To Travel is To Live

Well, 4 days ago the 4 month countdown to our wedding in Mexico began!  October still seems so far away but, looking through the checklist provided by the resort, I realized we are slightly behind a typical planning schedule. I don't have any exciting travel experiences to share today (we are, after all, having a wedding soon) but I hope that some our trials may be helpful to others.   Bryan and I are traveling to Puerto Morelos in October and we are getting married at the NOW Sapphire Riviera Cancun Resort and Spa.   The resort looks beautiful and belongs to the same family as chains like Dreams and Secrets, both of which are always gorgeous and well managed.  With decent reviews on Trip Advisor , including positive comments about food and wedding planning, the NOW seemed like a great choice (we shall see in October). Obviously, this is my first time planning a wedding, destination or domestic, so I was naturally quite uncertain about the whole process....

Selecting a resort can often be stressful. I use Trip Advisor and other independent reviews to read through what others have to say, but even this can be deceptive once you arrive. The Dreams Riviera resort was not a disappointment. This resort is absolutely beautiful with lush gardens, comfortable and modern rooms, and plenty to eat and drink! Below is a view from our balcony, a room on the 4th floor of building #1. We faced an old, rundown resort that is in need of a new owner and major TLC. With oceanfront property, I wish I had the investment capital to take on such a large project because the area is beautiful and sits between two expansive, high-end resorts. The soundproofing in the rooms was very good from the outside noise (locals seemed to hang out in the next door property, playing games, partying, and I ticking their dogs to bark furiously all day), but, like any tropical resort hotel, every single noise from the halls was amplified by the tile flooring. I think thi...

Today we experienced the Caribbean Sea from a diver's perspective. Well, it was my first time diving these waters anyway. A few uncertain moments this morning led us to wonder whether we would make these scheduled dives - Bryan was hit by tummy troubles late last night that also seem to be hitting a few others this week. Luckily he is determined and we made it to our dive. The first dive was to the wreck, a purposely sunk C-56, former US Navy minesweeper retired in 1946. Compared to the battleships and air craft carriers we have toured recently, this ship was quite small. All I kept anticipating was that slow view of a massive ship wreck as we descended....and I totally missed it! I hit the bottom and turned around, and there it was. Not nearly as magnificent as I had hoped. We were, however, able to swim through the ship, checking out the engine rooms and some living quarters. It wasn't completely dark and holes had been cut into it for quick exit, but it would have b...

An hour and a half from our resort there is a collection of caves that the Mayans found many, many years ago. Accessible in only a few locations, these caves are mostly filled with water, providing divers with yet another underwater experience. Known as "cenotes", the entrances are actually a result of sinkholes causing exposure to the underground caves beneath. Mayans used these areas for sacrificial ceremonies, many of which sound quite awful. To dive the cenotes, you need a sense of adventure and no fear of either the dark or confined spaces. We were provided with powerful torches so we could always see around us, but there are times when no natural light can be seen. The spaces and caverns were usually quite large but swimming between some rocks were tight on occasion. We were kept out of the official caves, though, as our group did not have that experience. Yet (this is one of my diving goals). I did well. I didn't panic or get scared, but afterward I though...

Well, it's settled: IF I ever get married, having it in a beach is the way to go!!! With a group of about 30 people, Jen and Simon were able to say their vows in a small area on the left side of the beach. She wore no shoes, perfect when she was standing next to Simon right in the sand. After walking down the aisle, the ceremony consisted of a few minutes' worth of advice from the wedding official and Jen and Simon's own vows. It was short, sweet, and lovely. During their pictures, we all went to the lounge before heading to the cocktail hour down by one of the jacuzzis. H'or duerves were served, along with an interesting blue drink (which Jen's 12 year old niece kept trying to get her hands on). Dinner was served buffet-style on a deck by the beach, a beautiful setting that included the bride and groom with the rest of their guests. Few of the traditional weddings events occurred, such as endless speeches and toasts, but those that mattered still were bui...

It is, yet again, so fabulous to be away from Calgary (and the cold and snow) in a place lush with green vegetation, clear blue skies, and a beautiful ocean backdrop. I have been lucky this winter to have been to 3 great tropical locations and I think it's going to be tough to go home and not really have that next vacation to look forward to. But, you know me...I will have something planned in a few months again! We are in Cancun/Puerto Morales celebrating the wedding of our great friends, Jen and Simon. The group is wonderful - friendly, relaxed and a joy to talk with. Jen and Simon both seem excited and laid back about their upcoming wedding tomorrow. Jen has rejoiced at how little planning and choosing of wedding "stuff" she has had to do. I think this is the way to do it - pick a package, sit back and just have fun while someone else gets it organized. We are staying at the Dreams Riviera Resort and Spa south of Cancun. For a "small" resort, it sure has...

Yesterday, before leaving beautiful, sunny and hot Cabo, I took a walk to take some pictures and capture some more memories to hold me over until my next vacation (and for dreams of returning). View from Casa Dorada restaurant The Medano Beach Fisherman "Sleeping" Jet Skis Land's End Lover's Beach Medano Beach Swing Seats at the Baja Cantina bar

Lee and I have been fortunate to meet a few Canadians who now live and work down here in Cabo San Lucas, and it's making us both ponder the possibilities. Today we took a whale watching tour with Whale Watch Cabo and our guide, a lovely young marine biologist, is from Canada. She told us how Cabo is her base but because tours like this one are seasonal, she needs to take on projects elsewhere in Mexico or the Caribbean. She is also a dive instructor/master and supplements her merger income with odd diving jobs. While she doesn't make a lot of money, Lee and I both agreed the sacrifice to live in this climate would be worth it. And because I'm so easily bored and like work projects that have a fairly defined end date, the lifestyle she has seems ideal for me. I would also enjoy taking small groups out for tours where I can help them understand, respect, and appreciate nature more. This makes me wonder if an ecotourism program might be up my alley. What also made m...

An early start after a great sleep, we got our runs and gym time in before heading to the beach. I'm not sure what was in the air today but the vendors on the beach were especially irritating. They were whistling at us, yelling "hey! Hey! Hey ladies", and interrupting us during conversations. Usually a quick shake of the head or a "no thank you" and they are on their way. It wasn't so today. We tried the Casa Dorada beachfront restaurant for lunch. This is still the hotel I want to stay in next time. Food was great, staff were very friendly, and we were well protected from the beach vendors. Today was another lazy day. We suntanned, had drinks at Billygan's, and relaxed. We witnessed a second couple get engaged on the beach too. We had dinner reservations at Baja Cantina at Cabo Villas. This was one of my favourite places from last trip and their selection of fresh seafood did not disappoint. The scallops for an appetizer were light and fre...