Trip Diary: Part 5!

lolabella · 10-29-2002

Day 6-Monday

Alarm went off at 6:00am. It was raining heavily and steadily. Ricardo, our Lomas representative, assured us that since our Jeep Jungle Tour was an hour south of us, that we would encounter better weather. None of us thought to check the weather as we presumed that Isidore was well out in the Gulf of Mexico. Ricardo told us to we had to walk up two blocks and over two blocks to the Tucan Plaza to meet up with our party. We quickly double checked with the bellman that we were headed in the right direction. Upon leaving the hotel, the rain had stopped and we quickly made our way to our destination. Mom, being sore from her fall the night before managed very well. Just as we neared our destination, the heavens opened up and poured down on us. We weren’t exactly sure where we were going, but prodded along in the rain anyway. We came to an area the looked like it could be Toucan Plaza. There were pictures of Toucan’s all over the buildings, but we didn’t see any type of van to pick us up. We ran around and around this area in the pouring rain trying to find our party. A van finally pulled up and the driver let us in. It seems that his instructions were to pick us up at the hotel. The bellman told him where to locate us. (Good thing we spoke to the bellman before we left.) The van dropped us off at a small motel in town. This is where we met up with our group and our guides. We met Bocce, a wonderful, lively, curly haired Italian women who was one of our guides. She asked who was going to be driving our jeep that day. I was nominated. Bocce, took the time to explain driving conditions in Mexico. It seems that I would be following a caravan of Jeeps to our destination. I asked Bocce if she needed to see or make a copy of my driver’s license and she laughing said ‘no, welcome to Mexico’. Bocce also showed us a map of where we would be going.

We piled into our little Geo Tracker. The interior of the car was in poor condition. The shift control markings were all gone, so you could not visually tell what gear you were in. Luckily I drive a Rav4 back home, so I went by memory. Seat belts, lights, and brakes worked fine, so I guess that is all we needed. We took off and headed south down Hwy 307. I should also mention that the videographer for our trip was also riding along with us. He was an extremely nice guy, and I am so bad with names, I feel terrible that I cannot remember it. I will refer to him at CM (cameraman). Tara was in front. Mom and CM in back. I tried to convince mom that she would be more comfortable up front (her butt being sore and all), but she sacrificed the front for Tara, so that she could see out better.

We arrive in Akumal to meet up with more of our group. This gives us a chance to buy some cokes and chips for our ride. Our caravan heads out and arrives at Aktun Chen in minutes. The ride to the welcome center is long and bumpy. I cannot begin to explain to everyone what a trooper mom was. Her tailbone was obviously badly bruised and she never ever complained once. Being in the back seat of a jeep in a Mexican Jungle was probably the last place in the world that she should have been. We arrived at Aktun Chen, parked the cars and stretched our legs. We were guided into the welcome center to receive our hardhats and meet the resident monkey. Afterwards, we were told that we could get our picture taken with a boa constrictor. Tara was the only brave one out of the entire group to do so. She willingly wrapped the snake around her neck and smiled pretty for the camera. The rest of this tour consisted of looking at and learning about the different snakes of the jungle. We then proceed onto the caves.

Our tour of the caves lasted about 1 ½. We learned a great deal about how the caves were formed and how the ancient Maya used the caves. It was a very education experience for all of us. Parts of the cave were flooded due to Hurricane Isidore, so at times we had to trudge through water. Some guests had socks and shoes on and had to take them off and them put them back on over wet feet. I was happy that I wore my Teva’s! Upon exiting the cave, there is a little snack shop and some restrooms. The exit to the cave is not near the entrance, so on our way back, we learned many interesting facts about the flora and the fauna of the area.

Back in the jeep, we continued on our jungle route to the Mayan Village. About 10 minutes into our ride our guide stopped. He went to the each jeep and said, ‘ now this is where this gets fun! If you cannot keep up with the jeep in front of you, then pull over so that others can pass’.

I was second in line, meaning I was directly behind our guides. I wasn’t about to give up my position in line, so when he took off, I took off after him. Our 30 minutes journey through jungle consisted of hilly ‘roads’, huge puddles, maneuvering around big pieces of limestone, and navigating sharp corners. Everyone held on for dear life. I tried to make the ride as comfortable as I could for mom. I kept asking how she was doing, and she continually said she was ok. We did have to stop a couple of times to remove branches in our path. One tree was so big, it took 6 men in the group to move it back enough so that we could pass.

Our first stop in the village was the school house and the teacher’s house. We were told that approximately 42 families had lived in this village at one time. But little by little the Maya moved out to find jobs. The school house was no longer in use as there were not that many children left in the village. During our tour of the house, a tarantula decided to make his presence known and he came out from his hiding place above the door. Great photo opportunity!
Back in the jeeps, we drove to our host’s house for lunch. We parked our car and briefly said hello to the male host. I wish I had kept notes on the names of the man, his wife and the village we were in. I thought about making up their names, but that would be truly disrespectful to him and his wife. His daughters were named Lizette (5 years old) and Vivi (3 years old). The also had a son who was two weeks old. He was not named yet as the family was still trying to get to know him in order to provide him with a suitable name. We continued on a walking tour of the village.

Our group visited a mangrove swamp the opened up into a rather large lake. We were startled to see a crocodile laying on the waters edge. One of our guides fed the crocodile some meet off of a stick. I have a feeling the crocodile knows when the tour groups are in and when he score an easy lunch. We were also told that one of the little girls recently came on the tour with her little dog. It happened that the curious dog got a little too close and turned into lunch for the crocodile. The tourists were horrified, but the little girl remained unfazed.

We then moved on to visit another house, but the occupant was not home. It seems that some of the villagers moved further inland because of Hurricane Isidore. We poked around the yard, looking at the mango, avocado, and lime trees. What is it about Mexican limes? Mom and I commented on how they seem much sweeter and that next time she visited the Mexican Market near our home, she would see if she could purchase them there.

We walked back to our host’s house and got ready for lunch. I was asked to help make homemade guacamole. Yummy! One of our guides made the salsa, while our hosts made chicken, strip steak, and potatoes on a huge outdoor pit. Several benches and tables were set up and everyone helped themselves to a drink and socialized. Chickens, cats, and dogs ran all around us. Another tarantula made his presence known and scared poor Vivi to tears.

Lunch was now ready and we helped ourselves buffet style. Words cannot even describe how wonderful this lunch was. It was definitely our most tasteful as well as our most memorable meal the whole time we were in Mexico. We were even encouraged to have seconds. I overheard our guides talking about the Cenote we were going to visit, but they seemed concerned about the weather. The wind had picked up, but luckily, no rain.

After lunch, we thanked our host and left him money for the drinks, plus a little extra. It was time to get back in the jeep for our trip to the Cenote. We had to trek back out of the jungle, the same way we came in-bumpy roads and all. I let our videographer drive this time. Mom and Tara should have used the restroom at our host’s house, because the ride soon became painful for them. At one point, we looked behind us and there was only 1 car with us. We waited about 5 minutes and still the rest of the caravan was no where to be found. So our guides decided to double back for them. Mom and Tara were going to walk up the ‘road’ to visit the nearest tree, but just as they were about to get out of the car, the rest of our caravan showed up. Our guide told mom that the cenote had a changing area and primitive restroom.

We arrived in a small village near Hwy 307. Our guides pulled over and talked briefly amongst themselves. Within a few minutes we arrived at the entrance of the cenote. There wasn’t anywhere to change, and no primitive bathroom. They instructed mom and Tara to go down a little path. I waited for them and then we caught up with our group who were hiking into to where the cenote was.

When we arrived at the Cenote, several men in the group were undressing and preparing to jump in. It was breezy and a little chilly so we decided not to partake in this activity. Actually, none of the women decided to go in. I leaned over the side. Our day was overcast and windy, but the water was so clear. I would pretty far down into the cenote. I was told by our guide that on a sunny day, it was really spectacular. After about 10 minutes, the men decided it was much too cold and climbed out. We headed back to our jeeps. The tour had come to an end and they asked us to fill our comment cards. We also decided to tip them $20. Not sure if this was too high or too low. But, they seemed very appreciative. Our videographer drove us back to Playa Del Carmen. The wind had definitely picked up and the heavy rains had started again. Our van was waiting for us to take us back to the hotel.

Upon arriving at the hotel, I made a beeline for the Lomas Desk to see what time we needed to be ready the next morning for our departure to the airport (10:30am). I walked back to the lobby where mom is talking with some friends we had met. This is when I notice that the entrance to the beach has been completely boarded up! What? The hurricane has passed? Right? Nope, seems that Isidore decided to take a turn south. We were told by our friends that we should expect to not get out’ tomorrow. What? How bad is it? I am freaking out now. The hotel wasn’t boarded up the past two days when it was supposed to be worse. There are still people here that were supposed to fly out two days ago (on Saturday). They told us to make sure we weren’t taken to the airport and left there.

I run upstairs and call the travel insurance company. I explained what we are in for and ask what is covered. Pat tells me to save all receipts for the additional time that we have to stay in Mexico. I was covered, no need to worry. Then she started to ask me how I was and what the hotel was doing to insure our safety. I was stunned by her concern for us. I thanked her profusely got off the phone and called my best friend to make sure my cat was going to be cared for until I got home. Mom called Pop to tell him the latest developments. We would call him back when we knew we were ‘getting out’. Everything and everyone seems to indicate that disaster is headed for us.

We shower and head to the Albatross for dinner. We would have loved to have our last dinning experience downtown, but the weather just won’t allow for it. Dinner is okay. We have gotten used to sitting in the dinning room listening to the howling wind outside as well as feeling the huge gusts of wind that sneak past the barricades. Just to think, that only days earlier, we were dinning here for our first time. Our table was on the patio, the sun was shinning and moods were light. We now sat depressed. The weather was horrible and it was our last night. Several cats had found their way into the hotel and were now joining us for dinner in the dinning room. Mom and I also discuss the Cenote we went to. We assume that our guides knew about the storm and didnt' take us to the orignial Cenote that was planned for our group. No big deal, just made an observation.

On our way out of dinner, we ran into Alvarro. It seems that is was Caribbean night in the hotel. He personally escorted us to a table. We enjoyed watching a group of very entertaining young men and women perform many lively dances.

Early to bed.

Day 7-Tuesday

We awoke, had breakfast, showered, and packed. Mom and Tara made one quick run into town for last minute shopping. The weather had improved overnight, as Isidore was downgraded to a tropical storm. We had nothing to worry about, we were ‘getting out’. Upon check out, Alvarro walked past and seemed shocked and upset that we were leaving. We thanked him for a wonderful time and made sure to include his name on the comment card that we turned in. We told him we would be back, just not in September.

We arrived at the airport, went through security and had to laugh at the security guard who opened one of our luggage bags to discover all of our senor frog glasses. Last minute shopping was had at the duty free store and we boarded our plane. The sun was coming out.

Upon boarding the plane, our seats were located in the last section. There was an emergency exit in the seats directly in front of our seats. The Flight Attendant asked the people sitting there if she could move them. She went on to explain that the flight down was rather bumpy and they all had gotten sick from seating in their jump seats. The couple across from us said that they were due to fly out 3 days earlier (Saturday). This was the first US Airways flight out since then. They went on to explain that they were $3 short in checking out. The hotel would not let them leave and they had to panhandle for the $3. What I found interesting was the continual conversations of the Flight Attendants in front of all of us. It seems that the flight was absolutely horrible due to the plane hitting the outer bands of the hurricane. This did not well with me as my mom is terrified of heights and flying. She cries the whole way up and the whole way down. Of course, mom is listening to them, ears perked. One FA went on to say that she was glad that Big Bob was at the controls because it was going to be a challenge to get the plane off the runway. She then demonstrated being at the controls and how bumpy it would be by shaking her entire body. Oh for Christ’s Sake! Mom, turn away!!

Okay, so here is our last adventure. I had moved across the isle from mom and Tara so they could spread out. The plane takes off, and yes, it’s a bumpy ride. And yes, mom held (squeezed) my hand the whole way up. Drinks are served and we are settled in watching our movie. Without warning the plane plunges straight down for what seems like an eternity. People are screaming! Then the plane tilts downward and we are now thrown into the seats in front of us. I look over at mom and she is horrified. Overhead bins pop up and some stuff falls out. But within seconds, the plane is righted and everything is fine. A FA runs past. She has coffee spilled all over her. Surprisingly, Mom is calm. It must have been the glass of wine. I have traveled extensively and this was the worst turbulence I have ever experienced. I look up to see a women exit the ladies room very tentatively. She is white as a ghost. I cannot imagine what that must have been like for her. No seat belt in the bathroom!

We have a 2 hour layover in Charlotte and our plane ride to Milwaukee is uneventful. We arrive home and are happy to see Pop waiting for us. It’s nice to be home!

The End!

kathy.web · 10-29-2002

Great report, lolabella!!

Glad you had good time despite the weather, as we did. We were at Aktun Chen on the same morning! The next day the gate at the entrance was shut. Probably trees down on that long bumpy road!

shafe · 10-29-2002

Loved your trip report. You had me checking everyday to see what the next adventure was.
Who did you book your tour to Atken Chen through, we would love to do that when we are there, we didn't get a chance to last time we went.I know you can through altournative tours but was just wandering if there is anybody else?
Anyways I was glad to see you made the best of your trip dispite the weather. I hope you will beable to get your mom on a plane again, it sounds like you should have been drinking out of the Senior Frogs glasses for the trip home.
Once again thanks for the wonderful report it was such a joy to read it
Terra

lolabella · 10-29-2002

Terra (great name!)

Thanks again. I enjoyed writing the report and all the feedback. It's hard to believe I can remember all that. I only wrote down notes the first day we were there. It makes me wonder about the things I have forgotten.
(I am going to the Grand Lido Negril over New Years with some friends and I already bought my notebook.) I have a feeling that trip will be a lot more 'interesting' than the one I took with my mom and sister.) 8)

We booked the tour through our Lomas (Funjet) travel operator who was located in our hotel. It was called Jeep Jungle Tour, but I cannot remember the exact name of the outfitter. We met at a little hotel that started with an 'M'. It was a block off of Hwy 307. If I can find out more information -I was PM you.

Yep, Mom's a trooper! She will fly again. Last July, on a trrip to Fort Worth, I found a handmade cross that has airplanes all over it. I bought it for her. She threatens to hold it up high in the air during take offs and landings...but so far, she hasn't

Cowgirl · 10-29-2002

Thanks so much for the fantastic trip report! Thoroughly enjoyed reading it! That's really frightening about the flight. And I remember clearly how that sand felt hitting your legs from the beach... ouch!

Glad you had such a great time, like everyone keeps saying, despite the weather. Your mom really is a trooper, but it sounds like all of you had the right attitude! And now you have a wonderful report of it all!

Oh -- one note I did want to mention. I was like you last year and felt like I had forgotten so many things we did. This year I came up with a system that worked very well for me. Every morning I would write down the things we did the day before, but just really short "jog your memory" type notes and also described the weather very briefly. Last year when I was putting together my report for my scrapbook I was constantly saying, "Did we go to Tulum on Tuesday or Wednesday?" and "Wasn't that the afternoon we did such and such?" It really helped me not forget stuff.

Can't wait to go back!!

lolabella · 10-29-2002

Cowgirl-thanks for the tip! I will use it in Jamaica.

Can't wait to read your report when your return. March, right?

**denisea** · 10-29-2002

Lolabella:

Great trip report right down to the very end! Last time I brought a journal with me & didn't write down a thing. You have inspired me & I really like Cowgirl's idea. I am definitely going to take my journal with me this trip & actually take notes. I'm usually up before the rest of our group so it sounds like a good thing to do over my morning coffee.

I'm so glad you shared your trip with us & am glad you had such a good time despite the weather. The only thing that disappoints me is that this was the last installment. Guess we'll just have to wait for your next trip.

Denise

djcmo · 10-29-2002

Who's going to play you in the movie?!? :wink:

Great report. Enjoyed every one of them!

Too bad Isadore had to spoil some of the fun!

DJ

Critter · 10-30-2002

Excellent report. Each and every segment was full of laughter, intreque and mistory. You are an excellent storry tellr.

Don't you just hate it when the plane drops straight down?[/size]

10-29-2002	#1 (permalink)
lolabella Playa'd Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: One foot in WI, the other in PDC Posts: 4,621	Trip Diary: Part 5! Day 6-Monday Alarm went off at 6:00am. It was raining heavily and steadily. Ricardo, our Lomas representative, assured us that since our Jeep Jungle Tour was an hour south of us, that we would encounter better weather. None of us thought to check the weather as we presumed that Isidore was well out in the Gulf of Mexico. Ricardo told us to we had to walk up two blocks and over two blocks to the Tucan Plaza to meet up with our party. We quickly double checked with the bellman that we were headed in the right direction. Upon leaving the hotel, the rain had stopped and we quickly made our way to our destination. Mom, being sore from her fall the night before managed very well. Just as we neared our destination, the heavens opened up and poured down on us. We weren’t exactly sure where we were going, but prodded along in the rain anyway. We came to an area the looked like it could be Toucan Plaza. There were pictures of Toucan’s all over the buildings, but we didn’t see any type of van to pick us up. We ran around and around this area in the pouring rain trying to find our party. A van finally pulled up and the driver let us in. It seems that his instructions were to pick us up at the hotel. The bellman told him where to locate us. (Good thing we spoke to the bellman before we left.) The van dropped us off at a small motel in town. This is where we met up with our group and our guides. We met Bocce, a wonderful, lively, curly haired Italian women who was one of our guides. She asked who was going to be driving our jeep that day. I was nominated. Bocce, took the time to explain driving conditions in Mexico. It seems that I would be following a caravan of Jeeps to our destination. I asked Bocce if she needed to see or make a copy of my driver’s license and she laughing said ‘no, welcome to Mexico’. Bocce also showed us a map of where we would be going. We piled into our little Geo Tracker. The interior of the car was in poor condition. The shift control markings were all gone, so you could not visually tell what gear you were in. Luckily I drive a Rav4 back home, so I went by memory. Seat belts, lights, and brakes worked fine, so I guess that is all we needed. We took off and headed south down Hwy 307. I should also mention that the videographer for our trip was also riding along with us. He was an extremely nice guy, and I am so bad with names, I feel terrible that I cannot remember it. I will refer to him at CM (cameraman). Tara was in front. Mom and CM in back. I tried to convince mom that she would be more comfortable up front (her butt being sore and all), but she sacrificed the front for Tara, so that she could see out better. We arrive in Akumal to meet up with more of our group. This gives us a chance to buy some cokes and chips for our ride. Our caravan heads out and arrives at Aktun Chen in minutes. The ride to the welcome center is long and bumpy. I cannot begin to explain to everyone what a trooper mom was. Her tailbone was obviously badly bruised and she never ever complained once. Being in the back seat of a jeep in a Mexican Jungle was probably the last place in the world that she should have been. We arrived at Aktun Chen, parked the cars and stretched our legs. We were guided into the welcome center to receive our hardhats and meet the resident monkey. Afterwards, we were told that we could get our picture taken with a boa constrictor. Tara was the only brave one out of the entire group to do so. She willingly wrapped the snake around her neck and smiled pretty for the camera. The rest of this tour consisted of looking at and learning about the different snakes of the jungle. We then proceed onto the caves. Our tour of the caves lasted about 1 ½. We learned a great deal about how the caves were formed and how the ancient Maya used the caves. It was a very education experience for all of us. Parts of the cave were flooded due to Hurricane Isidore, so at times we had to trudge through water. Some guests had socks and shoes on and had to take them off and them put them back on over wet feet. I was happy that I wore my Teva’s! Upon exiting the cave, there is a little snack shop and some restrooms. The exit to the cave is not near the entrance, so on our way back, we learned many interesting facts about the flora and the fauna of the area. Back in the jeep, we continued on our jungle route to the Mayan Village. About 10 minutes into our ride our guide stopped. He went to the each jeep and said, ‘ now this is where this gets fun! If you cannot keep up with the jeep in front of you, then pull over so that others can pass’. I was second in line, meaning I was directly behind our guides. I wasn’t about to give up my position in line, so when he took off, I took off after him. Our 30 minutes journey through jungle consisted of hilly ‘roads’, huge puddles, maneuvering around big pieces of limestone, and navigating sharp corners. Everyone held on for dear life. I tried to make the ride as comfortable as I could for mom. I kept asking how she was doing, and she continually said she was ok. We did have to stop a couple of times to remove branches in our path. One tree was so big, it took 6 men in the group to move it back enough so that we could pass. Our first stop in the village was the school house and the teacher’s house. We were told that approximately 42 families had lived in this village at one time. But little by little the Maya moved out to find jobs. The school house was no longer in use as there were not that many children left in the village. During our tour of the house, a tarantula decided to make his presence known and he came out from his hiding place above the door. Great photo opportunity! Back in the jeeps, we drove to our host’s house for lunch. We parked our car and briefly said hello to the male host. I wish I had kept notes on the names of the man, his wife and the village we were in. I thought about making up their names, but that would be truly disrespectful to him and his wife. His daughters were named Lizette (5 years old) and Vivi (3 years old). The also had a son who was two weeks old. He was not named yet as the family was still trying to get to know him in order to provide him with a suitable name. We continued on a walking tour of the village. Our group visited a mangrove swamp the opened up into a rather large lake. We were startled to see a crocodile laying on the waters edge. One of our guides fed the crocodile some meet off of a stick. I have a feeling the crocodile knows when the tour groups are in and when he score an easy lunch. We were also told that one of the little girls recently came on the tour with her little dog. It happened that the curious dog got a little too close and turned into lunch for the crocodile. The tourists were horrified, but the little girl remained unfazed. We then moved on to visit another house, but the occupant was not home. It seems that some of the villagers moved further inland because of Hurricane Isidore. We poked around the yard, looking at the mango, avocado, and lime trees. What is it about Mexican limes? Mom and I commented on how they seem much sweeter and that next time she visited the Mexican Market near our home, she would see if she could purchase them there. We walked back to our host’s house and got ready for lunch. I was asked to help make homemade guacamole. Yummy! One of our guides made the salsa, while our hosts made chicken, strip steak, and potatoes on a huge outdoor pit. Several benches and tables were set up and everyone helped themselves to a drink and socialized. Chickens, cats, and dogs ran all around us. Another tarantula made his presence known and scared poor Vivi to tears. Lunch was now ready and we helped ourselves buffet style. Words cannot even describe how wonderful this lunch was. It was definitely our most tasteful as well as our most memorable meal the whole time we were in Mexico. We were even encouraged to have seconds. I overheard our guides talking about the Cenote we were going to visit, but they seemed concerned about the weather. The wind had picked up, but luckily, no rain. After lunch, we thanked our host and left him money for the drinks, plus a little extra. It was time to get back in the jeep for our trip to the Cenote. We had to trek back out of the jungle, the same way we came in-bumpy roads and all. I let our videographer drive this time. Mom and Tara should have used the restroom at our host’s house, because the ride soon became painful for them. At one point, we looked behind us and there was only 1 car with us. We waited about 5 minutes and still the rest of the caravan was no where to be found. So our guides decided to double back for them. Mom and Tara were going to walk up the ‘road’ to visit the nearest tree, but just as they were about to get out of the car, the rest of our caravan showed up. Our guide told mom that the cenote had a changing area and primitive restroom. We arrived in a small village near Hwy 307. Our guides pulled over and talked briefly amongst themselves. Within a few minutes we arrived at the entrance of the cenote. There wasn’t anywhere to change, and no primitive bathroom. They instructed mom and Tara to go down a little path. I waited for them and then we caught up with our group who were hiking into to where the cenote was. When we arrived at the Cenote, several men in the group were undressing and preparing to jump in. It was breezy and a little chilly so we decided not to partake in this activity. Actually, none of the women decided to go in. I leaned over the side. Our day was overcast and windy, but the water was so clear. I would pretty far down into the cenote. I was told by our guide that on a sunny day, it was really spectacular. After about 10 minutes, the men decided it was much too cold and climbed out. We headed back to our jeeps. The tour had come to an end and they asked us to fill our comment cards. We also decided to tip them $20. Not sure if this was too high or too low. But, they seemed very appreciative. Our videographer drove us back to Playa Del Carmen. The wind had definitely picked up and the heavy rains had started again. Our van was waiting for us to take us back to the hotel. Upon arriving at the hotel, I made a beeline for the Lomas Desk to see what time we needed to be ready the next morning for our departure to the airport (10:30am). I walked back to the lobby where mom is talking with some friends we had met. This is when I notice that the entrance to the beach has been completely boarded up! What? The hurricane has passed? Right? Nope, seems that Isidore decided to take a turn south. We were told by our friends that we should expect to not get out’ tomorrow. What? How bad is it? I am freaking out now. The hotel wasn’t boarded up the past two days when it was supposed to be worse. There are still people here that were supposed to fly out two days ago (on Saturday). They told us to make sure we weren’t taken to the airport and left there. I run upstairs and call the travel insurance company. I explained what we are in for and ask what is covered. Pat tells me to save all receipts for the additional time that we have to stay in Mexico. I was covered, no need to worry. Then she started to ask me how I was and what the hotel was doing to insure our safety. I was stunned by her concern for us. I thanked her profusely got off the phone and called my best friend to make sure my cat was going to be cared for until I got home. Mom called Pop to tell him the latest developments. We would call him back when we knew we were ‘getting out’. Everything and everyone seems to indicate that disaster is headed for us. We shower and head to the Albatross for dinner. We would have loved to have our last dinning experience downtown, but the weather just won’t allow for it. Dinner is okay. We have gotten used to sitting in the dinning room listening to the howling wind outside as well as feeling the huge gusts of wind that sneak past the barricades. Just to think, that only days earlier, we were dinning here for our first time. Our table was on the patio, the sun was shinning and moods were light. We now sat depressed. The weather was horrible and it was our last night. Several cats had found their way into the hotel and were now joining us for dinner in the dinning room. Mom and I also discuss the Cenote we went to. We assume that our guides knew about the storm and didnt' take us to the orignial Cenote that was planned for our group. No big deal, just made an observation. On our way out of dinner, we ran into Alvarro. It seems that is was Caribbean night in the hotel. He personally escorted us to a table. We enjoyed watching a group of very entertaining young men and women perform many lively dances. Early to bed. Day 7-Tuesday We awoke, had breakfast, showered, and packed. Mom and Tara made one quick run into town for last minute shopping. The weather had improved overnight, as Isidore was downgraded to a tropical storm. We had nothing to worry about, we were ‘getting out’. Upon check out, Alvarro walked past and seemed shocked and upset that we were leaving. We thanked him for a wonderful time and made sure to include his name on the comment card that we turned in. We told him we would be back, just not in September. We arrived at the airport, went through security and had to laugh at the security guard who opened one of our luggage bags to discover all of our senor frog glasses. Last minute shopping was had at the duty free store and we boarded our plane. The sun was coming out. Upon boarding the plane, our seats were located in the last section. There was an emergency exit in the seats directly in front of our seats. The Flight Attendant asked the people sitting there if she could move them. She went on to explain that the flight down was rather bumpy and they all had gotten sick from seating in their jump seats. The couple across from us said that they were due to fly out 3 days earlier (Saturday). This was the first US Airways flight out since then. They went on to explain that they were $3 short in checking out. The hotel would not let them leave and they had to panhandle for the $3. What I found interesting was the continual conversations of the Flight Attendants in front of all of us. It seems that the flight was absolutely horrible due to the plane hitting the outer bands of the hurricane. This did not well with me as my mom is terrified of heights and flying. She cries the whole way up and the whole way down. Of course, mom is listening to them, ears perked. One FA went on to say that she was glad that Big Bob was at the controls because it was going to be a challenge to get the plane off the runway. She then demonstrated being at the controls and how bumpy it would be by shaking her entire body. Oh for Christ’s Sake! Mom, turn away!! Okay, so here is our last adventure. I had moved across the isle from mom and Tara so they could spread out. The plane takes off, and yes, it’s a bumpy ride. And yes, mom held (squeezed) my hand the whole way up. Drinks are served and we are settled in watching our movie. Without warning the plane plunges straight down for what seems like an eternity. People are screaming! Then the plane tilts downward and we are now thrown into the seats in front of us. I look over at mom and she is horrified. Overhead bins pop up and some stuff falls out. But within seconds, the plane is righted and everything is fine. A FA runs past. She has coffee spilled all over her. Surprisingly, Mom is calm. It must have been the glass of wine. I have traveled extensively and this was the worst turbulence I have ever experienced. I look up to see a women exit the ladies room very tentatively. She is white as a ghost. I cannot imagine what that must have been like for her. No seat belt in the bathroom! We have a 2 hour layover in Charlotte and our plane ride to Milwaukee is uneventful. We arrive home and are happy to see Pop waiting for us. It’s nice to be home! The End!

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

10-29-2002	#2 (permalink)
kathy.web añejo Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Missouri-North of KC Posts: 1,694	Great report, lolabella!! Glad you had good time despite the weather, as we did. We were at Aktun Chen on the same morning! The next day the gate at the entrance was shut. Probably trees down on that long bumpy road!

10-29-2002	#3 (permalink)
shafe way into it Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Saskatchewan Posts: 154	Loved your trip report. You had me checking everyday to see what the next adventure was. Who did you book your tour to Atken Chen through, we would love to do that when we are there, we didn't get a chance to last time we went.I know you can through altournative tours but was just wandering if there is anybody else? Anyways I was glad to see you made the best of your trip dispite the weather. I hope you will beable to get your mom on a plane again, it sounds like you should have been drinking out of the Senior Frogs glasses for the trip home. Once again thanks for the wonderful report it was such a joy to read it Terra

10-29-2002	#4 (permalink)
lolabella Playa'd Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: One foot in WI, the other in PDC Posts: 4,621	Terra (great name!) Thanks again. I enjoyed writing the report and all the feedback. It's hard to believe I can remember all that. I only wrote down notes the first day we were there. It makes me wonder about the things I have forgotten. (I am going to the Grand Lido Negril over New Years with some friends and I already bought my notebook.) I have a feeling that trip will be a lot more 'interesting' than the one I took with my mom and sister.) 8) We booked the tour through our Lomas (Funjet) travel operator who was located in our hotel. It was called Jeep Jungle Tour, but I cannot remember the exact name of the outfitter. We met at a little hotel that started with an 'M'. It was a block off of Hwy 307. If I can find out more information -I was PM you. Yep, Mom's a trooper! She will fly again. Last July, on a trrip to Fort Worth, I found a handmade cross that has airplanes all over it. I bought it for her. She threatens to hold it up high in the air during take offs and landings...but so far, she hasn't

10-29-2002	#5 (permalink)
Cowgirl way into it Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Texas Posts: 127	Thanks so much for the fantastic trip report! Thoroughly enjoyed reading it! That's really frightening about the flight. And I remember clearly how that sand felt hitting your legs from the beach... ouch! Glad you had such a great time, like everyone keeps saying, despite the weather. Your mom really is a trooper, but it sounds like all of you had the right attitude! And now you have a wonderful report of it all! Oh -- one note I did want to mention. I was like you last year and felt like I had forgotten so many things we did. This year I came up with a system that worked very well for me. Every morning I would write down the things we did the day before, but just really short "jog your memory" type notes and also described the weather very briefly. Last year when I was putting together my report for my scrapbook I was constantly saying, "Did we go to Tulum on Tuesday or Wednesday?" and "Wasn't that the afternoon we did such and such?" It really helped me not forget stuff. Can't wait to go back!!

10-29-2002	#6 (permalink)
lolabella Playa'd Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: One foot in WI, the other in PDC Posts: 4,621	Cowgirl-thanks for the tip! I will use it in Jamaica. Can't wait to read your report when your return. March, right?

10-29-2002	#7 (permalink)
denisea Forum Goddess Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: On the road to ruins... Posts: 7,025	Lolabella: Great trip report right down to the very end! Last time I brought a journal with me & didn't write down a thing. You have inspired me & I really like Cowgirl's idea. I am definitely going to take my journal with me this trip & actually take notes. I'm usually up before the rest of our group so it sounds like a good thing to do over my morning coffee. I'm so glad you shared your trip with us & am glad you had such a good time despite the weather. The only thing that disappoints me is that this was the last installment. Guess we'll just have to wait for your next trip. Denise

10-29-2002	#8 (permalink)
djcmo way into it Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 226	Who's going to play you in the movie?!? :wink: Great report. Enjoyed every one of them! Too bad Isadore had to spoil some of the fun! DJ

10-30-2002	#9 (permalink)
Critter añejo Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Cerca de Washington DC Posts: 3,343	Excellent report. Each and every segment was full of laughter, intreque and mistory. You are an excellent storry tellr. Don't you just hate it when the plane drops straight down?[/size]

register to remove these adverts