Janet and Don take a chance to relax, slow down and smell the ocean, as they experience the sights and tastes of Mexico.
The obvious reasons for a vacation are many: relaxing, sightseeing, pampering, exploring and learning are just a few. Recently, I realized another beneficial outcome from a vacation is the impetus to extend your boundaries and push your normal everyday limits. Let me explain, in June I was assigned to cover the wineries of the North Shore of Long Island, though I usually don’t drink. In July, we were sent to West Virginia and ended up whitewater rafting, though I don’t swim. We also went trail bike riding, yet I am not athletic and certainly many of the meals this past year have been totally adventurous, even though I made sure to have my standard cup of tea afterward.
Well these trips proved enjoyable and I surprised myself with some new found skills, if you count wine tasting as a skill. In August we were forced into a last minute change of plans, as we were unable to fly to the Mediterranean Sea for a planned cruise due to the "Northeast Blackout of 2003". Without unpacking the cruise bags, we were sent to Cancun, Mexico. Now I found myself on a major international Caribbean waterfront vacation spot and remember I don’t swim and I’m not fond of the heat either! Apparently my God has a strange sense of humor. With a day’s notice, I yanked two dressy cruise outfits out of my bags and added an extra bathing suit, along with a bottle of sun block. I was off and running!
It’s been said that writers just reuse words in different ways and there are no new words to describe Cancun. Beautiful, exquisite, friendly and exotic all seem too inadequate. The weather is warm and balmy, the sky is a vibrant blue dotted with bright white clouds, the water clear and clean and the sand is silky and smooth to the touch.
But let me begin with our hotel. We stayed at the Ritz Carlton and everything we read about it emphasized the 5 star service and style. The hotel's décor is quite impressive, with marble floors, European style motif, enough art on the walls to open a museum and large bouquets of fresh tropical flower arrangements almost everywhere there was an open space. Our room was comfortable with a fully tiled bathroom and a balcony overlooking the Caribbean Sea, beach and the pools. Directly outside our hallway door was a large 4-story atrium, with a Mayan-like statue, lush greenery and a stained glass ceiling above. The first thing we do when we arrive at any new destination is explore and check out the facilities. The Ritz Carlton has restaurants with varying prices ranges, two large pools, a few boutiques, a business center, and a Spa.
On our first day we sampled the Buffet Breakfast which was the most varied buffet breakfast that I have ever enjoyed, indicating the diverse clientele this hotel attracts. Miso soup, rice and fish were laid out with the Japanese visitors in mind. The Mexicans and South Americans were happy to see tortillas and refried beans and the people from the states could choose a traditional breakfast of eggs, toast and bacon. Beside all of those choices, there was also sliced fresh fruit of all kinds and freshly baked pastries. The dining room is large and it did not feel crowded. Cancun is known as a magnet for lovers and honeymooners but it also attracts a fair share of families. Beside the food being so diverse in appeal, this was also the first time I was ever at a Breakfast Buffet with a pianist playing, and it certainly added to the air of elegance.
Breakfast of Miso Soup
The service here, as well as throughout the hotel, was top notch. During my entire stay, I never passed a bellman, waiter, maid or porter that didn’t greet me with either "Buenos Dias", "Buenos Tardes" or "Buenos Noches". Everyone was extremely friendly.
We decided to hit the beach early and there we found two comfortable lounge chairs with an umbrella. Larger cabanas can be rented for a daily fee. The water was warm and clear, and jumping the waves was a great way to burn off calories from our big American breakfast. I noticed Don burnt off extra calories, from his International-I-tried-everything breakfast, by watching the joggers on the beach. We spent the rest of the morning at the pool and though the hotel was busy, again we never felt crowded. There are many pool areas to choose from and like the restaurant, we found a little private corner all our own.
Parasailing
After alternating between sunning, swimming and reading, we decided to be adventurous and try para-sailing. We easily found a local bus that took us to Aqua World only 5 minutes way, along the only road on the hotel strip. (You really can’t get lost.) Watching people dangle from a parachute-type balloon, at heights of almost 200 feet, while being pulled by a speed boat, seemed intimidating at first, but I was in Cancun and determined to be adventuresome. After the boat took us out into the lagoon, we waited our turn as the other couples went before us, getting about 10-12 minutes of "air time" each. Though splashed and wet from the landing, everyone seemed thrilled with the experience. With life jackets on, Don and I boarded a Ferris-wheel-type seat without a seat belt and soon, like on Aladdin’s Magic Carpet, we were being lifted up into the bright blue sky, above the trees, buildings and a few birds. It wasn’t as frightening as I thought it would be. It was actually very peaceful and quiet, as we floated higher and higher above the boat. The wind muffled the sounds of the people, boats and jet-skis below. It was a treat to view the ocean and the lagoon with the shoreline speckled with hotel after hotel. I actually started to forget that I was suspended in mid-air. Yes, it was that relaxing.
The crew began to reel us in like an errant kite and we felt a gradual descent. They actually asked ahead of time, whether we wanted a big splash or a mild splash at touchdown, and being the wimps that we are, we opted for a soft landing. The fun was over quicker than we wanted and soon we headed back to our hotel to change before dinner. Tonight we ate dinner at the Plantation house, a top-notch restaurant in the Hotel Zone. We are told that people come to Cancun to enjoy the ocean view, so the owner of this restaurant actually built out his facility on four boat piers in order to give everyone a prized window seat. The sun set over the lagoon, candles flickered on each table and all the windows were raised to take full advantage of the early evening breezes. The menu is varied but predominately fish, and you can pick your lobster out of either a small inside tank or a submerged huge one in the water outside. We were with a large party and I was impressed when everyone was served on a silver tray at the same time by a half dozen waiters, all lifting the tray lids simultaneously, in a presentation style. Each dish was a detailed picture, meticulously decorated to appeal to the eye, as well as the taste. My coconut encrusted shrimp was served in a scooped out pineapple bowl and was delicious.
The waiters stood at attention and were ready to serve us in a moment's notice. It was a wonderful dining experience.
We returned to the Ritz Carlton, tired from a busy day out in the sun but not too tired to resist a casual walk along the beach. It was so quiet with the hotel noise in the distance, as we sat on some abandoned beach chairs and listened to the crash of the waves.
So far Cancun definitely has a lot to offer - beautiful beaches, wonderful food and great adventures like para sailing to excite and encourage you to live a little outside your norm.
