TheTales ofBillinTulsa (Tour Guide) in Akumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico.

November 2 though 10, 1998

Accompanied by:
LynnJohnson, my Wife and Friend.
NancyFelts, my Friend.
RickKruse, my Friend.
Bill inTulsa, is Bill Johnson

These stories are true to the best of my Memories. You know how that goes!
But I will be as accurate as possible.
I truly hope you enjoy my tales of the Magical Akumal.
(Magical Place of the Turtles). Yours truly Bill in Tulsa
 

Vacation to Akumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico.

Time frame November 2, '98 to November 10, '98
Dia Seis

 

Good morning World, the nights sleep was enjoyed ever so much. Waking in this paradise is so much fun. I look forward to the Sunrise and the chance to enjoy my Wife and friends, Lynn,  Nancy and Rick.

Beach and Love in Magica Akumal

Coffee is good again. The Caribe is calm, cool and collected this AM. So beautiful, it is something out of a story book. We once again are looking forward to Breakfast at the Turtle Bay Bakery turtlebay@mail.caribe.net.mx ! Some of us are moving slowly this morning. The week of Adventure, Culture, and just down right Happiness is playing it’s toll on Us. We are tired and Loving it so very much. Rick is saying, OK youall, we have to get going so I can eat before it is Dive time! Okay Rick we are trying. We all get our stuff together for another Wonderful day in Paradise!

       
Akumal
Turtle Bay Cafe and Bakery

Good morning, Sydney, we have come for our breakfast. I have the Eggs, Bacon and Home fried Potatoes. The rest have something equally as good. Sydney probably has a great deal of the local breakfast crowd as we see them there any time we pass by.
The baked goods are fabulous. The home fried potatoes are super. The morning is very fresh and calm. We procrastinate in getting around after this meal. We are savoring the morning and the moment. Well it is time for Rick to check in at the Dive Center on the beach.

Akumal Bay
Villas Maya and Akumal Dive Center

He has just one dive today as we want to go the  again for a party. I know we have no imagination, but we are tired and need to just hang out today as we have a Wedding to this afternoon at Maya Tulum. Yep, Rob and Tina are still going to get hitched this fine day.

Akumal Bay Lol-Ha Beach Bar
Favorite Coco Tree

The girls find that favorite Coco tree to stake out and we pitch our camp in no time and hit the water. Ahh, so refreshing! The water is calm as glass this morning and we all get in some good snorkeling, that is except Rick, he is down at that 100 foot marker again enjoying what Divers enjoy. I tire of snorkeling and head back to the beach to wonder around and see the sites and reflect on the event that have lead up to today. I just can’t believe how wonderful I feel today. I have some tired bones as I sit at a desk or workbench most of my work day but today I feel absolutely marvelous! The stress of Life at home is totally gone and I feel like running down the beach, yes and that is what I do. I run and jump up and down on my way down the beach, isn’t life so full of life and joy. Boy, now I’m panting and sweating and ready for a drink of water and another swim. I’m cooling off and I see a guy heading for a fishing boat with food in hand. He is the captain of this Panga with signs painted on it exclaiming Fishing Trips, Snorkeling Trips and Robinson Crusoe Trips. The boat is very clean and rigged for four persons to be able to fish. I wonder what it is like to be a Fishing Tour Guide. I finish my swim and head for the towel back at the Coco tree next to the Lol-Ha beach bar.

I find myself wondering what this Fisherman is really like? I decide to stumble around and look at some of the other places around here. Not done that this trip.

Akumal Bay
Looking North to Eco-Center

I walk by Eco-logical Center and on out to the point where the Cannons are placed. They look like they are Protecting the entrance to Akumal Bay, fantasizing that there are Pirates on their way though the break in the coral, I load and aim the Cannons at them. They raise the International Signal flags of Surrender and I turn the Cannons away and allow them to Surrender without Harm. Oh, sorry I lost my head there for a moment. You know how boys are, don’t you. The cannons are from a Sunken Ship found not far from here years past. I take my imagination with me as I stroll back towards my Coco Tree. I have had a wonderful adventure and would like to rest after the battle. El Sol is already hot. I think a little shade is in order and maybe a little nap for the brain and body. Lie down on the towel and find my self wondering still about that Fisherman, can’t stand it and I get up to go see him.

Don Pablo El Pescador, Hola Senor! Como Esta Usted? Bien y Usted? Muy Bien Gracias. Habla Ingles? Yes I speak a little. Mi Nombre es Bill. Mucho Gusto Bill. Mi Nombre es Pablo. Mucho Gusto Don Pablo. In English my name is Paul. Yes, I know that as my son is Paul and I some times call him Pablito just for fun. My name in Spanish is Guillo, I tell him of my learning this since I’ve been here this vacation and he reaffirms that is correct. Nice to hear it from another soul. We chit chat about the weather and water conditions. Muy malo with Mitch having given us a scare and the water has been Malo. Yes I know that it has and that is why I’m not diving today. Oh you should be diving or at least going to Catch a Fish with me! No Pablo not this trip but I promise that next Vacation I will go with you to do Robinson Crusoe adventure. The beach at Xaac will be very dirty from the stormy waters. We will come next year and do it. He argees that it probably is not very good right now.

Xaac Bay
Robinson Crusoe Lunch

Pablo asks me how do you say?… he make the motion of setting the hook on a fish…I tell him that you says Set the Hook. He repeats it over and over so as to remember the term. He then points at the hook on the line and ask what is this called? I say Hook, no no this as he points at the knot. I tell him it is a Knot. Knot,knot. We talk on about how much I like it in Akumal. He starts telling me about how the Resort was started by Don Pablo (Bush), I tell him that I have met his Daughter Laura and her husband David. He laughs and says you know a lot about Akumal don’t you! I tell him that I have been studying about Akumal and area since 1991 when I went to Isla de Cozumel for my Honeymoon. He thinks that is great. I tell him of all my Mayan Amigos and how I always visit with them while I here. He say that he know Benito quite well. Boy, what a small world.

Pablo could I buy you a Cerveza? Oh, no Gracias Bill, I am working! I forgot I tell him and ask about a Coca con hielo? Si, Gracias. Off to the Bar for a Coca frio. I order Dos Cocas Por Favor. This is the first Coca for me in a long time. I take the Cocas y Hielo down to the Panga Boat and Pablo and I toast to his success. He loves Cocas and I endure. Tastes bad to me but I keep on enjoying the new found friendship with Pablo. Looking out to the Reef I see a Panga boat entering the Bay. I strain to see if it is the dive Panga that Rick is on. No such luck only a Lone Fisherman coming in to sell his Catch of the Day. Pablo would you mind if I write of you and your fishing trip and put it in my WebPage? I know of WebPages he says as he has a friend that has one. Yes Bill it would be great. I tell him I will post a picture of his boat and give his local Cell Phone number so when visitors come they can call him. Pablo is delighted.

Akumal Bay
Fishing Trips by Pablo
local cellphone # 01 98 448388

So here is a start Pablo at 01 98 448388, this is a local Akumal cell number. Catch a fish with Pablo a very interesting and wonderful man. Hey, here comes Rick! Well, Pablo has been fun meeting you. Hasta Pronto Pablo. Good-bye Bill nice to know you, don’t forget the Fishing and Robinson Crusoe next time! Believe me you that I will remember because he will not forget.

Hey, Lynn and Nancy here comes Rick. Think we can go to  for a Beer? Guess so if Rick can stand it. Rick is unloading from the Panga and headed for the Dive Center. Drops the tanks and rinses his equipment. Gotta get rid of that Agua de Sal. He’s headed this way and I offer a Cerveza from the beach bar and  he says Great Dive Day I saw this and that and many other things today and I wish I lived here and could go every day! Well okay bud, we’ll just stay forever and eat ?????? Guess your right Bill but! Yep, he and Nancy will be back again and again. We all finish our drinks and head for Casa Cenote for a drink.

Casa Cenote at Tankah Bay
Cerveza and Lunch

We arrive and find that there are quite a few people visiting today. That is great. They need the business like everyone does down here. Hola Amigos. Tres Dos Equis Por Favor y un Coca. They appear once again like Magic. Lynn gets her Chelada and they bring us Tosadas y Salsa. We order a lunch of Nachos and other tasty snacks. We can’t stay to long as today is Wedding day for Rob and Tina.

Tankah Bay
Casa Cenote Beach Bar
Restaurant and Casitas

The  water is fantastic and clear today and the bay is calm. Down that beer and head for a swim in the cool Caribe. It is wonderful. The sun is warm, there is always a nice cool breeze at  that feels great. The water is warm in parts and cool in others do to the underground River that dumps out in front. I swim and frolic around for awhile and return for another beer. We get our food and demolish it in a flash. Back to the water to play and enjoy the Magic of the Day. Counting our many Blessing as we admire the Beauty of the Sights of Tankah as this area is called. We better get to getting someone says as the time for the Wedding is approaching. Pay the bill and head for Akumal to get ready for The Wedding At Maya Tulum.

Half Moon Bay
Playa Blanca Condos

We get home and realize that we don’t have much time. So we race away at the time. First time for having to Race away so as not to be late for a Wedding in Tulum. I would have never thought I would be attending a Gringo Wedding in Tulum. Okay, everyones ready and we’re off and running to the car as we are going to be late with the traffic and detours on the highway to Tulum.

Entrance to Akumal
Super Chomak Store and Loncheria

Though the Arch at the SuperChomak and on to the highway. Looking both ways, I see that the traffic is quite heavy this afternoon and will have to be careful of it. I see my chance and pull across the highway turning left and step on it. We’re cruising at the legal speed limit. A taxi passes us and I start to follow him as he seems like he knows what he is doing. I keep up with him and decide to become a Mexican taxi driver. When he passes, I look and pass with him. When turns to avoid pot holes I turn to avoid pot holes and before my charges know what’s happening we are at the turn off to Maya Tulum (Osho Tulum). We turn left and wave at the taxi driver as he speeds off into the wild QRoo yonder. We zip along the broken blacktop of a road and slow to watch for Maya Tulum. We pass several places and slow to check it out. There it is up ahead. They have a nice place to park the car and we slip in beside a Blazer. Locking the car for all the good it will do. Not anything of value except our water bottles that we take every where we go. Yes most every where then you can have a drink any time you see fit.

Maya Tulum Restaurant and Cabannas
Flora de Mayo

We walk up the path through the Palms and other beautiful flowering bushes to the Restaurant and Bar. Low and behold there are our new found friends from our trip to Chichen Itza. Welcome to our daughters Wedding says Royce and Bernice. Hi youall, we been waiting for this day. Everyone say hi Bill from Tulsa and Lynn, Nancy and Rick. Want a  Cerveza? No, think we will Celebrate and have Cuatro Margaritas Por Favor. I slip up to the bar to retrieve the drinks and pay for those luscious drinks of Limon and Tequila y Hielo. They are fantastic. We wonder around saying hello to all the friends that we have made. We are waiting for Rob to show up. He appears in a Tux with short pants and sandals. Kewl dude, really kewl. I’m impressed with the choice of dress he has chosen. It is time to start heading out to the beach for the wedding. Tina is in a Cabana doing what brides to be are usually doing at this time before a wedding,  what ever that is . No one would ever tell me what that was and  I’ve been married three times. Lynn though is the final girl for me. We love each other and respect what it takes to be married. We are down for the final count and will be together until one is gone.

Maya Tulum
Sand Castle by an Ol Hippie

As we enter onto the beach I see a longhair guy having fun with a Sand Castle. I ask permission to photograph his work. He smiles and nods his approval, never stopping his work on the wonder of sand verses the wind. He has beaten the wind to some degree by sinking the castle in a hole. Kewl idea! He is ever knowing I guess. I thank him for allowing the picture. He again nods and doesn’t look up from his work.

Rob
Waiting and Waiting on the Beach

The beach and the Caribe are fantastically beautiful this evening. The Sky is doing a beautiful change of colors do to the time of day, probably knows it’s Tina and Robs day! The waves a rolling on to the beach singing their approval of the up coming event. They are cooperating with the exception of a little wind. It is cool, fresh and delightful.

       
Family, Friends and Crashers                          Daniel the Mayan Healer

Everyone is milling around the table setup as the Alter, Family, Friends, Crashers, Judge , Interpreter, Small boy and Mayan Healer. This is a day that will stay with me for the rest of my life. What a privilege it is for a Cyber stranger to be invited to an event so Private as this. I heard that the bride had called to talk to her sister about inviting me, she said that I had been helpful through all the Mitch scare and that she would like to invite me, however she was absolutely sure I was just another computer nerd and wasn’t sure I would fit in, Terry, her sister said just do it! Boy, what a case that is. What the world, I probably am just a computer nerd with some Hippie attributes. Or am I a hippie with some computer nerd attributes, well I guess I resemble those remarks. There are Flowers and Tiki Torches around the area of the Alter. It is a beautiful site for an Ol Hippie that believes in the non traditional. Everyone starts to get into position for the movie, any way it seems like a movie set to me!

Tina and her Father Brice
note official photographer Sara Petty in back

Here comes the bride, with her Father at her arm. She has chosen the traditional Wedding Dress, minus the shoes. She is bare foot. Her Father walks her up to Rob and hands her over to him with a great big smile with tears in his eyes. He is giving away his last little girl to a fine young man.

They stand there and the Judge from Tulum starts the ceremony. It is totally in Spanish, there is a Translator named Manuel who begins to translate. It is fantastically  beautiful. They exchange rings in a traditional way. This Judge has performed weddings before. If I didn’t know better I would have said he was a Minister or Priest. The judge proclaims you can Kiss the Bride and of course Rob does not hesitate for one little second, he embraces her and gives that first kiss of marriage! This is another one of those Magical Moments In The Quintana Roo. The Judge is finished and now it is time for the Mayan Ceremony. Yep, a second wedding already. They are serious about this Marriage. I have to tell you, only in the QRoo but there is a young boy called Fernando that lives near by that is crawling around

Fernando

and about the Alter all the time the ceremony is taking place. He is having a ball. No one even notices or if they do they don’t pay any attention to him. I at one point take his picture on my digital camera and show the picture to him. How did you do that, he asks? Just the Magic of the QRoo I say. He was a neat kid. Oh, yea. Back to the Mayan Ceremony.

Daniel is a Mayan Healer and Spiritual Leader here in Tulum. He place his incense up wind of the Alter prior to starting the Ceremony. He does the Mayan ceremony in a mixture of Maya and Spanish, which is translated for everyone and he Blessed everyone in the Party. We will all live to be old persons with much Happiness. After the verbal ceremony, he has us all take some spiritual oil and rub it on our faces

Tina and Rob (Wife and Man)
note Maya ceremonial oil on faces

to be sure the spirits can find us. This concludes the ceremony. A toast is in order Rob exclaims. Margaritas for everyone except the child, he gets a coke. The party heads for the restaurant.

I’m just fascinated by Daniel. He is milling around visiting with the Translator person. I wait my chance and I walk up, as daring as I am and ask the translator person if he will ask Daniel for me how he became a Healer and Spiritual Leader. He does so and Daniel introduces his self to me. I replay Encantado Daniel. He goes on to say, via the translator, that he was not always a healer. He used to be a construction worker. One day he was on the Fifth floor of a new Condo Building and he slipped and fell to the ground. He got up and went back to work with out any injury! At that point he felt blessed and asked for help to become a Healer and Spiritual Leader. So very interesting, to say the least. The translator exits the scene and leaves Daniel and I to continue the conversation. It is pretty much a one sided conversation as I try to absorb all his captivating word of Love and Spiritual awareness, you know my Spanish is Malo. The rest of the story is in my head and soul. I feel a connection with this man. Come to find out, to make a living he is now a Gardner for June that is watching the store for Gary at Casa Cenote. Small world, as I always say. He is the brother of my Mayan friends at Casa Cenote.

Looking around I realize that Daniel and I are the last ones on the beach. I tell him Hasta Pronto Daniel. I have enjoyed your company and wish you well in all your Worldly duties. I’m not sure he understood. I give him a big Hug and he returns that Big Mayan Smile of understanding. This has been one very special day in the life of Bill, Ol hippie, Tour Guide, Wedding Crasher and someone that is fascinated by the Mayan culture. I now feel compelled to run to the restaurant, as I’m worried for being late. I arrive just in time and sign the Wedding guest book. At the same time picking up a small gift from Tina and Rob that turns out to be a Small FlashLight. It is imprinted with the Event of the Day. How kewl this is! The story behind this gift is that most of the wedding party will be staying here at Maya Tulum in cabanas. The electricity is shut off quite early so one needs the flashlight to see to go to the Banos in the night. Kewl idea my friends. You have thought of everything.

Maya Tulum
Mayan Wedding Dinner Table Setting

It is time for dinner. Everyone finds their table. The decorations are superb. There are bouquets of flowers adorning each plate. Orchids and other beautiful flowers of all sorts. The tables have a Shot of Tequila for everyone. There is a fine Bottle of White Wine at each table. This is one Beautiful ordeal.

The Best Man proposes a toast to the Bride and Groom. I forget the words as I am reliving my own marriage to my Lynn. Sorry but that’s just me.
Time for dinner, Rob exclaims, being the Head of the Household now! The dinner is a Traditional Mayan Wedding Fish! It has been cooked, wrapped in Banana Leaves in a pit, at least that’s what I recall. There are all the other items that accompany such a feast. The meal is out of this world. Once again, they have thought of everything. The wine is super. The company is great. I would not have missed this for anything else I have done on this trip to The Magical Place of the Turtles. Time to cut the cake and ensure a long and wonderful life for Our new found friends, I hope this friendship will last a Life Time and then some.

Sorry to say but we must part this party and wonderful celebration of Marriage of two Fine People of the World. Peace and Happiness to you both always. We love you and will be here if you ever need us. Bye, Bye for now our friends and thank you once again for allowing us to share a small part of your life. See you later and enjoy the Honey Moon in Tialand! Wishing all our new friends good-bye we part this wonderful celebration.

Boy, the road is dark tonight, I exclaim. No one argues. We don’t act like a taxi now. It is hard to see and the road really sucks in the dark. There are topes on much of the road to slow you down. Yes you do slow down. We just move ahead with care and finally get to the turn off for Akumal. Relief of reliefs. We arrive at the condo and I’m really beat. The day has been full and eventful to say the least. Another Wonderful day in Paradise! Good night all. See you in the morning.

Waiting for Dia Siete....      Close this window now....
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