We have to be at the airport bright and early tomorrow morning, so this is it for now. I will try to blog while I am there, if I can.
Stay tuned!
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
My Birthday Countdown
Click on the URL to see how many days, minutes and seconds I have to remain 39 years old!
http://tinyurl.com/2wcl6w
http://tinyurl.com/2wcl6w
Sunday, October 28, 2007
We are Packed!
My parents packed yesterday and I packed today. I have one jumbo suitcase and one smaller carry-on sized suitcase to check in. Then, I have a carry-on and a giant beach bag to bring on the plane. On the way home, most of my suitcases will be empty, but I would never get everything there otherwise.
I have gifts for everyone, including baby Sebastian. I guess I'll just have extra room on the way back for those souvenirs!
I have gifts for everyone, including baby Sebastian. I guess I'll just have extra room on the way back for those souvenirs!
Our Coba Dinner Reservations
Annemarie was just notified that Portofino's will be closed the day of my birthday, so we have to move to another restaurant. The poor girl had all of our reservations made already!
I told her to do what she can and for the rest of the time, we will go to the buffet. It's really not a big deal. During slower seasons, they alternate closing the restaurants, so she was just informed.
I told her to do what she can and for the rest of the time, we will go to the buffet. It's really not a big deal. During slower seasons, they alternate closing the restaurants, so she was just informed.
Birthday Cake
It took 40 years, but my family finally got my cake right this year....chocolate cake with white frosting. Sam & Syd came over and they had my mom buy me this Halloween t-shirt that I wanted. I'm going to wear it down to Mexico. It says "The Witch is back!" I thought that was funny.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Barbara's on Her Way!
Barbara will be arriving at the Coba on Sunday. She will be able to have a few days to herself before we arrive.
Jorge's friend is a Real Estate Agent and is going to show her some properties. She is so lucky if she buys something there.
Jorge's friend is a Real Estate Agent and is going to show her some properties. She is so lucky if she buys something there.
Dinner Reservations at the Gran Bahia Principe
Annemarie worked very hard to accommodate us and plan all of our specialty restaurants in advance.
Here's what we have planned...
October 31st - Buffet
November 1st - Portofino's Italian restaurant and my birthday celebration
November 2nd - Mom & Dad & the Bitz's at the Oriental restaurant at the Hacienda and Barb &
I at El Charro (the Mexican restaurant at the Tulum).
November 3rd - Arlequin at the Akumal for Mr. Bitz's birthday celebration
November 4th - Mom, dad & I at the Mikado (Japanese Steak House)
November 5th - Buffet
November 6th - Gran Tortuga steak house at the Akumal for Mom & Dad's 45th wedding
anniversary celebration
Here's what we have planned...
October 31st - Buffet
November 1st - Portofino's Italian restaurant and my birthday celebration
November 2nd - Mom & Dad & the Bitz's at the Oriental restaurant at the Hacienda and Barb &
I at El Charro (the Mexican restaurant at the Tulum).
November 3rd - Arlequin at the Akumal for Mr. Bitz's birthday celebration
November 4th - Mom, dad & I at the Mikado (Japanese Steak House)
November 5th - Buffet
November 6th - Gran Tortuga steak house at the Akumal for Mom & Dad's 45th wedding
anniversary celebration
Secrets Capri Follow-Up
When I got home this evening, there were two phone calls from the General Manager at Secrets Capri trying to follow-up regarding the survey that we filled out. Too bad they didn't care when we were there!
However, as I was going through my e-mails today, I discovered that Playa hotels and resorts (which is owned by the Barcelo group) is buying out the Secrets & Dreams brand, so that explains a lot.
However, as I was going through my e-mails today, I discovered that Playa hotels and resorts (which is owned by the Barcelo group) is buying out the Secrets & Dreams brand, so that explains a lot.
Secrets Capri - Day 5
We basically got ready and had to check out. We asked what happened to the express check out option and the receptionist said that is basically when you check out the day before. That's very odd.
They asked us to fill out a survey, which we did.
We went to the buffet to grab something to eat and I didn't want to eat too much because I still wasn't feeling well. I wanted to bring a banana to eat on the airplane, but they didn't have any, so I asked a girl and she disappeared for about 10 minutes. Then, I asked another waiter and he said "no bananas," and then he showed up with a banana for me. When I went back to get some juice, I noticed that a whole tray of bananas appeared. Maybe they have a banana tree somewhere!
We basically had a non-stop transfer to the airport and got aisle 6 on the way home. Margo buzzed going through Security and had to get scanned. We shopped around for a little while, but didn't buy anything because you know how airport prices are. We did go to Starbucks to get a Chai Latte' though. My stomach still wasn't feeling well.
The airplane ride was long for me because my stomach was hurting and burning. I just couldn't wait to get home.
They ripped the front of my brand new suitcase! The baggage handling is really the worst. Pathetic, actually. It's a shame.
They asked us to fill out a survey, which we did.
We went to the buffet to grab something to eat and I didn't want to eat too much because I still wasn't feeling well. I wanted to bring a banana to eat on the airplane, but they didn't have any, so I asked a girl and she disappeared for about 10 minutes. Then, I asked another waiter and he said "no bananas," and then he showed up with a banana for me. When I went back to get some juice, I noticed that a whole tray of bananas appeared. Maybe they have a banana tree somewhere!
We basically had a non-stop transfer to the airport and got aisle 6 on the way home. Margo buzzed going through Security and had to get scanned. We shopped around for a little while, but didn't buy anything because you know how airport prices are. We did go to Starbucks to get a Chai Latte' though. My stomach still wasn't feeling well.
The airplane ride was long for me because my stomach was hurting and burning. I just couldn't wait to get home.
They ripped the front of my brand new suitcase! The baggage handling is really the worst. Pathetic, actually. It's a shame.
Secrets Capri - Day 4
We went to the buffet for breakfast and took a walk on the beach. We wanted to get some more pictures of the new Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda. We ran into another Travel Agent on the beach who is from Ohio and was staying there. She said that it's still under construction, but that it was nice and the pool was huge (which we could see). We chatted for a while, then Margo went back to the resort and I continued my walk and found some very cool sea shells. I turned around before I got all the way down the beach because the sky turned very black. It started raining before I got back and by the time I got to the pool, everyone was heading indoors.
Rain
When it rains at Secrets Capri, there's not a lot to do except stare at each other.
The "F" Word
I started feeling very nauseous and my stomach was cramping. The first thing that came to mind was that I had eaten something bad at Secrets (of all places). Then, I started experiencing body aches and the chills and realized that I had the Flu!
Poor Margo. She stayed in the lobby and read her book and I went back to the room and tried to sleep.
Later, Margo suggested that I take a bath in the jacuzzi tub, but the water was ice cold. That sounded so appealing too.
Margo got all ready for dinner and I couldn't even think about getting out of bed, so we ended up ordering room service. They were very efficient. I tried to get the room service delivery guy to give me a foot massage for $20.00, but he wouldn't fall for it. Actually, I think if he wasn't working, he would have.
We watched HBO for a while and packed up for the trip home.
Rain
When it rains at Secrets Capri, there's not a lot to do except stare at each other.
The "F" Word
I started feeling very nauseous and my stomach was cramping. The first thing that came to mind was that I had eaten something bad at Secrets (of all places). Then, I started experiencing body aches and the chills and realized that I had the Flu!
Poor Margo. She stayed in the lobby and read her book and I went back to the room and tried to sleep.
Later, Margo suggested that I take a bath in the jacuzzi tub, but the water was ice cold. That sounded so appealing too.
Margo got all ready for dinner and I couldn't even think about getting out of bed, so we ended up ordering room service. They were very efficient. I tried to get the room service delivery guy to give me a foot massage for $20.00, but he wouldn't fall for it. Actually, I think if he wasn't working, he would have.
We watched HBO for a while and packed up for the trip home.
Secrets Capri - Day 3
This was a relaxing-by-the-pool day. Margo fell on her butt in the pool, but luckily she didn't hurt herself. Usually that is something that I would do.
We laid on our rafts and read and got some sun. Well, Margo got a lot. She is sooo brown!
We ate lunch at the outdoor restaurant that is the specialty Steak/Mexican restaurant in the evening. We saw Rex (a very nice man who I met at the Internet Cafe) eating alone because his wife and his wife's sisters went to Chichen Itza for the day. He was going golfing.
When we went to our room to get ready for dinner, our room still was not cleaned at it was already 3:00 p.m. We were told that it's normal because they only clean the rooms that are being checked into in the morning. I never heard of that one before.
Bahia Principe Coba
Margo and I took a taxi to Playa Del Carmen to catch the collectivo to the Bahia Principe Coba to have dinner with Annemarie and Jorge. The taxi driver had a lot of stuffed animals on the dashboard and a plastic gun that was pointing right at us. I certainly didn't like that! Margo was afraid to take the collectivo, but she was glad that I made her. I showed her where all of the resorts were along the way. She had never been that far south before. When we got to the Hacienda, there was a Security Guard and I was certain that he was going to give us a hard time because we didn't have wrist bands. We just pretended to shop a little bit and then when we went back to take the shuttle, we saw Annemarie! Lucky for us.
Jorge gave Margo and I a tour of the three resorts. He took us around on one of the shuttle carts (like a long golf cart). Margo really liked the Bahia Principe properties.
We went back and had a few drinks in the lobby while we waited for our dinner reservations.
Our reservations were at Le Gourmet at 7:30 p.m. I thought it was warm in there, but Margo didn't. We all ordered the Filet, but I ordered mine without the Fois Gras. We had a good dinner and good conversation. Jorge always has the most interesting stories to share. When I told them about the fire that we had at Hewitt, he offered to loan me his tape on how to use a fire extinguisher. I mean, what doesn't he know how to do? LOL
After dinner, Jorge drove us to the highway to make sure that we got a collectivo, but him and Annemarie negotiated a taxi for us to Playa Del Carmen for $4.00 (which was even cheaper). Then, we negotiated with the taxi driver to take us all the way to Secrets Capri for $22.00.
We laid on our rafts and read and got some sun. Well, Margo got a lot. She is sooo brown!
We ate lunch at the outdoor restaurant that is the specialty Steak/Mexican restaurant in the evening. We saw Rex (a very nice man who I met at the Internet Cafe) eating alone because his wife and his wife's sisters went to Chichen Itza for the day. He was going golfing.
When we went to our room to get ready for dinner, our room still was not cleaned at it was already 3:00 p.m. We were told that it's normal because they only clean the rooms that are being checked into in the morning. I never heard of that one before.
Bahia Principe Coba
Margo and I took a taxi to Playa Del Carmen to catch the collectivo to the Bahia Principe Coba to have dinner with Annemarie and Jorge. The taxi driver had a lot of stuffed animals on the dashboard and a plastic gun that was pointing right at us. I certainly didn't like that! Margo was afraid to take the collectivo, but she was glad that I made her. I showed her where all of the resorts were along the way. She had never been that far south before. When we got to the Hacienda, there was a Security Guard and I was certain that he was going to give us a hard time because we didn't have wrist bands. We just pretended to shop a little bit and then when we went back to take the shuttle, we saw Annemarie! Lucky for us.
Jorge gave Margo and I a tour of the three resorts. He took us around on one of the shuttle carts (like a long golf cart). Margo really liked the Bahia Principe properties.
We went back and had a few drinks in the lobby while we waited for our dinner reservations.
Our reservations were at Le Gourmet at 7:30 p.m. I thought it was warm in there, but Margo didn't. We all ordered the Filet, but I ordered mine without the Fois Gras. We had a good dinner and good conversation. Jorge always has the most interesting stories to share. When I told them about the fire that we had at Hewitt, he offered to loan me his tape on how to use a fire extinguisher. I mean, what doesn't he know how to do? LOL
After dinner, Jorge drove us to the highway to make sure that we got a collectivo, but him and Annemarie negotiated a taxi for us to Playa Del Carmen for $4.00 (which was even cheaper). Then, we negotiated with the taxi driver to take us all the way to Secrets Capri for $22.00.
Secrets Capri - Day 2
We got up bright and early and even got a picture of the sun coming up. Then, my new camera fizzled out on me. The screen was all blurry and I couldn't figure out why. Then, I asked a man in the lobby if he knew anything about digital cameras, and coincidentally, his son had the same camera. I turned it on to show him, and it was suddenly working again. I'll have to keep an eye on it because it shouldn't do that. Our eyeglasses steamed up when we came outside, but that should not make the camera stop working.
Breakfast
They are supposed to have a specialty restaurant open for breakfast, but they don't. They only had the buffet and it wasn't anything spectacular. Of course, I was happy with my croissants and Nutella.
Playa Del Carmen
Margo and I went to Playa early to avoid the heat, but everything opened much later than when I was here there in April because it's off season. I showed her where I stayed and many of the resorts and restaurants in town. We shopped and I bought the cutest skirt ever! Paulo from Jungla Caribe is still on vacation in Italy, but Matias from Hotel Eclipse was there and we stopped in to say "hello." One of the Mayan Palace reps from Hoffman Estates recognized me as I was walking down 5th Avenue. They are building so much more. Hope they don't turn it into a Cancun! We had a field day in Wal-Mart. Margo bought her kid's some souvenirs and I bought my Granola Bars. Guess where we went to lunch?.....La Cueva del Chango! We had a very nice view, if you catch my drift! Margo loved it there. You just can't beat the atmosphere, fresh food and service. Barbara, I picked up some Real Estate books for you and I will bring them with me next week.
Dinner
We went to dinner at Portofino's, the Italian restaurant. The decor was very nice and service was very good, but the portions were small. It was more than filling as you have different courses.
Breakfast
They are supposed to have a specialty restaurant open for breakfast, but they don't. They only had the buffet and it wasn't anything spectacular. Of course, I was happy with my croissants and Nutella.
Playa Del Carmen
Margo and I went to Playa early to avoid the heat, but everything opened much later than when I was here there in April because it's off season. I showed her where I stayed and many of the resorts and restaurants in town. We shopped and I bought the cutest skirt ever! Paulo from Jungla Caribe is still on vacation in Italy, but Matias from Hotel Eclipse was there and we stopped in to say "hello." One of the Mayan Palace reps from Hoffman Estates recognized me as I was walking down 5th Avenue. They are building so much more. Hope they don't turn it into a Cancun! We had a field day in Wal-Mart. Margo bought her kid's some souvenirs and I bought my Granola Bars. Guess where we went to lunch?.....La Cueva del Chango! We had a very nice view, if you catch my drift! Margo loved it there. You just can't beat the atmosphere, fresh food and service. Barbara, I picked up some Real Estate books for you and I will bring them with me next week.
Dinner
We went to dinner at Portofino's, the Italian restaurant. The decor was very nice and service was very good, but the portions were small. It was more than filling as you have different courses.
Secrets Capri - Day 1 Photos
Can you believe that I hooked my camera up to the PC all by myself without any instructions or ever having done it before? I was surprised that it worked because the cord had 2 extra prongs that I didn't plug into anything.
http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?&mode=fromsite&collid=70301335106.997287182306.1193748628606&conn_speed=1
http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?&mode=fromsite&collid=70301335106.997287182306.1193748628606&conn_speed=1
Secrets Capri - Day 1
Would we send our clients here?...probably not.
Cons
It was the first time I ever had to wait a long time to check-in and it was not that busy. There are funny smells throughout the resort such as mildew, incense, etc. Our room is pretty small and we have a lovely view of the swamp. The drinks are knock-you-dead strong. Now, I realize that I'm a lightweight, but even Margo thought so. I had a French Martini and couldn't drink more than one sip. Margo had a Peach Martini and only took a couple sips.
Can you believe that they have a scale in the room? That's just evil!
The bathroom has no privacy, which I read before coming here, but there are louvered shutters dividing the bathroom and the bedroom area.
While I am a pretty laid back traveler, this resort consistently wins recognition awards for being the best of the best and we I just don't see it. Also, it is not inexpensive and I couldn't see someone paying that much money to stay here.
Pros:
So far lunch was very good. The buffet included Caesar Salad, Cornish Hens, Mushroom Pizza, Pasta made to order, Chocolate Flan, and Sushi (so, quite a variety).
Rain
It has done nothing but rain since we got here. We were hoping that it would be temporary, but we didn't even put on our bathing suits.
Well, we've had a lot of laughs so far and will definitely enjoy ourselves, but this isn't a place that we would recommend to our clients. Fortunately, we didn't have to pay for it.
I gotta go get Margo before she smokes her whole pack of cigarettes!
Dinner
We went to the Mexican/Seafood restaurant for dinner and sat outside. It was very windy, but it was nice. We both had steak and I forgot to take pictures of our food!
After dinner, we went in early because we were tired and there was no entertainment except for a boom box on the lobby floor (LOL).
Cons
It was the first time I ever had to wait a long time to check-in and it was not that busy. There are funny smells throughout the resort such as mildew, incense, etc. Our room is pretty small and we have a lovely view of the swamp. The drinks are knock-you-dead strong. Now, I realize that I'm a lightweight, but even Margo thought so. I had a French Martini and couldn't drink more than one sip. Margo had a Peach Martini and only took a couple sips.
Can you believe that they have a scale in the room? That's just evil!
The bathroom has no privacy, which I read before coming here, but there are louvered shutters dividing the bathroom and the bedroom area.
While I am a pretty laid back traveler, this resort consistently wins recognition awards for being the best of the best and we I just don't see it. Also, it is not inexpensive and I couldn't see someone paying that much money to stay here.
Pros:
So far lunch was very good. The buffet included Caesar Salad, Cornish Hens, Mushroom Pizza, Pasta made to order, Chocolate Flan, and Sushi (so, quite a variety).
Rain
It has done nothing but rain since we got here. We were hoping that it would be temporary, but we didn't even put on our bathing suits.
Well, we've had a lot of laughs so far and will definitely enjoy ourselves, but this isn't a place that we would recommend to our clients. Fortunately, we didn't have to pay for it.
I gotta go get Margo before she smokes her whole pack of cigarettes!
Dinner
We went to the Mexican/Seafood restaurant for dinner and sat outside. It was very windy, but it was nice. We both had steak and I forgot to take pictures of our food!
After dinner, we went in early because we were tired and there was no entertainment except for a boom box on the lobby floor (LOL).
Friday, October 19, 2007
The Big Day Is Almost Here
Gina e-mailed me a birthday survey and it was really scary to see that I am 39.96 years old. It's not that I feel that old, but it's the realization that I am that old and that time is just flying by.
Tim McGraw says it best in his song "In My Next Thirty Years"...
"I think I’ll take a moment, celebrate my age. The ending of an era and the turning of a page. Now it’s time to focus in on where I go from here. Lord have mercy on my next thirty years."
Kenny Chesney's song "Don't Blink" also has some reflective words...
"Let's start puttin' first things first cause when your hourglass runs outta sand you can't flip it over, start again...In this here today, gone tomorrow world we're livin' in. Don't blink. Life goes faster than you think."
And, as I always say LIFE IS JUST TOO SHORT! (La vida es demasiado corta justo!)
Tim McGraw says it best in his song "In My Next Thirty Years"...
"I think I’ll take a moment, celebrate my age. The ending of an era and the turning of a page. Now it’s time to focus in on where I go from here. Lord have mercy on my next thirty years."
Kenny Chesney's song "Don't Blink" also has some reflective words...
"Let's start puttin' first things first cause when your hourglass runs outta sand you can't flip it over, start again...In this here today, gone tomorrow world we're livin' in. Don't blink. Life goes faster than you think."
And, as I always say LIFE IS JUST TOO SHORT! (La vida es demasiado corta justo!)
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Pre-Vacation Tan - a Prelude to Our Coba Trip
I'm going to get a jump start on my tan before going to the Coba because Margo, from The Travel Bag, and I are going to Secrets Capri for 4 nights/5 days on October 21st.
At least it's not as back-to-back as when I went to the Riviera Maya then Punta Cana back in December because that was only one day apart.
At least it's not as back-to-back as when I went to the Riviera Maya then Punta Cana back in December because that was only one day apart.
Baby Sebastian
Photos of Sebastian:
Baby Sebastian is finally here!
Luis and Rita are very excited with their new arrival.
Sebastian Mauricio Ramirez Hermann 3.25 Kgs. 51cms. 11 October 2007 16:45 hrs
I'll be able to visit him soon!
Luis and Rita are very excited with their new arrival.
Sebastian Mauricio Ramirez Hermann 3.25 Kgs. 51cms. 11 October 2007 16:45 hrs
I'll be able to visit him soon!
Sunday, October 7, 2007
My Foot Knows That it is Time to Go to Mexico!
My foot has been giving me a hard time again. It must be due to the fact that I've been jump roping. It seems that every time I'm going to Mexico, it starts to act up.
I'm going to ignore it since it usually gets better.
Everyone keeps asking me about these over-sized bunions though. Wait till Barbara sees them!
I'm going to ignore it since it usually gets better.
Everyone keeps asking me about these over-sized bunions though. Wait till Barbara sees them!
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Reservations
It's almost time for our trip. It will be here before you know it.
Annemarie made all of our dinner reservations and room reservations for us. She's the best!
I can't wait to see everyone (including baby Sebastian) who hasn't arrived yet.
Annemarie made all of our dinner reservations and room reservations for us. She's the best!
I can't wait to see everyone (including baby Sebastian) who hasn't arrived yet.
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