11-14-2005
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#1 (permalink) |
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2005
Location: We'll know when we get there, We'll find mercy
Posts: 8,963
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PlayadelRiu's Family Adventure
It all began on Saturday, as I left work at 1PM, and headed home to collect the family. We were able to leave our point of departure without too many hassles, although the lady across the street was curious as to why I was putting suitcases in the back of the car. As I was explaining our trip, we were soon joined by 5 or 6 neighborhod kids whe were drawn by my kids chanting, "Vamos a hotel, vamos a hotel!". Finally, I freed us from this V-day type celebration, and we were off.
The trip itself was mostly uneventful. We did, however, have to wait 3 light cycles at the corner of the highway and Constituyentes. Juarez's closure for water line repairs has made the traffic jams go from 3 to 6 minutes in duration. We went past Sams' and then doubled back to the entrance to Playacar, as I wanted to drive around a little to check things out. It is a little wierd to see Playacar without much foilage. You can see things you have never seen before, as the view is unobstructed. We arrived at the Riu Playacar, and I parked in front. I went to the front desk and a young man asked me how he could help. I thought to myself, "this place sure is casual", as the clerk was dressed in shorts and a t-shirt. He informed me that all reservations were transferred to the Riu Palace, at no extra cost. Now, I hate being upgraded, so I threw a fit, and then went back to the car. When one pays for pedestrian, one should expect pedestrian.  Got back into the car and off we went. The extra 150 meters seemed to take forever, and I was still steaming about being moved to a 5-star. Finally arrived, and checked in. Was informed about the many options to eat and drink, and we were given our wristbands. As we were walking to our room, the clerk called me back. "Sir, we request that our guests wear pants to dinner." Oops! (note to self: drive back to house and get some when the kids take their naps). Our room was really nice. A huge bedroom containing two queen sized beds pushed together. We had requested a crib for the little one, but seeing that the bed could sleep a small Yucatecan village, we decided not to ask again. Kids bounced on the bed for a bit, and we were off...... to EAT. Now, the food at this resort is unbelievable. The choices made me nervous. "Should I eat more salmon or go for another round of artichoke hearts?" "I don't want to fill up too much on salad, but the salad bar goes for another 50 meters." "Papa, I want more french fries!" "Ice cream sundae or pecan pie?" "Papa, mas papas, por favor!!" "Is that steak?!" "What?, why would I want to make reservations for the Japanese restaurant when you have tempura everything here?" "Yes, another capuchino would be nice." After lunch, it was off to the beach. The Riu Palace is a palace. The grounds looked none the worse for wear from Wilma, except for some palm tree damage. The beach was huge and well groomed. The waves were a bit big for the kids, so we moved to the kiddy pool, which is right next to the playground. We spent a lot of our weekend in those chairs. Kids were tired, so we went back to the room, where they passed out. I made the 20 minute round trip to get pants, and we were back in the dining hall again. Same quotes as above. Went to bed around 10ish. In the AM, I looked across the bed, and thought I saw my wife and younger son. Where was Aaron? After doing more recon, I found him. He was on the other side of me, near the edge of the bed, buried under about 6 tons of blanket. He told me the AC had gotten to him. Breakfast. SAUSAGE LINKS a la Jimmy Dean. Oh my! Pancakes, cheeses, meats, poached eggs. I hardly ever eat breakfast, but I couldn't resist. Add 2 more kilos, one to my gut and the other straight to my ass. Back to the pool. Wife enjoys a couple of piņa coladas, and daddy has more cappuchinos. Kids like the 7-Up and popcorn. Well, repeat the food and pool experiences, and there you have it. The staff of the Riu Palace is wonderful. They treated our kids like Prince's Edward and William. I saw 5 who study with us, and they were happy that we had chosen them to stay with. One of our ex-students rolls cigars there, and he gifted me a maduro torpedo. I enjoyed that after the kids went to sleep, and watched NBC and ABC (saw a new Deperate Housewives.) on the cable, and pretty much chilled. Today, its back to work. Oh, well. It was nice while it lasted and should be enough of a recharge to get me through to Christmas vacation. |
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11-14-2005
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#5 (permalink) |
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way into it
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Virginia
Posts: 149
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Wow! No flight cancellations and minimal delays.
It should be so good for all of us.Since you didn't mention security I guess you didn't have any contraband like lighters or scissors. Experienced travelers!! Glad you got the chance to 'vacation' at home. |
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11-14-2005
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#7 (permalink) | |
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2005
Location: We'll know when we get there, We'll find mercy
Posts: 8,963
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Quote:
The hotel had the same package, but ABC was coming out of Hamilton, Ontario, and NBC had no sound for half of the day. Cablevision needs some help before the whole world goes Sky. |
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11-14-2005
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#8 (permalink) | |||
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Niiiice!!
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: In the cukoos nest....
Posts: 6,217
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Glad you had such a wonderful time!! You deserved it!! 
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11-14-2005
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#9 (permalink) | |
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2005
Location: We'll know when we get there, We'll find mercy
Posts: 8,963
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Quote:
The RIU was by no means full, but there were quite a few people poolside. I was walking my youngest (Benjamin) to get some more popcorn, when he blurted out "Papa, boooooooby!" I, of course, looked at what had him so excited, and sure enough there was a nice young lady, about 15 feet away. She giggled and I just shrugged the "what can I say" shrug. Before I even looked back, I hear "Otro booooby!" By this time, I was feeling a bit stared upon, so I rushed him to the bar. When we returned, he informed his mom and brother that there were "muchos boobies" in the hotel. |
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11-14-2005
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#12 (permalink) |
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aņejo
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: southern US
Posts: 1,538
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Love the tongue in cheek approach. I'm sorry you had to go back home to collect the necessary pants! Ever since I read you guys were "getting away", I couldn't wait to hear of your "trip". I've often wondered where peeps who live in paradise go for vacation?? A suburban setting, perhaps?  A touch of the "average man's" reality?Soooooo, the boobs were nice, but how was the weather?????? Did you get a lot of rain?Desparate Housewives, although I loved the first season, seems to have lost their edge a bit (IMHO) When will Gabrielle start showing??? And, suddenly, a black family has moved into an all white neighborhood and nobody is buzzing about this? Even a good "buzz"? Bree has lost her edge. And it's obviously not passion that is clouding her "perfect world". (Sorry, a little off-topic...  )
Last edited by sunnygrl; 11-14-2005 at 03:31 PM.. |
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11-14-2005
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#14 (permalink) | |
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2005
Location: We'll know when we get there, We'll find mercy
Posts: 8,963
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Quote:
The weather on the other hand, was great. It rained one night while we were sleeping, but otherwise it was sunny and warm. |
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Glad you had a nice relaxing weekend!
