Kaki's GPR Trip Report - With Some Classic Playa Mixed In - Page 4

kaki321 · 06-20-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by angelhouston819

yes...that was too cute how we were matching!!! looking forward to the next installment...

A few pics for you A'...you and the boys circa 2006.

This is when you asked Jackson to show his muscles to you.

kaki321 · 06-20-2011

A quick out of sequence installment - - doing it now while knowing how to post YouTube videos is fresh in my mind!

Grant is quite the dancer, I may be biased as his mom, but I think he has mad skillz!

To set up this clip I need to give you some baseline info. Here is a clip of Grant dancing in the kitchen...

Here is Grant when pulled on stage by a scantily clad GPR showgirl/dancer! It's a very short clip...I think he was a little distracted, but he held his own.

kaki321 · 06-20-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lemarier

Loving your trip report. Your boys are adorable!!!

Thanks! They keep me busy

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sol

Love your trip report! I can't wait to read more about your trip.

Thanks again!

Quote:

Originally Posted by sueann

Thankyou so much for you trip report! As the Mom of two sons myself I know how much fun they are, and yours are so cute! I'm only sorry my boys were just about adults before we got to Playa as a family, but that's how it goes. lol

I am hoping they have lifetime memories of Playa. 3rd trip for Jackson, I think 6th for Grant.

. I am sure your boys loved Playa with their mom, no matter what age they were when you first went.

kaki321 · 06-20-2011

Day 4 - - The sun through the clouds…

You know that feeling when you first wake up in Playa and want to head right to the window to see if you are dreaming, or if you REALLY are here…and wanting to see the blue Playa sky…well, heading to the window I felt strongly optimistic, but alas, the rain continued.

I think I may have shed a quiet tear or two at this point

, mostly wondering how in the world we were going to keep busy / entertained all day if today was a repeat of yesterday

. (I posted on the forum and got some great suggestions, thanks snappysammy, but we didn’t end up needing them!)

The boys went down for breakfast, but I ordered room service (Eggs Benedict). I was feeling blah and wanted some time to myself. I have to say all of the times we ordered room service we were never disappointed. The food always came within 20-30 minutes, was always hot, fresh and good.

I don’t have any pictures from that morning, or even that afternoon so I am not entirely sure of what we did to pass the time, but I do recall having some beers on the balcony with Miles while we watched the rain.

It was only 10am but I didn’t care. I wanted some beer with my rain! We had brought our iPod and there was a BOSE player right in the room. We had a little mini late morning / early afternoon dance party.

Miles was doing his best to “make the best of things” and assured me the rain would pass

. Don’t get me wrong, I am happy the land got the rain it needed, but we were going on about 30 hours now, enough was enough!

Around 2pm the sky broke and the rain clouds passed.

We only saw passing 10 minute showers here and there for the next 5 days, we were back on track for the sunny beach vacation we had been dreaming about!

After an afternoon at the pool, we got ready to head to Carboncitos for dinner. We took a cab down to Juarez (50 pesos I think because we were in the Que at the GPR) and walked a few blocks to Calle 4 and Carboncitos. Russell was there and I introduced myself and told him how much we loved his food.

I had been craving the salsa sampler, margaritas and the shrimp/bacon/pepper/cheese dish, and was SO satisfied. The food was phenomenal.

(I got mine no peppers)

Ice cream at Aldo

Afterward, we took a leisurely walk down 5th back to the GPR. Miles scoped out more Jelly Fish lamps, Grant got more bling for his neck, and I think I picked up a headband and a blanket.

Random shots on 5th. Dontcha just love Playa??

Here ends Day 4. Tomorrow, Akumal and Tulum and Kaki gets an owie.

caramba · 06-20-2011

Really enjoying your report!

snappysammy · 06-20-2011

yeah, the shrimp alambre at carboncitos is really a great dish

PortlandNative · 06-21-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaki321

Hey Eric! Nice to "see" you. I will definitely say Hi to Miles for you...you wouldn't believe the changes we have gone through the past 4 years. After 20 years in Advertising, Miles went back to school get his Master's in Education and he starts student teaching 5th grade this Fall!

Hope Patti and the kids are doing well!!

Girls are doing fantastic.
That's so very cool Miles is going to do something he loves. He's a deep thinker, and I am sure he will inspire a lot of kids!

policegirl · 06-21-2011

woohoo!! Isn't it amazing how someone's pictures, especially someone you don't know, lol.. can still get you soooo excited to get to Playa!! lol.. Loving your report!! Can't wait to get there!! According to the countdown on my iphone it's only 17 days 6minutes and 17 seconds from right now till we leave!!

kaki321 · 06-21-2011

Day 5 –Akumal and Tulum

Today we have a private transport/van from Playa.Info picking us up at 9:30 to head to Akumal and Tulum!

After a quick breakfast, we packed up our donations for the Hekab Be Biblioteca in Akumal. The boys were really eyeing the matchbox cars, gogo’s and bakugan toys, but they were also excited to see the children’s library in Akumal, and drop off the donations.

Our driver Arturo was punctual, and after some language barrier issues that prompted him to call his supervisor (which worked out fantastic!), we were on our way. The drive was only about 30 minutes and we got to the library just after it opened.

I had a few large bags of donations that I absent-mindedly tried to maneuver out of the van by myself

…lost my footing on the way down and fell /“slid” across the unforgiving gravel road.

Holy crap, that hurt, I was afraid to move. Miles was there to help me to my feet but I knew I had done some damage from my left foot all the way up that side of my body. I knew I would feel it later.

LATER? Hell no, my entire shin was bleeding and I was feeling it NOW!

We got into the library where Carlos was there giving a Spanish lesson to a very nice lady, who happens to own a restaurant in Akumal (Margaritaville? Tequilaville?). Carlos had some rubbing alcohol to help me cleanse my wounds on my shin, which was good.

No kids were there yet, but the boys were instantly astounded by the library…mainly the size (smallness) of it and relative lack of resources compared to what they were used to. I felt the “life lesson” creeping into their souls and I was hopeful during this moment…hoping it would resonate with them.

We chatted a bit, but had to be on our way to continue the day.

Arturo drove us through the arches and straight to the Lol Ha beach area where we rented chairs (50 pesos each) and plopped down near the Akumal Dive Shop for a few hours before heading to Tulum and Ziggy’s for the afternoon.

Everyone was so excited to be there! The boys didn’t waste any time getting into the water.

However, my leg was screaming in pain and I couldn’t stand it. I was miserable. I went to the bathrooms/locker rooms behind the Lol Ha Palapa restaurant to change into my bathing suit, but barely made it over there before I was sitting at the bar and asking for a bag of ice. They were so sweet there, they weren’t even open yet (it was about 10:15 am), but they gave me a huge bag of ice.

This was my resting place and view for a while. Not a bad place to be while in pain!

Miles and the boys saw a ton of fish, but no Tortugas.

I feel sad about this, but I think the turtles were just out too far that day. We saw many snorkel groups go out, but didn’t do so ourselves. They had a great time anyways.

I look forward to seeing what Miles caught on video tape.

We decided to eat at Lol Ha before heading to Tulum. Pics of Lol Ha…

I had the coconut shrimp, very good!

Miles had a fish sandwich, also very good!

Grant had a HUGE burger, Jackson went for the chicken fingers.

I like these shots of the boys there

Jackson loves spicy foods and decided to go one-on-one with a tortilla chip and some hot sauce…

The preparation….

Here goes nothing!!

OMG Mamma!!

Caliente!

Here is our bill. I will call this our one “splurge” of the 9 day trip because it was our highest check for eating out. Totally worth it though. A very enjoyable lunch.

We left about 12:30 to head to Tulum. I was still in a world of pain, but trying to ignore it.

Day 5 to be continued….

kaki321 · 06-21-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by caramba

Really enjoying your report!

Thanks so much! Positive reinforcement is motivating to continue

Quote:

Originally Posted by snappysammy

yeah, the shrimp alambre at carboncitos is really a great dish

I forgot the formal name, thanks snappysammy

Quote:

Originally Posted by PortlandNative

Girls are doing fantastic.
That's so very cool Miles is going to do something he loves. He's a deep thinker, and I am sure he will inspire a lot of kids!

I believe he will Eric. He has already "taught" (observation hours) in many of the local area elementary schools and has some little buddies around the neighborhood. I get a kick out of running into his students at the pool or park. "Hello Mr. Lee!"

. He's strict though.

Quote:

Originally Posted by policegirl

woohoo!! Isn't it amazing how someone's pictures, especially someone you don't know, lol.. can still get you soooo excited to get to Playa!! lol.. Loving your report!! Can't wait to get there!! According to the countdown on my iphone it's only 17 days 6minutes and 17 seconds from right now till we leave!!

I know, right? I felt the same way reading everyone else's reports leading up to this last trip. Glad you are enjoying it, jealous you are leaving soon!!

janied · 06-21-2011

the look on Jackson's face ... priceless!!!

so sorry you took a tumble ..

still loving your report!

angelhouston819 · 06-22-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaki321

A few pics for you A'...you and the boys circa 2006.

This is when you asked Jackson to show his muscles to you.

i remember him telling me he was really strong!! gosh, we had some fun times that trip!!

kaki321 · 06-22-2011

Day 5 continued – Tulum / Cabanas Tulum and Ziggy’s Bistro/beach club

I was very excited to head off to Tulum. On our last trip we spent an unforgettable day at El Paraiso beach club. The beauty of this stretch of beach in Tulum is unmatched, and I was so anxious to see it with my own eyes again.

We decided to visit the Cabanas Tulum and Ziggy’s Bistro/beach club instead this time, and were not disappointed!

We pulled up to Ziggy’s and were very warmly greeted by Lina who said she had been expecting us!

Even came right to the door of the van, asking if I was Kathleen. Wow!

A big, huge SHOUT OUT to Anna Tortuga for setting up the "VIP service / treatment" for us.

Just the personal greeting in and of itself made us feel special and welcomed.

Lina gave us a quick tour of the Cabana Tulum grounds (very nice!) and we settled in at a table at Ziggy’s bistro. The boys wasted no time at all getting on the trampoline.

Jackson...always making a funny face

Our views for the day…we went back and forth between the table and the beds. Very nice!

Jackson "checking it all out"....

Is he "checking out" her butt?

Siesta time for Grant...

Sand castle fun...

2 for 1 Drinks! Mojitos…

I have fond memories of “riding the waves” last time we were in Tulum, and I was anxious to do it again…after having a drink I rushed to the water to get my body-surfing groove going and “dove” right in.

Unfortunately, I forgot about one little, teeny-tiny complication….

(warning, graphic skin shot coming up! note: this was taken a few days later, but gives you an idea...)

YOWSA!

Talk about pouring SALT in a WOUND!

What the hell was I thinking?

If my shin could have spoke to me I am quite sure it would have called me every name in the book.

The sheer pain of being in the ocean with open cuts was astounding. Not one of my smartest moves.

But I kept swimming, and riding the waves. I had sand EVERYWHERE, in every nook, cranny and crevice - - and I didn’t care.

. Of course the 2 X 1 drinks helped.

What a beautiful experience, even through the pain. Love those waves…

Packing up around 4:30 was hard, funny how fast 4 hours just sitting on a beach can fly by.

Once back at the GPR I was in need of some wound washing and antibiotics, so I explained my need to Anthony in guest services (I think he was really one of those Time share guys, but he knew better than to “pitch” me then and there

). Anthony made one call and Alexis the very cute Lifeguard/Medic showed up with a medical kit as big as a trunk.

(note: Alexis aka “Baywatch” - - nicknamed this by his fellow staff members

)

Now my preference would have been to take this behind closed doors, but noooooooo - - they had to tend to my leg right there in the lobby while I was on the couch. Ok, whatever. We had lots of laughs during the process… Anthony called me a “baby” for my wincing and groaning when Alexis was scrubbing gravel out of my leg

, but it’s all good.

I was pleased with the service, response and how they took care of me. Anthony even called the room a few hours later to see how I was feeling…or was it to pitch a Time share presentation to me?

I will never know, I wasn’t there to answer the call.

We had dinner at Albatros that night - - it was Italian night. Among many, many other choices, they had a pasta station where you could design your own dish and pick your own pasta and sauce and they would cook it all up for you on the spot. This is what I ended up with. It was pretty good.

The boys were finally getting used to being served water in large wine glasses…

We also caught the "night show" for the first time, which happens every night at 8:30. Grant was called up on stage to dance with a show girl.

There ends Day 5.

Day 6 brings more pool and cabana/beach action, and a trip to ah cacao for brownies, and the Luna Blue where we did shots with some Peeps!

To be continued…

angelhouston819 · 06-22-2011

ahhhhh...love the pics at Ziggys. it's a much more laid back, quieter beach area than at El Paraiso. plus, i love the 2x1 drinks. the staff there always takes good care of you!! time seems to fly while there....

kaki321 · 06-22-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by angelhouston819

ahhhhh...love the pics at Ziggys. it's a much more laid back, quieter beach area than at El Paraiso. plus, i love the 2x1 drinks. the staff there always takes good care of you!! time seems to fly while there....

Agree, agree, agree and agree!

If it were just Miles and I going, I would totally want to spend a few nights here (and have thought about it seriously for if we ever get away alone!)...but I think the boys would need more "activity" and a pool.

I think I saw that you were thinking of spending a few days here A'??

06-20-2011	#47 (permalink)
kaki321 añejo Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Chicago, Il Posts: 1,502	YouTube! A quick out of sequence installment - - doing it now while knowing how to post YouTube videos is fresh in my mind! Grant is quite the dancer, I may be biased as his mom, but I think he has mad skillz! To set up this clip I need to give you some baseline info. Here is a clip of Grant dancing in the kitchen... Here is Grant when pulled on stage by a scantily clad GPR showgirl/dancer! It's a very short clip...I think he was a little distracted, but he held his own. Last edited by kaki321; 06-20-2011 at 03:08 PM..

06-20-2011	#49 (permalink)
kaki321 añejo Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Chicago, Il Posts: 1,502	Day 4 - - The sun through the clouds… You know that feeling when you first wake up in Playa and want to head right to the window to see if you are dreaming, or if you REALLY are here…and wanting to see the blue Playa sky…well, heading to the window I felt strongly optimistic, but alas, the rain continued. I think I may have shed a quiet tear or two at this point , mostly wondering how in the world we were going to keep busy / entertained all day if today was a repeat of yesterday . (I posted on the forum and got some great suggestions, thanks snappysammy, but we didn’t end up needing them!) The boys went down for breakfast, but I ordered room service (Eggs Benedict). I was feeling blah and wanted some time to myself. I have to say all of the times we ordered room service we were never disappointed. The food always came within 20-30 minutes, was always hot, fresh and good. I don’t have any pictures from that morning, or even that afternoon so I am not entirely sure of what we did to pass the time, but I do recall having some beers on the balcony with Miles while we watched the rain. It was only 10am but I didn’t care. I wanted some beer with my rain! We had brought our iPod and there was a BOSE player right in the room. We had a little mini late morning / early afternoon dance party. Miles was doing his best to “make the best of things” and assured me the rain would pass . Don’t get me wrong, I am happy the land got the rain it needed, but we were going on about 30 hours now, enough was enough! Around 2pm the sky broke and the rain clouds passed. We only saw passing 10 minute showers here and there for the next 5 days, we were back on track for the sunny beach vacation we had been dreaming about! After an afternoon at the pool, we got ready to head to Carboncitos for dinner. We took a cab down to Juarez (50 pesos I think because we were in the Que at the GPR) and walked a few blocks to Calle 4 and Carboncitos. Russell was there and I introduced myself and told him how much we loved his food. I had been craving the salsa sampler, margaritas and the shrimp/bacon/pepper/cheese dish, and was SO satisfied. The food was phenomenal. (I got mine no peppers) Ice cream at Aldo Afterward, we took a leisurely walk down 5th back to the GPR. Miles scoped out more Jelly Fish lamps, Grant got more bling for his neck, and I think I picked up a headband and a blanket. Random shots on 5th. Dontcha just love Playa?? Here ends Day 4. Tomorrow, Akumal and Tulum and Kaki gets an owie. __________________ Trip Report - NOW Jade + Isla Mujeres Day Trip 2012 Trip Report - GPR - With Some Classic Playa Mixed In 2011 Trip Report - Kaki and Family Do Playa 2006 Last edited by kaki321; 06-20-2011 at 04:34 PM..

06-21-2011	#54 (permalink)
kaki321 añejo Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Chicago, Il Posts: 1,502	Day 5 –Akumal and Tulum Today we have a private transport/van from Playa.Info picking us up at 9:30 to head to Akumal and Tulum! After a quick breakfast, we packed up our donations for the Hekab Be Biblioteca in Akumal. The boys were really eyeing the matchbox cars, gogo’s and bakugan toys, but they were also excited to see the children’s library in Akumal, and drop off the donations. Our driver Arturo was punctual, and after some language barrier issues that prompted him to call his supervisor (which worked out fantastic!), we were on our way. The drive was only about 30 minutes and we got to the library just after it opened. I had a few large bags of donations that I absent-mindedly tried to maneuver out of the van by myself …lost my footing on the way down and fell /“slid” across the unforgiving gravel road. Holy crap, that hurt, I was afraid to move. Miles was there to help me to my feet but I knew I had done some damage from my left foot all the way up that side of my body. I knew I would feel it later. LATER? Hell no, my entire shin was bleeding and I was feeling it NOW! We got into the library where Carlos was there giving a Spanish lesson to a very nice lady, who happens to own a restaurant in Akumal (Margaritaville? Tequilaville?). Carlos had some rubbing alcohol to help me cleanse my wounds on my shin, which was good. No kids were there yet, but the boys were instantly astounded by the library…mainly the size (smallness) of it and relative lack of resources compared to what they were used to. I felt the “life lesson” creeping into their souls and I was hopeful during this moment…hoping it would resonate with them. We chatted a bit, but had to be on our way to continue the day. Arturo drove us through the arches and straight to the Lol Ha beach area where we rented chairs (50 pesos each) and plopped down near the Akumal Dive Shop for a few hours before heading to Tulum and Ziggy’s for the afternoon. Everyone was so excited to be there! The boys didn’t waste any time getting into the water. However, my leg was screaming in pain and I couldn’t stand it. I was miserable. I went to the bathrooms/locker rooms behind the Lol Ha Palapa restaurant to change into my bathing suit, but barely made it over there before I was sitting at the bar and asking for a bag of ice. They were so sweet there, they weren’t even open yet (it was about 10:15 am), but they gave me a huge bag of ice. This was my resting place and view for a while. Not a bad place to be while in pain! Miles and the boys saw a ton of fish, but no Tortugas. I feel sad about this, but I think the turtles were just out too far that day. We saw many snorkel groups go out, but didn’t do so ourselves. They had a great time anyways. I look forward to seeing what Miles caught on video tape. We decided to eat at Lol Ha before heading to Tulum. Pics of Lol Ha… I had the coconut shrimp, very good! Miles had a fish sandwich, also very good! Grant had a HUGE burger, Jackson went for the chicken fingers. I like these shots of the boys there Jackson loves spicy foods and decided to go one-on-one with a tortilla chip and some hot sauce… The preparation…. Here goes nothing!! OMG Mamma!! Caliente! Here is our bill. I will call this our one “splurge” of the 9 day trip because it was our highest check for eating out. Totally worth it though. A very enjoyable lunch. We left about 12:30 to head to Tulum. I was still in a world of pain, but trying to ignore it. Day 5 to be continued…. Last edited by kaki321; 06-21-2011 at 04:57 PM..

06-22-2011	#58 (permalink)
kaki321 añejo Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Chicago, Il Posts: 1,502	Day 5 continued – Tulum / Cabanas Tulum and Ziggy’s Bistro/beach club I was very excited to head off to Tulum. On our last trip we spent an unforgettable day at El Paraiso beach club. The beauty of this stretch of beach in Tulum is unmatched, and I was so anxious to see it with my own eyes again. We decided to visit the Cabanas Tulum and Ziggy’s Bistro/beach club instead this time, and were not disappointed! We pulled up to Ziggy’s and were very warmly greeted by Lina who said she had been expecting us! Even came right to the door of the van, asking if I was Kathleen. Wow! A big, huge SHOUT OUT to Anna Tortuga for setting up the "VIP service / treatment" for us. Just the personal greeting in and of itself made us feel special and welcomed. Lina gave us a quick tour of the Cabana Tulum grounds (very nice!) and we settled in at a table at Ziggy’s bistro. The boys wasted no time at all getting on the trampoline. Jackson...always making a funny face Our views for the day…we went back and forth between the table and the beds. Very nice! Jackson "checking it all out".... Is he "checking out" her butt? Siesta time for Grant... Sand castle fun... 2 for 1 Drinks! Mojitos… I have fond memories of “riding the waves” last time we were in Tulum, and I was anxious to do it again…after having a drink I rushed to the water to get my body-surfing groove going and “dove” right in. Unfortunately, I forgot about one little, teeny-tiny complication…. (warning, graphic skin shot coming up! note: this was taken a few days later, but gives you an idea...) YOWSA! Talk about pouring SALT in a WOUND! What the hell was I thinking? If my shin could have spoke to me I am quite sure it would have called me every name in the book. The sheer pain of being in the ocean with open cuts was astounding. Not one of my smartest moves. But I kept swimming, and riding the waves. I had sand EVERYWHERE, in every nook, cranny and crevice - - and I didn’t care. . Of course the 2 X 1 drinks helped. What a beautiful experience, even through the pain. Love those waves… Packing up around 4:30 was hard, funny how fast 4 hours just sitting on a beach can fly by. Once back at the GPR I was in need of some wound washing and antibiotics, so I explained my need to Anthony in guest services (I think he was really one of those Time share guys, but he knew better than to “pitch” me then and there ). Anthony made one call and Alexis the very cute Lifeguard/Medic showed up with a medical kit as big as a trunk. (note: Alexis aka “Baywatch” - - nicknamed this by his fellow staff members ) Now my preference would have been to take this behind closed doors, but noooooooo - - they had to tend to my leg right there in the lobby while I was on the couch. Ok, whatever. We had lots of laughs during the process… Anthony called me a “baby” for my wincing and groaning when Alexis was scrubbing gravel out of my leg , but it’s all good. I was pleased with the service, response and how they took care of me. Anthony even called the room a few hours later to see how I was feeling…or was it to pitch a Time share presentation to me? I will never know, I wasn’t there to answer the call. We had dinner at Albatros that night - - it was Italian night. Among many, many other choices, they had a pasta station where you could design your own dish and pick your own pasta and sauce and they would cook it all up for you on the spot. This is what I ended up with. It was pretty good. The boys were finally getting used to being served water in large wine glasses… We also caught the "night show" for the first time, which happens every night at 8:30. Grant was called up on stage to dance with a show girl. There ends Day 5. Day 6 brings more pool and cabana/beach action, and a trip to ah cacao for brownies, and the Luna Blue where we did shots with some Peeps! To be continued… Last edited by kaki321; 06-22-2011 at 02:54 PM..

06-20-2011	#50 (permalink)
caramba añejo Join Date: May 2002 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 6,644	Really enjoying your report!

06-20-2011	#51 (permalink)
snappysammy añejo Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 12,271	yeah, the shrimp alambre at carboncitos is really a great dish

06-21-2011	#53 (permalink)
policegirl life=playa Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 547	woohoo!! Isn't it amazing how someone's pictures, especially someone you don't know, lol.. can still get you soooo excited to get to Playa!! lol.. Loving your report!! Can't wait to get there!! According to the countdown on my iphone it's only 17 days 6minutes and 17 seconds from right now till we leave!!

06-21-2011	#56 (permalink)
janied reposado Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Pittsburgh Posts: 1,017	the look on Jackson's face ... priceless!!! so sorry you took a tumble .. still loving your report!

06-22-2011	#59 (permalink)
angelhouston819 añejo Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Dallas, Texas Posts: 9,431	ahhhhh...love the pics at Ziggys. it's a much more laid back, quieter beach area than at El Paraiso. plus, i love the 2x1 drinks. the staff there always takes good care of you!! time seems to fly while there....

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