Ruins of Tulum

When my brother and his fiance came to visit Jade and me, we knew they would keep us busy.  I love traveling around and seeing the beautiful sites this area has to offer.  Our first day of traveling, we went to Tulum.  

Tulum is the site of a Maya walled city.  The ruins face the Caribbean Sea along the Yucatan Peninsula in Quintana Roo, Mexico.  It is situated on 39 feet tall cliffs along the coast of the ocean. 

Tulum was constructed by the Maya shortly before the arrival of the Spaniards.  It is believed to have been a fort built to watch the sea.

Diseases brought by the Spanish settlers appear to be the cause of the demise of the city.  

Don't let these photos fool you.  This site is one of the most well-preserved coastal Maya ruins, and is a popular site for tourists.  I was just really lucky not to catch any fanny packs and cameras in these shots.

Bring your swim suit and snorkel gear when you come to Tulum.  On a hot day, a swim in the Caribbean is perfect.

Iguanas were everywhere.  They were definitely comfortable with the tourists, and even let me get pretty close to take some photos.

Pollo del arbol anyone?

It was a beautiful day with my wonderful husband.  There is no one else I would rather share these new experiences.

Certified Scuba Diver

It's official!  I'm a Certified Scuba Diver!

I finished my certification about a month ago with Scuba 10 in Playa del Carmen.  I shopped around for the least expensive shop and one where I felt comfortable with the instructors.  My instructor is Sepul and he's awesome.

On my first dive, I didn't clear my ears quick enough, and it was one of the worst pains I've ever felt.  It felt like my brain was being crushed and squeezed out my ears.  I tried to continue diving and forget about the pain.  My first and second dives were pretty exciting, so it was easy to do.

On my first dive, we saw HUGE tarpon fish.

Here is a photo I found to try to show how BIG these fish are.

These guys were about as long as we are and swimming 5 in a group.  We also got to see an enormous sea turtle and Jade picked up a beautiful sand dollar for me.  My first dives were very memorable.

My third and fourth dives were less exciting, but was able to practice my buoyancy.  Once I got it figured out, I felt like I was floating.  While floating along the bottom of the ocean I saw baby manta rays about 3 inches wide. 

I'm now hooked.  I have accomplished 4 dives, and I'm looking forward to my next!

And the best part... I get to do it with my favorite person.  Thanks hubby for this awesome experience!

Coco Bongo Girls Night Out!

Wow!  It's been over a month since my last blog post.  No, I wasn't in a terrible accident nor did I contract a horrible, life-threatening disease.  I simply, just didn't blog.  I can make up a really good excuse, like I went on a Californication and Shameless bender... but, that only takes about 3 days.  (It also may be true.) 

I do have several really great excuses as to why I wasn't blogging, AND the photos to prove it. 

About a month ago, my girlfriend and I went out to Coco Bongo for a girls night.  The hubs stayed home to babysit our 4-legged and furry child without complaints.  Who knew fighting 1,300 people for a table and drinks wasn't his thing?

 My friend, Lena and I were so excited to get inside and see the shows. 

We arrived early... 11pm, and got a great table.  Before we even got to our seats, we were offered several different kinds of drinks and tequila shots. 

This is the place to go if you want to get your moneys worth.  Both Lena and I did not.  I had my first dive tomorrow, and Lena was leaving for Denmark, so we tried to stay sober.  The staff does not want any girl to stay sober.  They encourage dancing on the bar, dancing on the stage, and making bad decisions.  Case.In.Point...

The shows started with The Beattles, Elvis made and appearance, and even Michael Jackson was there. 

The performers also sang Lady Marmalade, Lady Gaga, and QUEEN!

There were trapeze performers and burlesque dancers, and even some line dancing!

It was a really fun night.  This definitely wasn't better than a Vegas show or club, but it was a good time for the price.  My advice is to go with a group of girls, or pay the VIP fee.  Get a table or a nice spot off the floor and tip your waiter.  Oh and drink lots of water!

Mexican wedding

A couple weeks ago, Jade and I traveled to Tepoztlan, Mexico for our good friends' wedding.  Carlos and Suheily threw one heck of a party.  This was our first Mexican wedding, and it did not disappoint.  Mexicans can sure throw parties.  The wedding kicked off at 5pm at a small Catholic church. 

They had a full mass and the church filled up fast.  After the wedding, we arrived at the reception, and were welcomed into a beautiful garden area with wine, champagne, and beers. 

 The hubs and I all dressed up

 

The groom and Jade

The bride and groom

After cocktail hour, we found our seats and enjoyed a 5 course meal.  The food was great, and the boys started taking advantage of the open bar.   

What fiesta is complete without a mariachi band?  The mariachis played for a good 2 hours before the DJ took over, and the couple had their first dance. 

That's when the party really got started.   A group of native dancers, called Chinelos, from the state of Morelos showed up and EVERYONE got up to dance.

 Even grandma of the groom!

At about 2:30 am, they served us Chilequiles.  If you haven't tried this hot, delicious, mess of a breakfast you are missing out.  This is my all-time favorite breakfast. 

After everyone had their stomach full again, the party continued.  Drinks were still being served and the dancing went to a whole new level. 

 The DJ started even played Achy, Breaky, Heart... in Spanish!  Complete with cowboy hat props to the dancers.  YES!


Check out this video here. 

At about 4:00 am we decided to head back to our hotel.  We had a long day of traveling the next morning and knew that we were going to feel every drink we put into our bodies the next day.  This was such a fun wedding, and Jade and are so fortunate to have great friends to share this occasion.

Exhausted and homeless

I know I could never get any sympathy for my life.  I really have an awesome life!  My husband is the best, my dogs bring me so much joy, I have the best friends any girl could ask for, my family is always supportive, and I live in paradise.  So why am I complaining?

For the last 2 months, I wake up and listen to a group of 4 Mexicans, bang with a hammer and a chisel, every tile out of the floor and wall, non-stop for 10 hours a day.  Our landlord treats us like we are stupid gringos, and the workers laugh in my face when I ask them politely to shut the F#@$ up!

Today, we finally had enough and moved all of our possessions out of our apartment and into a friend's place.  We are now officially homeless again! Thank goodness for good friend!  Thanks Kyle!


On a brighter note, the hubs and I were fortunate enough to get to spend more time with the newlyweds.  Carlos and Suheily came to Playa del Carmen for their honeymoon.  We got to party with them like the days in Cuernavaca.  Only thing missing was that pinche Suizo!

Tomorrow we start the search for a new, quiet, apartment.  Until then, send Ace some peaceful thoughts.  He's not sure what to think about us moving him around again!