From slush to sand. The Yucatan Peninsula in 2011

The Princess and her sons decided to ring in the 2011 New Year with the Mayans. According to their 2012 Prophecy, this is our last year to enjoy this beautiful world. What better way to celebrate the changing year then by immersing oneself in their sand, sun and Agave plants. No, this princess has not developed a sudden interest in horticulture. Instead, she has discovered the essence of La Sauza. For the lay, this means Tequila. For those interested in the reasons behind worms in some lower end Tequila bottles...it has medicinal properties. Apparently, the Agave hosts those same worms and the elderly benefit from the “vitaminas” in the cocktail.

Though the weather in Montreal has been mild and gorgeous, one needs not an excuse to pass up the chance to roam sandy, sugar beaches, staring at the ocean under a palapa with an exotic drink at hand, kayaking the rocky waves, listening to endless tunes of Bob Marley “one love, one heart”...seriously, when did all sunny destinations become Marley Reps? Does Mexico not have its own music icon?

Resort culture is an interesting breed of community spirit. It is the one place where we roam freely with little clothing on. In fact, in some cases, some prefer the topless appeal of beachwear. Two ladies in their forties seemed to show little inhibition to sunbathe topless...even when one lady’s husband wondered if it was appropriate when my sons were blatantly staring at THEM. Interestingly, the lady did say the following “what’s the big deal, dear, they are not even REAL...remember, implants, Babe!” Upon closer inspection, I have to say she must have asked for a discounted rate...they were far from SPECTACULAR!

All inclusive resorts are in fact very appealing. You rarely need a wallet during the duration of your stay. Meals, activities and liquor are endless. It never seemed to be an issue until this trip where my adolescent son (almost 15) was wondering why was EVERYONE drunk starting from breakfast? I know of this one Princess who began a trend at the local coffee shop at 7am, where she would request her usual non-fat latte with a splash of Baileys. What??? Don’t knock it until you try it. I do need to royally thank the Emirates Winds for teaching me this most delightful, naughty behaviour. Baileys is now the better part of my healthy breakfast.

Aqua aerobics is a great social mixer for single folks. Oh ya, it also has an added advantage for keeping one fit. This is the one venue where you roam in your bathing suit, need not worry about your make up or hair-do and you bounce, punch, hop and hold hands with strangers. Why don’t I do aqua fitness back home? Should I check the local YMCA for the singles’ aqua mixer? Another interesting fact is watching the spectators watching the fitness buffs. It’s exhausting! Especially, when you are at the swim up bar at 11am having downed three rounds of the cocktail of the day.

All the beach front cuartos (bedrooms) had these outdoor Jacuzzis. As were walking along the path, my eldest saw an older middle-aged man about to enter his tub with his rubber ducky. At which point, my son screams out loud “Ah C’MON, whatever happened to people having boundaries?”

All this being said, it has been a pleasure awaking at 5:45am to walk out of my room and walk right on the sandy beach, find a chair and listen to the waves all the while watching the sunrise. No two sunrises look the same. I have seen various hues of orange and blue purple with fluffs of clouds. The pelicans that fly over head scouting for the next fish are a show stopper. I don’t stop often enough to watch the sunrise. About seven months ago, I had made it a point to sleep with half my shades down to allow the astonishing morning glow in my room. The habit had stopped. It’s now time to bring it back to LIFE.