care. I couldn't believe it, but all I wanted was my bed. And I had to work the next two days, a favor I had agreed to before I left. Boo-hoo-hoo.

[mayaflya]

O....M....G....

You did warn us about day 8, didn't you....

[Gale in KY]

YIKES..reading this, I am very concerned about all those skeeter bites you took walking the beachroad...I hope that they are not the cause of the illness and that you have recovered.
Can't wait to see the pics that go with this awesome report!

[mayaflya]

Gale,


Can't wait to see the pics that go with this awesome report!

NOOOOOOOOOOO! not of day 8!!! ;-)

I think FITZ's film processor lost the pics, anyway ;-(

[Lynnette]

What a horrible way to end your trip. You tell it with so much humor, but I know it wasn't funny at the time.

Fredy's is really hit or miss....sounds like a definite miss this time. There are so many great places to eat on Isla, it's a shame to have bad meals. Hey, at least you got a beautiful ring at the Silver Factory...they do have nice jewelry!!!

[beachreader]

Your descriptions are so painful, so real! We've all been there once in a while, that feeling that you seriously wish you could just die and be done with it, but to find you're out of TP in the middle of it! Ack!!! :eek: Thank God Glen finally woke up and ran downstairs for you.

But oh man, the cold sweats, the rocking back and forth, the realization that you need another container right NOW! Oofta. And you had to catch a flight, that's a real capper!


Off now to say a little prayer for my upcoming trip. :o

[PhyllisB]

Ayup, we are very familiar with your ordeal... sounds quite a bit like what Kevin was dealing with..... he had hospital thoughts too. It was NOT FUN. I'm so sorry you had to deal with that, and on your last day! Yuck! :( :( :(

I'm w/ you Gale, I was thinking about the mosquito bites too... otherwise any ideas what might have caused it, Fitz?

[FITZ]

It could have been bites, as I had a variety. Bad ice maybe? I doubt it was initially food, as it took awhile to really kick my ars. I think the garlic butter at Fredy's just aggravated it. I don't think it was his food. Whatever it was, Glen didn't have what I had, and we split almost everything. I'm leaning towards the bites or ice. He didn't have either.
I'm all better now, thanks. Watching the first snowfall of the season. I think it's the first day of winter, too. Kind of pretty and quite the contrast to 2 weeks ago!

[Gale in KY]

I am gonna do a public service announcement here..lol. Grab a pen, write this down, put it in your suitcase.

When you get sick, this sick, take a morning off and see a doctor..they are probably very familiar with this problem, and can treat you so you don't miss much of the fun and sun on your vacation, or have to come home and be sick.

Here's a good doctor..he makes housecalls, come recommended by the owners of XTC dive shop..she uses them for her children. He even delivers the medicine you need.

http://www.bill-in-tulsa.com/phpBB2_Bill_in_Tulsa_10-9-05/viewtopic.php?t=564&highlight=doctor

[firecop680]

Lynnette..you are as bad as I am..up before the crack of dawn on a Saturday..geez. :rolleyes:
That was my understanding, the old chef (can't remember his name) from Gringo Dave's bought the place when Dave relocated to Puerto Aventuras. Not sure if he is still the owner, it's changed names so many times, but the menu seems to remain similar to what it has always been.

2 years ago we stayed at the Aventura Spa Palace (I know, yuck!) We went next door to Gringo Daves and he was the owner then. By the way the fajitas and marg's were to die for also!!!!:):)

[minniemex]

Oh, wow, so sad, so sick!! And on your last day too!! What a bummer!! I have (knock on wood) not ever been that sick in Mexico thank goodness (I have been that sick here) or on any vacation. My husband got that sick once and we put it to the eggs he had at the restaurant at Cabanas Maria del Mar on Isla. He did not get them cooked all the way, just over easy. The doctor here figured he had salmonella poisoning. He needed to be on medication for weeks afterwards.

But..... I did like your idea


Might as well blame the water on him, maybe I'll get another trip this year!

I do think that is worth a try - and don't forget the toilet paper too!!

[AdGuy]

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/23/23_15_13.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZNxmk762YYUS) about your last day on Isla. We used to think IM was http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/23/23_23_1.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZNxmk762YYUS)http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/23/23_23_46.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZNxmk762YYUS) and a http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/36/36_12_15.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZNxmk762YYUS) . It was compared to Cancun but doesn't hold a http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/12/12_5_3.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZNxmk762YYUS) to Tulum. Still, it's good to hear of the old spots!









http://www.smileycentral.com/sig.jsp?pc=ZSzeb096&pp=ZNxmk762YYUS (http://smiley.smileycentral.com/download/index.jhtml?partner=ZSzeb096_ZNxmk762YYUS&utm_id=7924)

[FITZ]

Well, Lee. I agree with you about Isla. I thought it made for a nice spot to stop on the way back to the airport. I probably didn't appreciate it enough this time, due to my being sick. I just seemed to enjoy it more last year. I don't know if we'll stay there next trip. I was turned off at dope dealers offering "anything" we wanted. Often, it was from the shopkeepers. One guy stopped us on the golfcart, in the middle of the day, offering us "blow". We do not look like users. At least we don't think so. We're in our late fourties, and pretty straight looking. Now, being judged by our actions, that's another thing!!

Last Day of Laid Back-
I laid back until Glen returned. He shot me some last minute pics on my camera. I had requested him to stop at the cemetery and grab a quick shot, if no one was looking (I mean the live people, a respect kind of thing). I keep down some Immodeum and keep my fingers crossed. We ferry over to Cancun. A sumo-wrestler built guy puts our luggage on a cart, proclaiming to be a cabdriver. Unless we got a decent cab rate to the airport, my plan was to cab it to Cancun terminal, and grab a bus. After all, this was a budget trip. I negotiate with the cart/taxi guy and he agrees to 25US to the airport. That'll work, beats 45. I still feel like %#*&! He puts our luggage in a taxi trunk, mumbles something about this guy will charge 25 and holds his hand out. Ah-ha! The little stinker isn't a driver!
En route, the driver says no way for 25 to the airport. Ok, then, bus station. He's pissed and now negotiating, telling us he has 3 little ninja's and 22 on the way! At this point I'm like, screw this budget, let's go to the airport. Now he needs to know which "airport'? Huh? The Cancun airport. Perdon, amiga, Cancun dos auropuerto's!
WHAT? This is a first!
We finally figured it all out, terminal 2, and this guy flew to the airport. We didn't appreciate it at all. A couple of near misses, the whole time he's looking in the mirror to check out our reactions. And I'm feeling sick, kind of thinking that he may learn a lesson if I'm sick right there and then. I thought about it, but Glen, being the great guy he is, would end up offering to clean it up.

After checking in we stopped at Bubba Gumps. Glen had some Asian chicken app and fries. I tried a few fries, not willing to risk eating anything more, esp. airport food. Glen enjoyed the overpriced food. Our waitress MaryLou was so sweet. The place seemed to be run pretty well, unlike that Airplane Margheritaville restaurant. That place is so loud and service awful.
I tried to shop the duty free, but I just couldn't concentrate. We were both surprised to see the tequila tasting bar! Boy, if only I could....
Changed planes in Charlotte, I hope my last-ever connecting flight. We had to go through customs, pick up our luggage, run to another terminal and re-check our luggage. All in 50 minutes. Our plane was late, we were running a marathon, and I was starting to get sick again.
While picking up our baggage, I caught a glimpse of our bright blue cooler (filled with gifts), on someone's cart. Hey!! Sure enough, it's ours. It seemed innocent enough, Apologies accepted. I did watch them as they left the area and I did not see any bright blue anything on their cart.

It's Thanksgiving and ice cold in Chicago. A cab would be time and a half, well over 100$ to get home. We were going to take the el train and then taxi to Union Station, catch a train and we are a block from home. Suddenly that doesn't sound like very much fun, at all. Thank the Lord for friends. My GF had just finished her turkey dinner and w/o a second thought agreed to pick us up and drive us home. Way out of her way. Thank you Natalie!!
We'd arrived!

Thanks to all who helped me put together my own pic album. Very appreciated!
I can't wait until before the next report!
Happy Holidays!

[beachreader]

Thank you, Fitz! Great report, photos notwithstanding. I'm so sorry you were sick, what an awful way to have to travel, especially complicated travel with a transfer, yikes.

That totally and completely sucks that you had to work because you're a good person, then get laid off! That guy needs a serious talking-to (hey, I'm from Jersey, I know a guy who knows a guy...).

Tell him you're going to sue him for wrongful dismissal, but you'll settle for $1000 in cash, right now, so you can come to Tulum next week. ;)

[PhyllisB]

Haha! That's a great idea, BR! I like it!

Fitz, I am thanking my lucky stars we live relatively "close" to ORD -- and by "relatively" I mean that it can easily take over an hour to get there even though the physical distance isn't that bad -- but our cab home was about $35 or $40 including tip. SO glad your friend came to get you! Coming home is hard enough, and even worse when sick!

Thanks for a fantastic report!!!!!!!!

Phyllis

[FITZ]

Beachreader-I'm glad you enjoyed my version of our trip. Glen got a real kick out of reading it, but reminded me of some really funny stuff I forgot to include. We had alot of laughs reviewing yesterday, after football, of course.
The more I think about it, I just may go after this "wrongful dismissal" issue. It sure was wrongful. After I hang up with you, I'll contact the Labor Dept., see what they have to say!
I wasn't so ticked off until Glen mentioned that we could have stayed longer in Mexico, and within our budget. NOW THAT GOT ME MAD!!

[FITZ]

Phyllis-If we take a cab from Chicago (O'Hare) to the far west burbs, it's time and a half. That would make it double time on a holiday. If we drove, it would only take us 45 minutes. Next time we'll rent a spot along Manheim Rd. for around 8 a day. I believe they'll drop you at the airport. Everytime I fly home I wish we had our car waiting nearby.

[AdGuy]

Well written, Fitz. Thanks for sharing and http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/23/23_1_140.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZNxmk762YYUS) on losing your job. As odd as that sounds, you'll look back and agree some day.

I also noticed you're now a Senior Member, so let me be the first to share the secret greeting!!


http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/36/36_12_18.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZNxmk762YYUS)




.

[minniemex]

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/23/23_1_140.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZNxmk762YYUS) on being a senior member!! Yea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[FITZ]

Senior member???
Suddenly I feel so.....old. Not supposed to feel like this until Friday!
Thanks all!

[BP.]

I loved reading this- thank-you, Fitz! What an amazing trip, and wonderful descriptions and writing! It is hilarious. I love the guitar story, and your stories about the various people you met, good and bad! You just know that when you meet Irish people in your travels, or when you reminisce about your travels to Ireland, it is going to be fun.

I love the stories about your festive patio, dogs, tequila, stars, chilling, everything! I know what you mean about wearing your beach jewelry! And your epic beach walk! Wow. Love all the Mayan Grill pictures, you guys. Beautiful!

Oh, gosh, so sorry about your illnesses! You brought us right along with you though! What a dreadful picture you painted. Hope you are both 100% now! Maybe your boss did you a favor and you can spend an extended time in Mexico???

Brilliant job! We were on one side of AyJ, and you were on the other, and you really conveyed the experience of being on the beach there.

[FITZ]

Why thank you, BP!

[FITZ]

Glen and I would like to wish everyone on the board a very Merry Christmas. We hope Santa is good to everyone and wish peace, at least for one day, if not everyday, for those in the world that are in so much need for it.

[FITZ]

I didn't let up on Jewel/Osco ruining my film!!
I FINALLY got them to dish over a 100$ gift card after several negotiations! Now, I'm going back to the store and get my free roll of film (I'll pass on the free development!), that hopefully I can use soon in Tulum!

[mayaflya]

I didn't let up on Jewel/Osco ruining my film!!
I FINALLY got them to dish over a 100$ gift card after several negotiations! Now, I'm going back to the store and get my free roll of film (I'll pass on the free development!), that hopefully I can use soon in Tulum!

Way to go girl! It's not quite an all expense trip back to Tulum to retake the pics, but how about using the $100 towards a digital camera? They'll have financed your independence from them...sweet justice!

[minniemex]

I didn't let up on Jewel/Osco ruining my film!!
I FINALLY got them to dish over a 100$ gift card after several negotiations! Now, I'm going back to the store and get my free roll of film (I'll pass on the free development!), that hopefully I can use soon in Tulum!

Way to go girl!! Doesn't make up for what you lost though.

[luvthesun]

great report. Sorry you got sick.