Well…Time to update the Blog with trip report of our journeys “south of the border”. It started Sunday morning and literally as we were walking out of the door, Isabella got sick. Good luck Grandma! And we were off…
We landed in Cancun and proceeded to pick up our rental car. As I pulled out my wallet, fear struck…no driver’s license, no ATM card. I remembered that I had pulled them both out a day prior when picking up a few last minute items at the store in Utah. I looked at the guy and gave him a look as to ask “do I really need a Drivers License?” Well, thank goodness Christy had her license and we brought our friends American Express and Cash. Grandma and Grandpa Huff let us know that they would overnight my DL and card.
Well, we proceed to our Hotel, the Cancun Hilton Golf and Spa Resort. It was nice. Our room looked over the blue waters of the Caribbean Sea.
We ate that evening at Laguna Grill. Thumbs up. Christy still dreams of the Tuna.
Monday we had breakfast and left for Cozumel. This would be Christy’s triumphant day of conquering her fear of diving. We drove to Playa del Carmen and had a rough time finding a parking spot. I almost took out a cop on a motor cycle. We bought tickets for the ferry and as we had a few minutes to kill we did a bit of shopping (check out the wrestling masks) and met with the locals.
The ferry was 45 minutes and had entertainment. These three played some good Mexican music, even enticing locals to get up and cut the rug. I’m still trying to figure out what “el grosso” and “swale” mean in espanol.
We went to the Sea Scuba Dive shop owned by Dave Tovar. We were then told that they don’t take American Express…arrgghh! We told Dave that we would make it right and he told us that everyone from Utah is honest so not to worry. We went to Chankanaanab with our dive master, Benjamin. He was able to “help” Christy down…we saw some cool fish and plants (including rays, barracudas, drummer fish, and “standing” fish. Christy had a great time and we proceeded to paradise reef. We went looking for sea horses and in our haste, forgot our camera. So you’ll have to take our word for it. We saw a huge crab and lots of divers. Benjamin was great and we’d recommend diving with Sea Scuba anytime! We ate at a great place in Cozumel – Casa Denis. Great Food with Great Prices.
Tuesday we went to the Mayan Ruins of
Coba and then to
Tulum. At Coba we were able to climb Nohoch Mul, the tallest pyramid on the Yucatan Peninsula. Our guide was ok, but I think he was practicing his English on us. I would give the site 6 out of 10.
Tulum was fun as we had a LDS guide, Ruth Davila. I had a
U of U hat on and she came up to us and let us know she was a Ute. I then informed her that I knew a bunch of “shady” Utes. She let us know that she would give us a good tour. As we were running low on cash (still ATM-less), we decided we’d take a risk. She did a great job. Her father was an archeologist as well and worked in Palenque. If (when) we go to Guatemala, Belize, southern Mexico, etc to search other ruins, I’d defiantly contract with her as a guide. If anyone is interested, her email address is ruthdavilaguide at hotmail dot com. Tulum is neat as it is set right on the ocean. We ate at Burger King as they accepted AMEX.
Wednesday we got our ATM card and Driver’s License. YEAH! We pretty much just hung out, visited the Cancun Wal-mart (seriously), went to Playa del Carmen, found the elusive parking lot, ate at Carlos and Charlie’s, visited the flea market (best junk in town – 100% off) and checked out the night life section. If anyone is wondering, we made it ‘til about 9:30 pm before we were pooped and had to retire.
Thursday we got an alpine start and traveled to
Chichen Itza. It took us about 2 hours to get there, but got there before the crowds. The only Mormon guide was busy, but a guy (Jose) approached us and told us that he wasn’t LDS, but whipped out a picture of him and President Hinckley and told us he knew what we wanted to hear. He had been at the site for 23 year and was very knowledgeable. We were approached by three gals and a guy wanting to know if they could join us. Jose stated that he was giving a Mormon Tour and the group laughed and stated that they were members of the church as well and thought that we were on the Mormon Tour. We toured the site for about 4 hours. We were entertained by the “dancing Leticia’s.”
On our way home, we decided to stop by
Ek Balam, a relatively unknown site near Valladolid. We were only there about an hour. This place was awful. I think everyone should avoid this place. Skip to the next paragraph. I would never send anyone to this place. If you are still reading, this place is a must see. I had to throw off those we don’t like…We were literally the only car in the parking lot, it cost us 5 usd, you could climb on all the ruins, the towers were tall, and guide was awesome, the details were beautiful. Go see it before word get out. Seriously, I thought this was better than all of the sites I’ve been to…
On our way home from Ek Balam, we got lost, we were pulled over, and I almost spent a night in jail. It was 160 usd at the police station, but the cop cut me a break by only charging me 80 usd. As I only had 60 usd on my, I told the police that I guess I had to go to jail. I could tell that he didn’t want to go as much as I didn’t so after a bit he took the $60 usd and sent us on our way. After one federal check point (M-16 toting federalies included) and many familiar looking streets, we found our way back to the hotel. We ordered room service, complete with Chocolate Ice Cream.
Friday we went to
Xcaret and spent the day floating in underground rivers, walking through butterfly pavilions, admiring wildlife, attending a Mexican horse show and watching a really neat evening show. The evening show was awesome. It included a Mayan ball game, an Aztec ball game (fireball hockey), the conquistador invasion, and a dance show from different states in Mexico. A must see. However, our camera batteries went dead so we only got half the day. Oh yeah, the coconut ice cream is to die for.
Saturday we went to downtown Cancun and explored before our flight home. It was hard to see some much poverty in one area and 1 mile away soooo much money. It was interesting. We made it back to the airport without incident and after a few delays, made it home.
Just a quick note to Mom’s and Dad’s. We love you and are grateful that you watch the ankle biters. We could not have enjoyed it without your sacrifice…THANKS!!!
Thank you for being a great teacher and cheerleader.
Thank you Jay (other wise know as candy man) for being a great grandpa and keeping us laughing. 
Thank you John for always making me feel at home and for also being a great grandpa.
Cora taught Isabella her first word "NnnnnnO" No. She walks around saying it all day. What a way to start talking to your mom and dad. I can tell that life will never be dull with these two loveable monsters around.
Yes, mom was crying today. I am getting older and my body is falling apart. This week Isabella and I have been sick. This morning my cold turned into a senese infection but Isabella got up and seemed better. She ate breakfast and had a great time playing with her sister. I decided to try and do my exercises that doctor told me would help my hip. As I am laying on the floor (head pounding) Isabella comes over and throws up all over me. She is sleeping now still sick and Cora is helping me by covering our camera with lotion. I love my life I love my life. I hope your day is better than mine.
