Cancun, Mexico

WARNING: Very long post that is out of order. I tried but cannot move pictures around. Read at your own leisure.

Miraculously, we were able to fly off to Mexico with only three weeks notice. It was a rainy, sunny, trip full of adventure and relaxation. We went to the local Walmart (a tradition when in Mexico with the Beckstead's), Isla Mujeras, the spa at the hotel, Xcaret, a day trip to Chichen Itza (one of the seven wonders of the world), laid by the pool and swam in the beautiful turquoise Caribbean, laughed a lot, and of course ate whenever and whatever our hearts desired. Above, this was the view from our hotel room. Pretty dreamy. My parents came and stayed with the kids and we didn't look back.

For the first time in my life, we flew first class! Sitting next to Eric in economy is a chore so all the space we had made a world of difference. The service and meal was delightful. I could get used to it. By the way, first class was an error by our Expedia.com . Thank you Expedia!

We were happy as could be.

Pam and Brad felt the same. Look at all that space!

The Gran Melia - our hotel interior. Humid but gorgeous!

The front of our hotel waiting for the bus. Notice the green sweater - it went every where with me and Eric was sick of it by day two. It was a little chilly most days so I had to be prepared.

Below, we are in a cenote, an under ground water cave at a placed called Xcaret. Don't mind my hair or the fact that Brad looks like a head with a little body. We got a good laugh out of the picture.

Waiting for the water taxi to take us to Isla Mujeres (Island of the Women). We heard we would see lots of topless women but would you believe we didn't encounter even one? We rented a golf cart and toured the entire island.

We ate at this cafe where Eric savored the atmosphere.

A big pile of iguanas were dwelling in this pile of trash. They freak me out but everyone else seemed enticed by them which made me fun to tease with a leaf or two.

Brad and Pam at the peak of the island.

Eric and I cuddling waiting for the water taxi to take us back to Cancun.

Eric didn't get to use his snorkeling gear this day, other to attract attention on the dock.

Dinner at La Parillo with the Mariachi's - Eric's favorite.

Sea Trek at Xcaret. The head gear actually looks appropriate on Eric.

It rained much of the day so we took advantage of the cenote (picture at top of post) and the sea trek. A little disappointed but the night show made up for it.

They took us through the Mayan culture from 700 AD up until present. A top notch show. Our favorite was the fire ball game - like hockey with a ball that's on fire.

We rented a van one day to drive to Chichen Itza and came across what we believe to be the ugliest dog ever. There were stray dogs everywhere, eating human waste out of diapers and whatever they could scrounge up. They were all skinny and sickly looking.

Among it all, we found an LDS church. It left lots to be desired but was the nicest building around.

Cows were randomly tied up, just waiting to become the latest carne asada taco.

This is their idea of a play ground. Our kids were shocked by this picture.

Eric practicing his photography skills in what he's a calling a Coke Light commercial. Believe me, there was a soda some where close.

We stopped at a little road side pottery store, and asked to use the bathroom only to find a back yard pet - a spider monkey tied to a tree with strict instructions not to touch. Next thing I new, Brad and Eric were feeding it chips. It shoved them in like Jackson and Leighton do.

Chichen Itza Cenote - this is believed to be where female virgins were sacrificed to the Mayan Gods. In the early 1900's, this cenote was dredged to find many human bones as well as gold and jewels. Now all those remains are in the Peabody Museum at Harvard University. I wish I would've been more prepared for this place and its history. We drove for 5 1/s hours through speed bump country and only stayed for about 1 hour (Brad's wish came true). I thought it would be a snoozer but it was surprisingly interesting.

This Mayan city dates back to 600 AD. It was amazing to walk on the ground and imagine what took place there.

Probably the most famous of all Mayan pre-Toltec ruins - this was the Mayan Castle which was believed to have sacrificial heads cut off and rolled down these stairs. Every piece of it is symbolic.

Here are two Gladiators in their own respect. The building in the back ground is where games were played like fire ball.

And, two more...

Valentine's Day at La Parillo (again, we really liked this place). The best el pastor tacos con pina in all of Cancun (per Eric). Watch out for the Mariachi's - it's 100 pesos per song.

Pam purchased this star lantern to hang in her romantic back yard. This place was the extent of our souvenir shopping. You've seen one shop you've seen them all. Eric wanted to buy the monkey in the back yard but the lady wouldn't part with it.

The lantern proved to be a bit much for check on so it was wrapped in layers of shrink wrap and sent with the baggage. It will be fun to see it when we go hot tubbing with Pam and Brad in their back yard.

We had a grand time at the Gran Melia and were so grateful for the grandparents who watched our children. They were in seventh heaven (the kids that is). We came to the conclusion that we've seen enough of Mexico and it's time to explore other places. Mexico is very touristy and expensive. The locals have totally capitalized on it and don't miss a chance to earn a dollar. I was annoyed with all the little kids asking me to buy something but Pam brought it to my attention that Mexico doesn't have a welfare system and they are just trying to survive on their own. It brought a new perspective.

My parents are better than the real thing if you ask me. My mom taught the twins how to tie their shoes and even rewarded them with new Tony Hawk shoes (their pick) and my dad fixed all the bikes that have been sitting for two years. The kids knees looked like they're supposed to - all beat up. My home was spotless and there was even a dinner in the freezer along with my favorite, chocolate chip cookies. They have not lost their edge. Eric and I are forever grateful.

And to our two adventurous friends that will go with us any where at any time, we are looking forward to our next big adventure - Toadsuck, Arkansas, next to Pickles Gap and Booger Holler. Viva La Mexico!