DAY THREE
Up early, 7:00 and its overcast and a light rain. I’m a little irritable because of the weather, dang next trip will be in February, always have good luck then! Head for breakfast at Spice which is very good, we ate there every morning from then on. Easy to please us both!
Call home just to check on things, hear its 8 F at home, too bad so sad!
Decide to head back to 5th and buy some stuff. Granddaughters both want babies, so I’m on the search for the perfect ones. End up buying some t-shirts and browsing, dang its started to get hot. Head back to the room for a quick change and off to the beach. Spent most of the day on the beach. Totally awesome day was overcast off and on, but the breeze from the ocean, can’t beat it! Walked the beach passed ShangriLa and even waved at the webcam.
Back to our resort, went up to the pool for a bit. Helpful and friendly staff were everywhere, never waited long for anything. Couldn’t have made a better choice in an AI hotel.
DAY FOUR
Up early today is Formula 1 (not much for doing excursions, but this one sounded like something we both would enjoy) – Had a quick bite of breakfast and headed over to the Gran Porto Real our pickup spot. We’re early so I walked back to browse the window of an awesome shoe store at the Royal. Dang gonna have to work him, I found a pair I gotta have!
Just mentioned to Jay that I wondered if Catskillsmom was being picked up there too, and she walked up an introduced herself and her group. How cool is that! Talked a few minutes and there was our ride. Picked up another couple along the way that were staying at the Riu Palace. Off we go to the boat! Jason went over the boat rules etc., and we load onto the boat. We get the front seat with Kenny, we’re boaters and realize this is probably gonna be the roughest seat on the boat. Since its been a few months since Illinois boaters could be out, we are pumped and ready to fly! Dang I wish they’d let me drive it – I’m “a really good driver rainmain” – not to be! Driver says thumbs up or down, let’s go….. With 14 people or so on it, the boat scooted nicely, not too choppy today.
Our first stop is a nice little beach, where the beginner snorkeler (that’s me and several others) can practice. Usually I’m too chicken to get out of the boat in saltwater, I couldn’t have been more comfortable. After a few practices, I’m parched and Jason offers us a beer. Hit the spot! We’re off to another area to snorkel and check out the ceynote (w/crocs) people were actually in the ceynote (guess they should have had Jason as their guide) and small ruin. Nice spot and hey I think I can do this snorkel thing, now I feel silly for never trying it before. Must have seen “Jaws” too many times as a child or something! Headed off to the park in hopes of seeing the sea turtles. The debate is whether I can do the long snorkel route or short one. Decide on the long one and loved it! Its our lucky day the turtles make an appearance they are too cool! Saw some fish, but not a lot, not sure what’s up with that, was there damage from the hurricane or just not the day for it? Head up for lunch with the group – fish tacos (Jason pushed those) and they were very good and the margaritas were very strong. Had to buy the birthday boy (Dave) a shot, his son was pushing him to have a good time!
We talked to Jason about possibly doing a beginner dive instruction, etc. Never snorkeled before today and already wanna try that too! Could get us in on our last full sun day at the beach. Well maybe next time – can’t give up the sun the last day!
Time to go, it’s a little choppier now, and the front seat may not be the best one. Oh well tough it out, we’re on vacation, my tailbone feels to be at my throat about now LOL. We check out the marina and dolphins before we leave, dang they have some awesome looking places to stay here. Puerto Aventurous is that where we are? Anybody stay here before and if so where? I’ll have to look it up for our next trip.
Back to the pool at the hotel. Need a few drinks and some lounge time. Love this hotel, the grounds are meticulously maintained and staff is genuinely friendly. We’re not high maintenance travelers, but they have truly spoiled us both! Hopefully the rates don’t go up to an ungodly amount. Already planning in my mind our next trip, before we even go home. What’s with that?
DAY FIVE
The beach – one of the masseuse guys from the hotel approached me about this for an on the beach massage. His table was set up in front of everybody – decided not to be on display. Told Jay about it and the place next door actually had some huts set up at the back. We decided what the heck and went over to negotiate a price for both of us. $60 for 30 minutes for both of us, told them we’d be back shortly. Neither one of us has ever had a massage. Carlos and Flower were awesome. I was a little freaked out that they pulled my top off, mortified to be exact, but fortunately I managed to not give a show! Call me a prude but that is not the norm for me! OMG this is the life I could do this everyday! Jay said Flower worked him over. Unfortunately the ½ hour was over way too quickly! Already planning to come back for more!
Go back to the room, need to make a few calls, have to call the hens and rub it in one more time! They are gonna brain me when I get back! LOL
Relaxed on the beach and had a few more drinks, then headed up to the pool for a while. Headed back to the room for the ritual nap and then to dinner and back to town. Afterall had more shopping to do and back to the hotel.
DAY SIX
Up at the crack of dawn 5:00 – forgot to take pictures too can’t believe it! Sat out on the patio with my coffee with a few other early birds! Knowing this is our last full day and that I totally worship the sun, Jay graciously asked if I wanted to spend the entire day on the beach! Yes of course if he could take it! He was a trooper and stayed as long as I wanted to, even sat up at the pool for several hours. Damn I don’t want to go home tomorrow! Gonna push for 10 days next time! The week just flies by too quickly, don’t ya think?
We’re both trying to cram images into our brain to keep us going till our next trip! Wanted to try parasail, but unfortunately its too windy again today – red flag was out several days.
DAY SEVEN
Up early, head to breakfast then to check out – our driver is picking us up at 8:20 – do we have to go? Hurry up and wait at the airport and we’re off. Till next time….
Must say I didn’t get in all the details of the restaurants up there, can’t remember when we ate where. But Asiana’s was very good ate there twice. Loved it! Went to the French and Italian restaurant twice, both were very good. Our past experience with AI’s is usually the 3rd night we’re sick of eating at the hotel. We ate at the hotel the entire trip. Food was very good, and neither of us had any problems with being sick. Was a little disappointed because I wanted to try Playa Maya and La Carboncita’s, but it just didn’t happen this trip.
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