Day trip to sister resort

Today we decided to catch the shuttle bus from our resort and go to the sister resort called the Royal Sands.  It is about 20 minutes away and a much larger resort. 

The beach is quite a bit more active....quite the surf.  It was red flagged but people were still swimming.

We stuck to the pool where there was a children's section.  There was service for stuff to eat and a swim up bar.  It was great and Landon was swimming like a little fish!

Mr. Cool!

Guess who!  Eating fish crackers...

Having a great time!

Last day on Isla

Today I head south on the island as I really want to try this cafe that gets rave reviews.  It was closed yesterday for renovations.  Unfortunately, as typical in Mexico, the renovations were not completed on time and I was unable to try it out.  Manana! Manana!    

And now it's time to leave Isla and catch the ferry across to Cancun.  The kids (Paul, Kiara, Landon and Harper) are flying in this evening and I can't wait.

So long Isla Mujeres!

And hello Cancun!   Just checked in to our resort which is the Royal Cancun Club International and this is the view from our patio doors!  I couldn't be happier!  Ground floor right on the beach.  Perfect with the two little ones.  The sand is like powder!

All decked out for Christmas!

The next day we hung out at the pool....several pools including a great kids pool.

Landon and Paul.  Landon is swimming like a fish now.

Mom and dad sneaking off for a wee bit of alone time!!!

Two days on Isla

Had a wonderful two days on Isla.  My hotel was very simple and more like a hostel.  I met quite a few people that came and stayed for a month or longer.  A couple of Canadians, one from Kelowna and one from Toronto.  Everyone sharing information and tips on travel.

I walked to the main avenue and had breakfast.

I then explored the beaches of the north end.  Fine white sand and very blue water.

 I then decided to walk the length of the island down to the south end where Penny has another bar/restaurant called the joint.  Didn't find the joint right away but ended up at another resort where I stopped for a beer.  I met Manuel and Rod.  Rod is ex military from North Dakota.  He has been living on Isla for 10 years with his wife who is a nurse practitioner regularly travels back home to work the emergency and earn some serious money.  This helps with spending money since they are both retired.  Not a bad set up since the hospital pays her flight!

Rod offers me a ride back on his golf cart so I accept and off we go.  He gives me a mini tour and we end up at the beach on the north end which is his 'regular' spot and he introduces me to some of the locals.  I meet Annie who gives me a wonderful facial and massage for $30.  We then have a beer and I meet Pedro and Pedro.  Wonderful people.  Very friendly.

Rod heads back home and I go back to my hotel to get ready for dinner.

Off to Isla Mujeres

I'm really headed to Cancun to meet up with family but decide to go three days early and visit the island of Isla Mujeres.

I take the sky train to the airport and arrive early enough that I am able to enjoy a nice breakfast.  Good way to start the journey.

It's starting to clear up but it's still pretty wet in Vancouver.

The airport is decorated for Christmas.  I really love our airport.  One of the best in the world!

The aquarium is beautiful.

You do have to be careful of who's looking over your shoulder though!

Well we're all aboard and a pretty smooth flight.  A cold one along the way helps to pass the time.  Just 5 hours and we're landing in Cancun.

I'm met by my driver that I had arranged for and taken to the ferry terminal to go over to Isla Mujeres.  It's nice and warm as I sit on the top deck of this fast ferry and get blown to bits.

I check in at the Paraiso Mexicano hotel 

and head off in search of dinner which I find at El Patio.

A dinner of shrimp and a super sized mint mojito and it's a perfect ending to a long day.

A beautiful fall!

We had some of the best weather in October and November this year.  Very little rain which is unusual for Vancouver.  Made for some great photographs of family.

My son, daughter in law, grand son and their dog.

 Out at the pumpkin patch...my other son with his two children.

Landon suiting up for his ice skating lesson.  Same rink as his uncle skated up just a "few" years ago!

My birthday brunch...Paul with Landon, me with Harper and Mike with Jamie.  Best ever!

Thanksgiving!

Well Sue (my sister) and I decided to get the family together for Thanksgiving dinner.  No small feat when dealing with everyone's schedules.  We managed to get everyone there except for Graeme and Amanda as they had a previous commitment for a wedding in Seattle.

As it was there were 11 adults and 3 children and we still managed to get everyone around the table.

Special times.  Cheers!

Diwali Cultural Festival

Today I went to the Diwali Cultural Festival in White Rock.  The weather was fantastic.

There was a selection of things to eat, buy and watch.

These young girls were wonderful. They had come from Abbotsford.  Their dancing was great.  Such a colourful bunch.

This young boy was dressed beautifully however judging from his expression he wasn't too keen!

 

What a wonderful day!