A Mother's Day Cruise on the Fantasy sandwiched between BCV (Complete 10/12, p.33)

[Leshaface]

Thought I would let you know here what is going on with the cruise.

I got an email saying our final payment was due in a week, so it was the kick in the butt we needed to finally sit down and look at itineraries

We compared all of his October schedules and the weeks off seem to fluctuate back and forth, so we don't know for sure. But from the looks of it, it may be the first full week in October (5-9th). So we booked a cruise for those dates for now, because we had to book something or lose the booking incentives. BUT if his school dates change, we'll definitely be doing the Baja cruise! Now all we have to do is wait and see.

 

[Pinkocto]

Thought I would let you know here what is going on with the cruise.

I got an email saying our final payment was due in a week, so it was the kick in the butt we needed to finally sit down and look at itineraries

We compared all of his October schedules and the weeks off seem to fluctuate back and forth, so we don't know for sure. But from the looks of it, it may be the first full week in October (5-9th). So we booked a cruise for those dates for now, because we had to book something or lose the booking incentives. BUT if his school dates change, we'll definitely be doing the Baja cruise! Now all we have to do is wait and see.

So you were still able to keep the OBC and discount? Did you have to call?

If next year doesn't work we'll just have to figure out another year

Your anniversary trip is right around the corner!!!!!

 

[Leshaface]

So you were still able to keep the OBC and discount? Did you have to call?

If next year doesn't work we'll just have to figure out another year

Your anniversary trip is right around the corner!!!!!

Yep they let us! They said the furthest we were able to book out with our discount and OBC was November 30, 2015, so our backup plan (December 2015) was out.

If a cruise doesn't work out, we'll have to do DLR or WDW again. Can you believe we met up at both places already?! Pretty cool

I'm so excited! We're going to hang out with Alison on Monday and then meet Brenda on Tuesday

 

[Pinkocto]

Day 4 of vacation: Cozumel

Today was an exciting day, we had arranged to meet a friend right outside the port that would take us around the island on a private tour. The highlight was to be the San Gervasio ruins. I had been to Cozumel in 2012 for a week with some friends and had a fabulous time. One of the highlights of that vacation was going to see the San Gervasio ruins and I knew mom would really enjoy them. At first I had booked a DCL excursion that would take us to the ruins and spend a bit of time at a beach. Well when the friends I went to Cozumel with in 2012 learned that I was going back they offered to set us up with their good friend Pablo. I had met Pablo before and considered him a friend as well, very very nice guy and I knew we’d have a lot of fun. We were to meet at 9:00 next to the Starbucks.

Mom woke up at 5:30 and I finally woke up at 6:30. She had been gathering things for the day and went up to fill our water/soda bottles for the day.

Here is the view from our room



We went up to Cabanas for breakfast and it was PACKED! We ended up sitting at a little bar area that was actually quite comfortable. It was too muggy to sit outside.

My plate



Mom’s



I also had some frosted flakes. I thought to myself that they really didn’t taste very sugary and when I looked at the box it said in exciting letters ‘low sugar’. I don’t know about you but when I indulge in sugary cereals I want there to be plenty of sugar on them…

Breakfast consumed we headed down to the atrium. We had not been cleared to get off the ship but we wanted to find where we needed to go.





A tour group passed us while taking pictures so we followed them down the midship stairwell. They were let off the ship and the CM said we were welcome to get off too. As we were walking off we heard the all clear.





















I’ll spare you all the pictures of the shops since I just posted those from my March cruise. We arrived at our meeting place at 8:30 and waited.



And waited



Admittedly we were early but at 9:15 we started to get antsy. I didn’t have Pablo’s phone number, and I didn’t even have my phone. I didn’t know the contact information for my friends or I could have called them from Starbucks and they could have called Pablo. I asked mom if I shouldn’t go back to the ship and get my phone. Not a good idea, because if Pablo showed up he wouldn’t recognize mom. So we stayed put. We finally went over to the taxi drivers and asked how much it would be to get to the ruins. Well because I wasn’t pronouncing my G as an H the guy didn’t know what I was asking. I was saying Gervasio, he needed to hear Hervasio. He also said it would cost $60. No way. We decided to wait 15 more minutes for Pablo and then we would head off on our own, prescious vacation time was being wasted. Less then 2 minutes later he appeared at 9:30, WHEW! Off to his car and off to the ruins. We chatted the whole day, he and mom got along splendidly as I knew they would.







It’s quite a long drive to the ruins. The people who built it chose the highest part of the island.





When I came here with my friend before she made sure to get us a guide. The guide explained all the buildings and made the experience so much more enjoyable. I knew we had to get a guide. Our guide was HORRIBLE. Instead of talking to us and explaining things about the buildings around us he had a huge book with him and would show us pictures of random history. And I really mean HORRIBLE. This site was a fertility pilgrimage, all the women of that time would come here at a certain point in their lives. Sadly the person who discovered them did a lot of damage uncovering them, but I still find them fascinating.

 

[Pinkocto]

They would grind things like corn on these





An old cistern



Sometime around this our guide went to relieve himself in the forest. He did not go far enough to be undetected.





There’s our ‘guide’ on the right



They had built this rode which was 9 miles to the sea.















After this area our guide said the tour was over and could he have his money. Thank goodness. We headed off to a further area that we had to walk a little bit through the woods.

 

[Pinkocto]

Another awesome tree





At this temple a priest would hide behind a secret passageway and pretend to be a god, telling the people all sorts of orders. Shameful in my opinion.







I have tons more pictures but no need to overload you guys, I probably have already. We headed out of the ruins at that point.

Another of the handmade roads







We then took a drive on the ‘wild side’. This side of the island has no electricity, there was a bad storm some years ago and they still haven’t repaired things.



Pablo suggested we stop at a place called Coconuts for some beautiful views.





It was a very unique place, it was a bar but we just walked through the bar and to the cliffside.



















This is a hotel that people still stay at despite no electricity. They charge $95 a night.



We continued on our tour of the island and passed what looked like a huge statue of a bull. Pablo said it wasn’t a statue. WHAT! He offered for us to turn back and my curiosity said yes please.



He wasn’t tied up or anything, just standing there content as could be.



If I wanted a picture with him I had to give his owner a few dollars which I was more than willing to do.



Getting up was no problem but getting down was more of a spectacle. My sandal got caught on the other side of the saddle and I almost fell off. I was laughing so hard which didn’t help things. It was a very cool experience and probably my highlight of the day.




More to come, our day is not over yet

 

[Pinkocto]

Yep they let us! They said the furthest we were able to book out with our discount and OBC was November 30, 2015, so our backup plan (December 2015) was out.

Bummer about December but super awesome they let you keep the incentives! Hopefully you'll be able to make something work

If a cruise doesn't work out, we'll have to do DLR or WDW again. Can you believe we met up at both places already?! Pretty cool

Exactly, I have no worries one of these days we'll work out something. That's right, how cool is that! And I'm close enough that I can always just fly down for a day or two when you're at WDW for a meal and some rides if that's not crashing the party.

I'm so excited! We're going to hang out with Alison on Monday and then meet Brenda on Tuesday

What fun! I hope you have a fabulous trip!!! I know you will, what am I saying

 

[jedijill]

Glad Pablo finally showed up....a good guide is worth their weight in gold but a bad guide can really ruin your whole day.

Love the pic of you on the bull!

Jill in CO

 

[Leshaface]

Exactly, I have no worries one of these days we'll work out something. That's right, how cool is that! And I'm close enough that I can always just fly down for a day or two when you're at WDW for a meal and some rides if that's not crashing the party.

Oh my gosh are you kidding, that wouldn't be crashing at all! That would be so much fun!



Yikes glad Pablo finally showed up! I would have been nervous as well but glad it all worked out.

Seriously. Why would they give you a guide that's reading from a book/binder? I mean, if he's training I understand, but even then, he should have an experienced guide with him, showing him the ropes.

No electricity? I don't know about that. I could maybe do 1 night at the hotel, especially if most our time is spent on the beach. But DH needs his tv. And I need a curling iron Sounds more like upscale camping to me.

Gorgeous views from Coconuts!

How fun that you got on the bull! He is a cute little guy

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Loving it! When I got over the shock of the low sugar frosties... That's about as useful as a chocolate teapot! Like caffeine free cola...

San Gervasio ruin photos great! I am pleased Pablo showed you had me on the edge of my seat there. What a poor guide I would have been tempted to just look at the empty hand expecting money and say 'seriously Mr talking book?'

No way re that priest hiding lol. How interesting though!

I can imagine its kind of cool that hotel with no electricity until it gets dark and you think oh my where's the nearest Holiday Inn express...

I just adore the bull! What a great experience good job you did not fall off! Sounds like another great day those ruins though oh my how interesting that must have been! Thanks for sharing

 

[Pinkocto]

Glad Pablo finally showed up....a good guide is worth their weight in gold but a bad guide can really ruin your whole day.

Love the pic of you on the bull!

Jill in CO

Pablo really had me stressing. I had arranged it and felt bad that mom was having to wait. But it ended up being a fabulous day.

That guide, I still can't believe that guide

 

[Pinkocto]

Oh my gosh are you kidding, that wouldn't be crashing at all! That would be so much fun!

Excellent How about for your January trip? Or are you still hoping DH's folks will come with you?

Yikes glad Pablo finally showed up! I would have been nervous as well but glad it all worked out.

We has a fabulous day but it was quite the rocky start. I'm so glad he showed up.

Seriously. Why would they give you a guide that's reading from a book/binder? I mean, if he's training I understand, but even then, he should have an experienced guide with him, showing him the ropes.

He was an old guy, someone you'd think has been doing this for many many years. And unfortunately I couldn't pick which guide I got, he was manning the desk. And when he left someone took his spit, like a rotational type thing. Awful, downright awful.

No electricity? I don't know about that. I could maybe do 1 night at the hotel, especially if most our time is spent on the beach. But DH needs his tv. And I need a curling iron Sounds more like upscale camping to me.

When mom heard the price she excitedly said 'we could stay here next time!' I don't think so...

Gorgeous views from Coconuts!

Well worth the stop, it was so pretty.

How fun that you got on the bull! He is a cute little guy

He was soooo cute!!! The guy had raised him from a baby, it was his pet. I thought that was really cool.

 

[Pinkocto]

Loving it! When I got over the shock of the low sugar frosties... That's about as useful as a chocolate teapot! Like caffeine free cola...

I knew you'd appreciate that. It was disappointing. Mom offered to go find me a sugar packet but that wouldn't be the same

San Gervasio ruin photos great! I am pleased Pablo showed you had me on the edge of my seat there. What a poor guide I would have been tempted to just look at the empty hand expecting money and say 'seriously Mr talking book?'

I was happy to give him money to stop torturing us...

No way re that priest hiding lol. How interesting though!

Horrible business, and you know they really thought it was a god. Talk about taking advantage of the little people.

I can imagine its kind of cool that hotel with no electricity until it gets dark and you think oh my where's the nearest Holiday Inn express...

Not for me, I need lights to make sure there are no bugs crawling around.

I just adore the bull! What a great experience good job you did not fall off! Sounds like another great day those ruins though oh my how interesting that must have been! Thanks for sharing

The bull was fabulous, I'm so glad we turned around. I would have been laughing all the way to the ground, it was such a comical moment.

 

[dolphingirl47]

I am glad that Pablo did show up and that you had a good time. The ruins do look a little sorry for themselves. What a shame about the awful guide. The view from the cliffs is amazing. You are one brave woman getting on that bull.

Corinna

 

[rentayenta]

Love the bull photos. Seriously they capture your fun personality! Joshua is going to love this.

People stay in places like that in Africa as well, no electricity for about $30 a night. Michael says they're awesome! Coconuts did provide beautiful views.

Breakfast looks delicious! Next time, I am going to eat more breakfast.

Glad your tour guide finally showed up and you got to explore more of beautiful Cozumel.

 

[Leshaface]

Excellent How about for your January trip? Or are you still hoping DH's folks will come with you?

I really don't think they'll be coming, but even if there is the slight chance that they'll be able to make it, it wouldn't matter cus the more the merrier! That would be awesome if you could try and come down in January! I know you have a few other trips coming up so if you're not able to do it, totally no worries. I kind of have a vague schedule of our plans because I had to make ADR's over the 4th so i'll be posting those plans as soon as I get my TR done But please let me know!

He was an old guy, someone you'd think has been doing this for many many years. And unfortunately I couldn't pick which guide I got, he was manning the desk. And when he left someone took his spit, like a rotational type thing. Awful, downright awful.

Too bad, you couldn't leave feedback so no one else can get him.

When mom heard the price she excitedly said 'we could stay here next time!' I don't think so...

Yeah the price is nice, it's the amenities that aren't!

He was soooo cute!!! The guy had raised him from a baby, it was his pet. I thought that was really cool.

Aw that's awesome!

 

[MEK]

He wasn’t tied up or anything, just standing there content as could be.



If I wanted a picture with him I had to give his owner a few dollars which I was more than willing to do.



Getting up was no problem but getting down was more of a spectacle. My sandal got caught on the other side of the saddle and I almost fell off. I was laughing so hard which didn’t help things. It was a very cool experience and probably my highlight of the day.




More to come, our day is not over yet

Cool! He does look like a statue!

What a beautiful island. Glad that Pablo decided to show up. How great that you had your own driver to show you really cool stuff. Love it!

Too bad your hired tour guard stunk and that he actually wanted to get paid for that. What a rip! You actually had to pay to get ride of him. Oh brother.

Love all the pics!

 

[Pinkocto]

I am glad that Pablo did show up and that you had a good time. The ruins do look a little sorry for themselves. What a shame about the awful guide. The view from the cliffs is amazing. You are one brave woman getting on that bull.

Corinna

I'm most disappointed about the tour guide because mom really didn't get the full experience. She has been to some spectacular ruins, as have I, so these were a bit of a let down. I think they're absolutely fascinating, hundreds of years ago people made them and lived around them. It's quite humbling.

The bull was very cool, I was a but hesitant at first but mom and Pablo urged me on. But then again you don't see pictures of them on the bull either


ETA: I told mom about Chankanaab and showed her your most recent pictures. That is our plan for next year. We'll also do the manatee swim. I'm very excited

 

[Pinkocto]

Love the bull photos. Seriously they capture your fun personality! Joshua is going to love this.

It was a really cool experience

People stay in places like that in Africa as well, no electricity for about $30 a night. Michael says they're awesome! Coconuts did provide beautiful views.

I need electricity to see the bugs.

Breakfast looks delicious! Next time, I am going to eat more breakfast.

You MUST, there's so many options

Glad your tour guide finally showed up and you got to explore more of beautiful Cozumel.

I was getting nervous, but it all worked out in the end. We had a fabulous day.

 

[Pinkocto]

I really don't think they'll be coming, but even if there is the slight chance that they'll be able to make it, it wouldn't matter cus the more the merrier! That would be awesome if you could try and come down in January! I know you have a few other trips coming up so if you're not able to do it, totally no worries. I kind of have a vague schedule of our plans because I had to make ADR's over the 4th so i'll be posting those plans as soon as I get my TR done But please let me know!

What are your dates again? I'd love to come down for a day or two. Won't be able to do more only because we can't take off December 15-January 15, but I'll be able to finangle a few days.

Too bad, you couldn't leave feedback so no one else can get him.

You're so right, I'm feeling sorry for them right now

Yeah the price is nice, it's the amenities that aren't!

Some people can and be happy, I'm not one of them.