February 20 - Day 20

Poor Bryn was freezing all night although I wasn't, but I have more meat on my bones than she does.

Work
I had to check on some requests this morning before we headed out for the day.

Coba Maya Ruins Tour
Poor Bryn! I made her get up at 6:30 a.m. so that we could be ready for our tour. There was an accident on the highway, so the bus showed up over an hour late.

There was a nice jewelry cart in front of Plaza Antigua that we were checking out. He had some unique pieces and his prices were pretty reasonable.

Bryn and I snoozed on the way there, but it was so cold on the bus. I thought that the bus driver did a great job. He was one of the best drivers I've had. He didn't make me nervous at all.

Pit Stop
Although there was a bathroom on the bus, we made a pit stop at a place where everyone could use the washroom. They also had a gift shop. The bathrooms were too gross for me, and the toilets did not have toilet seats. I figured that I would go on the bus instead if I needed to.

Coba Maya Ruins
It was not as hot as yesterday, fortunately. There were also pretty many trees blocking the sun, so it was more comfortable than visiting Tulum.

Our guide took us through the various ruins (inlcuding where they used to play ball). The ruins were very interesting and we met some very nice people.

I partially climbed one set of ruins thinking that they were the main ruins, but they weren't. LOL

When we got to the main ruins, I knew there was no way that I was going up! I climbed up a few steps for a photo opportunity, but being afraid of heights, I knew it would not be an easy task coming down. I can't believe all of the people who went to the top. They said there was a grotto at the top. Bryn climbed about 3/4 of te way up, and had to come down sitting on her butt!

While everyone was climbing the ruins, we walked back to the exit. There were a few shops that we browsed in before boarding the bus. Some people took the taxi bicycles back to the exit. It also started to drizzle a little by the time that we arrived back, so it worked out well.

Lunch
Our next stop was lunch, which we were all very happy about. Everyone was very hungry. They had a buffet set up for us, which included Chicken Tortilla soup, Pork Pibill, Pescado, and fresh fruit, among other things. I was so stuffed afterwards.

Mayan Family
We went to the home of a Mayan Family. There were 8 girls and 6 boys, and one on the way!

We saw them making tortillas, swinging in a hammock, playing with a monkey, and selling souvenirs. We even saw the monkey violating the dog!

They had deer, dogs, boars, and other unusual animals. For some odd reason, the tour guide gave me the baby to hold. She loved my camera! She would look at the pictures and laugh.

When we were leaving, I said "Adios," and the baby even waved.

Honey, Honey!...
Oh, sugar, sugar!

Our next stop was to the Mayan honey store. Glen, a very nice 10 year old boy on the tour was very excited because he thought that he was going to sample some chocolate, but they only had hard candies made out of honey as well as lotions, soaps, etc. Can you believe that they didn't sell honey that you eat?

On the Road Again
We ran into a bit of traffic in Puerto Aventuras due to construction and before Playacar due to usual rush hour traffic. Bryn slept almost the whole way back.

Amigos
We met a very nice family from New York who we really enjoyed talking to. They got off at Plaza Antigua also, and we discussed meeting up for dessert. They only paid $2,200 for their tour because they got sucked into the Mayan Time Share sales pitch, and bought a vacation club similar to my parent's. Theirs is a different company and they have to may a yearl fee, but it's almost the same.

Jewelry Cart
We broused the cart again and Bryn made a purchase. She bought a necklace, but I didn't buy anything.

Bryn also bought a few postcards at a store on 10th Avenue on the way back to the condo.

Getting Refreshed
We went back to the condo to shower and get ready to go out. It got a bit chilly out, so I wore a dress with a jean jacket.

I checked e-mail and uploaded my pictures before heading out.

La Kalaka
Bryn and I went to La Kalaka. We had a late lunch, so we just wanted something small (and most importantly, we wanted to save room for dessert).

The lady who I took to the Currency Exchange on 10th Avenue the other day was dining there. She recognized me right away. Her friend wasn't feeling well, so she was not there.

Then, some ladies were checking out the menu and I waved them into the restaurant. Before I knew it, the one lady was yelling my name. They were the Canadian ladies who I showed the condo to.

It was the funniest thing. The only thing funnier would have been if the family from New York showed up too!

Bryn and I shared the Mediterranean Bruschetta, which was muy bueno. She ordered the non-alcoholic Mojito, and it was beautiful! It was the prettiest drink I've ever seen. It was like a garden in a glass.

5th Avenue
We walked to the Fusion Hotel to check out the time of the fire show. Then, we walked back to Ajua Maya on Cale 4 (between 5th and 10th) for dessert. They have great flaming desserts and very fun and entertaining waiters. We just ordered when the family from New York that we met on our tour showed up so, we moved to a bigger table. Glen, their 10 year old son is really a hoot! He's so well mannered, and able to communicate well with adults. He kept us laughing all day.

Bryn and I shared the Banana and Mango Flambe'. I didn't think that I would have a reaction to the mango, but I did slightly (which was not a big deal because I had to take my allergy medicine anyhow).

They flambe' right at the table, which is a show in itself.

Rich picked up the tab, which was overly generous of him.

Hotel Vista Caribe
We went back with the Mosher's (the family from New York) to see their hotel and their room. The room is laid out very nicely with one bedroom located upstairs (loft style) opening to the living/dining area below. It also had 2 bathrooms.

Fusion Hotel
Bryn, Rich, and I went first to buy a cigar for Rich. Then, we went to the Fusion to listen to live music and watch the fire show. We had front row seats, and the show was pretty amazing. As you all know, I have a fear of fire, but this guy apparently does not!

I was getting sleepy (I think from eating the Mango) so we said goodnight and parted ways.

5th Avenue
Everyone pretty much closed up shop by this time. We walked back to Calle 4 and took my usual route back to the condo.

Internet
The Internet was not cooperating and I was getting very tired too, so I decided to call it a nightand Bryn was already sound asleep.