Saturday – Arrival
Our cousin June, visiting from Span, flew with Kayela and me, and Linda and Jill arrived at different times from North Carolina and Florida. Kayela and I were originally scheduled to be in Cancun first, but our connection in Newark was delayed–a plane blew a tire on landing, and that runway was closed. So, we were two hours late, and arrived last. But, Linda and Jill had already arrived, so we were good to go. I had arranged transportation through Canada Transfers, so our van was ready, and they had beer on ice for us to enjoy on our trip to our timeshare. Since we got in so late, we just ate dinner at the bar.
Sunday – Food supplies
We had originally planned on Sunday brunch at a place we had been before, El Mortero, but when we called to make a reservation, we discovered that they no longer have the brunch. That was a major disappointment, as the last time we were there, we were just amazed at the lavish spread and variety of dishes. So, after breakfast at the bar, the first order of business was stocking up on food. The girls took a taxi to the local Mexican supermarket, Chedraui, and returned a couple of hours later, ready to relax for the rest of the day, lounging at the pool.
The girls enjoying the exotic, luxurious Mexican taxi service 
Our bartender 
Agave (tequila) plants in front of El Mortero
Monday – Snorkeling
This was almost a disaster, but turned out to be our best day. We debated on whether to take a long snorkeling trip to Puerto Morelos, which is about an hour away, or go with a shorter, local trip, with a pickup at the timeshare’s dock. We opted for the latter, and the girls were happy afterward, because they all agreed that the longer snorkeling duration would have been too much.
This option had the added attraction of letting us drive our own three person mini speed boats. They go quite fast, but because the trip crosses the paths of other boats coming and going from their own snorkeling trips, it can get quite bumpy. It’s nothing to worry about, because the boats are built for it, but it scared the beejesus out of some of the group. By the time we arrived, the girls were ready to throw me overboard.
We feel the need for speed 
Check out the kid being pulled by the kayak 
Restaurant by the channel that boats pass through 
What could go wrong? 
Linda stuck between seats 
Someone call 911
But, it worked out fine. They got their snorkeling in, and I enjoyed watching them get hauled out of the water, one by one, by our guide, as he had to literally pull them up out of the water and onto the front hull of the boat, where they lay gasping for breath, like a just-hooked fish. The ride back was much smoother, as most of the boats were gone by then, and we enjoyed gliding through the jungle on either side of us.
Dinner at La Parilla, a downtown restaurant, and one of our favorites. Mariachis play almost every night, and we always request ‘Grenada.’ They did a fabulous job. Coming back, Linda somehow slid down between the seats and couldn’t get out by herself. The driver had to assist–we couldn’t because we were all laughing too hard.
Loving the bull outside La Parilala 
June’s inner flamenco comes out 
I couldn’t resist, since I had my OU hat
Tuesday – Shopping at la Isla
Took a bus trip to Plaza la Isla, an upper scale (touristy) outdoor shopping mall in the hotel zone. We found a great coffee and chocolate shop, and I had some excellent hot chocolate. Then did some shopping at Coral Negra, a smaller Mexican flea market, and then returned to the timeshare for some pool time.
Dinner was at Mextreme. This is an outdoor cafe, right in the heart of the nightclub area, and the waiters really ham it up. It has become our favorite place to eat, as it’s closer than downtown and their Mexican food is great.
Sitting outdoors at Mextreme 
I can’t wait to try this at home 
Linda bought us each personalized mugs
Wednesday – Pyramids Tour and Cenote
June and I took a package trip to Tulum, Cenote Las Glorias, Playa del Carmen, and Coba. Tulum and Coba are Mayan pyramids. Coba is the highest pyramid on the Yucatan Peninsula–110 feet. We opted to not climb it. It was extremely hot that day, so we were completely worn out by the time we got back to the timeshare at 6:30 pm (12 hour tour). We were delayed an hour in Playa del Carmen, as a lady never returned to the bus after our stop there. We finally had to leave, so she was left behind. The driver told us later that she was okay, and ended up staying in a local hotel overnight. Who knows if that was the truth. So, pay attention when you’re on a tour!!
Ocean overlook at Tulum 
A much appreciated ride to Coba 
June cooling down at Las Glorias
Thursday – The Beach
The timeshare is nice, but there’s no beach. It’s on the lagoon, and it has alligators. We took a taxi to Forum Beach, a very nice, free, local beach, in the nightclub area. You can rent chairs and an umbrella for about $20 US. It’s right behind a shopping mall, so it’s also very convenient if you want drinks and food. You just walk into the mall from the beach. I opted to spend the time in the mall food court, reading and drinking beer.
Food court overlooking the beach 
View from food court 
June finds an Iguana
Dinner was at La Habichuela, an extremely beautiful Mexican restaurant in downtown Cancun. You can eat outside in a garden, where you’re surrounded by all kinds of luscious plants and an open sky overhead. The prices are high, but it’s well worth the experience.
Linda at La Habichuela 
June meets a friend at Plaza La Isla 
This guy really gets around
Friday – Three Girls in a Bar
This was a down day, with dinner at Mextreme. Cousin June spotted these ‘interesting’ stools and surprised us–and this stranger, with an audacious request. But he seemed to enjoy it. Three times. It was a fun time to wrap up our week in Cancun.
June was first 
Jill couldn’t resist 
Linds is the trifecta
And the waiters surprised us with this line dance. Hilarious.
