Feliz Año Nuevo

If I were to save all my $$ and spend it on one thing and one thing only it would have to be vacationing. Hands Down!  So new and exciting. You never know what your going to stumble across or who your going to meet.

I have been to Mexico 2 times in the past. Read -  2 Gingas + Tequila = Total Terror, Fun In The Sun, and Job Skills Needed. I don't think I could ever get sick of laying by the poolside/ocean, having fruity cocktails with umbrellas brought to me by a pretty senorita, and soaking up the sun day in and day out.

Therefore, as a special New Years treat to myself I decided to take a week long vacation to Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. Probably would not have chosen Mexico as my final destination again; however, It was only about 2 weeks prior to takeoff that I booked the trip so my options and funds were limited.

For my compañero de viaje I managed to track down a strapping young lad (Dustin) to escort me on my journey.

On December 31st, 2011 we embarked to Elk Grove Village where we would stay the night at the Ramada Inn and be transported to O'Hare International airport at 4am the next morning. Needless to say we planned on having dinner and then hitting the sack to get some rest before our long journey.

However, much to our surprise the Ramada was not nearly as cool as it once was. I'm guessing the prime time of this establishment was around 1970 and the individuals who were choosing to ring in the new year here had some very interesting smells drifting from under their doors. I'm fairly certain that everybody else at the hotel had invited Mary Jane to their private parties.

Finally, after 2 flights, 1 layover, and an hour long cab ride we finally made it to The BlueBay Grand Esmeralda in Playa Del Carmen where it was everything I had hoped for and more! The landscaping was amazing and the staff were great.

When we arrived they had delicious cocktails waiting for us and Hector gave us a private tour of the resort which included a a sports bar, gift shops, 2 buffets, 6 speciality restaurants (Mexican, Italian, french, steakhouse, seafood, and Oriental), a swing bar, lounge bar, 2 pools, spa, gym, and much more!

There were these odd little Lemur's crawling all about the resort which I must admit were a little creepy. They really didn't bother you unless you attempted to feed them. They looked something of a mix between a raccoon, rat, and monkey. This was one thing that I had not seen preciously in Mexico. But at this resort they were all over the place.

There was nightly entrainment including a Mexican version of Grease, a Michael Jackson tribute show, and a Mexican Festival dance; however, my favorite part was by far when Dustin got up and did a Michael Jackson dance on stage.

The weather was mediocre as it was fairly cloudy on a few days and averaged about 80 degrees. I, of course would prefer blistering hot, but it was easier on the skin and required much less aloe vera this way.

Weather for Playa del Carmen,  Mexico

79°F | °C

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Mostly Cloudy

Wind: E at 10 mph

Humidity: 65%

76°

66°

77°

66°

79°

66°

81°

61°

During our stay we took a half day snorkling trip at the second largest barrier reef in the world in which I saw a sting ray, baracuda, several small beautiful salt water fish (including a dory fish), and even HELD a sea turtle.

We also took a small excurison down the beach to check out a lagoon where I collected some really cool shells, saw some soft coral, and almost stepped on a huge crab swimming around in the ocean.

Here are some random photos of our stay. . . .



Standing on the Pier



Dustin hanging out on the drift wood



Enjoying lunch with a cerveza and overlooking the ocean



Photo Shoot

One of the many "interesting" decors the maids would leave

Photo Shoot2

Kirate Kid

Middle of the main pool where you can lay out by the fountain

I have some other pictures that I have not yet uploaded, but as soon as I do I will post them!

Unfortunately, now I am home and have to get back to work AND school tomorrow. At least I am feeling refreshed and ready to start the new year! Although in the back of my mind I am wondering. . . Where should I travel to next?