From the Fright of my Life to a Vacation of Bliss
We had it all planned!
From the time we got with a Travel agent all down to booking our first all-inclusive vacation. 7 days of pure Bliss, right?
Vacation is set at the resort of Iberostar, Tucan in Playa de Carmen, Mexico. I walked around concealing the excitement I held inside. It appeared in areas of my normal routine.
Shoot, I even wrote a 2-month calendar on my bathroom mirror, anticipating the time we would soon leave. Check-off lists were in play. I am so over the top of checking off the possibilities of needing something away from home. Knowing darn well I may not use it while there.
First month, list what I need and the “what if” needs. I wrote my list in 3 categories: Clothes, bathroom, and other. Girl, need to shop right?
So, picture this trip you are going to a jungle set at a beach, hot and sunny, around beautiful people you do not know. You want to feel exotic and lovely too, right?
Not those normal wear clothes, or the business attire, oh no not the same ole bathing suits…just despicable thinking. Without another thought, I did what any normal girl would do. I shopped for bathing suits, coverups, shorts, outfits, shoes, small travel-size items. Yes, I even bought a few things for my husband.
Sometimes, I wish I could have my husband’s mindset regarding packing. Listen to this crazy mess. He had one tote bag, and it was not even full. I used some of it and forced him to bring a personal bag.
Sad but true, and I am not apologizing for it either. If he does not want to take advantage of the limitations, then the only right thing to do is to help myself to his extra space. One of the lovely, privileges of being married.
I might have crossed the line when I asked him to put a collapsible bucket in his bag. Let me tell you where I was going with that. I was thinking how smart it would be to wash our bathing suits or other items, and then hang them to dry. I bought some washing detergent sheets, clever packing, right?
As I checked it off my list I placed all items on the couch. Packing was super easy when it was time to pack it all up.
Fast forward to, Day 1: 2a came so quickly but I was ready. Drove almost 2 hours to the MLU airport. We went through TSA and got seated on the plane. Just for them to announce we need to exit the plane due to a maintenance issue. We waited for 30 minutes to find out we needed to change flights. Waited another 30 minutes in line to find out there were no other flights out of the airport.
Loading up in the vehicle once again to drive 2 hours to another airport. On the way to the SHV airport, we looked at the tickets they printed out and noticed they had us coming back to the wrong airport. Slapping a hand over my face and letting out a groan of frustration. The good thing was we caught the mistake since our vehicle would be left at one airport while we were landing at another. We got to DFK airport, and they were kind to fix the mishap.
Now, things are looking better! Straight shot to Cancun now!
Here comes the Fright……
Taking my phone off the airplane mode as soon as we landed, I immediately started receiving a call from my daughter’s father. He goes on to tell me that Sophia was in a vehicle accident, but she is okay. Honestly, I did not hear him over the commotion on the plane about her being okay.
I had to sit back down for a second because I thought I was going to faint. I didn’t realize I began to cry, and my husband Joseph was trying to figure out what the matter was. This was supposed to be a happy time, an anniversary trip.
The call
My mind was all over the place, and I was trying to figure out a way to fly to Florida to check on my kid. Her father continued to explain while also I had his wife messaging me, filling me in on what he was leaving out.
I managed to get off the plane and was trying to go through customs while listening to how my daughter was hurt and how it all happened. Good thing for good husbands because my man pulled and held onto me while navigating through it.
My heart was racing, from the commotion in the airport excitement to locating our bags, to not missing any words spoken about my baby.
I was reassured she would be completely fine, and that they will keep me updated. After I made it known we were in Cancun, they reassured me she was okay and that we should enjoy our trip. She ended up having a mild concussion, and a few other minor cuts and bruises. I was able to talk to my sweet girl, and this made my heart a bit better.
Here comes the Bliss……
The resort took my breath away, it was just so beautiful. I knew we were going to enjoy our time there. From the looks of it, I knew I would be tipping a lot at this place, so we made sure to bring enough cash for the 7 days.
FOOD!! Joseph and I loved our first meal, especially, since we had not eaten all day. Let me tell you this restaurant was one of my top 3 favorites!
Mare Nostrum-Of course I tried the Starter station (Entrees and mezze from the Mediterranean Coast). Mixed Fried (Joseph’s food), Steak De Salmon (mine). Does it appear my salmon looks a bit crabby, lol?
Once we were satisfied with dinner, the resort kindly took our bags and us to our room by a golf cart. We were delighted to know they had upgraded our rooms to the 3rd floor with a balcony next to the beach.
I have always been told to not drink the water in Mexico, but I knew I would need my water. The resort had two large glass bottles in our room. The staff explained there is a filter dispenser outside of our rooms that we can fill up our bottles and put them in the refrigerator inside the room. Some of my worries dissipated at that point.
We changed clothes and we took off to the beach. Staff explained how they were going to have a fire entertainment show.
Day 2 through 4: Ready for my 2nd favorite restaurant?
We ate at the Tulum Buffett because they would host such a magnificent breakfast each morning starting at 8a. I was in love with my food!
Iberostar, Tucan
Finishing a lovely breakfast, we went to the beach! I took my bucket, book, and big hat! You heard me right, the bucket. The one I bought to wash my clothes in. It will keep my stuff from falling in the sand or having it accidentally get wet. I bet others wish they thought about the collapsible bucket for themselves. Joseph realized how useful it has become since being at the beach too. Here are a few pictures of the beach.
Oh, and honestly, I got in the ocean like twice… I know but I am more of a pool girl, sorry but not sorry.
So, I won’t go into every detail of our trip, but I will tell you about some experiences along the way.
We enjoyed walking through the jungle and looking at the different animals when they showed up. Some of them were not afraid to walk right up to us.
The mom monkey was holding her baby! Coy fish, Mexican raccoons, Agouti, Iguana listed in these pictures. I tried to get other things, but they would not make themselves visible.
Joseph and I went on an excursion. OH MY GOODNESS!!! I almost forgot. I had told all my family and friends that I was not, and I mean will not get off the resort. Only because of all the horror stories I was told. I told them I would leave breadcrumbs, so they better find me, watch my tracker pin, and come immediately.
Well….. we got off the resort, and so I had to hurry and tell everyone we were safe. We decided to swim in the Cenote and snorkel in the Paradise Lagoon.
We met some friends while vacationing, and they were so much fun to hang with. I will share a picture of all of us at the end. They also invited us to join them for dinner at the Alux Restaurant. It was located inside of a cave! I was in disbelief; I couldn’t imagine eating inside of a wet cave. I just knew I would get sick once leaving. We ordered water with our meal; we had to pay for it. I will always be grateful for my water back home from here on out. Water cost: $560.00, USD it was 28.93. It was good water too. I had Salmon, and my hubby had a burger and fries. Our bill between the 5 of us came out to be $4,510.00. Now in USD, it was $250.55 without a Tip. The tip came out to be $676.50, USD it was $34.94.
Alux Restuarant
We did have one scary moment, that I was sure we messed up some kind of big. We all came in one taxi; at the resort, we were told to tell the restaurant that we would need a taxi back to our resort. They stated they were already waiting for us.
Everyone was thinking the same thing, like why and how would they know we would be ready. Then, we walked outside and two taxis were waiting for us. The men spoke up and stated how we all came in one. The men in the taxis stated there was not enough room and must take two.
I looked at one of the ladies and stated it was nice knowing them. Because this did not feel right. She just looked at me, and said, “What?” We all decided to let the 3 others that we were with get into one taxi. Joseph and I got in the other.
Before we knew it, the first taxi with the 3 passengers took off so quickly. I looked behind our seat and noticed a 3-row. I nudged my husband to look back, and he held his composure, but I knew he was concerned. He pulled up maps to see if were going in the right direction of the resort.
From the looks of it, it appears this was just a money scam. I would have gladly given the man extra money just so we could all ride together. I did not need the extra stress triggers. We made it to the resort safely, and our friends were waiting in front of the resort for us.
They tried spoiling us inside the presidential lounge where we all had drinks. One of the ladies stated we had to try this shot. So, we did, and it had a kick and then turned sweet.
She told us it was a DUCK FART! It was an Alaskan shot.
We hung out by the pool for the rest of the vacation. Joseph did play bag-o once there.
I wish I had taken more pictures of all the other places we ate but I can list some restaurants.
Uxmal-Buffet Restaurant
Bonsai-Japanese
Uxmal-Mexican
Cozumel Buffett
Let me show you some of the foods I did take pictures of.
Coffee was lovely! Joseph also ate Burgers, and nachos sometimes for lunch.
So going to wrap this up by posting a picture of the friends we hung out with, but they were so much fun, to say the least. They even gave us shirts! We can’t wait to meet up one day again.
The last restaurant and the last picture of the trip!
I must tell you all something. I have traveled to other places and loved it too. I realized I did not need to wait to travel as long as I did this time. After this trip, I decided to jump deep in the water by becoming a travel advisor!
I want to go all over the map. By witnessing different cultures and eating glorious foods. I want to find great deals and help others find their adventure.
If you want to plan it yourself, just go to my Deal page and everything will be at a fingertip. It will wrap everything up in an itinerary. It will also allow you to make a payment plan until your trip is paid for. On a side note, I will be here if you have questions or need advice.
Now, if you do not want to mess with all the tedious details, I can do all the research. Just contact me and let me plan that dream vacation!
-Savvy & Blessed
