Sun & Fun in the Tropics – Cancun 2008
The day was the expected mixture of getting the things done during the day so toward the end of the workday the transition of vacation mode could slowly work its way into your being. That urgency of finishing up loose ends while remaining focused was a tightrope dance all day long. My mind wanted to drift into Margaretville but there were bids to finish and the layout of things to be done next week while I’m away.
The drive from the office to the house was a needed break to start the process of changing my mindset. A last few phone calls and the quiet of an empty house and I started to feel like the vacation was actually here at last. The final packing and it was off to the airport with a few minor detours along the way.
The check-in of our bags went smoothly as I had gone online to Alaska Air’s website and entered all of the information including the required passport documentation. The security line was crowded but moved along quickly which left time for everyone to grab a quick snack at Chili’s while we waited to board the plane.
Picture @ Airport Chili’s – Girls L to R - Deb, Taylor, & Kim
Picture @ Chili’s – D. & Scott
Picture @ Chili’s of Scott & D.
Party Time has Started - Scott ready now for flight.
The departure weather was rain and after boarding the plane you could see it streaming down the windows. We pushed back from the gate just after 12:30 am and taxied out while watching the water on the windows and the different colored taxi lights and other ones go by changing the hues in the darkness. As the plane raced down the runway the water streaming down the window slowly changed to a diagonal direction and finally to a horizontal flow across as we climbing out to altitude.
Most everyone tried to sleep as it was a 6 hour flight to Los Angeles and there was not too much commotion during this flight. No babies crying could be heard so the not so full plane had several people move around the cabin to take advantage of the empty seats. I tried to get some sleep but like other past flights could not fall into a deep sleep long enough to not shift my body around.
Friday – August 17, 2008
We arrived in LA at 6:30 am and we had a three hour layover. There was time for a cup of coffee and a nibble before boarding the flight to Cancun. The kids were restless but did alright as this has become a routine now on our vacations together.
LA was what I remembered . . . smog . . . cars . . . houses . . . and people. The airport even at this early hour was crowded with everyone milling around. We hit the snack place for coffee (Burger King) and a small bite of food to hold us over until we arrived in Cancun.
Boarding went smoothly until one of the last passengers was trying to get to his seat and became separated from his other party members. Then he would not sit down demanding that the flight crew moved other people around until he was accommodated. Once that was resolved with everyone staying in their assigned seats the cabin door was closed and we pushed back from the gate about 15 minutes late. The rest of the flight was uneventful but long . . . again trying to get in a comfortable position to either sleep or just close my eyes for a bit.
The last hour seemed to come alive onboard as people were actively getting things ready for the arrival in Cancun. The shades which had been closed for most of the flight were now open as people tried to see outside and figure out where we were in relation to our arrival. What was seen at different times was water below and then land as we crossed the Yucatan Peninsula getting lower for our arrival. There was the sight of fires burning below which we thought were just wildfires but as we came closer to the ground could make out the fires were debris piles burning from the development of the area. Jungle was being turned into roads and housing complexes.
Touchdown by the Alaska Airlines crew was smooth and everyone let out a cheer as we rolled our way to the gate. The talking level was continuing to increase as we made our way to disembark the plane. Now the fun begins for finding everyone’s bag and then clearing Customs.
The Customs fiasco was like trying to get 10 pounds of crap into a 5 pound bucket, too many people and only one line to go through. I know that we will have to make our way through ‘The Gauntlet’ of everyone wanting to find you a taxi or ride to your hotel. They try to grab your bag from you so they can get a tip from you to give it back as you find the right tour operator who we had booked our airport transfer. The gauntlet at the airport went ok but I could see exactly what others had told me to expect. We passed everyone and found our shuttle to take us to the Moon Palace Golf, Spa, and Resort.
The driver turned off the highway and headed down the road leading to the compound and everyone was totally blown away when we pulled into the compound.
Moon Palace Rocks
Paradise doesn’t even start to describe this place! We arrived in late afternoon to scorching heat and cool towels . . . after our 15 hours from Anchorage it felt great.
Moon Palace Lobby
Moon Palace Stain Glass
Taylor Brandon (Honeymoon Greeting)
Even tired the check-in went smoothly and the rooms were great with views facing the pool/ocean for Taylor, Brandon, Deb, & I and the ocean across the hall from Scott’s crew view.
We went downstairs just outside our room to eat at the Steakhouse last night which is just outside our rooms (the first of 13 restaurants)
Steakhouse food
Some of us explored the facility heading to a beachside bar with swings or lounge chairs for a relaxing time listening to the waves gently break a few yards away. A few headed to the room for an early bedtime to be ready for the upcoming day.
Taylor, Brandon, & I went to the other side of the compound to the other lobby for a late night dessert and coffee. It was great and we decided to get some sleep since tomorrow was an early boat ride to Wet n Wild at 7:15 am.
Everyone was exhausted from the trip down to Mexico but was glad to be in warm air, gentle breezes, and sleeping under a full moon.
Ice
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