Diana Signing Off...Meet You On The Beach!

YAHOO --- Well here is my last blog article and getting ready to sign out...I am so ready, aren't you? This last week has been very exciting and filled with anticipation. I have been checking out the NOW Jade Riviera Cancun Resort Webcam & the weather icon. Kind of a pinch yourself am I really going kind of a thing. And yes, it's really happening!

Credit card company notified, bags are packed with contact & schedule, mail & paper cancelled, neighbors notified, my carry-on has my passport, ID, cash & small bills, flight confirmation number/e-documents, Apple Vacation Documents, key to the house, pen, cards & scorecards, mobile phone, music, book, hand sanitizer, goodies to munch & share on the plane. I believe I bulged out my pouch and exceeded the maximum capacity for carry-on!

Now that I caught my breathe in excitement! Let me once again extend my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for having each of you make this journey with us, celebrating 20 years plus together, wow! Each of you has a story with us and that is what makes this trip so very special. Thank you so very much for being in my life and in ours ... Roger and mine that is!

I also wanted to give "THANKS" to a few of our guests who have gone above & beyond for us in the launching of this trip. These individuals are "Martie" who will be our renewal officiant, our renewal attendants, Russell, Buzz, Mike, Karen, Laura & Alex. We have three photographers - Ani, Randy & Rocky who you will see taking photos through out our trip! So smile and remember to say ..."Queso"! Special thanks to my bro' Reagan and our friend Mike who is helping Martie with the music and "those incidentals". Special gratitude to Karen & Buzz who both have stepped in supporting us with the background details as well as keeping our "daily life commitments" balanced by offering to handling whatever we need to kick off a "getter done " mode. And in this committee of friendships, though this may be her business and her job. I need Alex to take a bow. If you only knew the emails, phone calls, research, coordinating, planning and oh "discussions" we had to get this trip underway, whew! Glad we are going to have some fun now!

Finally I want to give a "shout out" to my main man Rog', my "Big" Boy -Hunk a Burning Love - Stud Muffin Dude - Funny Man - Honey Do This - Best Partner - My One & Only - Love of My Life friend... yes, we're doing it again Husband! We certainly aren't perfect, but together it's near perfection! Thanks for all your love, support & "tolerance"...I couldn't do it without you my main man Rog', love you lots .... now let's get going, start the fun and of course "meet you on the beach" everyone!!!

Photo taken & provided by Randy

SOME FINAL THOUGHTS FROM ROGER.....

“Holy Yucatan Peninsula Batman, the Davis’ rat pack is about to descend on this once sleepy vestige of Mexican culture.” “Huh, what, I was just nodding off my young, but always vibrant, companion.......were you bragging about my endowment or just fantasizing about my utility belt??” “Neither my masked marvel......go back to sleep.” (Damn he looks good in those grey tights and black cape).

Well, despite Batman and Robin’s lack of interest in this wedding renewal event, the rest of us are raring to go!! Can you imagine, all the food and alcohol you can consume??.....are they crazy??.....surely they’ve heard of Russell and Randy south of the border?? Yes, I know there is more to this event than “free” food and drink.....but you have to admit, it’s a pretty big draw.

As you know, the actual renewal ceremony will be on Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. on the beach. So please pace yourself in the drinking end of things so you can at least show up. Lest any of you worry about going into withdrawals, there will be a cocktail reception immediately following the ceremony. BTW, in case any of you want to challenge and/or defend anything I may have written about you in my “Spotlight” articles......or if you just want to take a shot, the reception will be the perfect opportunity. Just remember, unless I’m over served (once again), I’ll have the last shot!!

If you’re looking for an opportunity to “buy” your favorite travel hostess a drink, Diana enjoys a Pina Colada with a dark rum float or a shot of good tequila with lime and salt. God knows she deserves these given the many, many, many hours she has spent (to all hours of the night) at the computer writing the many blog articles so the rest of us will all know WTF is going on and/or what we’re doing. ‘Course now that I think about it you can also “buy” me drink too for all my lonely nights while these articles were being composed, written and posted for your benefit!!

See you at one of the bars!!

Few Words From Alex...

OMG....it's time to leave for the airport! Well, maybe not just quite yet, but I'm sure that you're as ready as I am. I'm looking forward to much warmer temperatures. Getting ready to leave town can be stressful and energy sapping. Don't forget to get enough rest before you leave so that you're not too tired to P-A-R-T-Y !

Remember to pack your valuables into your carry-on...stuff that you'd really be upset if it got lost. Especially medications, documents, camera, jewlery, and that special bathing suit that makes you look 10 pound less. If your luggage should get lost or delayed, at least you can go for a swim.

Also, don't forget the biodegradeable sunscreen. I found some in Mother's Health Food Store here in southern Calif. The snorkeling excurion is in a lagoon that requires biodegradeable sunscreen. I also understand that they sell some right at the lagoon if you don't happen to get some before you leave. I'll have some that I can share as well.

Thank you for joining us on what promises to be another excellent adventure. This is a very special part of the world. Sometimes I think we take it for granted since we live so close to Mexico, but people travel great distances to visit this fascinating area. We're very lucky.

Hasta luego!

Alex

What Are Your FIVE?

Well you all have done a wonderful job preparing and getting ready. The juggling, double checking & crossing off the list is at a near end. I came across this article recently "5 Simple Ways to Make the Most of Your Vacation" that made me me reflect a little of our upcoming trip. Here are things that I thought would try and do to make the most of my getaway.

1. Leave my electronics! I'm not taking my laptop and turning my cell phone off once I get on that plane. Of course once, I land back in LAX...I'll turn it on so I can be available for our shuttle back home. Oh camera and my music...now that's a different story...so smile when I point & shoot!

2. Relax! Going with the flow and try to be patient....will be what I am going to aspire too. After all I'm on vacation, right?

3. Be Polite! We're not in the US of A and so the ways of doing things as well as the expectations will be different. Which is the beauty of visiting another country and experiencing a different world.

4. Have Fun & Enjoy! Its a week of my life and would like to make it count. Its not often we get to celebrate with friends & family.

5. Experience...already have this on my mind! Want to see the ruins, swim in sea garden of the Yucatan, savor the flavors of the Mayans and finely lavish in the luxury of our resort.

Now what are your five ?

Avoid Disasters..Yes You Can!

I recently received this article "Top Ten Disasters You Can Avoid" by Independent Travelers . Some of these top ten tips are great for our circumstances and so it made me think of what Top Ten guidelines I would own. So here's my top ten (using some of theirs) and hopefully like the article for me, you can use some of my tips as well.

1. Call your credit card company. Make a simple call and let them know you are leaving the country and where and when you will be gone. Confirm a toll free number in case of emergency.

2. Don't forget your passport & documents. Get a basket and start to put those item in it as the departure date approach. Do it when you thought about it. Like NOW!

3. Itinerary in your luggage & carry-on. It takes just a few minutes, but can save your life. Well it feels like it when you loose your suitcase or purse. Write down your flight and resort contact. Write your week's schedule so the airline can get your luggage to you. As well as your mobile number so they can reach you about your luggage.

4. Where did I park my car? Snap a photo of the parking lot section number with your phone camera or write it down on your parking lot ticket. Great idea Independent traveler!

5. Keys? Roger has this climbing hook called a carabiner. Its a handy item to hook your keys and attach it to your carry-on. It stays in place and the carabiner comes in various sizes and colors.

6. Pick Me Up please? Whether its a family or friend picking you up or perhaps a limo driver. Get their email and you can email your confirmation/reminder from the NOW Jade Riviera Resort Preferred Club Lounge. Or make a copy of the contact information & itinerary that goes into your luggage as a reminder.

7. Leave Early? There are a number of websites you can check traffic, weather and such. But nothing works best then plenty of time. So leave early and so what if you get there early. Relax have a cup of something and grab a magazine to take on the plane!

8. Stop mail? Paper? You don't want to alert the burglars that you are out of town by not canceling your paper and mail. Also if you are in good with neighbors, let them know your absence and return the favor for them on their next trip.

9. Nightmare Seats? Plane is full and no option to move. Remember, you're on vacation, it's not forever. Grab those head phone and maybe a nice drink to calm you down. It's mind over matter...really!

10. In-Flight Food? I don't think so, those days are gone or far and few between. So plan ahead and prepare a little. You can always get a drink but bring something from home and your crankiness and gurgling stomach will be a lot happier.

Photo provided by Flickr.HenriqueVicente

Complimentary Activities...that means FREE!

Well I guess nothing is truly free, is it? You did pay for the resort however the NOW Jade Riviera Cancun Resort and Spa does have some cool activities to keep you moving so those tacos and umbrella drinks don't create a an air tube around the middle for you.

On their website, I came across a number of activities that you can enjoy. They are:

Two (2) free form fresh water pool with swim up bars. I think swimming up to the swim up bar is an activity, right? Three (3) outdoor lighted tennis courts. Oh Marty is bringing his racket if anyone wants to play. He claims to be a beginner, but I'd be on guard for those slams close to the net...Sun sailing? Not sure what this is... Snorkeling, Hobie Cats & Wind Surfing, Aerobics and a gym with stair climber, elliptical machine, stationary bicycle, treadmills, fitness machine & free weights.

There are more activities and services for additional fee.

Photo provided by NOW Jade Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa

Anticipated Dollars Needed for Tipping?

Some were asking how much cash should I bring for tips and shopping? Roger and I were listing out an anticipated cost of what we should bring for tipping money and since we were doing this thought you all might like a guideline to go by...as for shopping for us we don't plan to do much ...a postcard or two...silver and gold are costly and so no jewelry here. So what do I need a sombrero too big to carry on the plane?...hmm!

So here's a minimum that we expect to occur for tipping...

• Shuttle Service Driver Home>Airport 20% of total cost
• Baggage Porter Airport LAX $1-2/bag
• Baggage Porter Airport CUN $1-2/bag
• Shuttle Driver CUN>RESORT $5-10
• Resort Bellman $1-2/bag
• -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
• RESORT -Housekeeping $2-5/day pending how messy or request special services
• Room Service 15-20%
• Bartender $1-2/round or 15% + per round for group or more for service ?
• Favorite Server (3?) 15-20% or "X " dollars pending service @ end stay
• Concierge Service 15-20%
• Preferred Club Concierge Lounge 15-20%
• Excursions (2-3) Tour Guide $5/person or 15-20%
• Excursion Driver $2/person
• ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
• Special Services 15-20% or as the services provided to your satisfaction
• ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
• Return Home
• Resort Bellman $1-2/bag
• Shuttle Driver RESORT>CUN $5-10
• Baggage Porter Airport CUN $1-2/bag
• Baggage Porter Airport LAX $1-2/bag
• Shuttle Service Driver Home>Airport 20% of total cost

Photo provided by Flickr.borman818