Accompanied by:

Lynn Johnson, my Wife and Friend.
Nancy Felts, my Friend.
Rick Kruse, my Friend.
Bill in Tulsa, 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
 

 THIS REPORT STARTS AROUND OCTOBER 2, ‘98

Vacation to Akumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico.

Time frame November 2, ‘98 to November 10, ‘98

I guess that this report will be somewhat different than other reports as it has to start with my stumbling across, http://www.cancunmx.com . A very nice lady emailed me to ask if she could link my page to an article she that was writing for a travel site. I eagerly responded that I was overwhelmed with her request and by all means do so. You can find the article at:
Cancun's Split Personality (Article by Geri Anderson)
http://www.suite101.com/articles/articale.cfm/8716
With all this in my mind I jump to the location a few day later to see my meager site being displayed in all that grandeur. I couldn’t believe that someone would actually want to let alone do it. So I asked if I could link her article on my site and to my surprise she said yes. I then started backing around her site and ran in to cancunmx.com and the rest is history.

Everyone on cancunmx.com was as nice as they could be. I have been flamed on OTHER boards for being a travel agent because I like the people I meet and those that I like I promote to my friends and those that I don’t, I simple don’t talk about. I posted some information about Akumal, which some of you know is my favorite place in the world to vacation. I have only driven down the hotel zone in Cancun. I am just an old hippie that just can’t stand the hustle and bustle of a place such as Cancun. I know that I probably miss out on a bunch of great stuff but one has to follow ones feelings.

While reading questions on the cancunmx board I couldn’t remember the answer to a simple question so off to Locogringo web page http://locogringo.com to get the answer to the question. While I was there I found that they have a relatively new message board. Wow Akumal is coming up in the world. I was reading about all the people that were going to be in Akumal and decided that I better make a reservation. I emailed Vista Del Mar for a condo vistadelmar@mail.caribe.net.mx. I was too late, Booked solid. Oh, what now? I have four friends that are depending on their Tour Guide to take care of all the details. I started going through all my old data looking for a place that would suite our needs. I found the email addresses of some. I sent out a plea for a nice condo for us with a Caribbean view. Just as I was sending the last of six email in comes Nan at Vista Del Mar to save the day. She found one just two doors down (Playa Blanca #4) with just what we needed. The cost would be $80 US including tax per day for the Condo. I returned an email saying that I would take it and reserved it for 8 days starting Nov. 2, 1998. I then called Akumal to give my credit card number to secure the reservation.
How lucky could one be! I’m one happy camper, next comes the news of Hurricane Mitch forming! Oh now another glitch in my get along. Well it is time to bring out the big guns now. Pray that the Bad Boy dies out. It didn’t do that at all. Mitch just keeps growing until he becomes a Category 5 Hurricane.  Now it had settled in on Central America.

Mitch was causing havoc to so many people in Cancun and or other parts of our favorite vacation spots. Akumal for one was having ocean storm surge that was unbelievable. I got this information from Kay akumal@locogringo.com that runs the Akumal board and Akumal on Line at http://locogringo.com in Akumal. The waves were coming right up to the lower levels of the condos and restaurants. The water level was approaching the road around the Half Moon bay area and everyone was preparing for a Category 5 Hurricane! Kay and her husband Gary packed the important things and headed for Merida to weather the storm. How the World do you prepare for a Category 5 Hurricane? Tape up the windows; remove all the drapes, towels, bedding and such. Then you have a Mayan Healer Bless your place and Pray. Then many just hole up and wait. Oh what a way to spend your life.

I spent hours tracking the storm and reporting the progress on the Cancun board as well as the Akumal board. There were many emails directly to me asking my thought about the chances of vacationing in Cancun and Akumal. I tried to be the optimist in the situation, as I wanted to go just as bad as everyone does. I will say that it was a difficult process when you see a Monster approaching Paradise. All the friends that we had made during our other trips to the area were in serious danger and I was thinking about an 8-day vacation that could happen some other time. I really got a glimpse of life during this time.

I received an email from a Rob and Tina that just so happened to be part of the cause for my having to make a reservation other than Vista Del Mar in Akumal. They had a November 7th wedding planned at Maya Tulum (formerly Osho Oasis I think) on the beach not far from Ruinas Tulum. They were beside themselves as they had a wedding party of some 20 people arriving from places like the East Coast, the West Coast, in between and England. It was to be an event to behold. They conferred with me off and on for the time that Mitch was trying to decide where he was going to destroy. We tried together to find an alternate location for their wedding and our vacation and were just about to call the trip to Akumal off when Mitch made up his mind to devastate Central America instead of Qroo. We prayed for the people of C.A. We are still praying for these people. Got word via Marcia of http://www.casadelmarmx.com, a friend of Kay’s that it would be business as usual by October 31. And that the worker would also be back by November 2. So as fate would have it our vacation and Rob and Tina’s wedding was on. Rob and Tina emailed us and invited us to share their special moment at Maya Tulum. We accepted without hesitation as we felt a very special connection to these people. I made plans to meet with Kay and learn who she was. I also made plans to pick up sunglasses for Perry of Can Do Cancun Map at De Rosa Villa in Adventuras Akumal. Time to war counsel with the other friends that were planning to go to Akumal this trip. They had already decided that they would not go! I said so be it my friends but the planes are flying and the condo is paid so Lynn and I are going no matter what. After a couple of Cervezas and good conversation and some realizations they said well sound like a plan and that was it! Now I’m rushing around getting Budget cars reserved and other last minute Tour Guide stuff done.

Sad to say one couple (Pat and Dale) we were to travel with that were the ones that got this trip started had to say; “We can’t go”. They had some family stuff come up. We said oh no. They were the ones that were getting us standby airfare to Cancun. They said not to worry as we could still go. We told them only if they would schedule another trip that we could accompany them on. Hey I’m the Tour Guide and know how to get to Akumal. They instructed us in all the procedures of the process. Not as easy as it sounds. We were to go to Tulsa International at 3pm on Sunday November 1 and get listed for the trip so as to be on the list as early as possible. The plane space looked very good for the next morning. At the counter they tell me not to forget proof of citizenship, passport, or drivers license and notarized official birth certificate. I tell them that that is already under control. We are listed and now we have to wait until tomorrow morning.

Our flight leaves at 6:20am November 2 and we have to be at the airport 90 minutes early as it is an International flight. The counter doesn’t open until 5am so we get a tiny reprieve. I call Nancy and Rick and tell them the time we need to be at the airport and not to forget ID and proof of Citizenship and by all means your Money. You know everything else is something that can be replaced as I have the airline Tickets being the Tour Guide and all. Hehe.

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DIA UNO NOVEMBER 2:

So we are up and at them before any other sane persons, the streets are void of traffic at this unGodly hour, but we are off to the magic of Akumal so it didn’t seem quite so bad. Of course we were so excited that we arrived at the Fine Airport Parking at 5:30am. Park the car and catch the shuttle to the airport departure gate, so much for the tiny reprieve. We sit and await the coming of the airline personnel. The time comes and we check in and check baggage to Cancun. Oh boy, we are on our way. Well almost, now we go to Tulsa’s very own standby departure waiting room to await word as to whether or not we will have seats. It looked really good until another airline cancelled a flight. Oh no! The time came and Nancy was called to get on board. We waited. Next Lynn and I were called to get on board. Looked as though that was going to leave Rick behind. That’s the way standby works. We are on board and looked like we were separated from the start. Just then I looked up and there was Rick with a big grin on his face getting into the last seat. What luck we had. We had a Bloody Mary to celebrate our first flight success and breakfast. Arrived at DFW in Dallas with no upsets.

Check in for Cancun flight and found that we had been bumped for our first Class Seats by some big wig. Oh well, but will we get to go? Everyone was called to get on board. Thrill of thrills we are on the way to Cancun airport. The pilot comes on the air and gives the weather in Cancun, partly cloudy and 82 degrees F. What else could you want? Flight time so short that we hardly noticed the time. Arrive at the Cancun airport without any trouble. The flight is Kewl. It is cloudy in Cancun. We step off the plane (being from Oklahoma, the humidity does not affect us), there are people looking dumbfounded as to what to do. Being the Tour Guide for our Party, I start directing folks to follow the Yellow signs to the Immigration Station. Everyone is relieved now and off they go. We arrive at immigration, anxiously waiting our turn to immigrate. It’s my turn and I say Hola Senior. Como esta Ud.? He responds with Bien, Bien y Ud.? I return a hearty Muy Bien Gracias. He stamps my passport. He says enjoy your stay and I say Hasta Luego Senior y Gracias. Off to find our bags and head for the customs Stop and Go light. Press that button and get the Verde Luz and away we go. Stopping to move bags from a cart onto a two wheeler pushed by an Hombre that needed some pesos before proceeding. They are very adamant about how far you take the carts. Take us to Budget Rental Car counter. Go through the process of renting two cars as we had too many bags for one car and we wanted to have the ability to go our own way once in Akumal. You fill out all the papers and credit card information at the airport counter and then they shuttle you over to the lot where the cars are. We make it a point to tip very one well (don’t forget the $1 bills as they make great tipping funds). That way the guys will treat us right (sort of like buying insurance in my mind and I like to help them as most persons in QRoo don’ t make much per day and need the tips to survive. Finish the paper work. Renting a car in Mexico is not so different than the US except they speak Spanish and Mi Espanol es muy malo. We do the very necessary check for every scratch, ding, dent, bend, cigarette burn, spare tire, tools, floor mats, license plates, and every other thing that one can think of.

 Finally off to Akumal. Where is the Cerveza? Well our spot to stop is closed do to lack of interest. Well we can wait.
We find that since May they have made great strides in the new highway down the Cancun to Tulum Corridor. We are happy for this, as it will make the trip more fun. We start reflecting on our past adventures and start getting excited about seeing our friends and enjoying the Magic of Akumal. We pass the Pemex at Puerto Morelos turn off. Here comes Playa Del Carmen. We’re cooking now. It won’t belong now. The vegetation is lush and beautiful. Love this place. There is nothing like it for us. We are hoping that Nancy will feel the same. It’s her first time. Rick went with us October ’95 so he knows what to expect. Akumal next left, I can feel it up the road. Yep right where we left it in May. What a relief it is to see that all is well. It’s raining and we are in dress clothes as to fly standby one must dress business casual, so we cancel our stop at the Lol-Ha beach bar for a Cerveza. We wave as we pass through the arches of the entrance to the Akumal area.

Making a sharp left upon entering we head for Vista Del Mar to check into Playa Blanca #4. Nan meets us at the door with a great big smile. Hola everyone, glad you could find us still here! We introduce ourselves, as Nan is new to Vista Del Mar since May. She gets the key and leads us to the Condo. In we go. Perfecto! The view of Half Moon Bay and the Caribe is magnifico.  The palms outside are swaying in a stiff wind like I have never seen in Akumal. The clouds and the sea look rough like they want to fight. We don’t think much about this and start to get unpacked and into some beach clothes.

Next we’re off to La Buena Vida Beach Bar http://www.mexico-vacation.com/descript.html for that long awaited Cerveza. Sol for everyone (new for us by recommendation of a cyber friend on cancunmx) Por Favor. We celebrate our good fortune and that of our friends in Akumal and area. Hey there’s Benito, he has a big smile on his face as he recognizes us and comes over to say Hi. Such a good friend. We’re home at last. We catch up on his family news and find that he is now in charge of the whole place, Bar and Restaurant. Congratulations, Benito we always knew you would do well for yourself in this world. We found Sol good. Sorry but us Oki’s like our Dos Equis. Dos Equis Rules. Here’s to XX. Hip Hip Hurray. Just kidding. We did find Sol to be a good beer along with Modelo (sp). We continue to enjoy the sandy floor beach bar for next hour or two and decide that we should probably eat something.

Upstairs is the Restaurant. Up we go. Yep they are the same waiters that we knew in May. They have that warm Mayan smile of recognition that I love so well. Old home week is how it feels to be there. The guys ask how we have been and are happy we choose to visit them.  I ask for La Carta Por Favor. I know that in some areas this is incorrect and should be Menu but here it seems to prevail.  I can’t wait to order Camarones al mojo de ajo (Shrimp in garlic butter). Benito has started adding a Mayan flair to the meal by adding a Mayan appetizer to the plate; tonight it is Mayan tamale (muxubbak in Mayan) in a banana leaf, great change as I enjoy the Mayan tamale (different from the standard Tamale like John likes but similar). Lynn orders Pollo Parmesan (chicken Parmesan). Nancy has Poc Chuc (Mayan style pork strip). Rick tries the Camarones jengibre
(Ginger shrimp). Margaritas for everyone prior to dinner and red wine for dinner (ya I know red wine instead of white wine, that’s an OLE hippie for you, no protocol) and at least it’s not Cerveza. Tostadas y Salsa accompanies every meal that you have as well as warm French bread and garlic butter at La Buena Vida. We are finishing up our Margaritas and like Magic the wine appears and next all those lovely plates of food artistically arranged to delight the eyes as well as the palette. The conversation ends and the taste buds relish the treats that have been bestowed them. Finally words of Yum, Oh Boy that’s fine, Magnifico and such start to appear as if floating on the wind. Margaritas for everyone! I ask one couple that is leaving the restaurant if they are Rob and Tina and they look at me like what the hell is the matter with you. I get a little paranoid after that and am afraid to ask anyone else. A group of 4 come in a sit down next to us and I eye ball them trying to figure out if they look like a Rob and Tina. I’m still feeling like an idiot from before and Nancy say hey Bill I’ll ask for you and boy I jump on that idea. Nancy says hey there are you by chance Rob and Tina? They grin really big and say who is Bill from Tulsa? What a trip that was hugs and handshakes and giggles and smiles and what a deal. They reconfirm the wedding invitation and we toast a good time. By now I’m ready for dessert and order Flan (like custard), it’s a favorite of mine when I’m in the area. We ask for La Cuenta and wait to pay the tab, leaving a generous tip as the service Es Muy Perfecto. Buenos Noches Amigos.

Off we go for a good night sleep as some have been up since 2am this morning. We arrive at the condo and take one last look at the Caribe just before retiring to the evening and counting our blessing for the ability to be here safe and sound. Good night all and see ya in the morning. Turning the ceiling fan on low as it is a cool evening and turning off the lamp we fall into a peaceful sleep. Being in a strange bed with the wind blowing swiftly I awaken several time to evaluate the situation, I remember where I am and drift off once again.

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DIA DOS November 3:

I hear noises coming from the Kitchen and it’s still dark. What ever could that be? I lie there a moment and wonder what that is. I get up and pull on a pair of shorts and walk out to investigate and find nothing. As I turn to return to bed I realize that the Sun will be peaking through the clouds in just a couple of minutes. So I opt to stay up for to see this Miraculous event. Then I realize that the coffee is on. Some really nice person has gotten up to start the coffee. Hurray for that wonderful person, now I can have Café with my Sunrise. Not long after this discovery I hear pitter patter of foot steps on the ceramic tiles coming down the hallway. Now there are two of us watching the Sun turn the sky different shades of yellow, orange and red, quite a sight for sore eyes. Now everyone shows up for the splendor of the moment. Looking out over the waves to the distant reef with waves crashing down on it. We are truly in the Magical Moment of Akumal and Half Moon Bay. Thank you for this privilege. The coffee goes down like a smooth shot of Tequila. Everyone is anxious to get moving. We all rush to shower, the water is cold as ice. There is a group next door the size of a huge football team and have already used up the hot water. Burr, the shower is cold, have to say that I really am awake now. We are really ready for the day now.

Time to head off to Turtle Bay Bakery for breakfast. Lynn and I have Plato de Fruta y Pan Dulce (fruit plate and sweet rolls) and Café. The Café is the best in all of Akumal. Nancy tries the breakfast Burrito. Rick has Mexican Eggs. We eat until we could bust. We see Sydney walking our direction, she is the owner with her husband Thomas, and we say Hola Sydney. She smiles and returns the greeting. This is the only eating establishment that has waitresses instead of waiters. The local union doesn’t think women can stand up to the task of waiting tables. Kind of a Macho thing I guess. They have been able to overcome the obstacle some how as they were here in May and still here in November. We ask for La Cuenta Por Favor and it appears as if by Magic. We pay our bill and leave a generous tip. We say Hasta Pronto and head out for the condo to get our Snorkeling gear and some beach towels. We decide that since the weather is heavy with wind and a hint of rain that we will just run down to Casa Cenote and see the gang there and introduce Nancy and Rick to our friends there. We drive down the road to the front entrance of Akumal and though the arch. We stop at the Super Chomak to get some bottles of water. We will refill these bottles the rest of the time from the condo water bottle. Nancy and Lynn check out the store and soon we are off to Casa Cenote, it is one of my favorite places to hang and relax, have a Cerveza and eat all day long. The road from Akumal south looks very good and we just cruise along at the legal speed limit. Then all of a sudden there is the detour. The road is soaking wet and muddy. So much for the car color. The road is good and bad for the next few klicks and we survive the roadwork. Up a head I can see the Red sign with Casa Cenote in Yellow. Looking in the rear view mirror I see that the road behind me is clear and I signal a left-hand turn. Looking down the road there is water across our path. Not to fear the road is solid and the water is not deep. I have been here before. As we approach Casa Cenote http://www.casacenote.com we see that Cenote Manatee is over flowing its banks. It is muddy and the snorkeling will be bad. Oh well so much for that thought. More time for Cerveza is what I always say. We get out of the car and walk up to the beach and like always the site is so beautiful that it is overwhelming. The Caribe is still churning and the wind is howling. This is still one of the most beautiful spot to behold.
We step inside the wind break covers that are rolled down to make sitting a comfortable situation and there is Rubin and Wilberth, we know them from May.

Buenos Dias Rubin y Wilberth. Como Esta Uds. Muy bien y Uds. Muy Bien Gracias. Long time no see Sus Amigos.
They tell me we are early and they won’t be open for 30 minutos. Then proceed to ask if I would like a Cerveza while I wait. You got it Tres Dos Eqius y un Coca Por Favor Gracias. Like a flash Rubin returns with 3 ice cold Cervezas and one Coca plus one glass with limejuice in the bottom with ice and then salt on the rim for the Lynn. Chelada Por La Senorita he proclaims, as he remembers that Lynn is hooked on them. I think it is a waste of Cerveza, ice, Limon (lime) and salt myself. Why desecrate a good Cerveza or limonada (limeade) either one? We sit at the table taking in the beauty of the moment. I turn to ask Wilberth if he has any Langosta (lobster), the reply is the water is to malo for the divers to get any. Oh well, so much for Langosta al mojo de ajo for today. I ask, what kind of Pescado do you have and he says snapper. Sounds good to me, save a fillete por Mi Senor Por Favor, I’ll have it later. Dos mas Dos Equis Por Favor, Senor. Rubin rushes up with Dos Dos Equis Frias. Next comes the Tosadas y Salsa to munch on since we are having lunch here later. I never get enough Tostadas y Salsa any where I go.

It’s way past time for a walk down the beach to reflect on the morning ,the past trips to this most pleasant beach and the blessings bestowed upon this land of Magic. The waves are more than I have seen in the past. The water is not so clear as the churning of the water is causing the sand and some debris to cloud the view of the bottom. I reassure my charges that this will pass as soon as the wind subsides. You know that a good Tour Guide will always have something good to say about a little upset. Nancy has by this time picked up the whole beach and has her arms full of Conch shells and every other kind of beach comber delight in her arm and says she has to go stash them. I can only laugh out loud as I remember Lynn and I doing the very same thing the first time we see this place. Hehe. When we get back to the table, there are shells, coral and sand everywhere around us. We give her a hard time and laugh our hearts out. Really wind swept out today, this is a good day to eat, drink and be happy!
Mas Dos Equis Por Favor Mi Amigo. Again as if by Magic the table is adorned with those wonderful green bottles covered with golden labels and those red XXs.

Gary, the owner of Casa Cenote is off to San Antonio for some business. He is expected back on Saturday. He has June watching the store while he is gone. She sells swim suites and cover ups to make a buck. She sells under the name, The Wild Kingdom. They are really kewl and if you get a chance you should buy a couple so she can be happy. She and her husband (Arturo) also have a few Cabanas that they rent just up the coast from Casa Cenote. June is a lovely person and fun to talk to. Hope you all get to meet her while you’re there. We think it is possible that we may stay at her place this next time (June y Arturo Pezane, website http://sliceofparadise.com tell Terey that you talked to June direct for a lower rate). Or maybe at Gary’s new Cabanas that are under construction at this time. Suppose to be a couple ready for Christmas time. Hope this doesn’t distract from the beauty of the place.

Mas Cerveza Por Favor Mi Amigo! Wilberth I think it is time for Pescado al mojo de ajo. Guess by now you can tell that my method of seafood preparation is AL MOJO DE AJO (garlic butter), I just love it that way and I don’t care what kind it is.
I order some Palapa Papas (sliced deep fried potatoes, sort of like a thick potato chip). Of course the meal comes with frijoles negra y arroz (black beans and rice) along with tortillas. Boy does this make a guy hungry or what. Everyone else finds a good meal to partake of, like Quesadillas con Camarones and enjoy the rest of the afternoon. We finish off the afternoon with way too many Margaritas. Rick is pretty toasty and so is Nancy. I have been eating since the food was ready so I’m pretty ok (if I’m not Lynn takes away the keys).

Hey look who’s here my friend Gilberto, he’s the little Mayan friend that was about 3 or 4 years old when I met him. I was told that he would not make friends with Gringos. Well it took about 40 minutes of my playing with him to make good buddies. I get along better with people my own age. Some of you understand don’t you? I say Hola, Como Esta Ud., he always say Bien and I tease him why not Bien Bien or Muy Bien and he just laughs at me. I brought him a set of Magic Markers and a big tablet this year as a gift of friendship. He scribbled in it for a couple of minute and off he ran to show his Madre whose name is Bonifacia (what a beautiful name). She is also a good friend that I will bring some foodstuff to later on in the week. Gilberto’s next brother up is coming over now. His name is Arunin. I have a hot air balloon tee shirt from Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta for him and his older brother. The Padre (Eleazar) gets a Budweiser Ball Cap which he give me a great big Mayan hug for. He wears that baby every time I see him the rest of the week.

There is a guy that has set up shop on a commission basis that does finger paintings of landscapes. He actually uses his finger and fingernail in place of a brush and it is superb art. We have to buy one for our daughter-in-law Becky as she has admired the one we purchase last May. I’m so sad as I can’t remember his name. I thought I wrote it down but it is lost. You know what they say the second thing that goes is the memory!

The day has past before we were ready and the guys are finishing up the clean up and June is getting ready to drive them to the highway to catch the bus home. One lives in Chemuyil and the other in Akumal. We tell her that we will take them to their house and save her the drive and them the pesos and the wait for the bus. Another guy is there and says he is headed to Chemuyil and will give Rubin a ride. So we gather up our things and Wilberth and head for Akumal. Along the way I suggest that we have dinner at La Buena Vida again. No one objects so I invite Wilberth to go along, he accepts with a big Mayan smile and we tell him that we will pick him up at 7pm. That’s cool with him. We drop him off and head for the Beach Bar at Lol-Ha for a cold one. We are on to the Playa Blanca #4 for a clean up and a rest. The girls clean up and are ready to party so they head on down to La Buena Vida without us. Rick and I say we’ll see you in awhile, well I fall asleep and wake to a fright when I look at the clock and it say 7:20pm, Oh no we’re late to get Wilberth. I call Rick and at first he say go to Go Away I’m not going. I say well what Do You Mean! Then I call him once more and get his attention. We jump into the car and haul ourselves to Akumal Pueblo to see if Wilberth is still there. We pull up to his sisters hut and beep the horn and out of nowhere appear none other than Wilberth all dress up and rearing to go. Any place but Mexico and our Stuff would have been grass. We return to La Buena Vida after we find the girls. They had returned to the condo looking for us and were on their way back to La Buena Vida when we arrived. Two of us have Caesar Salad made the traditional way right at the table. It is a really nice show. The rest eat rather light, including Wilberth. I think he went just so his peers could see him eating with the Gringos. After dinner we return Wilberth to the Pueblo and say Hasta Manana Amigo y Buenos Noches. We head back for the condo for another night of restful sleep and recuperation from so much joy and happiness.
When we arrive at the condo there is a message stuck to the door from Rob and Tina asking if we would like to share a bus ride to Chichen Itza or as an hombre in Cozumel once told me Chicken Eats Ya. We all talk it over and decide that do to the crazy weather why not. Lynn and I had not been there since ‘91 and the others ever. We decided to post a note at Nan’s to let them know that we would enjoy going with them. We did so because we didn’t have their room number. Out on the balcony for one last look at the Moon over the Caribe. It was just magnificent tonight, it was reflecting off the waves and jumping and slithering around like a snake or something. We bid each other good night and crash like a jumbo jet hitting Mount Rushmore. Once again I awaken in the night for a reality check and return to slumberville.

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DIA TRES November 4:

It’s becoming day light and Lynn is already up with the coffee in a cup. I join her for another morning of Sunrise celebration. The Café is hot and black. Muy Bueno, I exclaim, just what I need this morning after all that joy yesterday. I’m already ready for breakfast (I don’t eat much breakfast) as my stomach is crying from all that Cerveza and Margaritas. Rick and Nancy stumble out to view the morning and Rick looks like death warmed over. I give him a hearty laugh and he scorns me. We all laugh and drink our coffee. We are headed for Ruinas Coba this morning. We will arrive before the Ruins open so we can have breakfast at Nicte-Ha Restaurant. It is a small place run by a Mayan family that over looks Lake Coba (Fuente al Lago). The signs and menu are in English and the waitress is Mayan (Irma Maria Chuc Interian), a very cute young lady that doesn’t speak any more English than I speak Spanish. We have a wonderful conversation and enjoy the Eggs and Bacon and Nescafe con Crema. The Tortillas are hand made and the best I have ever had, Irma keeps bringing the Tortillas as they dwindle away in my mouth. Lynn and I found this place a couple of years ago when we arrived too early for the ruins. Quite a find we think and would recommend that you have breakfast there if you can. We pay our bill and say our Hastas Luegos. Oh yes, leaving a very generous Propina (tip) as usual.

We are off for a tour of Coba. Lynn and I have been here but heard that the ball court and a circular pyramid had been restored since our last visit. Looking forward to this adventure as the air is full of mystery and allure. The Maya left behind some very strong Karma or something as I always feel like the hair on my arms is electrified. It will be Nancy’s first ruins and Rick’s first time to Coba. We are parking the car and find only one other visitor has arrived for a tour of the Ruinas Coba, that is good as we will be the first to enter today. I (being the tour guide and all) go to acquire our boletos (tickets) to enter the Ruins. I now head for the group of Guides that are milling around waiting for me to stop by or if I don’t stop by they will chase me down to sell me on the idea of a Guide as Coba is so large and you just should have a Guide. I ask for the next available Guide. He steps forward. I greet him Hola, Como Esta Ud., he says Bien Bien y Uds., and I tell him Muy Bien, Gracias. He introduces himself as Francisco at your service Senior. Gracias, Francisco, Mucho Gusto. Mi Nombre es Bill and he says that some would call me Guillo and others would call me Guillermo. The short version that is like Bill is new to me, I think I like it. I (being the tour guide of this foursome introduce my charges as Lynn, Nancy and Rick. Wow, dude look at the size of that Mosquito! Deet anyone? We are off down the well kept trail headed for Grupo Coba, stopping in short order for a little history lesson. Sorry to interrupt but look at that Butterfly, it’s all Black and Blue, what a beautiful site.  Seems Francisco teaches students from the United States Universities about Coba on field trips. He also has been to Florida to teach at Sarasota Community College, I believe he said. He proceeds to explain that we will be seeing a number of Stellas on this journey through the Magical Ruins of Coba. The exact meaning of most Stellas are unknown to date as they are worn by time and the element beyond deciphering, if that were even possible. Forward into what could be considered a mind fog as far as I am concerned as this place has power. We arrive at our first pyramid, it is the second tallest of Coba, checking in at 22.5 meters. Its name is La Iglesia. It is closed to Public climbing this time as it has started to disintegrate. That’s what happen with old things. Sure is impressive to my way of thinking. The rocks are quite slippery and Francisco says to be careful and not slip and fall, no problemo I think and proceed to climb around and slip and fall on my Backside. Oh, my charges say. Is our Tour Guide ok? We’d sure hate to get a new one at this point. We all laugh as I have short fingernails and caught myself before anything other than pride is hurt. But  my shorts have this great big muddy spot on their backside for the World to see that I fell down, I’ve got it I’ll tell them I sat on a log that was covered with mud, sure you did Guillo! We are given some more history that I just lost in the awe of things.

We are off to a Stella that is sheltered by a Palapa Cover to try to protect it from the elements. We pass many interesting sites as we head onward into the jungle and history. We come upon a Sacbe (white lime stone road); they lead off to other sites in the QRoo and the Yucatan. The early Maya were able to make their road as straight as an arrow. Lord knows how is all I can say. You can’t see ten feet ahead though the jungle. Their understanding of the stars was phenomenal. They used crushed white limestone so that they could see it in the night because it was much to hot to travel by day. One point that has blown my mind is that Their Calendar is so accurate. How did they do it? It has started to rain and I ask everyone if they have their umbrellas along and as you can guess, no one did, except the Tour Guide. No, not Francisco, he left his raincoat at the gate, you guessed it, Bill has his umbrella and he also has 4 throwaway ponchos so that everyone stays dry. That is what a Tour Guide does, save the day.

After walking a ways we come to the Tallest Pyramid in the Yucatan, Nohoch Mul (42 meters and a 12-story climb), it is still ok to climb Nohoch Mul. Lynn and Francisco opt to stay in the shade as the rain has stopped and they are hot. Nancy, Rick and their tour guide (Guillo) start the climb, I like to criss cross the Pyramid so as not to stump my toe on every step, working my way back and forth across the Pyramid, in sort of a Zig Zag fashion. For me this works well and in no time I’m at the top gazing off into the distance at the lakes, the round Pyramid and jungle. Woe there boy this is an awesome sight. This is such an amazing and lovely view. It is very cool with a breeze at the top. That was a welcome feeling. The small temple is interesting also. Well it is time to head down the steps and back to the journey through the jungle to the Ball Court. Everyone is safe at the bottom and we have a drink of water. We walk some way and there appears the Ball Court. This is impressive. Francisco tells of the game and how it is played and what happens at the out come. His story is that the winners are beheaded. He says that it is the only way to go straight to heaven. Some note is needed here. Francisco says that the Maya believe there are three steps to life. Number one is on Earth. Number two in Hell. Then comes Heaven. So this explains the reason to win the game. Well sounds like cutting edge play to me!
We continue on to the Pyramid that is Circular in geometry. So very interesting as I never knew there were round Pyramids. We see many mounds that are remains of structures and such. We stumble on out to the gate. Just think they will be restoring more of this ruins and I will be compelled to return again and again, isn’t life great? Just before we get there it is time to settle with Francisco, we pay the fee and again a generous Propina is in order as we were not eaten by Snakes or other Critters, well at one point the Deet did come in handy for the Mosquitoes. There were not as many as expected, guess it was to cold for them. The weather has taken it’s toll on the birds and other wild life this time but hey we can come again some other day! Hasta Luego, Francisco y Muchas Gracias Por La Viaje! We dump our stuff in the trunk as unsafe as it is and we’re off to find a Cerveza. Yep, we do find a Cerveza at one of the shops. It is quite cold and welcome. I look next door to find some limestone carvings to take home for the abode wall in the living room. It keeps me excited about the Maya and the QRoo. So the day has been fun so far and very full of Life and History. La Dia Es Muy Bonita! Gracias QRoo for a lovely day!

On the way back we pass through several small villages that were quiet when we passed earlier. The children are at the Topes. Oh, forgot to mention the Topes. They are speed bumps at the Entrada y Salida (entrance and exit) of a village or other place that they want you to slow down. Believe me you that you will slow down at least the second time you see one. Any way the children stand at the Topes and beg. Not a fun site for Ol Bill. I have seen this before and always am a sucker for the children. I used to give them a peso or two. I now carry Pens and Paper tablets to give as a gesture of friendship and they seem happy. I think more so than with pesos. Do be careful when around these children because some times they hang on to the car and won’t let loose. It scares the devil out of me. You must get stern with them. Vamos Chico y Chica! I really want to get angry but it is not possible with these little guys and dolls and besides it is not bad to beg in their culture, it can sometimes be very necessary to life it’s self. I believe in taking care of what needs to be done so long as it doesn’t cause problems for other people. Live and let live is my motto! I enjoy learning about the Maya and their interesting way of life, before and the present. I may be Mayan, hum , I wonder?

Tulum is just ahead and I decide to gas up at the Pemex. I get out and give the key (llave) to the attendant and he pumps the gas. He says Cuanto? Todo, Gracias I say. Pay the bill and a token propina and head for Akumal.

Stop at Lol-Ha beach bar for a Cerveza and a snack. We hang out for awhile and decide to have dinner here. I didn’t take notes and my brain is toast so I’m not remembering what we ate, so it must not have impressed me. Don’t get me wrong though, the food at Lol-Ha is good. We had a long walking day and a hangover to boot.
After dinner it’s off to the condo for a good nights sleep. We think we are going with Rob and Tina to Chicken Eats Ya (Chichen Itza) early in the morning. So we finish up the evening meal and pay the tab and yes leave a generous propina (what goes around, comes around I always say). Jump in the car and head for the house. Arriving in no time as it is just ½ a mile home. Yep, you guessed it straight to the balcony to view the evening sky and the Caribe once more before cleaning up for the night. Some one says how about some coffee? Sounds good, we can watch the Full Moon on Half Moon Bay over a cup of Hot Café. Knock, knock comes from the front or is that the back door. Rush to see whom it is. One of Nan’s helpers is at the door with our note to Rob and Tina. Here is a note for you. I look at it and say that it is for Rob and Tina from me. Oh we didn’t know. I think they probably think we’re not going and rude to boot. I walk back to the office with this young lady to talk to Nan. I ask where I can find Rob. She says is he the groom? I say yes and she leads me to his room. As you would know it no one is home. I stuff the note in the edge of the door. I think, hope he sees this. Back at the house everyone is about to crash after a long day of culture. The Full Moon over Half Moon Bay is spectacular. The reflection is super and makes me reflect on a camping trip in the Sierras in California in another Lifetime. They have saved some Café for me. I sit on the balcony and sip from the warm cup and reflect on the day’s events. I quit smoking almost 4 year ago and I sit thinking that I should have a cigarette with this coffee and realize that I don’t smoke any longer and laugh out loud at myself. I will never again smoke. I don’t think I could live though quitting again. So much for the thought of smoking. It was very rewarding having been a good Tour Guide for the day. Good night Rick,  Nancy and Lynn, Hasta Manana! We maybe, have a 7am date to go to Chichen Itza in La Manana. Tonight I sleep like a Rock!

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DIA CUATRO November 5:

The alarm (yes, alarm on vacation, didn’t want to be late) goes off and we get ready for a day of exciting adventure. Like Magic some fine person has already been up and made the Coffee! That’s the Magic of Akumal for you. We are getting around and yep, admiring the rising Sun once again as we drink our fair share of the coffee. While the girls finish doing their hair and that girly stuff, Rick and I go off to see if we still have a ride to Chichen Itza this morning. It’s about 6:30am. We knock on the door and no answer. We do hear water running in the shower so we walk back home and wait until 6:50 to return. Knock once again and Rob answers the door, we apologize for the miss communications with the note. No problemo Rob proclaims, we got the note when we got home last night. Come on in! Well, we need to go get the girls first and we will be right back. By now the hair and face are in place and they are ready for the Chichen Itza adventure. We wander over to the Beach side of their condo and find several other people milling about. So I walk up and ask if they are with Rob and Tina? Sure are. I introduce our group and we start talking about how I met Rob and Tina and the said we know you, your Bill from Tulsa! Heard all about you yesterday. We’ve been trying to decide who down here was Bill from Tulsa. Pleased to meet you Bill from Tulsa. I hear you are going to be our Tour Guide for the day! I say that if that is what you hear it must be true. I had not heard this but what he heck, I have been to Chichen Itza before and will be glad to be the tour guide, that is until we get to Chichen Itza, there I will hire a guide so the adventure will be complete. We meet the brides Mother and Father, Bernice and Royce Martin. Also meet her sister and nephew, Terry and Charles. We met many others and sit around waiting on the bus. It is late. Tina by now says who want a pastry from Turtle Bay? I do comes from everywhere. She disappears for a while and then appears with a bag of coffeecake and rolls. She won’t accept any money so I tell her that these pesos are a Propina for her and that I will not accept them back. Not to make a scene she accepts. Rob is off to find out why the bus is not here. He returns to say that it will be at the entrance to Akumal at 10am. Only in Mexico will 7am turn into 10am. I suggest we have a Cerveza and they all laugh, as they know from visiting my Web site that I like my Cerveza. All of a sudden there are Cervezas being popped all around. Magic is a wonderful thing. I down mine as if it were the last beer on Earth. Would you like another? No Gracias, the bus rides is 3 or so hours, better not.

The time comes and we’re off to the entrance, I suggest that we leave our wheels at the Lol-Ha restaurant as they have a security guard at their parking area. The others think that is a great idea. I locate the security guard and provide a generous Propina for him, he proclaims Gracias Amigo Hasta Luego. You know that is what a Tour Guide does, save the day. We all get on the bus and say Hola to the driver. His name is (lost it). He asks Rob which way he wants to go? By way of the toll road or pass Coba. Rob tells him to go the way he likes best. We go out to the highway and turn left. I tell everyone we will be going past Coba because of this direction. We pass Casa Cenote’s sign and I advise everyone that it is a good place to have lunch and a Cerveza if they have time and maybe spend the day as I do. On to Tulum and turn off towards Coba and beyond. Tope, tope. The driver has to slow almost to a stop to keep from jarring our teeth out. The road is full of pot holes so he is continually moving back and forth across the road.
Up ahead is a Curio shop and pit stop that I had forgotten to tell you about on our trip to Coba the other day, they have some nice Yucatacan gift items and other fun stuff. The driver pulls in and says that this is the last chance for the Restrooms (Los Banos) until almost Chichen Itza. Everyone gets off and shops and well you know the rest of the story. One or two catch a Coca and Beer. All aboard and the driver count heads.  The turn off to Chichen Itza is at the junction at Coba. Left to Coba, Right to Punta Laguna and points beyond, circling around a bit and there is the road to Chichen Itza, kind of strange the way it is laid out. It works and we are off on an adventure that I have not experienced as of yet. This is wonderful, up high to see things like Milpas (small farms or ranches) growing Corn, Beans and Squash all planted in the same hole. Very interesting these Milpas. Saw many interesting sites along the way.

Rob asks about eating lunch at Chichen Itza, I tell him that if we could, it would be nicer to stop somewhere prior to Chichen Itza as when we were their before the food was not to good at he ruins. He asks the driver and is told that he knows just the spot.
Not long after we arrive at a place that was built just for Tour Buses. It is a buffet and has a flat charge. It seemed reasonable, so Rob said yes. We did enjoy the food and entertainment of Mariaches and Dancers. You pay on the way in, they give you a sticker to put on your shirt so they know you have paid, kind of like kindergarten I think and then pay extra for Cerveza, Margaritas and Cocas. Paid and left a generous propina for the waiters, the Mariaches and the Dancers all being separate. Lovely meal for a buffet. Routed thru the curio shops on the way out. Just love the captive audience, they do. The driver counts heads and off we go to arrive shortly at the Ruinas Chichen Itza. Before we get off the Bus the driver tells us that we must be on the bus by 4:30pm on time. We head for the Boleto Oficina to purchase our entrance Boletos. After doing this I head to the Tour Guide post and make a deal for a Guide for the whole 24 of us for 300 pesos. Our guide is called Jose, he say that there are many Joses in Chichen Itza, but his last name is Cob and he is the only Cob. The first stop is the Great Ball Court. Jose tells a similar story about the ball game as we heard at Coba. The Great Ball Court here has an interesting point that I find fascinating. When the Judges sit on one end and the Leaders on the other end, they can talk at a normal voice level and hear one another with out trouble. The acoustics are fantastic in this Great Ball Court. Simply amazing.

We follow Jose like little puppy dogs as he walks along talking and filling us in on all this fantastic culture and ancient history. We are off for the Tzompantli and Platform of the Eagles. The next stop is the Sacred Cenote. Francisco exclaims about the sacrifices that have taken place here. He also talks about the excavation of the Cenote and how lots of the artifacts have be taken to the USA which is now Illegal. Some how I personally think that the Artifact should be returned to Mexico. There is cold drinks and Los Banos at this stop so we take 15 minutos. Head on down the Sacbe to the Tomb of Chac-Mool (Platform of Venus). Next we go to the Temple of the Warriors, Group of a Thousand Columns and the Market.

Francisco takes us out into the grass on the North side of El Castillo (Kukulcan) to show us how when he claps his hands the returning echo sounds like a hawk. Kewl as it can be. Tried it and I find it does work for anyone. Neat effect. We climb the Pyramid to get up in the world and see the sites from above. One young lady with the wedding party, look down and totally freaks. We talk to her and get her calmed down. Rob the groom is a Firefighter and Paramedic that is trained in helping people down ladder so he is the one to get her down. Others up there have to scoot down on the bottoms. I am not affected by this height and just bounce back and forth across the steps. We gather around for some group photos and reflect the experience. Some of us want to go inside the Pyramid and go around only to find a line that is way to long. Oh well we say maybe next time. This has been a good experience and we settle up with Jose Cob on very good Guide. Everyone gives him a Propina as Rick has taken care of the Guide Fee. Jose is one happy Mayan today. Some go to the market as we still have a few minutes before catching the Tour Bus. We return to the Bus to find old what’s his name waiting for us. He has Cerveza and Coca on Ice (Hielo) for $1 US. We all have some thing, and it sure is cold and welcome. We head for Akumal in short order. Just on the out skirts of some town he pulls into a Market and say last stop before Akumal as the others will be closed by the time we get there. Off for the Bano and buy another carving of stone for the living room wall. Kewl place. I love the stone carvings. Head them up and move them out is the order of business as the driver and Rob count heads. One missing, glad that they counted heads. He shows up in a flash. We are off to Akumal. Mas Cerveza Por Favor. Rob has bought and paid for all that is left in the cooler. He provides the most welcome brew free of charge. In conversation on the trip I hear someone proclaiming that Bill from Tulsa, Now Bill from Akumal is like down loading a virus to your computer. I’m still trying to decide if that was good or bad. They were laughing and that didn’t help me decide. I guess it had to be good as they continued to talk to me and we were reconfirmed for the wedding on Saturday the 7th.

We are just about to Coba and I ask if it would be possible to stop along side the road. I have been in Japan and I’m not bashful about Nature and all. The driver says he knows just the place up the road. He stop and several others join me. Thanks what’s your name. We arrive back at Akumal to the Arch and say good by to our Driver. Had a great time. We walk to the car and find the same security guard still on duty. He gets another propina.

We’re off to La Buena Vida for dinner. Hola Amigos, Como esta Uds.? Bien Bien y Uds. Bien Bien Gracias. Margaritas Por Favor.
The Margaritas arrive shortly, they are a good way to relax before a fine meal. After the Margaritas we order Stuffed Jalepenos and grilled veggies for appetizers. They are real tasty to hungry people like us. Mas Margaritas Por Favor.

Time to order dinner. Lynn and I have Camarones al mojo de ajo wouldn’t you know. Nancy has the Steak Chemita and Rick has Camarones a la diabla. We all enjoy except Nancy doesn’t like the mushy stuff inside he steak, some time you just can’t win. We finish off the evening with Spanish Coffee for us all. Spanish coffee is a mixture of Brandy, Kahlua, Ice Cream and Coffee. The brandy is flamed and pour in the glass from about 20 inches in the air. It is quite a show. I love watching and I love devoring the mixture. It is a great dessert. We meet the wedding party as we wait to pay the bill. Yep and a grand Propina for the guys. It’s time to go home and clean up and sleep. The Moon is brite and lovely once again. The shower is hot and I relish it’s warmth on my tired back and neck. I will sleep with great contentment tonight. Good night all. Pick up a book and start to read. Five minutes later down goes the book off come the glasses and off goes the light.
Out like a light.

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DIA CINCO NOVEMBER 6

Slept in this morning and the sun is high and the coffee almost gone. Must have had a good nights sleep. I don’t remember even waking one time during the night. Great way to be. We start to get around, as we need to eat breakfast before Rick goes Scuba diving this morning, has a 10:30am dive. We have breakfast at the Lol-Ha Restaurant this morning as it is next to the Akumal Dive Center on the beach at Akumal Bay. Rick has a favorite breakfast meal of Mueletos (sp), French Bread with frijoles y queso under broiler, quite yummy. Nancy didn’t have a imagination this morning, she is a blonde you know (hehe), so she had the same as Rick. Lynn and I are fruta nuts so we had Plato de Fruta y Pan Dulce, no Lynn is not blonde, she’s a red head. The fresh orange juice here is just absolutely wonderful and would love to have the same every morning of my life. We have coffee and Caribe view while we are waiting. The view of Akumal Bay is just fantastic from our ocean view table on the porch. Oh my goodness I almost lost my head as I forgot to ask where Rolando was. I ask the waiter where is Rolando, Rolando is one of our friends we met two year ago. Rolando went with us on the tour of Tulum and Sian Ka’an Biosphere. He was the passenger and Jose was the driving student. See I can be more that a Guia de Viaje , I’m also a Drivers Ed teacher in QRoo. Hehe. All of a sudden here is Rolando with that Great Big Mayan Grin that I love so much, standing over my shoulder. I jump up and give him a big Gringo hug and hand shake. He is pleased that we asked for him. We talk for a couple of minutes before he has to get back to earning his $3.75 US per DAY, yes per day, that includes two meals and a small room to live in. Now you can understand why all the generous Propinas for all my friends. Anyway back to Rolando, have you heard from Jose? I really enjoy Jose. Yes William he is still in  Playa del Carmen working in an Italiano Restaurante. Oh, wish I could see him! See you later Rolando.

In the mean time our Desayuno shows up and we stop talking and enjoy the wonderful meal that has blessed our lives. The fruit is wonderful. The fresh squeezed orange juice is out of sight. Can’t get enough. The ice water (they use bottled water and hielo de agua purificado) so don’t buy a bottle of water as some persons do, a waste of money. Buy more Cerveza. All fruits and vegetables are washed in a bacterial wash and are safe. A little information is due at this point. All waiters, bartenders, cooks and others that work at these restaurants attend health classes weekly! Can we say that at home? I think not. Realize that these places need you presence to make money. If your sick you don’t eat and drink and you won’t come back. Hangover excepted and change of diet excepted. Don’t over do as I do. Off the soapbox and back to the overwhelming view of the Caribe. There is never, well if the weather is bad there is an exception to the rule, any waves in Akumal Bay. The bay is sandy bottomed, not like Half Moon Bay that is coral rock bottomed. It is a wonderful place for everyone to swim, sunbathe and drink Cervezas y Cocas. There is a small amount of sea grass in some areas. The sand is white and beautiful. Each morning they rake all the seaweed that has washed up on beach so we don’t have to deal with it in the day.  A stroll down the beach is wonderful. There a Panga boat anchored in the bay. They are used for Dive trips, snorkeling trips, Robinson Cruso trips, fishing trip and other fun things. The guys that operate these boats are professionals and are very safe.

Time for Rick to check in at Akumal Dive Center on the beach right next door to the Lol-Ha. The other shop is good also, but we have used Akumal Dive Center before and know and like our friends Aveleno works the equiptment rental and sign up and Jose is a Dive Master. He was the dive master in '95 when I took my Resort Course and made three dives of a life time. Would not trade that experience for anything. Met Arturo this trip. Seems like a nice guy. He runs the place. Rick’s getting his BC attached to the tank and preparing for a morning dive, they say it will be about 100 feet this morning. Bye, Bye Rick, see you later.

Lynn, Nancy and I go over close to the Lol-Ha beach bar and stake claim to a Coco Tree and lay out our beach towels in the sun and start getting that welcome Tan. We stake out the tree for shade when it gets to Hot in the sun, which can happen like right now. I go to the bar in search of a Cerveza and the guys say we are not open. Oh no what ever will I do?

Since the bar is closed and I have some previously contracted business to do, I opt to take care of it. As I mentioned in the prelude to these reports, I planned ahead to meet Kay of
Akumal-On-Line at http://locogringo.com . So I tell Lynn that I’m off to find Kay. She and Nancy are about to go snorkeling this morning, as the water is wonderful.  I stop at a small shop to ask directions. Kay has given me an landmark, (not telling the land mark or location of Kay’s house so as to protect her privacy) if you want to met her, give her an email request and she can direct you there. Any way I remember now that I had seen that land mark in May and jump in the car and head towards her place. When I arrive at her house, I park the car, walk up and knock on the door, shortly a young lady comes to the door and says Your Bill from Tulsa aren’t you? I knew you were here and was expecting you. Please come in. Would you like a cup of Café. Being a coffee drinker I accepted without hesitation. She says pardon me as I’m on-line and the line is long distance to Cancun. She terminates the call. Remember some people have to work to be here in Akumal. She was answering email reservations that she can arrange for you. Any way she returns and we get acquainted. She tells of her and Gary’s experience in trying to decide what to take to Merida with them when they evacuate for the Mitch thing. She and Gary are Cave Divers and that’s what keeps them in Akumal. She says they don’t even like the beach. We make a date for her, Gary, Lynn and I to meet at La Buena Vida for a Cerveza during happy hour (Hora de Feliz). The phone rings and guess who it is? Marcia of http://www.casadelmarmex.com . The friend that watched things on the http://locogringo.com site while Kay was in Merida for Mitch. Business has interrupted my time with Kay, bye, bye Kay, sure glad I got to meet you. See tonight! I’m off to see the girls and find them still swimming around with the fish and beautiful coral. I now can have that Cerveza and it is a very cold Dos Equis XX.
Lynn and Nancy return from their snorkeling tour to rest and take on some EL SOL, no not the beer but the Sun. By now I’m getting hungry, asking the girls if they could eat. Yes I know, all I do is eat, drink and sleep. Well there are several other things I do but they are private. No, comes the reply and I say what? Rick will be back any minute now and we, being ladies will wait for him. Oh, I guess that’s the way to treat the Tour Guide when you’re the Guided. Fair enough and I go to the bar to sulk, hehe, I strike up a conversation with guys behind the bar and ask if Wilberth of Chemuyil (he’s married to a gringo girl) still works here and they say yes but he’s on vacation to the USA. Oh wow, had not thought of that. Funny how everyone has their own vacation thoughts. The Cerveza is good even when I drink it by myself.

Hey, there comes the Panga boat through the break in the reef. There is a flag marking the entrance to the bay. Down that Dos Equis and rush over to see how the dive was. Rick says, that’s what I came for and it was fantastic and I can’t wait for the afternoon dive. We sit around the shade of the Coco tree and discuss how marvelous this Place of the Turtles really is. We thank Don Pablo Bush for getting it started and also his daughter Laura Bush Wolfe and her husband David for keeping it ECO-SOUND. They have worked hard to keep it simple and laid back. Thanks again Laura and David!

Rick is starving, I knew I could count on him. We wander over for lunch at the Beach Bar. The lunch menu is always good. By now I just want a snack and a Cerveza. The rest have a good sandwich and other wonderful stuff. I have Nachos y Guacamole y Tostados y Salsa. Ya I know a small snack. The food is great, thanks guys. We hang out for quite awhile watching the other people and the kids playing Volley Ball without a net, they are laughing and having a wonderful time. I reflect on the days that I spent doing the same kinds of things. It is good to be alive. It is good to be in Akumal being alive. It is good to relax from a job that keeps you jumping. Well we have managed to enjoy all the time before Rick’s next dive. He says that this dive will be around 50 to 60 feet. That’s as deep as I have been. I chose not to do a Resort Course this year because the water was not up to par. Rick said it really was but I guess I just didn’t feel right so I go with my feeling as usual. He’s on the way through the reef once again and disappears around the bend at the point near Cannon House. Yes and there are cannons there, taken from a sunken ship (name has slipped my mind), there are a couple in the water to snorkel over, it’s really neat. Nancy is settling in on the beach towel for some EL SOL. Enjoy your Sun Nancy.

I have some more business to take care of now. Ya more of that stuff that I came here to get away from. I ask Lynn if she would like to come along and with an enthusiastic yes, we head out to find……dim der  Sunglasses! Yep Sunglasses, seem a new friend had been down the road at De Rosa Villas a few days ago and had forgotten them while on a mapping trip (need those babies back, My Mom gave those to me and you know the Wrath of Moms don’t you and besides they are expensive designer glasses, humm?). Can you guess who that could have been? Well for those of you that don’t have a clue I’ll let you in on the secret. The Map Guy, alias Perry of Can-Do Map at: http://www.cancunmap.com/ . Lynn and I head out the Arch at Akumal entrance headed to De Rosa Villa, suppose to be using my Cancun-Tulum map but guess what? I lost it
somewhere! Goodness, where did they say De Rosa Villas was? God I forgot the notes that I made on where to find them. Was it the second Akumal exit or the third exit. Well, my, my let’s try the second one. Nope that’s not it. Back to the highway and go on to the next exit. Looks new well I don’t have a clue and down it we go. Not here Senor, must be down the road. Humm, ok the next one has to be it. Down it we go! Por Favor  I am a Lost Gringo could you tell me where to find De Rosa Villa? Senor es dldl;airrokioubviq[pokodjjvijotoqodkldfrt;luokooper his directions are in Espanol and all I get out of it is Aventuras Akumal. Gracias Senor por de informacion! Hasta luego Amigo. That’s all I needed and we now have the directions we needed from the beginning. Back to the highway and on down the road (there are more new roads and I guess it’s more than the third exit as I found my note in my wallet where it was all the time). Make left turn on to the road to Aventuras Akumal. OH  goodness the road for the next 100 or so meters is mostly water, what to do? I study the route for about 10 minutos and decide that I have a duty and the Sunglasses must return with me. Onward though the water, whew got to a high spot out of the water, sweat is starting to pour off my brow and the air-conditioner is running full blast. A Chevy Blazer rolls past like the place is dry. They look at me like dumb Gringo what do you think your doing here in that Nissan Lowrider? Well I wait for the waves to subside and continue on to the next high spot.  So far so good, almost though the water. Yeaa wwee made it Lynn, trying to be Kewl and not doing such a good job of it. So now we have to find De Rosa Villas. We pass several kewl Villas and look and look and there it is, an exceptionally nice place I think as we  park, by this time the car is sputtering from all the water that has splashed or thrown on the engine. Glad we’re here.

Next we head for the office to find Nancy de Rosa as instructed by the Map Guy. Knock, knock, who’s there? Bill from Tulsa. Come on in Bill from Tulsa. I’ve been expecting you since Monday, sorry as we just had to hang at the beach, you know how it is. Yes I do!
The view from her place is out of this world. We ask how the Beach survived the Storm Surge and she responds with, we have way more sand and are still moving it.

Nancy looks up the sunglasses and gives them to me and I think I’ve gone through all this and she is giving me these plastic throwaway sunglasses. Well I place them in a wrap and put them in my Ceremonial Bag I carry while in the QRoo. She gathers a bunch of advertisement sorta stuff about their business and says that with all this Mitch stuff she is swamped and would we excuse her as she had so much work to do with her Clients. We bid her Thank You and Mucho Gusto. Gracias Nancy see you around sometime. Not sure the Map Guy is going to be please! Looks like someone else has Expensive Designer SunGlasses.

Lynn and I sit around in the car debating about these SunGlasses. I tell Lynn gee now I have to tell the Map Guy that I have cheap plastic sunglasses and I think I made a smart@$$ remark about getting free SunGlasses, now what to do. Well off we go. We’re on vacation and the chore is done and will deal with that problem when vacation is over. The car is still sputtering as we head for the river that take you to the highway. Getting to the River I hesitate for quite awhile prior to starting the float-trip to the river, wishing for a Canoe or SurfBoard instead of a Nissan. Lynn says what you gonna do hon? I said well seems like we are going Canoeing again or was it Surfing? I start out into the river and the car is going blubb blubb as it is trying to dye and the exhaust pipe is under water. I keep nursing the throttle as it keeps sputtering and gurgling and whew we make it to a high spot. I pop the hood, ask Lynn to get her foot on the gas. Please keep this baby running, she get all contorted over the gear shift and gets a foot on the gas so she can keep her running while I get out to open the hood so as to let the steam escape. We sit there for quite a while, just waiting. By now I need, and I really mean need a Shot of Tequila but wouldn’t you know it, there is not a Pool Bar at this pool. D@mn the luck. The engine has smoothed out a bit and I close the hood and get in and get my foot on the gas, Lynn can hardly get herself free to move her foot. We start out again and gurgle, miss, sputter and god know what else as I freak out. If this baby dies in the water, I’ll never get it started.  We do make it to another high spot. Boy this is giving me reason to start smoking again (just kidding). Along comes a GMC suburban and flies past leaving a tidal wave that about washes us off our isla in this river, needed that SurfBoard for sure. The Nissan rocks and rolls for about five minutes and start to sputter and all of a sudden runs just great, I take this as a Hint of Better Things To Come and head out into the Surf. We make it to the highway! Hot Perro we are OK now. Now I can LOL and if I could fit I would ROFLOL but I guess we will get back to Akumal Bay and the Lol-Ha beach bar for a SHOT of TEQUILA. This was really an Adenture of all Advetures in the Quintana Roo, and all the thanks go to the MAP GUY AND THE MAP CHICK!!!! Gracias para La Aventura sus Amiga y Amigo desde Iowa y la Mapa Personas. You never know how things will go when you AGREE TO DO A FAVOR FOR YOUR FRIENDS. Hehe! LOL ROFLOL Saying what a trip it was, You might try it some time! I’d do it again but I’d bring that Canoe and SurfBoard along next time or at least a Suburban.

Back at the beach we find Nancy soaking up the sun and wondering where we were. Told her about our adventure and she just laughs. Some friend you are. Hehe. About time for Rick to return from his dive. Here he comes. He is in Hog Heaven, he has seen many critter and has loved his dive beyond expectations, that’s the way the Magic of Akumal is, it just keeps blowing your mind time and time again.

Off for a little time and Cerveza y Margaritas at Casa Cenote http://www.casacenote.com . Stopping at the Super Chomak for Honey for Bonifacia, the mother of the boys at Casa Cenote. I always bring her some food stuff because Moms like to feed there Children more than life its’ self. We arrive and everyone goes to the Palapa for a Cerveza and I gather the honey and head to her Hut (their home), as I approach I call out Hola, Hola and I hear an Hola in return. I approach the door to the Hut and find Bonifacia doing laundry and Eleazar in the Hammock. Sound familiar? Well I can just hear you all saying boy are they ever the same all over the World or what. LOL, to  myself as I ponder the thought. Bonifacia gives me that great big Mayan smile and a very happy Gracias Mi Amigo, Gracias. I say Hasta Pronto. I’m on the way back when Gilberto runs up to say Hola, I say Hola Gilberto, Como Esta Chico? Once again it’s Bien, I say no Bien, Bien o Muy Bien, just a laugh from him like always. Some things never change.

I show up and there is a Cerveza on the table and everyone is smiling with happiness. Wilberth call out William I have two orders of Langosta on hand, without hesitation I say we’ll take it! Wait awhile and we will tell you when to prepare it. Mas Dos Equis Don Rubin, Por Favor. In a Magical moment they arrive with a Mayan smile, gee I love that Smile. That’s something I really miss is that Mayan smile! Maybe I can get one of my own. I keep trying but Gringos have a hard time keeping them. We walk to the water and decide to take a swim. Still hot from the River Rafting trip or was it a Surfing trip? Seems like a dream as we hit the water!
The water is refreshing, wonderful and clear as Rocky Mountain Spring Water. See lots of fish swimming in and out of the salt and fresh water mix. The underground river dumps out right here, so kewl to see. Boy, after the Rapids or Surf today I’m starving for some Langosta al mojo de ajo. Wilberth we’re ready for the Langosta now Por Favor. Buy yourselves and the boys a Coca. Gracias Amigo, William! After a little while the Langosta is at the table and Lynn and I share while Nancy and Rick share. We all ohhh and awwe over this very fresh Lobster. Nothing like a fresh Langosta de Caribe! We devoir the Lobster at a cost of $180 pesos each. Exchange rate at 9.50. After the Lobster we head for the house. Paying the bill and the usual. Back at Playa Blanca #4 we get ready for Happy Hour at La Buena Vida, suppose to meet Kay and Gary for a Cerveza. All cleaned up and heading to  La Buena Vida. We are walking, as it is just a Hop, Skip and Jump from our place. I really like that as if you drink to much all that can happen is that you get run over or lost in the Jungle but you don’t wreck the rental car.

We take the gift that we brought for Benito, remember he is the bar and restaurant manager, with us. He is an avid Basketball player. We brought him a New Basketball and air pump as I had to deflate it to get it in the luggage. We arrive and order Sol as we want to be kewl. Benito sees us and comes over to talk. We spring the bag on him. He is over whelmed with joy. We talk for awhile and he carries that BasketBall straight over to some of the other guys to show off his new BasketBall. They look and point at us. They are impressed and he has given them a lesson in diplomacy, see what happens when you get to know a Gringo and become his friend. Benito has been training these guys, they are learning quite well.

We continue to Happy Hour by ourselves and to our sadness Kay and Gary never show up. Benito says that they probably got a last minute Cave Dive and couldn’t make it. He knows them well and said that it was important or they would have been here. You have to work and make money when it is there and we know that well. Next time Amiga we will have that Beer.

We decide to go upstairs to have dinner, just Lynn and I tonight as Nancy and Rick want Pizza and I don’t do Pizza in Akumal! That’s something I care not about, Pizza. The Lol-Ha does make a pretty good Pizza however. That’s if you like that sort of thing anyway. Lynn and I decide to go all Veggie tonight. Starting with Margaritas. Then for an appetizer we order Grilled Vegetables served with a wonderful dip of soy and other wonderful spices. Boy yum yum. You bet eating again. Don’t you just love it. Remember that warm French bread and Chips and Salsa are there for the eating. The water is safe and so is the ice. Don’t spend $$ on bottled water.
For the main course we order Caesar Salad, we have to have this over and over again as we can’t get it this way at home. Remember it is a show. They first carry all the ingredients to a side table. They then ask if you like Anchovy and if not they substitute with Bacon, I like it both ways. Then comes the oil and garlic to be blended together in the Bowl with the Anchovy. Spices are added and mixed. Next they pickup the Eggs one at a time with two spoons and tap, tap on the side of the bowl to make a small hole in the side of the Egg so that the white can be poured off the yolk. Better interject that the eggs are soaked in Anti-Bacterial solution so as to make this process safe. The Yolks are then stirred vigorously into the Oil, Anchovy and Spices. Next He take the Romaine Leaves one at a time and dips them in the mixture placing them on chilled plates until they are equal as this is a Salad for two. Next he asks about Croutons? Then Parmesan Cheese. YOU know the rest. It is one Wonderful experience to say the least. We savor the moment. The Moon over Half Moon Bay is still wonderful and Muy Bonito.
We decide to have another Margaritas. Mas Margaritas Por Favor, Gracias. La Cuenta Por Favor. We say Buenos Noches Amigos! Hasta Luego.

Lynn and I stroll down the road heading for Playa Blanca #4, we see Rob and Tina along the way. Hola Tina y Rob. Hasta Manana. Their wedding is tomorrow and we will be there.

We arrive home and find Nancy and Rick hang ten on the Balcony. We have a cup of the coffee they have saved for us and decide to hit the hay so to speak. Good night everyone. Out like a light, switched off by Magic.

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DIA SEIS  November 7

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. 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!

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. He has just one dive today as we want to go the Casa Cenote 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.

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. 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 cannon 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 Pescadera, 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.

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.
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 Casa Cenote 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.

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.

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 Casa Cenote that feel 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 Tan-Ka 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.

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. 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 Oasis). 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.

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.

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.

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. 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!

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 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 that lives near by that is crawling around 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 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 flash      light to see to go to the Banos in the night. Kewl idea my friends. You have thought of everything.

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.

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DIA SIETE November 8

Good Morning My World in the MUNDO MAYA! There is a wonderful quiet this morning, it is Sunday or Domingo if you will, it is a day to Celebrate your personal Faith.

Once again the sunrise is great! Watching it Con Mucho Gusto because we are running low on sunrise mornings here. Take a good look Amigos.

We slowly begin to advance on the morning as Rick about ready to go to the Akumal Dive Center for another day of diving as he can’t dive tomorrow as he needs time before we fly home. Yep, we have decided to go home on time. But, that’s not today, so skip that kind of talk. Rick is going to dive this morning and after lunch and then makes a night dive with lights.

We all go to breakfast at La Buena Vida and enjoy the meal. The view from our table of Half Moon Bay is lovely this morning.  We are looking out at the Palapas and the bay. Down there is a most excellent place to view the Caribe and partake of Many Cervezas y Margaritas o Pina Coladas. We are heading out to the car and have to wait on traffic and Kay goes by waving to us. We drive out of the Half Moon Bay area over all the Topes and arrive at the parking lot at Lol-Ha. We lie around the beach a short while. We take a swim and then decide to go to the market at Tulum Ruins for awhile. We don’t go to the ruins themselves as we decided to save that for when Rick and Nancy can see it together. Rick’s diving the whole day.

We want to visit a friend we made in May at one of the little shops in the Market. We would also like to purchase some gift items for our children and grandson. We walk around the market awhile and need to make a pit stop. The Senorita taking the money for use of the restroom and cleaning there of, informs us it will be $2 pesos each. I see the need for this fee because someone has to clean the incredible mess that people make.

Next we look up our friends. Can’t believe it, they have managed to maintain a good amount of business. I attribute this to their very personable attitudes towards Gringos. Last May their Son was a baby swaying in a hammock. We played with him and left him some pesos for Ice Cream as his dad had told us how much he (the baby son) liked it. We had bought some stone carvings in May. We looked and found another that belonged on my wall. I love those carvings. Bought it as we realized that our time in QRoo was running out.  I went back to the car to drop off all the stuff we had purchased so far. I picked up some pens and tablets to take to Leon, our young friend, he no longer a baby. He thought that was great when I gave them to him and he was able to scribble on the tablet. He (Leon) was showing Lynn this Big Bamboo Drum that his dad Alberto had made from a design his father had taught him. Lynn beat on it awhile; it has an incredible sound. Lynn returned the drum to its place. Leon went over, got it and returned it to Lynn to play some more. Lynn played with him for awhile and put it back. We said that we would get some lunch and maybe return before we leave to make one last look, before leaving. Hurry back William! We’ll see you before we leave, I call back to him (Alberto). Bye, bye Leon, Mi Amigo.

We stop at a Loncheria in the market place. Lynn and I had had lunch here in May and their food was quite good to us. We ordered two Dos Equis for Lynn and I, one Coke for Nancy. Not long after, I asked what Lynn and Nancy wanted for lunch. They said they were not very hungry. I said, I would order Nachos for us. They come with beans, guacamole, chilies and cheese. The order comes out, it is huge. Lynn and Nancy, can’t you please help me with this Huge order of Nachos? Well they didn’t think so. Okay, I’ll just eat all I can. Not long after they decided to sample the Nachos and then I wasn’t sure there was enough. Hehe!

While sitting eating my nachos, I see some children sitting in the back of a shop with their Mother. I take from my bag some pens and tablets; I take them over and give them to the children. They give me that great big Mayan smile and say Gracias Senor. The mother smiles, then also says Gracias. A point that I have forgotten all this time is that of the cleanliness of the people of QRoo, there is no one with dirty clothes. They always look like they have just gotten dressed. However do they do it? The children are very clean and polite. We finish the nachos and beer and coke and head back to Alberto’s shop to Buy that Bamboo Drum that Lynn liked so much. Hehe, did she get a sales job done on her or what, sort of like a Time Share Pitch (hoho hehe LOL). Leon gets a commission today I guess. When we go to pay, Alberto says, as he is scraping off the $200 peso price tag that it will be $100 peso. We say you can’t do that and he promptly tells us we are his friends and that is the price. So to over come this we decide to purchase some other items. We now have spent some more and we come away with the gifts we need. We say Hasta Luego our friends; we will see you on our next vacation. Bye, bye young Leon! I give him $20 peso TIP and tell him to get some ice cream, he takes the pesos and starts off down the sidewalk to get ice cream and Alberto has to run after him.

We decide to go on down the road past Tulum City to go see Ruinas Muyil also known as Chunlyaxche. We pass the Dona Rita Restaurant at the end of town, that’s another story from ’95 but we won’t hit on that today. Lynn and I reflect on our ’95 trip after seeing Dona Rita’s with a brand new paint job. She’s coming up in the world. We have passed the last Tope and are on our way to Muyil. It’s not far down the road as I remember. We drive and drive, must be farther than I remember, I think to myself, not wanting to alarm Lynn and Nancy. Just as I am getting concerned, it pops up ahead. We are coming here because Kay of Akumal-on-Line has told me that they have the Pyramid (Castillo) under reconstruction with scaffolding in place to be able to do the work.

Upon arriving, we remember that today is Sunday and there are no entrance fees on Sunday, lucky us. We are the only ones here. We park the car and start down the small trail to the ruins; there are several mounds of fallen down building all around. We come upon the caretaker hut. I call out Hola as I always do when approaching a persons hut. A hearty Hola is rebound to me. Pase Por Favor. Si Senor. So we continue on to see the reconstruction effort. It is not what I imagined. Scaffolding is supposed to be metal and bolted together. It is skinny trees tied together with rope. Should have known. I guess I just kept thinking like a Gringo instead of thinking Mexico or QRoo, as I really know better. We have been here before and it is quite different now. The pyramid is so much more elegant with the reconstruction. When it is finished it will be kewl. They are also reconstructing one of the Sacbeob (limestone roads). The Sacbe runs down to the Lagoon. Next time it will be complete I think. It take many years to do reconstruction as it cost a lot of money. The work is very hard it seems to me. It has rained a lot lately and the Mosquitoes are as big as Geckos (lizards). We do have to get out the Deet to get rid of those critters. We decide to head for Akumal after enjoying Muyil Ruinas. It has been another experience in culture of the old. The return trip is uneventful.

We arrive at Akumal with out incident. We head for the beach where Rick is lying on a towel taking a nap. Lucky for him he is in the shade of a Coco tree. As I walk past the bar a person comes up from behind and sticks something in my back and calls out, Halto!  I have no idea what is transpiring here. I have a flash of concern, I then realize that I should not be feeling guilty. I turn to see what is going on and couldn’t believe my eyes. Jose my friend how in the world are you? Jose is my friend of a number of years and a former Driver Education Student. Yep, the one, the only Jose, friend of friends. I’m so happy to see him, I embrace him in a bear hug. He was down from Playa del Carmen to see his brother, sister and friends in Akumal. He was sitting at the bar having a cold one when He saw us, realizing who we were He jumped up to see me. I have to admit I was quite surprised and pleased to see him. We have enjoyed Jose since ’95. He is a very good friend. I buy him another beer and a Perro Especial (hot dog wrapped in bacon). The dog looked so good I ordered one for myself. We talked and talked. We laughed about the driving lesson in June of ’97. He has not been behind the wheel of a car since. He is a Bike person and rides the bus everywhere as most persons do. We finish our dogs and beer. I ask if he will be around for dinner and he says he has to go back to Playa to get some clothes. We make a date to have dinner at the Lol-Ha at 8 pm. Bye, bye Jose see you at 8 pm.

It’s about time for Rick to make his last dive of the trip. It’s is the night dive. He will love it to death. He will never forget about this dive. The girls and I stake out a place on the beach and take a rest while Rick is gone on his dive. The young people are playing on the beach. They are having so much fun. It is very dark now. The young people are gone by now and we have the beach to ourselves. Sitting on the beach in the dark is very restful. The lights of the evening are playing with my imagination. I think about the plight of the Turtles. Even though this is an Eco area there still are those that argue that we are hurting the
Turtles here. This place has been here for many a year by now. Don Pablo Bush would never have thought that his dive place would harm the Nesting Turtles. It must be true, as there are less and less every year. They do remove outside light bulbs at the Condos during nesting season. This is done to keep the external light down to help keep the Turtles from being disoriented when arriving to lay their eggs. Oh, the time has passed so fast and Rick is returning from his night dive. Where has the time gone? We opt to return to the condo to clean up prior to dinner. There are new people moving in next door and the Magic is continually transforming from person to person. We hang out for awhile before going back to the Lol-Ha to meet Jose.

We get to Lol-Ha restaurant and don’t find Jose. We take a table outside on the porch so we can admire the evening. The sounds of the very small waves are ever so soothing, the night lights and moon shimmer on the bay. What a site it is to behold. We can seem to get enough of this delightful scene. If we could only have this at our Condo in Tulsa (yep, we live in a High-rise in Downtown Tulsa) we would be in Hog Heaven. I turn to see if the dining room has anyone in it and there stands Jose all cleaned up looking like a business professional. He could pass for a Lawyer. That’s what happens when you have a young Mayan/Chino (Chinese) that wants to make something of himself. He has a very big desire to do well and excel at what ever he is doing. He’s quite the guy that Jose. We talk and talk. He has mastered the Italian language at the Italian Restaurant in Playa. He is now studying German. He speaks Mayan, Spanish, English, Italian, and a good deal of German. He spends all or most of his free time studying something. He says that he still goes snorkeling from time to time. I had given him his first set of snorkeling gear. I didn’t have room to take it home, do to many gifts in the luggage. He was the lucky one to receive this stuff. He was thrilled. He tells of working for the Akumal Dive Center for awhile and taking a Resort Course. This was before moving to Playa del Carmen. He got to do 4 dives at the Reef. He says it was Magnifico or something like that. Jose is looking to come back to Akumal as he misses all his friends and family. We certainly hope he does as we do enjoy his company. We like to do things with him on his days off. He always teaches us something new. Maybe we can go to Merida to meet and visit his parents. The time is short this trip but very welcome. He has told of the wages situation here and I find it amazing how little they live on! Dinner is good and we have a Coffee and Flan for dessert. It’s time to be heading home and let Jose get back to his friends and family. Good night and see you next vacation our young friend. Good bye Lynn and Bill, glad you got to see me. He has learned more about Gringo habits since we last saw him. He is a funnyman.

We are home and I am tired. I just go to my room and yell out good night all see ya in the Manana. Out like someone punched my lights out as I remember nothing. I don’t even wake in the night.

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 DIA OCHO y NUEVE November 9 & 10

Wake up at dark:30 this morning, don’t want to miss that Farout and Funky sunrise. I am getting anxiety syndrome as this is the last sunrise for us this trip! Oh no, what ever will I do. Come right back as soon as the Pesos are recovered in my pocket, that’s what. Well, enough sadness because we still have the day and that’s all that I ask for now. Enjoy the days, day by day like they will be your last. Tomorrow never comes, ever notice that? Here comes the sun, here comes the sun, yippie hurray! What a day this will be. The coffee is good one more time. We have enjoyed the Playa Blanca #4 very much. It is a Comfortable and Lovely Home. We thank the owners for sharing their home with us. This morning while watching the sun over the Caribe, I am writing in the guest book. They have a book with things to do and web site information and ask all visitors to add to the flair of this document. Well I can do that for sure. I have places I have been that are not in this book. I also want to add my web page URL. Get more visitors! Yep, I’d do that.

Everyone is ready for breakfast. We are going to use great imagination this morning and attend the services at (can you guess)? Well, it is a well known place. Okay, I’ll give it up to you but only because I like you and you will like this place. The Turtle Bay Café and Bakery! This is my favorite eating establishment for the first meal of the day and I don’t even like the first meal of the day. Desayuno, it is so nice to be there in the shade of the trees, the smiles of the girls, Sydney and Thomas. What a wonderful bunch to share your life with. They should get the Award for the best improvement to Akumal since we started attending this great Play On Life In The Place Of The Turtles, our one and only Akumal. Bye, bye Sydney y Thomas, We Shall Return!

Forgot to tell you that yesterday that I turned my clothes into the Laundry and picked it up that afternoon. Well you can’t remember everything every day, or should you? The reason for remembering is that we are passing by it this very minute. Stopping to get some Rice and Beans for my friend, Bonifacia.
Just know they could use the help of a friend. By now you know where we are headed. That’s what we do to relax and savor the time that is left.

Have to back up a couple of days. Lynn and I were driving around one day and decided to go towards Tulum. We were clipping along and out in the middle of no where there were some folks just hitching along. Being a nice guy, and not fearing for my life, I stop to see if they would like to have a ride? Of course they did. Would you be hitching if you weren’t? They had had an Natural urge that could only be satisfied by getting off the bus they were riding. Glad I’m not the only one with an urge. They introduced themselves as Lisa and Hakan from SWEDEN. We are headed for Coba. Oh boy what a great destination, we were just there the other day. We think you will have a great time. We were not going all the way to Coba or even Tulum but you know I think we can take you to the edge of Tulum where the road turns to Coba. Lisa and Hakan are on a pre-honeymoon trip for 3 months, when they get home they will marry! Pretty kewl I’d say. Lisa writes in our notebook, “Thanks You so much for being just the way you are! Bye, bye our new friends! Have a wonderful Holiday and congratulations on the marriage.

Back to the day at hand. We are traveling down the road just reflecting on what a trip and adventure this past week has been.
We have done adventures that we could not have planned ever in a lifetime of planning. This has been a Holiday Trip like none before or probably ever after. Once in a life time trip or all trips. I will have to go some to top this Baby! But being the Person I am, I will keep trying and trying, because if I don’t pursue a trip bigger and better it can never happen. Just try, try and try again. We pass lots of places that we have not been and say to ourselves, we should go there next time. Some we have said that year after year about. That’s what keeps us coming back. There is always something new to do and keeps growing all the time, some good and some bad. Progress is not always what we wish we had.

The road to Casa Cenote, sure I know, We have already been there over and over. Well it is where we spend that last day, every year since discovering this place of Relaxation and Beauty. Some will say I am a nut and this is not that great a place but you know me, I will continue to say it is the best and most beautiful place ever.

We arrive to find the place gone! Where did it go? Oh no what will we do. Hehe, gotcha! We find it not open or anyone there. So I take the Beans and Rice to Bonifacia. As I approach the Hut I say Hola, Hola! From within I hear an Echo, Hola, Hola. Out steps Bonifacia, I carry up the goods. I hand them to Bonifacia. She says Gracias William, Muchas Gracias Amigo. I step to the door of the Hut and you guessed it, there lies, none other than Eleazar in his hammock. Men never change, women doing the chores and the men lying around! Can you believe it? Well at least he doesn’t have a remote control or a Football game on. Hehe. The boys are there and give a hearty Hola William, como esta? Bien, bien Gracias mi Amigos y usted? Bien as always. We visit in our broken Spanish, knowing that we like each other as we laugh with each other. Adios Mi Amigos. Hasta Luego. I’m off to the beach for a swim prior to the opening of the Bar. The water is as clear as Vodka or was it Gin? The day is fresh and the water is cool and wonderful.
Swimming here, one needs booties. The floor of the bay is full of coral and rock! That is not bad as the fish love it and snorkeling is really different here. We love it. Snorkel, Swim, Cerveza, Visit, Cerveza, Foooood, Langosta al mojo de ajo, Camarones al mojo de ajo, Pescado al mojo de ajo, Palapa Papas, Conversation, Quesadillas de Camarones, Nachos, Hamburgers (yep, burgers and hot dogs), Margaritas, Cheladas [limon (lime juice) about ½ an inch in the bottom, salt on the rim as in Margaritas, ice cubes and then Cerveza of your choice]. Lynn chooses Dos Equis! Oh my word desecration of a good Dos Equis. These are part of the reason for coming to this place. Our little bit of Heaven on Earth as I call it. Gary serves  Cranberry Margaritas that will Knock your Socks off. If you like Cranberries and Margaritas they are a must try!

Hi there Rubin and Wilberth! Hola William y Lynn y Nancy y Rick! Hola Sus Amigos! William there are 4 Sols that are cold, the Dos Equis will be cold in 30 minutes. Bring on the Sol, beggars cannot be choosers. Rubin brings them with Gusto. Wilberth is readying his kitchen. Rubin goes back to icing down the beer. Remember that there is no electricity in this area, they ice down everything and are very careful about it, no food poisoning here! This is still a very safe place to eat and drink. Drink that beer and decide to walk the beach and just relax and think of a way to return to the QRoo as soon as possible. Hummmm, what ever will I do to get back soon? The beach is quiet this morning, no waves to speak of.
The Caribe smells so clean and fresh, Awww what a day we have before us. There could not be anything better than this, could there be? I will think not at least for now. Probably for a long time. Remembering that tomorrow never comes.

I take a seat on the Throne of Life and dream of the days when Michel Peissel made his walking journey down the coast of QRoo. His book is the Lost World of Quintana Roo. It is out of print but I was able to procure a used copy by searching the net for it. It was very reasonable. I recommend this book to anyone that loves the Cancun~Tulum corridor. This is a story of a remarkable true adventure. Michel Peissel, a young Frenchman with an international background, was stranded on the coast of QRoo, in the Yucatan, abandoned by boatmen he had engaged on Isla Cozumel to take him southward. Not realizing what obstacles he would have to overcome, or the foolhardiness of his plan, he decided to continue his journey on foot.

Weeks later, quite miraculously, Michel Peissel completed the long and unprecedented journey through dense jungle, mangrove swamps, and along desolate beaches, down probably the most savage coast of Central America, a coast which over five hundred years ago was the scene of flourishing cities and ports of the Ancient Mayan Civilization. His trek was an adventure not only in survival but also in exploration and discovery. In the course of his lonely and hazardous trip through the bandit-haunted jungles he was to come upon many sites of ruined pyramids, temples, oratories, and other archaeological remains of the ancient Mayas which had lain hidden for centuries under the thick jungle vegetation.

Vividly and with good humor Michel Peissel tells the story of his adventures on this daring one-man expedition. Ill-equipped, wearing only sandals to protect his feet against rocks, roots, snakes, and scorpions, he could only with difficulty find Indians to guide him on his way, and only for short stretches. Plagued by hunger and thirst, hunted by murderous outlaws, his route led through jungle so thick that the way had to be hacked out by machete. It was an ordeal—but an ordeal that was to lead him to lost temples by the blue sea, Tulum as we know it today or buried in mysterious marshes and jungle, to lofty pyramids rising over the endless expanse of trees, to a village of the jealously independent Chan Santa Cruz Indians, to the fabulous ruined city of Chunyaxche (Muyil), and to other temples and ruins at the lonely sites of Chamax, San Miguel de Ruz, Tupak, Rio Indio, and elsewhere, a large number of them previously unknown to the outside world.

In 1961 Michel Peissel returned again to QRoo for further investigations that form the final chapter of this unusual book. The LOST WORLD of QUINTANA ROO is a fascinating true story of exploration in the land of the MAYAS. Oh my word did I get caught up in this MAGICAL MUNDO MAYA or what. Hope you didn’t mind but I could have been Michel, I think. Jungle Bill Lord of the Monkeys!

Boy, am I still here?? Am I lost? Is there still Cerveza in the world? How about Langosta al mojo de ajo? Whew, that was a really hard trip down the coast! I better check on reality. Yep, the rest of the gang are still lying on the beach and getting some last day Sol. I check in with Rubin about the coldness of the Cerveza. He replies that it is ready for you Guillo. That’s the first time I think he didn’t call me William. Kewl, now we are friends for sure, we are down to nick names. It takes a while down here to get personal. Cerveza for everyone! Hey, Wilberth, you got any Langosta today? Sorry William, but the divers have not been by today. Oh, oh, I have confidence in the divers and I know they have heard the Mayan prayer that I have given to the Langosta God! They will bring me Langosta for sure. Wilberth, if the divers come with Langosta, please save two orders for William and please Amigo call me Guillo or Bill, only my mother calls me William and then when she is angry with me! Hehe, I’ll bet that is common in all places of the world. He agrees to all.

We have met many people here at Casa Cenote and find it hard to remember everyone. People can be so nice if you talk to them. I always break the ice, as I am a loner and don’t take to strangers as a rule except in the QRoo that is probably why I love it so much. I think I can just be plain Ol Bill here and don’t feel that way at home. Seems that I always have to look like something or some body, that I am not. Oh, what a realization. Have another Cerveza Bill and warm up to the world.

Before I forget for all you that may want a private driver for the day or week or a lifetime, I met a couple of guys that their charges seemed to be enjoying there tour. One is called Jose Luis Reyna, taxi #106, cell phone 747856, bilingual, out of Cancun. He has 24-hour service. The other guy is nickname “Webster”, Cecilio Cabreva Salazar, cell phone 747718, based out of Royal Mayan resorts, Cancun. Both were very nice and informative to their clients. The clients when I asked had only great things to say about them.

We are hungry and order food of all sorts to fill that desire. No Langosta yet! I still have confidence, I believe that I will get that last Langosta before I have to return to Oklahoma land of the Old Lobster (not fresh at all, left over from the Civil War I think). Chips and Salsa come to the table begging to be eaten by Pale Face Gringos. Rubin, how about some Habanero Salsa? I haven’t mentioned that I have to have Habanero Salsa to enjoy that robust taste, any good Maya would have Habanero with his meal. I love it so much, the way the chop it up and put on that Limon (lime) juice, boy is it good. I also like the Ugly Green Stuff in the Bottle, also Habanero Sauce. Not all restaurants have it and I have to take my own because Gringos are not supposed to like it. I love it and always take 6 bottle (large) home with me. Enjoy the food and another beer. Margaritas Por Favor, Gracias.

Oh, William says Wilberth, there he goes again, must think he is my mother. Yes, Wilberth! I have your Langosta in the cooler! Thanks friend. See, I knew it all the time. Save it for later Amigo. Gracias for the notice. We will try those babies after a swim in the River Water in front of the Restaurant. It is fun to swim from Salt to Fresh and back again.

I look out and there is a Mayan family heading up the beach for a secluded spot away from the restaurant. Remember that all beaches in Mexico are public. Two of their children are Armed. That is with Spear Guns, Masks and Snorkels. They start Hunting for the Grande Pescado of the Caribe. I am fascinated where they’re hunting. They are close to the shore where the salt and fresh are mixing. I see them putting something in the bag tied to one of their belts. Again they sorta disappear into the water only to surface and once again place something in the bag. A couple from Indiana, Phyllis and Joe Harris distracts me. They own a condo down here. Lucky people, someday I too may own a place down here. They are fun and we have Margaritas together. Phyllis is getting really funny; we are all Laughing our heads off. What fun we are having.

Hey, look those boys have gotten out of the water to warm up, yes that fresh water is kind of cold after awhile. Hey, while they’re out of the water I’ll go see what they have Shot! Hola, Amigos. Como estas Ustedes? Bien, Bien. Mucho Pescados Grande? Si, mucho Grandito or something like that. Hummm, that’s a new one. I motion for a look. They are proud Pescaderos. They retrieve one of those fish to show me, it is about 4 inches long and it is the biggest one. I think, boy can I remember being proud of fish the same size myself in years past. I tell them Bueno! Gracias Senor. I ask them if they would like a Coca. Si Senor. I walk up to the restaurant and ask Rubin to pour up Dos Cocas for the Pescaderos. He always smiles when I buy a drink for the kids. I take the Cokes to the Muchachos. They enjoy their drink and head down the beach towards their parent’s position around the bend. I go back and drink some more of my Margaritas. When it is gone I become nosey and walk down the beach towards the family. When I get close they say Hola, Senor. I reply with Hola, Como esta Ustedes? Bien, muy bien. They have a little girl about 3 and a little boy about 2. I say hi to the 2-year-old and he hides behind his father. They laugh out loud at him. He acts like he has never seen a Gringo with a beard. I slowly reach out a hand in a friendly gesture. He backs up and his Dad just roars with laughter. He prods him to reach out to me, hesitantly he does so and touches my hand yanking his back very quickly. Now his Mother, Father and his brothers are just falling apart. What fun that was. The family was here for the afternoon for a picnic. They had brought themselves, one-two litter of warm Coca and that was it. They had a small fire going. The boys are cleaning those small fish. They say they will cook the fish on a stick for lunch. Boy, are we ever-spoiled dumb Gringos. That does make me reflect on what a life I lead as a Gringo from the USA. We are truly out of touch with life, as they know it. I bid them Hasta Luego, Amigos. I then walk away smiling with my newfound joys of the moment.

Hey, Lynn, Nancy, and Rick, you ready for that Langosta I promised you? Yes, William. You can’t call me that! Only my Mother and Wilberth can call me that! Hehe, God I love the Magic of QRoo and Casa Cenote. Wilberth, please make that Langosta al mojo de ajo Por Favor. He nods his approval and starts the preparation of our last Langosta de Caribe for this trip. There will be others I can assure you. That is God willing!

That Langosta arrives with all the trimmings and tortillas. We just look for a moment and dive right in. When we are finished with it, I realize that I should have gotten a photo of them. Well since it is gone, I decide to photo the Shell or what ever it is called. I will remember this Lobster for a long time.

It is getting late and the guys are cleaning up and we are just tired out from all the joy and loving fun that we have had. We pay the bill. Hasta Luego, we have enjoyed sharing our vacation with you and will see you next time. Bye Lynn, Nancy, Rick, and William. Boy that does it. Everyone can call me William now. So there. Hehe. We jump in the car and then I jump out because Lynn has taken the keys away. That means I have had enough to sink a Battle Ship. She will drive us home. We have that rule, and we respect that rule. I personally want to Live to Return another Day. Akumal here we come. I may have had to much but still enjoy the drive home and reflect on all the places we will go next year.
We arrive at Playa Blanca #4 with out incident.

We get cleaned up for dinner. Sitting around feeling blue already because we have to hit the road at 4 am, boy, what an hour to leave Paradise! We are flying stand by and must get to the airport a long time before our flight. We have to pack and all that kind of stuff. We let Rick talk us into having dinner at Home. He goes to Lol-Ha for Pizza, I hate pizza, but when he returns and we sit down and wipe that pizza out, I exclaim, good pizza. Don’t really know how we could have been hungry after the day at Casa Cenote, but I’m always hungry in the QRoo.

Now we start packing and all that stuff. Rick returns our beach towels to the office, tells Nan that we will be leaving at 4 am. She say thanks for staying with us, please don’t wake me and don’t forget to call next time. We will for sure or maybe we won’t. June has these Cabanas you know and Gary of Casa Cenote will have Cabanas. I could enjoy that I know. Everything fits and we are prepared to leave, darn, if only I could figure out a way to stay. Nah, go home and write this trip report and enjoy it all over again. Good night all. Have anxiety dreams all night, can’t sleep worth a diddly. Keep looking at the clock. I keep thinking about all the good times we have had and know we will return, again and again.

Just about the time I get to sleep the alarm goes off for the girls to do their hair and put on their face. You know they have been hairless and faceless ever since we arrived. Heheheheheh!!
It is 2 am, can you believe it 2 am in the morning and we are on vacation. Well I guess the vacation is over. I lie there and toss and turn for another hour and half. Boy, I’m glad it’s time to get up, I was getting tired of all the hard work trying to sleep. I’m not going I proclaim! You send money and I will stay and eat Langosta until you return. No way Jose (joke), if you stay we will stay. Hummm. Sounds good to me. Guess we’ll eat 3 or 4-inch fish for the rest of our lives. Everyone roars with the thought of those fish.

I start loading up the bags of what feel like rocks by now. I am indeed tired and wish for that nights sleep. We are ready (at least that what they tell me) to go. I go to the kitchen and place a Propina on the counter for the Camber Maid, yes and she will be happy. We enjoyed her work very much. We head over the Topes onward through the Half Moon Bay area headed for the Arches of Akumal (Magical Place of the Turtles) and onward to Cancun International Airport. We make it to the highway and I look over my shoulder to get that final glimpse of Akumal the place of Magical Vacations in the Life of Bill In Tulsa. Away we go in a tear smeared face. I do not like leaving this place.  The road is quiet and that is good. The lanes are all the same, no lines and the shoulder is the same color. And by the way about 8 or 10 inch down, that would ruin your day. It is darker than the bowels of the earth. Even the brightest of lights could not cut this darkness. We carefully drive along in the dark wondering if we will find any rocks or people or cars or trucks on the road. We arrive at the turn off to Puerto Morelos and stop at the Pemex station for a fill up prior to the airport. Don’t forget this event or you will find yourself spending about three or four time the price for Gas. We make it on in to the Airport area, passing Budget Rental Office; it is barricaded with a car to prevent other cars from being driven away. We proceed directly to the Airlines departure area to drop off out bags. Get a Sky Cap and send money with Lynn and Nancy for a tip.

Rick and I return to the Budget place, pulling right up to the car barricade. I decide to honk the horn as I know someone is some where in there. A head pops up from the drivers seat in the barricade. He backs up the car and let’s us enter. Hola, lo siento Senor. No problemo. He checks the cars and once again we get a clean bill of health. They return one credit card slip to be torn up. The other is filled in with the correct amount as reserved in Tulsa using the 800 number and international reservations. I have become very proficient at making all my own arrangements. I like the process and may try to do something like this when I can’t stand Electronic Design any longer. Who knows? We catch a ride to the departure area and find the girls. They are about crashed on the bags. There are bodies of local help asleep every where. Humm, must be nighttime. We are very early and can only wait the arrival of the airline counter people. I suggest a little food, yes Mr. Bill we would like that. It’s still my responsibility to see to their needs. How about Café and Bagels? Sounds good they say and away I go to find the goods. We slowly eat our breakfast snack and wait, wait and wait. Hey, look here comes the counter persons. We will be back in 15 minutes. Okay and thank you. Straight up 15 minutes later they are asking for all those Documents and immigration papers and tickets. First question is, are you on the list. I really don’t know. Okay, I’ll check, yep, you’re on the list and all is well. She get us set up for the stand-by operation and sends us up to the departure gate. It is still a long wait. We pass all kinds of shops. I need to get one bottle of Mexican Vodka for our hosts that couldn’t make the trip and I say I’ll wait until we get up stairs. We arrive with contest at the security entrance. When we get up there, not one thing is open. Oh no! She asks for one little thing and I may have blown it. She uses it to make home made Kahlua and Mexican is all that will work. Woe is me. Ok, Bill it will be all right. You surmounted worse than this and persevered. I’m still kicking myself. I go down stairs to go back to the one that was open and I’m informed that I am not allowed to leave the area. Oh gee, now what. No Vodka, that’s what. Now my stomach is starting to get acid and I ask Lynn if she has seen a place to eat open. Well, yes I have but it will have to be a Ham and Cheese sandwich. Ok, let’s go. I order a sandwich and Cerveza for me and ask Lynn what do you want? I’ll have a bite of yours and a drink of your beer. Are you sure. I have the sandwich heated and begin to chow down. Lynn says I better have my own. Thank God, I am just famished. When I finished my sandwich, I noticed a small shop opening. I went over and guess what? I just got saved by a nice Senorita with Osho Vodka, now I can relax for the trip home. Thank you, thank you as I will want another trip on stand-by in the future and now I may get it. Whew that was close.

We are back at the gate waiting for people to show. Here they come. We are first in line before anyone knows they are there. We talk to the guy and he says flying first today Uh? Yep, if there is room. Ok we will call you. The plane is loading and we wait and wait. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson your seats are ready. Hot dog, here we go. Then we hear Nancy Felts and Rick Kruse your seats are ready. First Class and what a deal. Thanks Dale and Pat, with out you we would not be here and we would not be Flying First Class. We board the plane. They asked if we want a drink prior to take off? A Bloody Mary would be nice. Ok, Sir! We enjoy our drink and the Pilot tells them to prepare for take off. Up, up and away!
I’m sitting in a window seat and have film to burn. I take all kinds of pictures as we taxi and take off. There are other shots of Cancun and the coastline and the highway to my favorite Dream Akumal.

We level out at many thousands of feet and they offer Breakfast. Omelet or Cold Cereal? Omelet please. It arrives looking like a nice bouquet of flowers. This is just what I need to make my day. We arrive in DFW airport and pass though immigration and customs with out event. Put bags back on plane and go to counter to see if we fly. We are early and there are extra seats on the flight and away we go with out waiting. We arrive in Tulsa long before our schedule. We try to remember where we have been. Seems like a dream.

I am sorry to say but this concludes the ADVENTURES of Bill in Tulsa and his charges, wife and friend, Lynn and Nancy and Rick Todo Amigos Muy Especial! If it were not for you I might not have this wonderful keep sake of our Vacation in the Mundo Maya and Akumal (Place of the Turtles) and for that I thank you for all the prodding to get it complete. Thanks to all of you that have endured the writing of this OL HIPPIE! Bill Johnson, Tulsa, Oklahoma USA bill@BIG-Z.com

If you would like to see more before my next trip, just send lots of money and I will go back to vacation just so I can write a report just for you! heheheheh

tHIS completes my trip RePoRt I'll miss writing it! Bill in Tulsa. I thank you for your LOVE of QUINTANA ROO! See you in the MAGICAL AKUMAL (MAGICAL PLACE OF THE TURTLES). BYE, BYE AND HASTA PRONTO!

Copyright November 29, 1998 Tulsa, Oklahoma by Bill Johnson (Bill in Tulsa) bill.in.tulsa@webzone.net