Mexico Anyone?

Hola!

I am back and ready to tell you all about my more recent visits (2017 and 2018) to Mexico, specifically an area called Playa Del Carmen in the Yucatan Peninsula of the Mayan Riviera.  I think many of us can agree that Mexico stands a part from the rest when it comes to its unconventional and/or archaic methods of government.  Nonetheless, it boasts much natural beauty and is bountiful in history which is what draws many tourists every year.  That, and the hot sun!

On both visits I loved my stay at The Royal Playa Del Carmen 5 star luxury resort (which has just been rebranded as Hilton Playa Del Carmen).  It is everything the name suggests and then some.  The grounds are meticulously manicured, polished travertine tiles and marble everywhere, roman pillars, wrought iron railings, and the list goes on.  The resort is stocked with all the amenities you can imagine.  But the one thing that really stands out is the people.  I have found that the Mexican people are a humble people and genuinely warm and friendly.  They are helpful and very hardworking.  They are what represents the Mexican culture in its truest form.

While many enjoy sitting around the pool or at the beach sunning and sipping on fruity drinks relaxing, there are many things to do in the Gulf of Mexico if one so chooses.  A favorite of mine was strolling down an area called Fifth Avenue lined with a variety of local shops and restaurants.  However, integrated within is an upscale open air shopping mall with a number of designer shops.  A marriage of two different worlds.  If you're looking for sterling silver jewelry, you can bet a local will have some for you.  There is such a variety of local wares, you will not have any trouble finding those perfect souvenirs to bring home.  And let's not mention Tequila ...  ;)

 

 

A trip to Mexico is not complete until you have had a chance to visit one of the Mayan ruins.  We opted to visit the ruins at Tulum with the Gulf of Mexico as its backdrop.  An absolute amazing experience!  And to top off the tour, we got to relax in one of Mexico's many cenotes (natural sinkholes exposing ground water).

While I have had my own reservations in the past about traveling to Mexico, my experiences have been nothing other than enjoyable.  Their infrastructure needs modernization so it is important to be cautious and avoid consuming their water.  Of course it goes without saying that no matter where we travel, it is important to use common sense and in doing so, we can pretty much guarantee ourselves a great vacation!

I actually did surprise myself and had a really great time.

Thanks for joining me again.  I hope to be back soon with some more travel stories to share.

Ciao for now ...

Let's get blogging!

 

 

As much as I love to travel and as much as I love to talk about it, life has a funny way of getting in the way of the very things we enjoy most.  The important thing is, I have finally gotten back to sharing this "love" of mine and hope that you will continue to follow me on my varied journeys and experiences.

 

Next stop, Hawaii.

 

I consider myself pretty lucky to have had the opportunity to visit the island of Maui in Hawaii three times with my most recent visit having been for my birthday in February of 2013.  We stayed at the Royal Lahaina Resort where we had a comfortable and relaxing stay.  Perfectly situated up on a hill in the popular area of Kanaapali and only minutes from the old town of Lahaina, we found ourselves also conveniently close to golf courses and Whalers Village, an upscale shopping mall. 

 

 

 

In the heart of the quaint village of Lahaina sits a "wonder" of the world itself, a banyan tree.  When the Banyan Tree was first planted, it was just eight feet tall. Today it reaches a height of close to sixty feet and spreads out to cover over a two hundred foot area. The Banyan Tree has grown so large by dropping roots from its branches and then these roots become additional trunks over the process of time. It is hard to get a decent picture of the Banyan Tree because it is so huge. The Banyan Tree shades two thirds of the two acre area that is Courthouse Square in downtown Lahaina.

A trip to Maui is not complete without a trip on the "Road to Hana."  A full day excursion takes you up and down many winding roads that lead you to Hana.  Several stops along the way feature some of the most breathtaking views of the island, ancient churches and amazing waterfalls formed naturally on the side of the mountains.  Once in Hana, you will visit black sand beaches which were formed from lava (a true sight to be seen) and the naturally made Seven Sacred Pools which is spectacular in its own right.

 

 Finally, I would be remise if I didn't mention another natural wonder that's worthy of a visit, Haleakala National Park, a crater of the Haleakala volcano that remains a dormant volcano still today.  You will find yourself driving up 10,000 feet above sea level to reach its peak surpassing the clouds themselves along the way.  But be prepared at the significant drop in temperature as you reach the peak so bring warm clothes (which is hard to imagine when you're typically in 70 to 80 degree weather down below).

 

 Maui is a beautiful, lush island not overcome by the hardscape of hotels.  In fact, unlike Waikiki beach which is lined with high-rises, Maui's natural beauty and landscape is preserved by implementing height restrictions to the many hotels that dot the island.  A well-balanced approach between natural preservation and tourism.

There is really much to see and enjoy on this beautiful island so if you ever have a chance to visit, it is definitely a destination that won't disappoint.  Thank you for sharing in my story.  It is always fun to reminisce and share.  Please continue to follow me on some more of my adventures coming soon.