December 2010: After Christmas, there was a Liu family reunion in Mexico. Technically, it was a double
celebration. Albert and Julie celebrated their 20th anniversary the week before and CN and KJ's 50th is in
February 2011. Everyone was supppoed to arrive at the
resort the Monday after Christmas. Unfortunately, most of the East Coast experienced snow on the 26th. New York
and Boston has blizzard like conditions and over a foot of snow (I think we had 15 or 16 inches, over 24 hours).
While Albert's family and Amy and Daryl were still able to get to Mexico on the 27th, Wai Po and Wia Gong, Kathy, Jon,
and Aurora did not arrive until the 29th. In fact, we left Boston on the evening of the 28th, flew to
Cleveland where we spent 6 hours at an airport hotel, then flew to Atlanta at 6 am where we met up with Kathy's
parents for the flight to Cancun. Due to the rescheduling of our flights, somehow we were able to snag business
class seats for the last leg of our journey.
December 29, 2010: A long day spent trying to get to the resort in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Here Jon is enjoying
business class, while Aurora seems right at home!
That evening, we get front row seats to a Mayan ceremony on the water (thanks for staking out the cool seats, Elena).
OF course, all that loud drumming made Aurora nervous and she wanted to leave early.
The resort has some sort of fesitval every night. This night, they had a mechanical bull that children were riding.
As soon as she saw it, Aurora wanted to try it out. And as soon as it started to move, she was ready to get off.
After dinner, we went back to Wai Po and Wai Gong's room. We thought a trip to Mexico was a great gift, and
more than generous, but they had additonal Christmas gifts for everyone. Aurora was excited to have more presents!
She wasn't sure what to do with the red envelope, so Elena helped her count her cash. Aurora was much more "into"
the new book she got!
December 30, 2010: Our first full day at the resort. Aurora had so many things she wanted to do - go to the beach,
go to the pool, see the turtles, eat lots of ice cream! We saw a turtle trying to climb out of its enclosure
as we walked back to our room after breakfast.
Video: Trying to make a break for it
We finally make it to the beach. Depite air temperatures in the 70's, the water was still quite chilly! Obviously,
Aurora did not let that deter her from having tons of fun in the water.
Video: Fish in the water
Video: Dancing to MJ
There was a dock jutting out into the cove, created by a giant bag filled with sand. Older kids were running
down it and jumping into the water. Of course, Aurora wanted to try that too. We convinced her to just jump
off the side.
Video: Ready?
Video: Jump to Baba
A relaxing float after the thrill of leaping into Baba's arms.
Video: Finger snappin' good times
She almost forgot that there was sand to play with too!
There were lots of fish swimming around in the cove - some even nibbled at Jon's toes (ewww!). And a few pelicans
flying around looking for a meal.
This is exactly how Jon pictured his stay in Mexico!
On the way to lunch, we ran across this guy.
Lunch, siesta, then pool, of course.
Video: Elena makes a big splash
Video: Ring toss
Video: Go under like this!
December 31, 2010: Our last full day at the resort. Isaac was getting bored staying at the resort for
several days in a row, so Albert and Julie too their kids to XCaret park, next door to our resort. Here
they are on the short boat ride over (we saw them from the balcony of our room).
On our way back to the beach, we ran across Wai Po, Wai Gong, Amy, and Daryl on the putting green. Wai Gong
sure does look like a pro - too bad his aim isn't that good.
Video: 360
Video: Wai Gong sinks the putt
Video: Daryl hits the flag
Video: Wai Po comes close
After watching everyone else play for a bit, Aurora decides to try it out for herself. Wai Po teaches her.
Video: Aurora sweeps the ball in
Video: Aurora the flag bearer
Video: Hole in 14...hooray!
The cliffs by the cove also had an archetectural ruin. Not a huge pyramid as Kathy was hoping to
see in Mexico, but we didn't have time for an excursion.
Is it 2009 or 2010?
After lunch at the Beach Club, Jon catches a mermaid.
Video: Hammock swing 1
Video: Hammock swing 2
Mexican raccoons and a stunningly colored bird.
Cruise ship shuffleboard champs try their luck on dry land.
Then it's time to check out the other pool at the resort.
Video: Aurora escapes from the shark
Video: Going under a waterfall
Aurora really enjoyed the outdoor showers.
Video: Rinsing off
After a swim, it's snacktime!
Video: Wings!
New Year's Eve dinner at Le Grand Buffet.
Video: Aurora blows the horn
January 1,2011: The last morning. Everyone meets up for one last meal together.
This is what Elena thinks about the whole trip.
One last look at the train display.
Feeding the fish in the lobby. Aurora is enjoying her third lollipop
of this trip (and the third lollipop of her life).
Video: Feeding frenzy
Then along came Mr. Alligator, quiet as can be....
View from the lobby. You can see the ocean in the distance.
Waiting for a van to take us to the Cancun airport.
Apparently, you get to Cozumel by snorkel.
The Cancun airport Christmas tree. The airport was (literally) a mob scene for check in and security.
Amazingly, no one really pushed or tried to cut the lines. Once you
made it past security, it was much calmer.
