Viva Cancun

After our fantastic trip to Cuba, we are back in Cancun. Jenée is doing her best to relax, with a private massage at Monica and Mike's home

Monica's daughter Giovanna joins us for lunch and will spend some welcome time with us over the next few days. Giovi is deciding between Stanford and Harvard graduate school. Smart señorita!

Mike and I are sitting at breakfast the next morning, on our way to La Playa - about an hour drive south of Cancun

Not sure what this face was all about, but it was really funny. I kill me.

Monica and Mike canoodling

Check out the mini waterfall behind Monica. Nice restaurant.

We've been to quite a few of these outside venues - very nice. We will continue south on the Yucatan Peninsula.

We are visiting the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum. More on the history of this place later.

Tulum has a beautiful waterfront view

Mother and daughter are enjoying the tour

Jenée jumps in to the picture

The group is now reading up on the history and layout of Tulum

I think the Caribbean is that way. Thank you.

Tulum iguanas enjoying the sun

A beautiful beach and it's normally open to the public. Today's surf is a bit rough, so it's closed.

 

We take time for a photo nonetheless. Check out my cool Cuban T-shirt. I borrowed the hat.

We are getting a closer look at the ruins. Tulum was constructed originally in 540 AD and achieved its height between the 12th and 14th centuries.

This is El Castillo (the castle) - the main temple in Tulum

A closer view of the temple. The maximum number of inhabitants peaked aroun 1500 people in Tulum.

This is the "God of Winds" temple. There are a total of three temples in the ancient village.

And they all have these fantastic views of the Caribbean Sea. Tulum was once a major port city on the Yucatan Peninsula.

Quite spectacular. Right after taking this photo we headed out. The weather change dramatically, as it is prone to do, and we walked through a deluge! My cool Cuban shirt changed colors - adios to that. We are heading to the waterfront area of La Playa.


We visit a beach front hotel in La Playa and Monica does her best diva pose for the camera

Mike and Giovi relax at the hotel bar ...

... while Monica, Jenée and I tour the beach

I'm checking out both the beach and these two lovely ladies

The hotels are very laid back and blend into the beach front - well done

And we have the beach all to ourselves

The next day, we hop in Mike's boat and head east two miles from Cancun to Isla Mujeres. We drop anchor at this beach - that's Mike setting the stern anchor in the distance.

We tour some beautiful water front on the island

Very clear waters

We enjoy the sun

So does Monica

We are approaching Monica and Mike's condo, the dock is just ahead

Another view out to the dock from the condo. What a vacation! I'd recommend this to anyone. Mike and Monica are the best hosts ever! Tomorrow it's back yo US of A.