Bye 'til next time

The time went too quick. Kate et al are on their way home. Here are some random photos from their trip

see you next time!

Hola de Mexico Part 2

On Thursday we ventured out of the compound and hired a taxi who drove us 40km down the coast to Tulum (pronounced too-LOOM) which has Mayan ruins (the main ones are 2hrs away at Chichen Itza) plus incredible bohemian beachfront hotels as featured in Gourmet Traveler (our driver took us to a very laid back one called La Vita e` Bella), facing warm turquoise water, white coral sand and iconic palm trees. But away from the beach, Mexico appeared to be a poor, drought-striken, third world country. It's obviously hardscrabble eking out an existence there. Any wonder Mexicans work menial jobs for a pittance in NYC...

Hola de Mexico Part 1

On Monday we flew to Cancun (3.5 hrs from NYC) and stayed at the Barcelo Maya Palace mega-resort about 50 miles down the Mayan Riviera coast, which forms the western rim of the Caribbean Sea. It was incredible value, the all-inclusive package (return airfares from JFK, hotel transfers, 5 nights accommodation, food and beverages) being only $US 3500-4000 per family. We had excellent weather, hot & sunny every day, and spent 3 of the 4 days in the pool and Xavi, Max and Frankie all improved their swimming.

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The 4th day we made a side trip to the town of Tulum, another 25 miles down the coast: see "Hola de Mexico Part 2".