February 10 - Day 10

Bahia Principe Coba
I had to be up and out early because Luis had a meeting at 11:00.

Collectivo
I stood on the highway for a half hour trying to get a collectivo, but there weren't any. So, I asked someone and they told me that I had to walk all the way to the station. I was so annoyed because I was freshly showered and now I was going to be smelly by the time I got there.

It was the scariest driver. He was driving very fast and he kept jerking the van, so I thought we were going to flip.

Shuttle
I am totally a pro at taking the shuttle from the Hacienda to the Bahia Principe without anyone noticing that I'm not wearing a wristband. I wore two bracelets and hid my other wrist with my beach bag.

Just as I got off the shuttle, my cell phone rang and it was Funjet. Argggh! Another expensive call.

Gerrardo was not there when I arrived, but Jose was very helpful. He said that Luis was in a meeting, but I explained that his meeting was at 11:00 a.m. He called and Luis's Assistant said to give me a wristband because his meeting was called earlier. While I was in line at Reception, I saw Rita and said "Hello," and then Luis came upstairs to explain. He told me to enjoy myself and he would be out after noon.

The best part is that I get to use the facilities anytime that I want now during my trip!

Breakfast
I got a little bit to eat at the Kukulkan buffet to start out. I love the Mexican cookies that are 1/2 chocolate and 1/2 vanilla that are like Shortbread. They had those little baby bananas and I tried one. They are so good and sweet. I realy liked them. I wonder if they'd be the same at home. (I swiped a banana for breakfast too. Shhhh! I don't like the bananas at the grocery stores because they are not ripe enough for me, so I've been buying them from a local produce store.)

Pool
The quiet pool was already full, so I went to the activity pool. I just settled into a great spot with a little table, when some older European dude pulled up next to me and whipped out his package of cigarettes. Now he has 2 strikes against him already.....Speedos and cigarettes! I have zero tolerance for smokers and I just want them to choke on them. They are so disgusting. I was so mad. I picked up all of my things (including the table) and moved closer to the bridge.

Not sure why kids always find me at the pool, but a little girl kept throwing her ball my way as she was swimming around the pool making animal noises (which reminded me of Sydney). I ended up talking to her dad for a while. He's from Canada and the mom was in the room with the 2 year old.

Luis
I thought I better check if Luis was around, and Gerrardo (who was there now) said that Luis asked if I was around yet. So, he called him for me. We sat in the lobby and chatted for a while.

They have made some changes in staff (including getting rid of Bow Wow, the entertainment King). Luis wasn't too happy, but Mr. Pinero gave him no choice.

Definitely a Cancer
I don't know why I was worried about Luis noticing the chip in my toenail polish! You know what he said?......He told me not to be "mad," but he noticed that I gained weight!....He said I looked "better," but I know that wasn't true. What was he going to say!..."You've turned into a fat cow again?" He's he same sign as my mother, so it doesn't surprise me. Annemarie couldn't believe that he said that. Does he think that I don't have a mirror?

Things That are Different at the Coba
Besides staff changes, I did notice a few things.

* The resort photographers now offer to put your picture on th cover of various magazines.
* The girl who teaches water aerobics is now an conrtractor.
* There are now Handicapped Palapas by the quiet pool.
* There is a Diabetic food section at the buffet.

Lunch
I totally took advantage of eating at the Coba. I had the chicken burger (but no bun). I love those. I also had Brussels Sprouts and Broccoli (oh, boy!).

Back to the Pool
I went back to the pool for a few minutes, but then the sun became hidden by the clouds and I was too cold. I walked over to the quiet pool and ordered a drink and sat in the hammock and read my book with my towel over me.

I couldn't believe that it was almost 4:00 p.m., so I went to get changed.

Annemarie
Annemarie met me in the lobby for cappucino and we talked for a while. She is the Marketing Manager now for Bahia's newest condo project. She likes it a lot. She drove me over to see her office at the Akumal resort.

Dinner
LOL....I need to bring my work-out clothes next time. Since I was at the Akumal, I decided to stay there and eat. It was a theme night and they had Chateaubriand, Shrimp Cocktail, Sushi, Pasta, and so much more! The Shrimp looked so good. Too bad I couldn't eat it.

As I was leaving, Annemarie and her co-worker were going to have dinner.

Rain
I was going to to take the collectivo back, but there was a huge downpour. Annemarie was leaving shortly after dinner, so I asked her if she could drive me instead (and by that time, it stopped raining). She was going that way anyhow, and she got to come in and see the condo. She really liked it.

Work
When I logged in, I had a million trip requests, so I have a lot to do! Luckily for this baby travel mouse that I brought with me. It wasn't working before when I was having a lot of issues at first, but now it is and it makes things go so much faster (especially when I'm working).

Hannibel Lecter
While I was working, I had Hannibel Lecter on. What a show to watch when you are alone in another country!

More Rain
It just downpoured again. My goodness. It just comes out of nowhere.