February 28 - Day 28

I was just about to check the time when my alarm went off. The Carnival went on all night long.

I ate a banana and granola bar before leaving.

Aero Puerto
I had most of my luggage downstairs by the time that Anna came out.

She drove me to the airport at 4:00 a.m. She is from Argentina, but I thought that she might be from Poland.

Cancun Airport
I asked for, and received an aisle seat closer to the front since Ihad a connection in Dallas. I guess the weight on my suitcases was okay because they accepted them without question. Whew!

I can't believe how many people were eating at Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville so early in the morning. Starbucks was absolutely packed, so I didn't get one.

There was the rudes boy there (who was approximately 12). He spilled half of his orange juice all over the floor, looked at his mom, and shrugged his shoulders and said he wasn't picking it up. She didn't make him either. Everyone was really mad. I don't know what is happening to manners and respect anymore. It really makes you wonder.

Connecting Flight
I went through customs, and picked up my luggage (because it doesn't automatically go straight through - my smaller bag was all ripped up!). I almost missed my connection. We were on time, but just over an hour was not long enough. When I looked at the screen, I thought that my flight was already boarding, so I asked the TSA guy if I could go through security next, and he told me that I had to ask everyone. How embarrassing. Fortunately, they heard and agreed to let me go to the front of the line. It wasn't like I was late due to my own stupidity. I'm always very prompt to the airport. So, now, I had to take everything off, and take my laptop out (I like that they don't make you take it out in Mexico). Then, I had to put my gym shoes on. Arggh!

Next, I ran to catch the monorail to take me to the gate, but when I arrived, the plane already left. I looked at the screen again, and realized that it wasn't my flight. My flight was departing from A17 and I was at A33, so now I had to walk briskly to the new gate. Just as I arrived, they started to board, so if I didn't cut through the security line, I still would have missed my flight!

I was hungry too. I thought that I would have time to grab something. There are a lot of nice shops/restaurants at the Dallas airport too, but I didn't have the opportunity to check them out.

Flight to Chicago
The airplane had 2 seats across on one side and 3 on the other. I was in a side with 3, and a lady from Naperville sat by the window, and I had an aisle, and no one inbetween! It was only an hour and 55 minute flight. The lady reminded me of my neighbor, Marie. We talked most of the way home.

Arrival
We arrived about 15 minutes early, and I only had to pick up my luggage, which was there pretty fast. I couldn't find my cell phone, however, to call my dad. I had to search my bag several times because in my rush through customs, it slid to the bottom of my backpack.

Dad was already there, so that worked out well.

Starbucks
We stopped at Starbucks on the way home because I was starving, but wanted to wait for dinner.

Harley
Harley (and Daisy) were excited to see me. Harley kept bringing me her toys. She is still uncertain as to whether I am staying or leaving.

Dinner
I went to dinner with my parents. I was starving! My mom loved all of the jewelry that I brought home.

Sydney & Sam
Sydney and Sam couldn't wait to come over to see their souvenirs. They loved their skeleton figurines (which sam calls "bone guys"). My sister loved the cheap $1.00 necklaces that I bought them, and wanted one (but she never even wears jewelry).

Mouse
Can I just say that my computer mouse feels gigantic compared to my portable one? It is enormous, and it feels very strange.

Annemarie Ordering Pizza

El Patio Restaurant at La Tortuga Hotel

Carnival in Playa Del Carmen

Maya Inn

100% Natural

Advertisement for Carnival

February 27 - Day 27

Dream
I had the weirdest dream! I dreamt that Charles Hetzel told me that Nicole Kidman and John Malkovich died. I was also at some Hewitt meeting, and Mary Hazen was there, and some guy from Funjet was the client. Maybe it was the coconut that I ate. (Or, maybe it had to do with the fact that the streets were so loud this morning and they started consructions right underneath me at 6:00 a.m.)

Work
As usual, I did a little work before heading out.

Anna
Anna pinched my cheeks and said "crema, crema!" I told her that I have been doing that. I bought some very thick cream with turtle oil in it.

Mechanic
As I headed out, the skinny Mechanic waved his hand up in the air, like "don't forget about me!" LOL

Nativo
I wanted to get my last smoothie from Nativo this morning. I ordered the same concoction as yesterday, but when I went to pay, the girl wouldn't take my Pesos, 'cuz the corner was funny. HELLLO!....Someone in Mexico gave it to me that way. I did have others, but that was not the point. If they gave it to me, then they should take it. In the U.S. we take their money whether it's ripped, washed, written on, etc. I walked out without my drink!

Nice way to end my trip! Argggh!

Carnival
I cut through Wal-Mart's parking lot because they were getting ready for carnival starting tonight, and running through the next few days.

Someone pulled up right behind me and honked their horn. It scared the heck out of me, plus I knew that I wasn't in the way. It was Jimeer! I think he follows me around. Anyhow, I rambled on about the incident at Nativo, and I shoed him the $50 Pesos, that I gave her, so he swapped it out for me.

100% Natural
I went to 100% Natural for breakfast on 5th Avenue. They serve all healthy food in an outdoor garden atmosphere. I had the Strawberry, Banana Yogurt Smoothie and Oatmeal with Apple, Banana, Sunflower Seeds, and Raisins. I said no nuts, but guess how it came out? I sent it back, but was very concerned that they were going to just pick them off even though I told him that they couldn't. He seemed like he understood when I told him to begin with, and I even pointed to it on the menu, and he repeated it. Well, I took a Benadryl afterwards just in case, but I was okay.

Joyeria
The Joyeria was bringing me some beaded necklaces today, so I went to check them out, but they said to come back at noon.

Mucho Callor
It was unbelievably hot here today. Just a little bit of walking is exhausting. It's like the day that Bryn arrived (or worse).

La Playa
I didn't want to get sun, but wanted to walk the beach again. I put tons of SPF on my lips and walked around a bit. The water looked darker, almost like there's going to be a storm.

Back to the Joyeria
I walked back, and bought some more necklaces. The ladies love me there!

Urban Suites
I walked back to the condo to put the jewelry away. When I opened the gate, a man (around my parent's age) was sitting on the floor with his laptop trying to connect. Anna still gave him the old server name (although she never even told me that it changed!). So, he came up to the condo with me, and I set him up. He was so happy because he was trying all different locations. Just like what happened to me.

Taxi
Because it was so hot out, and I already made the walk back to the condo, I took a taxi back to town (it was only $20 Pesos).

Maya Inn
I took advantage of Mario's offer to use the pool at the Maya Inn on Avenida 10 y Calle 10. It's a small hotel, with a small, intimate pool (I was the only one using it). I cooled off and finished my book. Yeah! Mario told me that I should have come sooner because he liked the viw. Oh, boy!

It was pretty shaded there, and when I ran out to get a snack, I realized just how much. It was still sweltering out!

Mario wanted me to have a drink with him later, but I declined because I already have plans.

5th Avenue
I wanted to walk down 5th Avenue again on my way back to the condo since I leave early tomorrow. Then, I walked my usual route back on Calle 4.

Princess
That's what I named the skittish dog. She is so sweet, and now she's in heat! It's just awful. I hope she doesn't have puppies. The poor thing is going to be screwed (literally) if Baloo comes around, and he's a huge Rottweiler! I can't imagine what those puppies will look like.

Joyeria
I stopped and gave the older lady my book so that she could practice her English.

Urban Suites
I came back to cool off, unwind, and get ready for dinner. I also needed to evaluate my packing, and finalize some work.

Carnival
I hadn't heard from Annemarie yet, so I went out to the Carnival near the Wal-Mart. Their were a few clothes vendors, and some candy vendors, and people selling general junk.

I bought a top, but that was it. Then, Annemarie called me and said she'd pick me up at Wal-Mart.

Jorge
We parked near Jorge's store, and stopped in to pay him a visit. He couldn't leave the store till 8:30 p.m., and Mikayla was working out.

El Patio Restaurant at La Tortuga Hotel
Annemarie suggested Rolandi's, but since I just ate their last night, we decided to try something different. Not that I would have minded because Rolandi's is great.

I passed by this restaurant last night, and one of their salads really caught my eye. Also, their Rib Eye was a really good deal. Jorge said that it was a good restaurant, so we decided to try it.

We sat outside, but didn't realize that they also have cute tables set up poolside inside the hotel as well. It's very cute.

Last night the restaurant was empty and they were begging for guests. Tonight it was booming! It was so buys, so service was not the greatest, but the steaks were very good. The also give you Hummus as a starter. Although service was a bit sketchy, my guess is that it was an off night because they were extremely busy. Everyone's food looked delicious as I made my way to the bano.

We werent' that impressed with their crepes for dessert, however. I think I've become a Crepe Afficionado, so I can say that. They had a hint of lemon flavor, and they were not very warm. Could be that they didn't bring them to us in time either. They didn't bring our coffe till after we had eaten our dessert. All in all, I would try this restaurant again.

Alfonso
Alfonso was hungry because he just returned from working in Cancun. Annemarie and I ran to the pizza place across the street to get him some pizza. I bet that everyone thought that we were pigs!

Urban Suites
Annemarie dropped me off at the condo for my early flight back. Although, I really wanted to go back to Carnival. LOL I told her that she could drop me off and I would walk the rest of the way, but I didn't want to be rude. She said that I should come back soon and stay for 3-6 months.

The party is going strong. It's not like I'm going to sleep much anyhow. I can hear the booming music and festivities taking place. Anna is taking me to the airport at 4:00 a.m.

Dear Harley
Harley, mommy is coming home to see you, my old girl. Hang in there, and don't be mad at me either. Annemarie said that I should bring you here, but you are just too old, and I wouldn't put you through the airplane ride. I can't wait to snuggle with you! :)

Buenas Noches!

College Students Warned About Mexico Travel

Here's an interesting article: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29415134.

I've been down here the whole month (right after the General was killed), and it is fine. Some kids (and not only kids) think that it's okay to buy drugs when they go to another country, and it is those people who are in danger.

Dog Walker

Massage at Wahoo Beach Club

Club Nautica Tarraya

February 26 - Day 26

I woke up at 7:00, but stayed in bed till 7:30 because I didn't feel well. I just felt funky, and thought that maybe I was getting a Sinus Infection or something. Our bus driver was sick the other day too.

Work
I finally got up and did some work. I wanted to stick around the condo, but I thought that a Smoothie and some sun would make me feel better.

Mechanics
I gave the Mechanics a few snacks that I had. Bet they enjoyed those 100 calorie cookies! LOL I did not want to bring those home with me. I won't have enough room as it is.

Nativo
I took an Advil and walked to Nativo, and could definitely tell that I was not 100%. It was worth the walk though. I loaded up on the fruit this time and ordered a Strawberry, Orange, Pineapple, and Yogurt Smoothie. Boy, am I going to miss that place. For under $2.00 a drink too!

Fair
It looked like they were putting up some sort of fair next to Wal-Mart. One of the Sandos Time Share Reps told me that it didn't open till 6:00 p.m.

Drugs
I had to go to the Pharmacy to pick up some prescriptions for my mom. I was going to buy some more Advil too, but instead the guy sold me a gigantic jar of 600 mg for only $5.00.

Joyeria
The lady didn't have the other necklaces that I wanted to see there yet, but she said that her friend would bring them tomorrow. I just bought a couple more things, and said "Hasta manana." They sure are going to miss me!

Jimeer
Jimeer saw me walking back, and he was on a motor scooter and honked and pulled up and blew me a kiss. How embarrassing because there were people behind me. He told me that I get more beautiful everyday, and my skin is peeling off in chunks and it's two-toned. Not too pretty! Oh, my lip is also huge with a sun blister on it (just like I had for my birthday last year).

Urban Suites
I brought everything back to the condo because the drugs shouldn't stay out in the sun. I did a little more work, and then wanted to get back out.

Se Rento Cuarto
I stopped by a house on 10th Avenue that advertises rooms for rent. The house is grande, and the man invited me in. There were two young people staying there, and an unusual guy from Wilmette, IL. They were very nice, but I would rather stay in a hotel (especially for the same price).

La Playa
I walked the beach for the breeze, but I had tons of lotion on and I didn't even have my bathing suit on.

La Tarrya
I tried to go to lunch at the Blue Parrot again, but they were pretty full, and the guy didn't want to give me the one remaining table that seated 4.

So, I walked down the beach a bit, and was approached by a guy for a massage for $25 for 1 hour. I said "no," and he said he'd do it for $20. How could I pass that up? Besides, I had to keep out of the sun. I told him that I wanted to go to lunch first.

La Tarrya is one of the restaurants that's on my favorites list. It was one of the first restaurants in Playa, and it was opened by the local fisherman. It's a great place to soak up the atmosphere, and the prices are ridicoulously inexpensive (especially when most restaurants on the beach are charging more just for the convenience/location).

I had the Yucatan chicken, and a Diet Coke that came to $50 Pesos.

While I was sitting there, a Mayan girl came to the edge of the restaurant, dug into the sand, and pulled out her bracelets and belts to sell. She actually hid them in the sand. Don't every buy from them! The guys behind me and I could not believe what we had just seen. Then, her sister or friend who is also Mayan, was walking around with a baby feeding off of her breast while she's trying to sell her goods. It does not make me feel sorry for her. I want to tell her to use birth control! If you can't afford to have a baby, then don't.

Like when we went to the Mayan Village....14 kids is way too many (especially when you can't afford to feed 1/3 of them). Same situation with the dogs. They need to do something about that!

Massage
There were 3 guys getting a massage at the same time, so the guy told me he could take me in 20 minutes. I walked down the beach a bit, then came back and read my book while I waited. He told me that he would give me a little longer massage for waiting.

I think I like the male masseus better because they are not as rough. That was an amazing price.

I looked like Hell after that, so I went straight back to the condo.

Urban Suites
Every time Anna sees me, she freaks out about my sunburn. I think it's her way of being nurturing. She patted my cheeks and said "mucho sol!"

I couldn't believe how late it was already. I started feeling funky again, so I checked e-mail, and decided to take a nap. I slept for about an hour while watching a re-run of 90210. I can't believe that I used to like that show. It seems so outdated already.

La Cueva Del Chango
On my way to la Cueva, I stopped by Wal-Mart to see what was going on, and the guy from Sandos lied to me. They were closing up shop, so they must have had the carnival during the day.

I did see the dog walker again, and I got a picture this time!

I thought I would see if Andres' wanted to have dinner, but once again he was out buying groceries. I was sort of relieved since I didn't feel great.

I was going to go to Il Pescatore on 10th Avenue, but as I was reading the menu, no one came to greet me, and I was there for a while. I took this as a sign. Besides, they were sort of expensive anyhow. Then, I walked to another restaurant near Plaza Pelicanos that was also Italian, but they were expensive as well. So, I walked over to Calle 4 to this little restaurant that I pass everyday, but I decided that if I was going to have Italian, that I might as well go to Rolandi's.

Omar was there, so I sat inside (besides, there were too many smokers outside). I wanted to try something different, and he recommended the Lasagna, which was made with meat and no Ricotta. That's what I ordered because it's unusual for a restaurant not to put Ricotta in their Lasagna. I couldn't even eat at Olive Garden for that price! With a Diet Coke, it was $8.00 U.S.

I had them wrap my leftovers to take to the poor people (it's pretty gross to eat someone's leftovers - especially if you are like me, but they are so poor.).

Starbucks
I went to Starbucks in Paseo Del Carmen, and their were two older Italian men behing me, and one burped out loud, and it smelled so disgusting, I wanted to throw up. What a moron! This is why I don't want Sydney and Sam to think it's okay to burp in public. It's repulsive! The man obviously had no manners anyhow, because he tried to order before me, and there was a single file line. Duh!

Here's my order in Spanish: Un Tall Chai Te' Latte, Leche Light, no agua, y un poco Chai.

Coconut
I was very full, but wanted a candy bar again. I must be getting sick because I usally crave Cheese popcorn and chocolate when I'm getting sick. I told myself that I would get a candy bar to eat on the airplane (and I'll buy it before I leave because the airport prices are insane!). I'm going to have sticker shock when I come home for sure.

I bought some coconut from a vendor on 5th Avenue to bring back with me.

Poor People
I stopped by and a guy was sleeping on the hammock at the entrance to their compound. I said "comida," and he looked up and came over and thanked me (in English). I know where I can stay next time I come to town. LOL

Two New Establishments
They opened two new establishments on Calle 4, which is my usual route just in time for me to leave. One is a cute, little bar next to the German restaurant, and they serve free botanos. It officially opens tomorrow, but the owner invited me in today. I checked it out, but didn't stay.

Across the street is a very cute, tiny new restaurant owned by two women. The prices are so cheap (they really are almost free). I talked to them for a little while. They also hope to have their decorations finished tomorrow.

Darn! I will have to stay longer.

People on My Chichen Itza Tour
As I was walking back on Calle 4, near Avenida 35, I saw the two girls from Spain again. I found out that they are staying here for a while. They don't know for how long. That's so awesome!

Mechanics
The older Mechanic was there, and I said "Hasta Manana." He was impressed with my Spanish. LOL

Work
I had to do some more work. The Internet has been great now. (It's really slow to upload photos though).

Mediterraneo at Gran Bahia Principe Coba

Titan Restaurante

The Other Side of Constituyentes