Quick Trip to Mexico

A few years ago, I joined Aaron for a quick Bahamas cruise paid for by a senior care franchise company that wanted him to speak at their annual conference/retreat.  When they reached out to Aaron last fall 'begging' him speak in Cancun, it was hard not to accept the invitation.  Even as the date of departure arrived, I was second-guessing whether or not me joining him was feasible.  May is an extra busy month in the kid/school world!  The lure of sunshine, yummy food and feeling the ocean breeze (at no cost to us) was reason enough to make it all happen.  Brinley did an awesome job holding down the fort and getting the kids to and fro - they even cleaned up after themselves!

Because Aaron frequently travels, he gets "bumped" to first-class on occasion.  For me, it was a first.  Okay, so the airplane food was not very good but the extra room and attention/snacks were lovely.  I read one book on the way to Cancun and another on the return flight.  Air travel was non-eventful otherwise - which is just the way we like it.

Shuttle ride from airport to resort

Arriving in Cancun late Monday (May 8) afternoon, we were greeted by heat and humidity.  A welcomed change of climate as we're still coming out of hibernation back home:).  

We stayed at the El Dorado Spa Resorts by Karisma, an all-inclusive resort (adults only section).

It didn't take us long to find the sand.

I love visiting a variety of restaurants, ordering whatever I want and not paying a bill at the end of an amazing meal.  Dinner our first night was at an Italian place - best dessert of the trip.

Tuesday morning Aaron and I went on a bike tour in the area and enjoyed learning about the conservation efforts of this particular (4-diamond) resort.  They have a program for securing and harvesting sea turtle eggs and are very strict in explaining the ramifications for violating the laws protecting them (spending time in a Mexican jail wouldn't be pleasant).  This resort has also constructed a man-made reef to promote ocean flora and fauna though we didn't ever snorkel because of the windy weather (choppy waters).  Lastly, El Dorado has an extensive greenhouse operation wherein they grown 40% of the food eaten at the resorts (3 resorts) - it was an impressive system.  And the organic produce was delicious!

 Just like the voles dig holes in our grass, these crabs dig holes in the grass around the resort.

Aaron's work commitments didn't begin until Tuesday evening so after the bike tour, we enjoyed our day exploring the resort, working out in the gym and relaxing at the beach.  

The beachfront was so close to the resort and the chairs and shade were in ample supply which we really appreciated.

Piles of dead seaweed are raked up each morning. 

You can see the man-made reef behind us in the water.

En route to the meet & greet Tuesday night.

Wednesday morning we had an early start as Aaron was presenting at the conference.  I had plans to sit quietly in the back and wait until his commitments were completed.  Aaron and I have become friends with Lane and Tammy K. (one of the franchise owners) over the years so when Tammy walked over to hug me, I wasn't expecting an invitation to join her and three of her kids for an excursion of swimming with dolphins that morning.  Long story short, that's exactly what we did!

"motor boat motor boat go so fast!"

We were instructed to lay flat on the water in a superman position with feet firmly flexed.  Dolphins came up from underneath/behind and put their noses on my feet and literally pushed me up and out of the water.  I traveled the length of the pool in this position with two very well trained dolphins!

After our dolphin excursion, we had a little time to sit and chat at the beach then ate a quick lunch under this cabana before transportation returned us to the resort(s).  Tammy and her kids were staying in the family section of El Dorado and had a flight to catch so timing was everything for them.  It was so fun to tag along and we all had a great time together!  I heard Aaron's presentation went well:).

Every meal was a new culinary adventure.

Fancy couscous salad

Our final evening meal (Wednesday) was unique in that reservations were required and seating was around a center stage where the chef demonstrated the preparation for each course that was served.  Jumbotrons also showed what was happening and played musical scenery between demonstrations.  Wine pairing was a big part of the show and of course our waiter was surprised we had no interest in alcohol.  In fact, EVERY waiter at every meal asked us repeatedly about our no alcohol policy.  It seemed we were a rare find indeed at this all-inclusive resort.

Thursday morning at the resort, I went on a specific greenhouse tour while Aaron had plans to participate in a panel discussion with owners of private duty home care agencies around the country.  We packed up and checked out before enjoying our last meal then caught a flight home.

Huge iguana on the sidewalk.

cabanas along the beachfront

front of resort

beautiful vegetation

We only spent two full days in Cancun (3 nights) but it was rejuvenating nonetheless.  The drive home from the SL airport - not so much.  The kids made this sign to welcome us as we pulled into the garage at 1:00am.  Ahhh!  Home sweet home.