Cancun: Not Another New York Minute

When Bob and I planned four our 2024 Cancun Trip, we instantly have Lucia and Shayne in mind to tag along with us.  The challenge was, how are we going to coordinate with them? With their busy schedules.  When I phoned Lucia in October last year, I only asked her two questions- Have you been to Cancun? Would you and Shayne like to go? I remembered, it didn’t take long for her to answer both questions with a thousand percent of enthusiasm, and so Bob and I finalized our Westin reservation for two bedrooms for a 5days/4nights stay on March 3-7 in Lagunamar.

Down the Memory Lane: Lucia and and Shayne’s visit to our home in Cape Cod in 2017. Shayne’s celebrating his birthday. The fun that started It all..

Lucia was my room mate from when I was living in New York City in late 2000s and I know she is always fun to be with when we go out. And when she and Shayne were at the early stage of their relationship, they visited us in our home in Cape Cod. It was a weekend trip to Martha’s  Vineyard and a half day at Craigville Beach on an overcast, New England weather. Everything may be a blur, but Bob and I had a great time at the dinner celebrating Shayne’s Birthday.  That was 2017.  The last all four of us were together; so we are excited to bring that night’s laughter to a five day fun in Cancun.

Lucia and Shayne arrived earlier on Day 1.  They flew direct from Newark and was in Cancun by noon. We got there later in the afternoon from Orlando. They were able to manage to secure us the best room (yet so far) in all our stays in Cancun. Lucia was very good following our instructions- ocean view and above tree level upon check in.😉

The sun, sands, and the sea of Cancun. The view from both our balconies.

Introducing the Pina Colada Crews: all of us enjoying the pool and the beach.

Top (L-R): Day 2 enjoying the pool and the view; Shayne holding one of the many Pina Coladas we drank;

Bottom (L-R): Day 4 under the hut enjoying the beach; Lucia and I at the beach on sunrise.

After we unloaded our luggages we headed to Vento Bar and Grill and had our early dinner. While we’re enjoying our first Mexican meal of the day, we talked about the fun they had while waiting for us to arrive. Shayne must have  said Lucia already had a few of the Pina Coladas while both of them were lounging by the pool- we all had a laugh. Intrigued, Bob and I also ordered Pina Coladas after we had the frozen margaritas. Now we understood why Lucia (I’m sure Shayne too) had a “few.” 🤣

We continued the random chats and updates up at the balcony of our room.  Around 9PM we called it a night- after all it’s been a long day for all of us. It is nice to say that, even though we haven’t get together as frequent as we should be- we take up where we left off.

As always, Cancun always greet us with a beautiful sunrise. Our Day 2 was a no exception. I woke up around 6AM, went down to the ruins of the Yamil Lu’um (Scorpion Ruins) and took a better shot of sunrise with the ruins on the facade. Then I returned to our room. Shortly after, Lucia texted me and she’s already at the poolside and has saved our seat for the day.  I went down to meet with her and walked by the ocean, admired it, and shared how happy we were doing this trip together with our significant others.

Our day was mostly spent by the pool. Enjoying the view of the beach and occasionally swimming in and out while boozing with our now favorite drink- the one and only, Pina Colada! and Oh we had fun using the jacuzzi too!  Bob and I stayed by the pool probably until about 1PM when we both decided to go back to our room (Bob went to the gym, and I took my afternoon nap). Lucia and Shayne opted to stay basking under the sun.

Dinner at Elephant-Thai as we enjoy Junoon Thai. A brief break from the Pina Colada trademark.😉

We all met again at dinner time. Bob and I took Lucia and Shayne to our favorite restaurant, Elephan-Thai. This is one restaurant we never get tired going back to whenever we’re in Cancun and we were happy to share this with both of them too.  We were hoping that we get the hut that directly faces the lagoon to watch an amazing Cancun sunset, but, unfortunately all were taken.  We had the one at the middle which was equally beautiful.  We never had a bad experience with food here- and we’re so glad that Lucia and Shayne enjoyed them too. And for a change, we took a break from Pina Colada and fancied a Junoon Thai for drinks.  We strolled the mall for a bit, then headed back to the resort to get an early rest since we will be up early for our day trip.

Our call time to the lobby is at 730AM.  When all were set, we headed down and waited for our ride that will bring us to Chichen-Itza.  Not too long after our tour guide Primo, greeted and brought us to the van. It was two and a half hour drive to the temple, and we were seated at the last row. We didn’t have windows to look outside (we have to bend down in order to see outside from the seat in front of us), we could barely hear Primo as he talks to us about the Mayans; our only entertainment was the bumpy road that made our butts sore from our seats during the entire trip. LOL.

Pina Colada Crews at Chichén Itzá and Cenote Chukum.

When we got to Chichen Itza the sun was blazing hot. I can remember the first time we were here years ago, it was hot and humid too. We did the usual round about and took pictures of the temple, then Lucia and Shayne decided to find their way out. Meanwhile, Bob and I went to explore some more. The funny thing was, while minding our business, we heard a loud scream from one of the tourists- and we saw that a snake dropped from the trees and almost hit her on the head! What a shocker that was! Then we’re off to the next stop.

We’ve been going to Cancun since 2014, and each time we come we’re brought to different Cenotes- and Chukum is another one that gave us yet a different experience. We (or Bob) jumped and rappelled down in the past, and this time zipline to get into the water.  I (and Lucia) decided to not swim this time. But watching Bob and Shayne do it, almost tempted me to do it too. Ho hum, perhaps next time.

After the cenote experience, we headed for a Mexican buffet. Surprisingly, the food was good as well- specially the pulled pork along with the Mexican rice- yum.🙂 Then we’re off to the next and last stop.

The town of Vallodolid is a quaint town.  Primo said this is the real Mexico; and I kind of agreed with that. Old buildings- the old Spanish architectures all around the vicinity of the town; the quaint plaza with a fountain (I wish there was a water running)… somehow reminded me of old Luneta in Manila when I was growing up.   Lucia and I also explored the colorful building across from the park while Bob and Shayne were resting at the plaza. We looked around the stores (after using the restrooms) and of course another photo shoot! Shortly after we headed back to where the van was parked and up again to the 2.5 hour bumpy ride back.😂 When we finally back to the resort, we had dinner right away at the Duna Sports Bar then to the rooms for the night.

A one superb dinner at Ryoshi with all four of us.

After a long busy day from the previous day, our Day 4 for was exactly the opposite.  Bob and I were attending our owner’s meeting while Lucia and Shayne started their day watching the sunrise in the huts that Lucia reserved as early as 6AM?😂. When we’re done, we joined them relaxing and occasionally going to the water and chatting. Of course it is all accompanied by our favorite drink- Pina Colada! 🤣 By 4PM, we all head back to our rooms to clean up in preparation for: a. Lucia’s LinkedIn profile shoot🤣🤣 and; b. our dinner- the last time for this visit until our next time.

We’ve seen Ryoshi Restaurant when we were in Cancun the last time. Fairly new then, Bob and I never really ventured there since we always go back to the Thai place beside it. After all, we always had a great time and food there. But as we left our dinner the other night from the Thai place, we went to check out the menu at Ryoshi’s. It is a Japanese cuisine and we all thought we should try. And this night was the night.  When all the food we ordered came, this place did not disappoint.  Ryoshi just gave us an exemplary, gastronomical experience on our last night.  The food, the restaurant ambiance, the service (thumb’s up to Axel our host- who’s very attentive to us), the live shows, and the complimentary drinks! Simply put, it was top notch. After the show, we headed back to our hotel rooms and called the night. I felt a bit sad that our vacation is about to end and wished that it won’t.

The following day, we had our breakfast buffet by the resort.  We spent few more times chatting and shared some more laughters then decided to head back to our room and continue packing.  Lucia and Shayne went to the pool to swim a few more laps (that is what Shayne claimed✌️)  for the last time.  Shortly after, we said our goodbyes and then checked out and headed to the airport.

Time went by so quickly as we enjoy our 5 days/4nights get away from our busy schedules, or more of Lucia and Shayne’s busy schedules. Bob and I had a mission when we brought Lucia and Shayne with us- for them to have a relaxing time away from the stress of work and living in a busy environment. We hope they were able to decompress and recharge in this short time; after all, Cancun is not another New York Minute and I am glad that we all got time together to spend another “one for the books” memorable experience.

a stolen shot of Lucia and Shayne slowly strolling at Chichén Itzá. One moment at a time.

Our Home Away From Home

Westin beach front.

This is our fourth visit to Cancun. At this time we consider this place our second home. We first fall in love in this beautiful paradise in 2015 while trying to get away with the long cold winter of Massachusetts.  Cancun is our home away from home. And while we no longer escape a dreading winter weather,  we now come here to spend the long weekend and relax.

The first time we set foot at Westin Lagunamar, Bob and I were dumbstruck of the turquoise color of the ocean.  The same experience we have all through the years that we have come back. This time though we are not lodged on our home resort; instead we are staying at the Westin Resort and Spa which I believe the first one established than Lagunamar.  They are both nice, though there is wider shore of fine sands to walk on the latter.

1. the newly opened Mexican fusion restaurant- Sonora Grill; 2. Bob surprised by the fireworks before desert; 3. myself enjoying a Chichen-Iza Mezcal drink; 4. our friend JC explaining Mexican food to other owners.

The first two days are basically spent with owners events and updates. The night we arrived we were unexpectedly reunited with our concierge friend JC, who the last time, managed to arrange a great activity for us- wine and food tasting at an upscale Italian restaurant and a quick Mexican cooking lesson at the Ritz-Carlton.  And while this trip was a short notice for him, he’s still able to manage to squeeze us in to the food tasting event at the newly opened Mexican fusion restaurant at Sonora Grill.  I must say personally that this too, was a hit. The food were great, the drinks were phenomenal, and not to mention that we got to see other owners that we had opportunity to exchange travel experiences with.

The following day was a boring, 3 hours owner’s update. This is something we drag attending, but something came out good this time. But this is another story I will tell you some other time.  After this, the rest of the day was ours. We decided to head back to our hotel room after the update ordeal; and rest for a bit then head out and walk the east side of the beach. I am still amaze how beautiful the color of the water is- though I worry that this part of Cancun is not as pristine as the area in Lagunamar (I see more seaweeds and some garbage as we walk; perhaps it has something to do with the inability to bring large equipments-due to lack of shorelines to regularly clean it like I always see every morning in Lagunamar). As we reached the dead end, we headed back to our room and readied for our dinner.

sunset at Navio’s in Lagos del Sol, Cancun.

Navio’s is a restaurant half-mile across Westin. It is situated at Lagos del Sol, the lake side of Cancun which was perfect to see the sunset. I’d say the place is upscale and so it raises the bar of expectations with the food.  Bob and I ordered the pear salad with goat cheese and honey-lemon dressing for our starters. I had grilled octopus and he had the salmon fettuccine for the main. As we enjoyed these mouth-watering food, we both agreed that this meal is as equally superb from the owner’s dinner we had the previous night.  We finished our dinner with a guava cheesecake, which by the way, was unusual pick for dessert yet, also delicious. After that, we trailed back to our hotel with some non-sensical bantering along the way.

a facade of the Mayan temple on top of the rocks overlooking the turquoise water of the beach in Tulum.

The third day we booked a half day tour to Tulum and  once again, see another Mayan ruins.  It was an express tour and didn’t have much time to explore the entire vicinity.  In my opinion, unlike Chichen Iza and Coba, the Tulum ruins is rather simple. However, the biggest take away is that it faces a marvelous, untouched scenic view of the ocean with its signature of turquoise water and fine sands.  None-the-less, it was a good tour.

On our way back to the hotel it started to rain. The forecast for this day was 90 percent rain.  We were just lucky that while at tour and on our feet exploring the ruins, there was a glimpse of sunlight. By the time we got back to our hotel the rain has stopped. Bob and I decided to get some rest. When we woke up, we headed to the Thai restaurant we first discovered in 2017 the second time we were in Cancun.  The rain again has started as we wait for our food.  When dinner came, so as the hard rain.  It was a night to remember; for both the dinner and the rain.

On Sunday, we decided to just chill.  W had a nice breakfast buffet at our hotel; went for a walk at the other side of the beach and sunbathed and read books at the pool side.  In the evening, we had our dinner at La Parilla- (the local Mexican food at La Isla- we regularly go whenever in Cancun) where we have drinks of authentic Margaritas. Where else to end this short trip away from home?

sunrise In Westin Resort & Spa. Cancun, Mexico Nov 20, 2022

My Thoughts and Covid-19

It was early in December when I first learned about Corona virus.  I first seen and heard it from the television when it first broke the news some seven thousand miles away, in Wuhan China. It didn’t bother me at that time as there was little information about it. And just like other medical practitioners that are immune to hearing news about other illnesses, I also shrugged the news off. Fast forward to three months, the virus was officially a pandemic and has affected the world and our country- our state is not an exception. As I write this blog, CNN reports that there are 5,473 reported cases in Florida 65 are in the Volusia county and sadly there were 70 unfortunate people who didn’t make it to recovery. 

 The pandemic easily altered our daily habits. What usually calm and relaxing mornings in my household are now replaced of television broadcast of cringing accounts about COVID-19.  The reports of exponential growth in numbers of the people that fall ill daily makes me anxious.  The past weeks are just nothing but information of uncertainties and panic.  People hoard. And at work every day, the standards of practice change because the CDC guidelines rapidly change as well.  It’s like a war scene where everyone is in a survival mode. 

 Nearly two weeks ago Bob and I decided to push through with our planned trip to Cancun despite the travel advise to cancel non-essential travels placed around the globe. I easily feel guilty for something I deliberately done. And not to sound like I am trying to justify our decision to go on the trip, we actually tried every effort to cancel our flight.  It was just that the circumstances we met along the way were not favorable for us and so we bit the bullet. 

 On usual pleasure trips like this our goal is to see places we’ve never been or go back to the ones we liked from previous trip.  This time that wasn’t the case.  With a bit of guilt from traveling despite of the ban, and the paranoia of contracting Covid-19, we decided to just stay in our resort and enjoy the R&R moment we planned.  Not totally detaching to reality, Bob and I took this opportunity to ponder among things we are both grateful for.  One night after dinner we walked the shore and just listened to the sound of roaring waves.  Because of the breeze he decided to go back to our room but I stayed and strode the beach in solitude and contemplated. I can’t believe how fast the world has changed in just few months. 

 As we came back from the trip we are faced with new norms.  Bob is working at home which length is still to be determined.  I am back with my regular schedule in the hospital with continuing twists on standards of practice. The most that struck me though is the “social distancing” and must admit, it is challenging for most to adapt. It is sad. We all don’t know when this going to end, the uncertainties make most of us scared and fearful. But two things we should constantly hold- faith and hope. Once, I came across a quote from a health educator Brandon A. Trean, “It is how we embrace the uncertainty in our lives that leads to the great transformations of our souls.” 

This image I took while at a recent trip in Cancun is my own photographic representation of Social Distancing. While all the elements are far from each other, still you can admire their beauties. And though the current mood is dark, the unspoken understanding that on the horizon, there is light.

Night Photography. Cancun, Mexico March 18, 2020.