Viva Mexico!

It's been less than a week since we returned from our spring break/Emil's birthday trip to Mexico, and I'm still craving mojitos! We had a fabulous time lounging by the pools, playing on the beach and eating to our hearts' content. It was a much-needed escape from the everyday for both Emil and me. Emil and I visited Mexico together nine years ago on our first trip together, but back then we opted for a road trip with friends rather than a resort vacation.

We flew AeroMexico into Cancun and were pleasantly surprised that we didn't have to pay $12 for a bag of peanuts, but actually received a decent meal [waffles and omelets] on our early morning flight. On the way back, we were treated to ham & cheese sandwiches, which hit the spot at the end of a long day.

We used USA Transfers to travel to and from the airport and I couldn't have been happier with the service. We received prompt and clear email communication from company founder, Brant Boston as soon as I booked the ride, a spotless van with up to date car seats for children, a friendly, knowledgeable driver and the best part: they were always on time! 

We stayed at Ocean Coral & Turquesa in Puerto Morelos, about 20 minutes from the airport. The resort was beautiful, the service was impeccable [for the most part], and the food was good-to-great depending on the restaurant. There were four pools: a kiddie pool, a "quiet" pool, the main activities pool where we spent most of our time, and the "drunk" pool, which was a lot more live. Our only complaint of the resort was that it was very "American" and there wasn't much of a "local" flavor, but I guess that's to be expected at an all-inclusive resort that is catering to so many people from around the world.

Indio loved the pool and by the end of the week was jumping in and "swimming" without his floaty. I think it's time to revisit swimming lessons. He also become better acquainted with the ocean, dodging waves and venturing a little deeper each day. No matter how many times I see the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, I'm still blown away with the beauty of it. The beach had many palapas for shade, but wasn't as pristine as the one we visited in the Dominican Republic in December.

 

beach bum

Happy birthday, my love.

We ventured off the resort for a tour of the ancient Mayan ruins in Tulum. We learned that "Tulum" is actually a name that was given by an American back in the 1800s and the Mayans actually called their city "Zama", city of the sun. It was pretty awe-inspiring to imagine what it took to build this city centuries ago because it definitely took more than rock 'n' roll! After the informative part of the tour, we spent some time on the amazing beach at the bottom of the cliffs.

This is what I get when I ask for a "smile".

I'm so glad we had the chance to get away for a little rest and relaxation before we head into this final term at school. It felt like winter was never going to end, so this was definitely a nice distraction from the cold and slush of NYC. It was even better that we were in Mexico for Emil's birthday!

As much as we enjoyed being lazy all week, Emil and I have decided our next trip is going to be a road trip because we can only sit on the beach for so many days.

Where have you gone on a road trip? Any suggestions for us? We're thinking July or August and so far have come up with touring the northwest part of the country. I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Indio was delighted with all the "modern dinosaurs" on the resort

Until next time . . .

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Ringing in the New Year

I'm so excited about our upcoming trip to Mexico and was thinking about all the great photos I hope to take when I realized I never posted anything about our visit to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic over the last holiday break. What's that old saying, "better late than never"?

When deciding what to do for New Year's Eve, E and I came to the conclusion that a trip away sounded better than any over-priced dinner or party in NYC. We both had a busy and somewhat stressful year and relaxation had definitely been in short supply.

We booked a last-minute stay at the Majestic Colonial resort for 6 days and loved every minute of it. The first day on the beach, Indio exclaimed, "The sand here is softer than the Bahamas!" [I wonder how Riviera Maya will stack up.]

attempting to distract himself from the "funny feeling in his tummy"

poolside

It seems like the minute you leave NYC, everything slows down. Everyone we met in the Dominican Republic from the moment we stepped off the plane was friendly, relaxed and smiling, often a rare occurrence at home.

The resort was beautiful and well-maintained. The sand was ridiculously soft and the water was crystal clear. As far as all-inclusives go, the food was good, though a bit salty at times. Indio loved the fresh fruit and yogurt at breakfast but was disappointed that his daily dose of bacon was dripping in oil. Most importantly, the drinks were cold and the service was great!

not crazy about the ocean, but loving the sand

beach bums

not so sure about the resort's "wildlife"

entertaining hibachi dinner

Indio's first foam party

This trip was just what we needed: some time to wind down and decompress before gearing up for 2013. I accomplished everything I had planned for this trip. I read a lot, slept more than usual [a lot isn't possible with Indio], took a ton of photos and spent time with my boys. We were so grateful to have this time away from the hustle and bustle of home.

Funnily enough, the laid back culture of the island quickly diminished when we reached the airport with all the other vacationers on their way back home. Boarding the plane was much like the NYC subway system--frantic and chaotic. Luckily, we [barely] made our flight and got home safe and sound.

homeward bound

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Definitely on the nice list

one of the great gifts Indio received.

Indio is finally old enough to really *get into* Christmas traditions. We weren't traveling over Christmas this year [a rarity for us since our extended family is scattered all over] so we were able to begin some of our own traditions.

donning our new pajamas on Christmas morning.

Yesterday afternoon, we watched, Elf, a movie that is loved by all in this house. We had a small dinner party with a few family members who live in the NY-area and we are looking forward to seeing other cousins later today.

Indio slept in until 8:30am this morning. That was a Christmas treat for me and E that I hope turns into a family *tradition*! He was so excited to open his presents and completely enthralled with each one. I was a bit worried he might throw certain gifts aside [clothes, books] in an effort to play with the more *fun* things like his action figures and vehicles, but he really did seem to love them all.

Indio laughing at me as I unsuccessfully tried to capture Cassius in front of the tree.

Indio wasn't the only one that made the nice list. Instead of conventional presents, E and I decided to book a trip to Punta Cana! I can't wait to feel the sun on my face and sand on my toes!

I hope you all had a fabulous Christmas. What traditions do you have? Which ones have you created for your own family?

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A few days in paradise

landing in nassau in the rain

After being home for just over a week from camping, we packed up and headed on another family vacation . . . to the Bahamas!  Our good friends, Denise and Davidson moved to Nassau about 2 years ago and we were super-excited to see them again along with their adorable daughter, Mila.  Emil's mother and youngest sister, Addie, also joined us on our sojourn.

Much to our dismay, we landed at Linden Pinding International Airport during a summer storm. Thankfully, it was the only one during our short trip.

Indio, Emil, and Addie spent most of their days in the water -- ocean and pool -- while Emil's mom and I relaxed with music, reading material, and drinks on the beach. After a hectic few weeks, it was a much needed break.

the water was ridiculous! softest sand, clearest water.

Each evening, we met up with Denise, Davidson, and Mila for dinner.  We feasted on Bahamian specialties such as conch fritters, grouper, and rice and peas.  We were on a mission to find the best conch fritters on the island, and I have to say Frankie Gone Bananas at the Arawak Cay Fish Fry won, hands down! It was so wonderful to sit and catch up with our old friends, though it made me miss them even more.

how lucky we were to have such gorgeous hostesses: denise and baby mila!

my little mer-boy

coconuts on the beach

my sunshine

We spent one evening at Davidson's parents' house, which sits right on the water. The views from the house were mesmerizing. Imagine waking up every morning to the sound of the waves in your backyard! Of course, we also heard tales of the many hurricanes that have hit the Bahamas. Davidson's mom, Ada, cooked us a delicious West Indian meal of beef curry, coconut rice, plantains, and daal puri. The meal was completed with a traditional Guyanese dessert: cassava pone.

the view from davidson's parents' deck . . . crazy!

Though this was a vacation to a foreign land, it was a treat to feel so "at home" with Denise and Davidson and his parents. Our time with them made this trip even more special.

bahamians love canadians

the comforts of home

Our time in paradise was fleeting and it seemed like we were packing up for home just as we got used to it all. We were welcomed to New York by a huge thunderstorm only moments after we landed. It seemed fitting that our trip ended with a [meteorological] bang since it began with one too.

landing at laguardia

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