Geeks go for broke! Updated 2/17: Wrap-up
- Thread starter zweihund
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zweihund
I tagged myself. I'm it.
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Yes, I'm back. Thanks to everyone for your patience. And now, without further ado, here comes the next installment!
Viva La Mexico!
When we originally booked our excursions for at the 105 day mark, we chose the Eco Park and Snorkel in Cozumel because it had a little bit of everything: beaches, ruins, sightseeing ..plus, it only lasted for a half day and didnt involve a 2 hour bus ride. Score! We were very happy that Mat and Sarah chose the same tour. Good times were ahead.
Because we werent scheduled to meet until 12:45, Sarah and I decided to spend some time at the spa. We made an early bird appointment for a ladies morning, which contrary to what its name suggests can take place at any time on a port day and can be done alone or with a friend. For $109, you get a half massage, a facial and a foot treatment. Oh, and the best part: champagne in the Rainforest Room. Whats not to like?
I dont know where Sarah went on her trek, but my therapist took me into one of the spa villas! Id never had a treatment done there, so it was a treat. I could see Mexico, which was pretty neat, and the room was lovely and spacious and very tastefully decorated. The treatment was wonderful. Dont think that a half massage isnt enough, ladies. The only thing they leave out is the legs. I told her my problem areas were my shoulders and lower back, and she gave me the works. For $109, this treatment is quite the bargain. Plus, it feels very rock and roll to sit in a robe on a tile lounger drinking champagne before breakfast.
Everyone in the Rainforest will envy you. Well, unless youre there at 9 am like we were. Then theres only one guy on a lounger, and hes looking at you like youre some sort of lush. I winked, said cheers and went bottoms up. So far, I loved Mexico.
Sarah and I stumbled back to our rooms to pick up our men, at which point I noticed there was a boat parked next to us already. It was the Coast Guard, so the ship wasnt all that big. Still, it seemed rather close. Reading my mind, Lionel said wait until you see whats on the other side.
Ladies and Gentlemen, that Carnival boat was parked so close that I could have easily given one of its passengers a tray from the buffet. As we are, we craned our necks trying to see the name of the boat, but it was so close it was impossible to read. I suggested we just knock on someones window and ask.
Pardon me, do you have any Grey Poupon?
Mat tries to figure out how to get over to the slide.
Looking at the Carnival boat, I was reminded that we love the Magic / Wonder for reasons that stretch beyond cruising: we love the way it makes us feel. Looking at the Disney boat, I feel warm inside, and thats before the sailaway drink. Looking at the Carnival boat? I feel happy that I am on the Disney boat instead. I dont know, I guess Im a snob. Or maybe I just like what I like. All I know is that Carnival has nothing for me. Im a DCL girl through and through!
We killed a little time before the excursion by having a mochaccino and playing another card game in the Cove Café. Good times! Before we knew it, it was time to meet in Rockin Bar D. Upon arrival, we grabbed our towels and got slapped with some Pocahontas stickers, and then played lets see if we can make it to the gangway without losing the tour guide those dudes descend stairs faster than you can say why the heck am I wearing a Pocahontas sticker again? If youre not careful, you are out of luck. Or being trampled by everyone behind you.
Follow the bouncing Pocohantas!
We survived the rush and met up with our actual tour guide Nico!
Nico tells us all about Mexico...
Nico was awesome. He was charismatic, funny, and knew his island like the back of his hand. After a short description of our plans, we boarded the Mexican Limo.
Now, with air conditioning!
On the ride out to the park, Nico told us there were four ships in port that day. Even though that sounded like a lot to me, he said on a busy day they can have up to 12. TWELVE! Thats one louder than 11! I cant imagine how busy it would be with that many ships. As it was, we couldnt swing a dead cat without hitting someone on one of those dune buggy tours.
Eco Park entrance...this way for crocs, lighthouses and the beach!
The further away we got from the port, the more potholes there were in the road. And, the more ominous the weather. When we arrived at our first stop, it had started to sprinkle. That didnt stop us from taunting a crocodile, or making fun of the tiny little Mayan lighthouse.
Nico describes how the Mayans used smoke signals.....
...and nearly gets us all eaten by a crocodile.
And then? The skies opened up and let us have it. Let this be a lesson: do not mock the Mayan temples.
We arrived at our next stop soaking wet, thanks to the Mexican air conditioning on our bus. At least we have our swimsuits on, right? Next was the lighthouse lookout, which seemed like a great idea until we discovered that the top deck can only comfortably hold about three people. There was room for a few more outside in the elements.
Mat and Sarah would very much like to come back inside now, please.
View from the top of the lighthouse.....crocs to the left, paradise to the right.
After a few photos, I thought I would let someone else have a chance at the top, which posed another dilemma: how to get back down when the stairs are full of people trying to go up? In our house, we have a phrase for times like these:
OH NOOOOOEEEES!
Scary, scary lighthouse stairs.
After a brief stare-off, the folks on the stairs realized I wasnt going to take the short way down and they made some room. I could lie to you and tell you the way down was easier than the way up, but honestly I was terrified. The more people that came in, the wetter the stairs got. I was convinced that each and every step would lead me to my death, or worse: a Mexican hospital. At the bottom, I kissed the ground and ran for the bathroom. Then it was back on the bus and off to the beach.
And heres where I had a little internal battle.
It was pouring. Lionel wasnt super keen on snorkeling. I was still a bit freaked out from the lighthouse experience. I could have easily headed down a dark path and unleashed a load of cranky Erica all around me. But I didnt. I took a few minutes to accept the fact that it was raining. After all, the dune buggy people were still smiling, and they were getting pelted on more parts of their bodies than we were. Plus, everyone on the bus seemed ok with it. So I made a choice: either be a total drag, or shake it off and go with the flow. I chose the latter.
And do you know what happened next? The sun came out.
Up next: snorkeling in paradise, and the best towel animal EVAR.
Viva La Mexico!
When we originally booked our excursions for at the 105 day mark, we chose the Eco Park and Snorkel in Cozumel because it had a little bit of everything: beaches, ruins, sightseeing ..plus, it only lasted for a half day and didnt involve a 2 hour bus ride. Score! We were very happy that Mat and Sarah chose the same tour. Good times were ahead.
Because we werent scheduled to meet until 12:45, Sarah and I decided to spend some time at the spa. We made an early bird appointment for a ladies morning, which contrary to what its name suggests can take place at any time on a port day and can be done alone or with a friend. For $109, you get a half massage, a facial and a foot treatment. Oh, and the best part: champagne in the Rainforest Room. Whats not to like?
I dont know where Sarah went on her trek, but my therapist took me into one of the spa villas! Id never had a treatment done there, so it was a treat. I could see Mexico, which was pretty neat, and the room was lovely and spacious and very tastefully decorated. The treatment was wonderful. Dont think that a half massage isnt enough, ladies. The only thing they leave out is the legs. I told her my problem areas were my shoulders and lower back, and she gave me the works. For $109, this treatment is quite the bargain. Plus, it feels very rock and roll to sit in a robe on a tile lounger drinking champagne before breakfast.
Everyone in the Rainforest will envy you. Well, unless youre there at 9 am like we were. Then theres only one guy on a lounger, and hes looking at you like youre some sort of lush. I winked, said cheers and went bottoms up. So far, I loved Mexico.
Sarah and I stumbled back to our rooms to pick up our men, at which point I noticed there was a boat parked next to us already. It was the Coast Guard, so the ship wasnt all that big. Still, it seemed rather close. Reading my mind, Lionel said wait until you see whats on the other side.
Ladies and Gentlemen, that Carnival boat was parked so close that I could have easily given one of its passengers a tray from the buffet. As we are, we craned our necks trying to see the name of the boat, but it was so close it was impossible to read. I suggested we just knock on someones window and ask.
Pardon me, do you have any Grey Poupon?
Mat tries to figure out how to get over to the slide.
Looking at the Carnival boat, I was reminded that we love the Magic / Wonder for reasons that stretch beyond cruising: we love the way it makes us feel. Looking at the Disney boat, I feel warm inside, and thats before the sailaway drink. Looking at the Carnival boat? I feel happy that I am on the Disney boat instead. I dont know, I guess Im a snob. Or maybe I just like what I like. All I know is that Carnival has nothing for me. Im a DCL girl through and through!
We killed a little time before the excursion by having a mochaccino and playing another card game in the Cove Café. Good times! Before we knew it, it was time to meet in Rockin Bar D. Upon arrival, we grabbed our towels and got slapped with some Pocahontas stickers, and then played lets see if we can make it to the gangway without losing the tour guide those dudes descend stairs faster than you can say why the heck am I wearing a Pocahontas sticker again? If youre not careful, you are out of luck. Or being trampled by everyone behind you.
Follow the bouncing Pocohantas!
We survived the rush and met up with our actual tour guide Nico!
Nico tells us all about Mexico...
Nico was awesome. He was charismatic, funny, and knew his island like the back of his hand. After a short description of our plans, we boarded the Mexican Limo.
Now, with air conditioning!
On the ride out to the park, Nico told us there were four ships in port that day. Even though that sounded like a lot to me, he said on a busy day they can have up to 12. TWELVE! Thats one louder than 11! I cant imagine how busy it would be with that many ships. As it was, we couldnt swing a dead cat without hitting someone on one of those dune buggy tours.
Eco Park entrance...this way for crocs, lighthouses and the beach!
The further away we got from the port, the more potholes there were in the road. And, the more ominous the weather. When we arrived at our first stop, it had started to sprinkle. That didnt stop us from taunting a crocodile, or making fun of the tiny little Mayan lighthouse.
Nico describes how the Mayans used smoke signals.....
...and nearly gets us all eaten by a crocodile.
And then? The skies opened up and let us have it. Let this be a lesson: do not mock the Mayan temples.
We arrived at our next stop soaking wet, thanks to the Mexican air conditioning on our bus. At least we have our swimsuits on, right? Next was the lighthouse lookout, which seemed like a great idea until we discovered that the top deck can only comfortably hold about three people. There was room for a few more outside in the elements.
Mat and Sarah would very much like to come back inside now, please.
View from the top of the lighthouse.....crocs to the left, paradise to the right.
After a few photos, I thought I would let someone else have a chance at the top, which posed another dilemma: how to get back down when the stairs are full of people trying to go up? In our house, we have a phrase for times like these:
OH NOOOOOEEEES!
Scary, scary lighthouse stairs.
After a brief stare-off, the folks on the stairs realized I wasnt going to take the short way down and they made some room. I could lie to you and tell you the way down was easier than the way up, but honestly I was terrified. The more people that came in, the wetter the stairs got. I was convinced that each and every step would lead me to my death, or worse: a Mexican hospital. At the bottom, I kissed the ground and ran for the bathroom. Then it was back on the bus and off to the beach.
And heres where I had a little internal battle.
It was pouring. Lionel wasnt super keen on snorkeling. I was still a bit freaked out from the lighthouse experience. I could have easily headed down a dark path and unleashed a load of cranky Erica all around me. But I didnt. I took a few minutes to accept the fact that it was raining. After all, the dune buggy people were still smiling, and they were getting pelted on more parts of their bodies than we were. Plus, everyone on the bus seemed ok with it. So I made a choice: either be a total drag, or shake it off and go with the flow. I chose the latter.
And do you know what happened next? The sun came out.
Up next: snorkeling in paradise, and the best towel animal EVAR.
disneyfaninaz
It takes faith, trust & pixie dust!
- Joined
- Apr 19, 2007
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- 13,896
I believe the ship next to you was the Carnival Glory. I totally get what you mean about the feeling of being on a Disney ship. IMHO, the Glory was pretty ugly and had no "character" or 'characters" either for that matter. 
TheDisneyGirl02
<font color=navy>I found my Disney Prince!<br><fon
- Joined
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OMG! Love the Mexican air conditioning! 
podsnel
<font color=blue>just skippin' around, amusing mys
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- Nov 14, 2007
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YAY!!!
You're back!!!
There was someone drinking champagne in the rainforest room while I was in there one day on my cruise....she was on my left. A very bossy, very budinsky type woman was on my right and started in on her about "where'd you get that champagne! It's not allowed in here! That glass is going to break and the rain forest will be ruined forever because they'll never get the glass out of the mosaic floor ever....you'd better get rid of that glass..." And on and on.... and the woman on the left just sits there, calmly sipping away, and says, "it's no big deal" and keeps sipping...
If the bossy lady didn't get up and walk out, I was going to go get a glass of my own to join her. Geez- lighten up lady!!! It's a RAINFOREST for the love of God!! RELAX......
So glad you're back!
You're back!!! There was someone drinking champagne in the rainforest room while I was in there one day on my cruise....she was on my left. A very bossy, very budinsky type woman was on my right and started in on her about "where'd you get that champagne! It's not allowed in here! That glass is going to break and the rain forest will be ruined forever because they'll never get the glass out of the mosaic floor ever....you'd better get rid of that glass..." And on and on.... and the woman on the left just sits there, calmly sipping away, and says, "it's no big deal" and keeps sipping...
If the bossy lady didn't get up and walk out, I was going to go get a glass of my own to join her. Geez- lighten up lady!!! It's a RAINFOREST for the love of God!! RELAX......So glad you're back!
MAGICFOR2
Condimentessa
- Joined
- Nov 29, 2005
- Messages
- 11,044
Thanks for the update Erica! Wow - a croc sighting! 
Looks like you had an interesting day - as well as fun! At least they didn't have a tequila tasting before you negotiated the lighthouse steps!
Some people! She would be the little girl in 4th grade who tattled on everyone else!
Looks like you had an interesting day - as well as fun! At least they didn't have a tequila tasting before you negotiated the lighthouse steps! YAY!!!
There was someone drinking champagne in the rainforest room while I was in there one day on my cruise....she was on my left. A very bossy, very budinsky type woman was on my right and started in on her about "where'd you get that champagne! It's not allowed in here! That glass is going to break and the rain forest will be ruined forever because they'll never get the glass out of the mosaic floor ever....you'd better get rid of that glass..." And on and on.... and the woman on the left just sits there, calmly sipping away, and says, "it's no big deal" and keeps sipping...
So glad you're back!
Some people! She would be the little girl in 4th grade who tattled on everyone else!
anewmac
Ive got nothing planned whats an OCVP to do?
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- Apr 22, 2007
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- 2,686
Disneygrl36
Happy DVC member!!!!
- Joined
- Jul 19, 2004
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- 4,269
Good for you for sucking it up & then the sun coming out 
. It's hard to do that when you are on vacation & you want everything to be perfect.
So glad you are back to writing.
I getta go on vacation to (to Cali & Disneyland) in 4 days!!!!!!!!!!
. It's hard to do that when you are on vacation & you want everything to be perfect.So glad you are back to writing.
I getta go on vacation to (to Cali & Disneyland) in 4 days!!!!!!!!!!
nenner1
<font color=darkorchid>I must've been distracted b
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- Mar 1, 2007
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Great installment!
I have to tell you, though I sense you were being sarcastic...you guys truly were in the Mexican Limo. I saw more than one excursion group sitting on wooden benches made out of what looked to be pallets in the back of a 1981 rusty green Datsun pickup truck bed.
Sadly I am not exxagerating.
Of course those must have been for the Carnival excursion groups.
We went in & out of the rain several times. Our waiter at the first bar
told us wait five minutes and the sun will be right back out. He was right.
It also happened at the second bar and the third....
I have to tell you, though I sense you were being sarcastic...you guys truly were in the Mexican Limo. I saw more than one excursion group sitting on wooden benches made out of what looked to be pallets in the back of a 1981 rusty green Datsun pickup truck bed.
Sadly I am not exxagerating.
Of course those must have been for the Carnival excursion groups.
We went in & out of the rain several times. Our waiter at the first bar
told us wait five minutes and the sun will be right back out. He was right. It also happened at the second bar and the third....
MagicMe
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- May 3, 2006
- Messages
- 4,267
Loved your latest installment (as usual)!! My Mom and I were on deck 4 when we pulled in and docked next to the Carnival ship. Everyone on the Carnival ship was on their balcony, up on the top deck or looking out a window! Course they knew we were coming since the captain tooted our very distintive horn.
It was funny 'cause we could see into someplace where people were eating and my Mom looked at me and said "they don't even have table cloths????".
Yes, it felt great to be on the Magic!!!!
It was funny 'cause we could see into someplace where people were eating and my Mom looked at me and said "they don't even have table cloths????".
Yes, it felt great to be on the Magic!!!!
Erica,
I have been following along very intently.
We were in Cozamel on Nov. 11th and did the Eco Park and Snorkel tour. We had a great time. Climbed to the top of the lighthouse and we thought that was tough. but then we had to crawl through a doorway...or was it a window...that was like 24" high by 12"wide!!! Now that was FUN!!
When we saw the crocs, Nico dropped something into the water about two feet from the croc. He said "Oh no, that was the keys to the bus!!"
Then you better get in there and get them!!! You WILL be taking me back home to my Magic!!!
Oh well, it was only a pen.
Can't wait to hear about the beach. I have some great pictures from there.
I have been following along very intently.
We were in Cozamel on Nov. 11th and did the Eco Park and Snorkel tour. We had a great time. Climbed to the top of the lighthouse and we thought that was tough. but then we had to crawl through a doorway...or was it a window...that was like 24" high by 12"wide!!! Now that was FUN!!
When we saw the crocs, Nico dropped something into the water about two feet from the croc. He said "Oh no, that was the keys to the bus!!"
Then you better get in there and get them!!! You WILL be taking me back home to my Magic!!!
Oh well, it was only a pen. Can't wait to hear about the beach. I have some great pictures from there.
Tink rules
<font color=teal>The kids in my family sometimes t
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- Dec 30, 2006
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I'm thinkin it's what's IN the nog... 
zweihund
I tagged myself. I'm it.
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2006
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- 2,638
I am still here, everyone, don't worry!
Can I just tell you - the last ten days have been the busiest of the entire year? We had.....me working over a weekend. Lionel having finals. Me working on a very important potential writing project (more later if it all goes through, send me good vibes!). Everyone on our social calendar suddenly wanting us to do things - not even Christmas related! In the last week and a half, we have also seen Blue Man Group, had dinner three cities over, had a birthday gathering, and hosted our own Christmas party.
Boy am I looking forward to Christmas, it will be far less busy than the rest of this month has been.....
I do plan on putting in another installment ASAP. I didn't forget about everyone. It just seems that every time I make a promise to have my report done by a certain date, something huge comes up! That's fate for you, I guess. Just goes to show - you can't put a timeline on perfection
Hehe.
But, I prom- wait. Let me try that again.
I VERY MUCH HOPE TO BE ABLE TO get another installment done in the next few days. Hang in there.
Can I just tell you - the last ten days have been the busiest of the entire year? We had.....me working over a weekend. Lionel having finals. Me working on a very important potential writing project (more later if it all goes through, send me good vibes!). Everyone on our social calendar suddenly wanting us to do things - not even Christmas related! In the last week and a half, we have also seen Blue Man Group, had dinner three cities over, had a birthday gathering, and hosted our own Christmas party.
Boy am I looking forward to Christmas, it will be far less busy than the rest of this month has been.....
I do plan on putting in another installment ASAP. I didn't forget about everyone. It just seems that every time I make a promise to have my report done by a certain date, something huge comes up! That's fate for you, I guess. Just goes to show - you can't put a timeline on perfection
Hehe.
But, I prom- wait. Let me try that again.
I VERY MUCH HOPE TO BE ABLE TO get another installment done in the next few days. Hang in there.
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