Spotlight by Roger: "REAGAN & FUMI "

Fumi is Diana’s mom and Reagan is her younger brother. Both have been to just about every travel adventure that Roger and Diana have been able to put together.....and they are really fun to have along. Every once in awhile Roger and Diana are able to convince mom to come to Laguna Beach and spend some time with them. The trip usually lasts just a few weeks before mom needs to get back to Sonoma and be with Butch and Mylet (two miniature poodles) who are spoiled rotten....go figure!! Reagan holds the dubious distinction of having accumulated the highest score (not a good thing) in the infamous Progressive Rummy game. He has been accused of sand-bagging so don’t play him for money.

Reagan likes a good Sea Breeze cocktail (not sure what this is but rumor has it that it comes with a little pink umbrella) and mom likes Sunkist orange soda. Of course many of you might recall when Buzz got Mom pretty well looped on Bloody Mary’s at Roger and Diana’s wedding of all places......so maybe just one....OK, two at the most...naw go for it Mom, it's your Birthday live it up!!

Let's Rendezvous in CUN...maybe?

Listed below are the approximate arrival time for our group. After clearing all the required airline arrival regulations & procedure with immigration, baggage claim and customs. Proceed to the public area where the awaiting public, shuttle, transfers and yes unfortunately timeshare promoters will be. Find the APPLE VACATION representative with the appropriate ID badge and check in with that individual for your pre-paid shuttle service to the resort. You will need your Apple Vacation Voucher. Tips/Gratuity is not included.

I have listed the individuals that are in our group so you can perhaps cross paths at the airport, pending the waiting time to fill the shuttle vehicle to the resort. So if you recognize someone, you might very well be seated in the vehicle with them. See you at the resort soon!

Date: Saturday, March 5

Time noted are anticipated flight arrival time

Russell & Randy there already, planning to be at resort around 2 or 3pm

Reagan & Fumi 3:45pm

Tim & Ani 3:45pm

Laura & Dell 3:45pm

Mike T 4:20pm

Naomi & Joan 4:38pm

Rocky & Peggy 6:05pm

Roger & Diana 7:20pm

Karen & Buzz 7:20pm

Jim & Jan 7:20pm

Diane 7:20pm

Melissa & Ben 7:20pm

Marty 7:20pm

Alex 7:20pm

Mike & Dani 9:35pm

Martie & Paul 3:45pm (Monday, Mar 7)

** Flight arrival time was checked as of Saturday, 02/27/11

Photo provided by Flickr.cameronparkins

This may be good news for Virgin America flyers!

If you are on Virgin America Airlines and traveling to & fro Mexico, I may have great news for you! Buzz pointed out to me about Virgin America's baggage policy. If you purchased your tickets after August 30, 2010, Main Cabin guests are permitted one (1) piece of luggage at no charge. Main Cabin Select & First Class are permitted two (2) pieces at no charge. There is however a oversize and overweight bag fee. So cheek out this policy as follows on the link below:

http://www.virginamerica.com/

Go to...

FAQ >Checked baggage >What are your baggage fee?>Guest Traveling To & Fro Mexico

Photo provided by Flickr.striatic

Spotlight by Roger: "MARTY"

Marty is also single and given the fact that he has a home in both Irvine and Hawaii, drives a new Lexus and wears designer clothes he may be the answer to several of our other singles........except for a few important factors. First off, he’s not old and doesn’t have one foot in the grave (sorry Diane) and secondly, he’s not gay (sorry Mike)....geeze no one catches a break here!! Marty met Diana and Roger thru the City of Irvine (notice the word “work” was not mentioned!). He claims that we all met in Las Vegas where Roger won Diana in some sort of poker game....huh? Since retiring, Marty has been on a very successful weight loss program and is one of the most positive persons either Roger or Diana have ever known......way to go Marty. Marty was last in Cancun in 1999 and is hoping to once again hook up with the girl of his dreams who will wait on him hand and foot, see that his every desire is met without question or delay and be with him for at least the next several nights.......keep on dreaming and/or keep the alcohol and drugs flowing......what color is the sky in his world???

Marty tried to do the volunteer thing and all was going well until they had the nerve to suggest a SCHEDULE......WTF??? So now the only volunteer effort is to join Roger and Diana on their travel adventures. Seems his favorite drink is a Red Bull cocktail or and I quote here “anything with a parasol, sweet and tangy on my lips, and a good kick”......WTF?? And he likes his women this way too.” Again, WTF?!?

"Say a Few Words?"

Seems only fair to offer this opportunity to our guests who would like to say a few words , share a story or perhaps get even with Roger for his article blog or maybe just torment Diana for having to tolerate scrolling through paragraphs of blah-blah-blah on this #*%@ Blog?

Whatever the reason, we do think of you and wanted to give you this opportunity. So if you need some preparation time you have this coming week to pull it together and .... our Cocktail Reception will be the time to share and present.

All you need to do is let Roger know, so he can coordinate this opportunity ... the stage will be yours.

Photo provided by Flickr.net-efeket

Try This?

Here's a last minute item you can pick up at your local CVS Pharmacy. It's a great hand sanitizer. CVS has a small purse size squirt tube (that you might on occasion see Roger hanging on his T-Shirt neck collar) and you can get the larger refills. Also, check the travel size bin section as they may stock the smaller carry-on "refill" size.

What I like about this hand sanitizer is that it is liquid verse gel. meaning that when you spray it is like water and dries clean. Unlike the gel that is sticky at times.

I have included a photo of the product. So if you have a CVS near by it's worth checking out this product. Oh by the way, I mention CVS because this item is a CVS brand product. Hope you find it.

Foodie, the Brave & Curious...Mayan Cuisine

What is Yucatan or Mayan Cuisine? Without going into the details of the Yucatan history and periods, what I can gather is that an influence of the Mayans who introduced to the New World corn, chocolate, honey, venison, wild turkey, pheasant, squash, cucumbers, chillies & tomatoes AND Spain who brought Pork and Seville Orange which is a sour flavored orange AND finally the Dutch who shared Edam and Gouda Cheese.

Add the Yucatan cuisine spices that seem to influence it's international fame such as pumpkin seed powder, oregano, red onion, sour orange, sweet pepper, lime, achiote or recado colorado paste-sauce,capsicum pepper (Xcatik), Habanero pepper & corander.

Plus, bring habaneros and recados, the basic ingredients in Yucatan cuisine - recados are marinated pastes made of cloves, black pepper, oregano, cumin,garlic, coriander and vinegar. Most common is the red paste version which gets its color from adding "achiote" (annatto seeds) to the mixture.

Replace the local pheasant and deer with turkey & pork (Don't panic for those not that brave). And don't forget an important table sauce often used is called "Xnipek" which is a type of salsa/sauce that is made of habanero chilies, scallions, citrus juice & cilantro. Then you have the basic foundation of Mayan cuisine.

Listed below are some of the Mayan cuisines I have found through my exploration and hope to try at the Yaxche Restaurant in Playa del Carmen. After all basic ingredients don't come about with a good chef or cook, right?

I have also added below some links that were helpful to me and hopefully for you to visit and enhance my very limited snapshot of what this fascinating cuisine has intrigued me to taste and savor . Hope this helps!

DRINK

Xtabentun - similar to icy margarita. Made with local anise & honey Liquer

Chaya Drink - made of ground rice, chaya (regional plant or Pitahaya)

Micheladas - tangy mix of lime juice, worchestshire sauce or soy sauce,tabasco & good dark Yuctan Beer

Chelada -which is a Michelada without the tabasco,peppers & other seasoning Just,beer/Lime & Salt

SNACKS/APPETIZERS/BOTANAS

Papadzules -hard cooked eggs wrapped in corn tortilla with pumpkin seed sauce

Soap de Lima - chicken tortilla soup flavored with local variety of sour lime.

MAYAN (YUCATAN) ENTREE

Cochinita Pibil - pit roasted pig marinated in sour seville orange juice, garlic, achiote & yucatan spices

Queso Relleno - stuffed cheese rind of edam cheese filled with mixture ground beef,raisin, olives, almonds & spices

Panuchos - layered hand made corn tortilla stuffed with beans, topped with shredded turkey or chicken, lettuce, red onion rings and xnipek salsa

Chilmole - turkey in a dark spicy sauce

Poc-chuc - charbroiled slices of pork with onions, marinated in a sour orange sauc

Pescado Tikinxic: fish marinated in achiote sauce wrapped in banana leaves and charbroiled. Served with a tomatoe & habanero sauce.

Huevos Motulenos - Friend eggs atop a tortilla garnished with beans,peas,ham,sausage, plantains & grated cheese - Yucatan specialty

Pavo relleno negro - a stuffed turkey yucatan style, filled with chopped pork & beef cooked in a rich dark sauce

Food and Wine - Yucatan Adventure

Colors & Flavors of Yucatan Cuisine - Cancun.com

YucatanToday.com -Yucatan Cuisine

MexConnect.com - Cuisine of the Yucatan - a Gastronomical Tour of the Mayan Heartland

Photo provided by Yaxche Restaurant website gallery

R & D for "Yaxche" Mayan Cuisine

That's Roger & Diana, not Research and Development...well hold on, hmm? Maybe it is...

Not to take away from our incredible snorkeling adventure to Yalku Lagoon. But after a good swim and enough salt water in your mouth. I know Roger and I are gonna be ready for a cold drink and lunch! Well anyone who knows me (and can see me), knows that I am a "Foodie" and since I've never been to the Yucatan, well Mayan cuisine has got my curiosity. So through some research... here we are.

During our visit to Playa del Carmen (PDC) the Yaxche Restaurant has me personally intrigued. So that is our PDC tourist destination - First Mayan cuisine and if there's time after we will stroll and explore.

Below are some information and links about this very unique restaurant. It is not a "hole in the wall" joint and not the 5 Star restaurant either. Moderately priced is what my 2010 Frommer's Guide stated. Meal to cost between $10-30 pending what you get. The draw here is that this is the closest we can get to on this trip for true Mayan cuisine without having Anthony Bourdain or Andrew Zimmern with us from the Travel Channel! So check out the information if this is of interest for you. R & D are planning to head to Yaxche (that's pronounced, jag-shey)!

Yaxche Restaurant Website

PlayaInfo.com - Yaxche Restaurant

TripAdvisor-Restaurant Review

Chowhound- review

Photo provided by the Yaxche restaurant website gallery

Spotlight By Roger: "NAOMI & JOAN "

Both Naomi and Joan live in Hawaii and got to know Diana through their mutual professions in Parks and Recreation. Seems the Hawaii folks attended a conference in San Diego back in the ’80’s, met Diana, and started taking trips to Ensenada to enjoy lobster in Puerto Nuevo and steak at El Rey del Sol in Ensenada......and the rest is history. They did this for 20 years until they all retired. Of course Ensenada is still talking about their naked pool adventures, tequila shots (a “hot-flash” in a bottle per Naomi), miso soup in the rain, and Naomi’s famous survey questions (i.e. “other than your spouse, who would you like to have sex with?”)......some answers were really surprising and some couples are still recovering.

QUESTION....ever wonder who would buy all of that CRAP you see for sale in Mexico.....especially at the border?? Joan and Naomi please raise your hands!! Since Joan likes wine and Naomi goes for Margaritas, perhaps alcohol plays a small role in their purchasing selections........one can only wonder!?!

Mexico, Mariachis, Music & Memories

We are headed to Mexico...the land where good times are had, where songs are of romance,

love & tequila. Oh and yes, stories & fun experiences are born - just wait & see!

Near 25 years ago I 'ventured to my first visit to Mexico with my Parks & Recreation friends from Hawaii. You will meet two of them on this trip by the way, Naomi & Joan. After our annual conference in Southern California we would partake about 2-3 nights and drive in a caravan and head towards Ensenada for lobsters, camaraderie and of course tequila, beer and shopping!

One of the highlight of our trip was the mariachi who usually strolled to our table requesting songs to be sung. Back in '86 a song came about for $1...but probably will do so now for 5? The musicians generally played off key, hardly harmonize and because the songs were in Spanish who knows what is being sung, but after our stomachs were full with lobsters and our brain was polluted with margaritas and beers...well my memory to this day has me nostalgic for more Musica de Mexico!

Below are some of my favorite songs and I also included a few Mexicana/Latino/ Hispanic/Spanish related songs that I enjoy. Have any favorites you'd like to share so we can ask the mariachi to play AFTER we get polluted so it will sound as sweet and lovely as I remember...

Diana's 'Caliente' Top Choices

1. "Solamente Una Vez" ( ask Naomi to sing along in English)

2. "Cuando Caliente del Sol"

3. "Sabor A Mi"

4. "Besame Mucho" My fav' by A Bocelli

5. "Cuando, Cuando Cuando" by M. Buble

And after all I am an Americans...so add these favorites as a related to Mexico selection. Listen to the verses & beat...you'll get it!

6. "Smooth" & "Corazon Espinado" by Santana

7. " No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problem", "Beer in Mexico", "You & Tequila" 'Tequila Loves Me"

by Kenny Chesney

8. "Mexico" by James Taylor

9. "Changes in Latitude & Changes in Attitude" & "Margaritaville" by Jimmy Buffet

10. And of course...everyone's favorite ... "TE-QUI-LA" by the Champs

Mike's Latina Musica Addition

Da na na na na na na TEQUILA

Russell's Latina Musica Addition (provided via his son Mike)

"I'm Your Dirty Mexican" by Hector Saldaña

Karen's Latina Musica Addition

"Oye Como Va".....Santana is another fave!

Jan's Latina Musica Addition

"White Bird" by the It's A Beautiful Day

" DIITTO TO YOUR LIST MS. DI, EXCEPT TO ADD ‘WHITE BIRD”: (EN ESPANOL)"

Naomi's Mexican Music Favorites

1. All of Diana's music & memories from our days gone by of Ensenada trips

2. Cielito Lindo

3. Amor

4. Nosotros

5. Amapola

6.Besame Mucho

7. Guantanamera

8. El Rancho Grande

9. Malaguena

10. Perifidia

"..that's it! Can't recall anymore...mind's going! This time next week, we'll be in MEXICO!! OLE!

Thank you, Mahalo, Gracias! For doing all this for us.. I've experienced so much with you. LOVE IT! "

Photo provided by Mike Cobb

ITunes-UTunes-We All Tunes!

Well I asked you all about your favorite reading material...NOW for those bringing their tunes..oh you know those MP3, itune library in laptop, iphone, ipad, itouch, ay-ya-ya-ya-ay...oh my!

So what is your favorite music and singer(s)? What are you planning to bring in your playlist or gizmo machine....Name that musical singer and share away.... let's go for a list of no more then 10?

Here's mine..

DIANA's Album Choices - Top Ten Singers (not in order)

1. Michael Buble - "It's Time" & "Caught in the Act"

2. Barbara Streisand - "Memories" & "Emotions"

3. Kenny Chesney - " Be As You Are"

4. Andrea Bocelli - "Amore" & "Romanza"

5. Tommy Castro - "Right as Rain" & 'Exception to the Rule"

6. Tony Bennett - "Duet-An American Classic"

7. Patty Austin - "The Ultimate Collection"

8. Gloria Estefan - "Greatest Hits" & "Christmas Through Your Eyes"

9. Michael McDonald - "Motown"

10. Wave Aid - Various Artists from Smooth Jazz

Mike C's Music Selection

1.Sex Pistols

2. Fear

3. Dead Kennedys

4. Surf Punks

5. Black Flag

6. TSOL

7. PIL

8. Agent Orange

9. Social Distortion

& 10. Michael Bolton

Karen's Music Selection

1. Country

2. Classical - Pavaratti & Bocelli

3. R&B

4. Smooth Jazz

5. Hawaiian

6. Rock

Okay...I'm more partial to Country these days (my aging ears can actually understand some of the words), but you will find Classical, R&B, Smooth Jazz, Country, Hawaiian, Pavaratti and Bocelli, plus Rock from several eras.....but no complete albums. I mix and match the singles cuz I'm too cheap to buy the whole album ;-)

Alex's Music Selection

1.Gypsy Kings

2. Andrea Bocelli

3. 50's songs

4. 70's Disco (go Donna Summer!)

5. Tango

6. Brazilian

7. Favorite Jazz

8. Europa (makes my skin tingle)

9.

....actually most anything with saxophone will do that.

Jim's Music Selection

Country Music, Definitely!!!

No other musical genre captures the heartfelt emotions of life, love, joy, pain, and despair...and the beauty of the English language like a good country song. Just consider the following examples...Pure Poetry!

1. Were You Born an Asshole (or did you work at it your whole life)?

2. At the Gas Station of Love, I Got the Self Service Pump

3. I Don't Know Whether to Kill Myself or Go Bowling

4. Although You're Thirty, I Still Think You're Purty

5. From the Gutter to You Ain't Up

6. How Can I Miss You If You Won't Go Away?

7. I Don't Want You're Body If Your Heart's Not In It

8. I Still Miss You Baby, But My Aim's Getting Better

9. I'm So Miserable Without You It's Almost Like Having You Here

10. You Can't Have Your Kate and Edith, Too

11. If You Won't Leave Me Alone, I'll Find Someone Who Will

12. Tennis Must Be Your Racket 'Cause "Love" Means Nothin' To You

Jan's Music selection

I enjoy the following, “even though I can’t find my ipod after moving our homes...ugh!”

1. Country- the best

2. Smooth Jazz

3. R&B

4. Classic Rock, various eras

5. Sinatra, Cole, Streisand, Bennett, et.al.

6. Various Latin Jazz ex: Santana, Poncho Sanchez

7. Bon Jovi

8. Ottmar Liebert

9. Kenny G types
And finally number 10 …the “Coup de Gras” various renditions from Jim Berkson’s Pedal Steel Guitar ! ("Ear Ache")

Photo provided by Flickr:AndersLjungberg

MEXICO - " IMPORTANT " Document Requirements

All travelers to Mexico are required to present proof of citizenship, such as a US PASSPORT. So don’t forget this important document. Otherwise you won’t be going far on this trip. Be sure your passport is valid for more than 6 months before your expiration date. I know quit nagging...just want you to be sure you have all you need to have an enjoyable and easy trip!

It is important for you to safeguard your passport in a inconspicuous place like a money belt or I'll leave it up to you for those season travelers. To insure security, make a copy of your passport and keep a copy with your passport number in a separate safe and secure place. If you lose your passport, you will need to visit your consulate and having this copied document will be very helpful. I can't help but express my appreciation for the above & beyond offer that Alex has with our group in requesting a copy of your passport for her safe keeping. However, she can only assist if you of course cooperate & follow-through?!

ARE YOU PAYING ATTENTION...Upon your flight to Cancun, your airline will generally provide the necessary forms for a Mexican Tourist permit (FMTT), the equivalent of a tourist visa which in Mexico can be more important than your passport so safe guard this. Generally the FMTT fee is included in your airfare costs. Understand that if you lose this document/receipt it can cost you quite a bit to replace as well as the red-tape & hassle (I recall the cost to a friend was around $60-100 and not sure if this was per person as well). AND if you don’t have your FMTT? Did I emphasis "hassles & stress" at the airport for sure???? So be sure to take a pen and also some sort of pouch, ziploc bag or holder to keep track of your documents during your trip.

Also so you aren't off guard....PAY ATTENTION! On my last visit to Mexico I recall an interesting process, after baggage claim, I had to grab my bags and then press a button which flicked what looked like a signal light. If the color landed on Green, I got to pass through. But if it landed on Red my bags had to be checked and inspected either casually or thoroughly. So take note here people! You then are directed to take your baggage and documents to Customs and then meet us and the Apple Representative outside the secured area only allowed for ticketed passengers.

Photo provided by Flickr.alex-s

Resort Transfers...what do I do?

Alright you got off the plane, made it through immigration, baggage claim and through customs. You have all your stuff and don't know what to do?

Apple Vacation is our operator and as part of your all-inclusive resort package it also included a Round-Trip transfer from the airport to the resort and yes back again (did you not pay attention, round-trip). As indicated in your documents we are suppose to walk out of the airport secured area for ticketed passengers and find the Apple Vacation representative who has an ID badge, dresses in a flower Hawaiian style shirt & pants. But be cautious, there are IMITATORS and HUSTLERS trying to hit on you to sign-up for timeshare opportunities, transportation services and who knows what other "you don't want to miss this deal of a lifetime opportunity, mi amigo". Stop! Focus! And look for the person who should be ID with the Apple Vacation regardless of their colorful shirt and uniform. You're looking for APPLE VACATION and going to the NOW Jade Riviera Cancun Resort...remember that, muy importante!

Once you connect then you should be fine...the ride is about 20-30 minutes from the airport. So relax and catch your breathe....breathe in & breathe out!

Photos provided by Flickr:corsiphotos

Remember...You're A "Preferred Club" Guest!

PREFERRED CLUB guest...that's you at the NOW Jade Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa. I recently wrote and posted a blog article titled...."What Do I Really Need to Pack?" There are additional perks for selecting this caliber of category for the resort...and you should be aware of it to take advantage of this service.

One of the handy one is when you first arrive to the resort. There is a specific check-in process for Preferred Club Guest and so the long lines that you may see when you arrive may very well not be your check-in area. So be attentive to that and let your resort attendant know that, if they do not direct you accordingly.

As many will be coming in a group, others will be staggering one-on-one, since I won't be there to assist you personally. Please read and reference the perks of this status. Including all the document information that you received from Alex.

The other perk that comes to mind is with the Preferred Club status, there is a special upgrade menu for your room mini-bar and also the room service menu. If you get in late, you may want to check this option out instead of trying to head to the restaurant or buffet. We have a very early start (I believe it was around 7 or 7:15am for Sunday) for our Coba/Tulum/Cenote Excursion. Check the document that Alex sent you from Apple Vacation. I know she inserted details for our excursion that you will need to know

So this information should easily get you started...but what will keep you going during this trip will be the tipping or gratuity with the people who serve you. Many of the service staff makes $5.00 a DAY or thereof.. not the USA's $5.00+ per HOUR. So tipping is appreciated and the generosity that is sent may very well come back to you. So think about it and prepare those $1, $5, $10 & $20 bills!

Photo provided by Flickr:bryan_chan

Spotlight by Roger: "MELISSA & BEN "

Melissa worked with Diana at the City of Irvine many years ago and for those keeping track, she will have an Amethyst jewel on her badge letting everyone know she has also attended Roger and Diana’s 15th renewal ceremony in the Caribbean......badge??......what badge???......we don’t need no stinking badges!! Melissa is also a gemologist and bunked with Jan on the Caribbean cruise. Jan is now engaged to Jim and Melissa is married to Ben. Nobody has met Ben so this could all be just a figment of Melissa’s imagination......we’ll see, won't we!

Ben’s favorite drink is Diet Coke and he loves Mexican food. Melissa likes ginger ale and has been seen enjoying a gin and tonic when the occasion calls for it. Both are looking forward to seeing some Mayan ruins and just relaxing. However, if it’s just ruins they are looking for.....perhaps a close-up encounter with either Roger or Russell would do the trick.....it’s not pretty folks...but ancient & ruins, hmmm!!

Tipping & Gratuity ...may get you want you want!

All though we will be at an all inclusive resort. Tipping will be your best avenue to getting the finest service. This is particularly true because the minimum wage is a bit more than $5.00 a "DAY"! Did you get that ... $5 dollars a DAY! See why tipping can make a difference!

I've been finding tipping guides to say that it is preferable to tip in pesos mainly because then

the exchange would charge a service fee. However, it might also be to your advantage to attain pesos so that you can then distribute the pesos accordingly which may often lend itself below your US dollar amount. Otherwise bring your dollar bills and distribute it as you would in the USA. And guess what? ... the Americans HAVE invaded the Riviera Maya as the locals have gotten accustomed to the American ways and their dollars. The service staff have become acquainted with the tipping practices of the USA ...so here's an FYI, expectation for tipping are similar to that of the states, particularly in the tourist areas.

I have a couple of sources you can reference for tipping guides. Check out...

TripAdvisor TravelYucatan

And here are general guidelines that I have have listed of what services you might partake during our trip:

Baggage Handlers/Skycaps/Bellman

$1-2 US per bag pending weight of bags & how much they assist or difficulty of assistance

(stairs)

Bartenders

$1-2 US per ROUND and 10-15% if running a bar tab. Generosity here may be worth while if you plan to hang around a long time in the resort bar. Particularly as the drinks are covered. the call is yours...Russell & Randy may have some good tips on this! These two guys always score!

Housekeeper

$2-5 (US dollars) per person per housekeeping visit is recommended and definitely give extra if your suite requires more attention or special services are rendered. You know who you slobs are!

Tour Guide

The recommendation is $5.00 per person on a 20+ group and 15-20% tip on the cost of the tour with a smaller group such as 4 as an example. Personally, I think if the person does great..out going, friendly and accommodating with answering your questions or needs...then loosen the purse/wallet string. But nothing says you can't give less if it's just not up to par! Be reasonable and do what you would want done to you.

Spa Service

15-20% is the standard and if it's the owner or a medical nurse or doctor than it is not necessary to tip.

Restaurants

10-15% is recommended...but DO check your bill before paying as gratuities may be included

and you might very well pay twice without knowing it! Drunks (and you know who you are) do this and I wouldn't be surprised that the locals laugh to the banco!

Photo provided by Flickr. Photo8.com

Snapfish.com --- Group Room for Downloading Photos

Wanted to let you know that I have developed a Group Room on Snapfish.com, where you can download photos from our trip and we can all share and view them.

I will be sending out an invite by email. Please check your spam/junk folder as this notification may not route through your regular email. The Group Room Information will have the address link to the website and also the code.

If you are not a member of Snapfish.com, you will have to sign-up.But there is no cost to you unless you would like to purchase copies or make a project such as a photo book from the trip. They do send out notices periodically so after everyone downloads and you get a view of what's in our group room. You can always unsubscribe. Check your InBox, it's coming... thanks!

Photo provided by Snapfish

Here's Some Recommended Reading from Our Guests...

Allow me to begin by saying many thanks for those who responded to my email. Appreciate your input and assistance. For those who want to lounge around the pool, relax and perhaps read a book or two. Here are some recommendations from our own guests. Check it out...

JIM - "Thunderstruk" & "The Devil in the White City by Eric Larson plus "The Girl Who Played with Fire" by Stieg Larsson

I highly recommend "Thunderstruk" and The Devil in the White City, both by Erik Larson. These are two historical pieces that read like mystery fiction novels. "Erik Larson" is a master researcher, weaving historical events into a fascinating story. Each book takes two apparently unrelated events and ties them together in a unique and entertaining fashion. Both are fascinating books you won't want to put down...and you'll learn a lot, too.

An very well-written fiction book I'm currently reading is "The Girl Who Played with Fire," by Stieg Larsson (Wow, that's real close to the name of the first author!) This one is a murder mystery that takes place in Sweden

JAN - "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo", The Girl who Played with Fire" & "The Girl who Kicked the Hornet's Nest " by Stieg Larsson

These books were recommended to me, and I will bring “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” by Stieg Larsson. (a suspenseful thriller.-Jim is reading Larsson’s” other book “The Girl who Played with Fire”.) I see that there is one more thriller by Larsson called “The Girl who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest.”

RUSSELL - How about the "Drink Menu"? By NOW Jade Riviera Cancun Resort &Spa

I prefer the purist approach, Absolute Vodka,straight up and on the rocks..no umbrellas or garnish...just more vodka!

ALEX - "The Help"by Kathryn Stockett & "Kitchen House" by Kathleen Grissom

Last 2 books that I really liked were: "

The Help", by Kathryn Stockett, "

Kitchen House", by Kathleen Grissom

KAREN - Various Titles by Nora Roberts, Sandra Brown, J.D. Robb, Tom Clancy, James Patterson, Jonathan Kellerman, Patricia Cornwall & Vince Flynn.

Well, the last thing I want to read when I am "chilling" on vacation is a "real" book. I prefer the simple to follow, predictable and no brainer romance type novels (a.k.a. smut novels)....though calling them a novel is a stretch of the imagination in this case. This way I don't have to keep track of a real plot, a dozen or so characters of various tongue twisting names and countries, good guys, bad guys, counter-good guys and bad guys....you get the idea. I just don't have the concentration power for all that when I'm on vacation. Maybe that would be due to those lovely little umbrella drinks of the day...ya' think?!

Some of those authors are Nora Roberts, Sandra Brown, J.D.Robb (who is also Nora Roberts) and any of the zillion others that make a living off of romantic intrigue. Not sure that any of these come translated in Japanese for Fumi, but I'm also not sure you want her to know what's in any of these anyway ;-)

For anyone who would like a "real" book recommendation, and in particular if you want to "listen" to a book instead of read, download "The Help." It's so well read that it's like going to the movies. Good reads come from Tom Clancy, James Patterson, Jonathan Kellerman, Patricia Cornwall and Vince Flynn (among hundreds more you all know and love I'm sure. These are all interesting authors I have read. One would think I was slightly literate after all this info, but trust me, it's a disguise. Plus, I keep going to the library and checking out books I've already read. I forget the names of books very quickly and even reading the dust cover doesn't clue me into the fact that I've read it before. Wazzup with that? Too many little umbrella drinks at home, too, I guess.

FUMI - Japanese Historical Stories by Yamamoto Ichiriki & Ikenami Shoturo

I enjoy reading stories of ancient times & the people in Japan including, but not always Samurai and their life. I would gladly share these books with you, but you will have to be able to read Japanese. Oh but I have another option, my other son, Russell

surprised me with a subscription to Reader's Digest. I will bring that and when I'm done...I can share that with you. It is not in Japanese. Thank you so much, Russell!

ROCKY - "The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Garty Stein

A great book that all will enjoy. "The art of racing in the rain", by Garty Stein. takes about three days to read (I'm a slow reader) very good.

NAOMI-"The Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet" by Jamie Ford and "Sarah's Key" by Tatiana de Rosnay

I recommend THE HOTEL ON THE CORNER OF BITTER AND SWEET. Takes place in Seattle during WWII, by JamieFord. Kinda a love story.

The book I'm taking with me is SARAH'S KEY by Tatiana de Rosnay, another WWII fiction takes place in France, about how the French police rounded up the Jewish families in the middle of the night. Something like SOPHIE'S CHOICE, I think.

MARTY - "Private" by James Patterson, "TickTock" by James Patterson,"Strategic Moves" by Stuart Woods,"Escape from Bangkok" by Andy Botts , "Caught" by Harlan Coben and "Fear the Worst" by Linwood Barclay.

I also like to read biographies but these tend to bore most folks so I'll leave those off and I also have been enjoying books on Hawaiian History (if anyone has any interest I can provide a short list on these).Escape from Bangkok by Andy Botts (someone I know who lives by me),One of my projects for next week is to go online and download a few new titles for beach reading. Getting excited!

ROGER - "Okinawa" - The Last battle of World War II by Robert Leckie

This book was given to me by Buzz and so I'm bringing it to read in between my martinis and naps. From what I can gather The author Robert Leckie was a Pacific War veteran and former Marine. The book is a stirring account of one of World War II's most desperate and fiercely fought battles. I wonder if they have any Japanese World War II Swords, hmmm...???

DIANA - "Turning The Tables - Resturants From The Inside Out" by Steven Shaw

The author a.k.a "The Fat Guy" is the founder of eGullet website, a James Beard Award winning food critic. In this book he shares with style and humor the inside scoop to getting the coveted reservation at restaurants, how to read between the lines of food critic reviews, why does some restaurant succeed and yet others fail or how does that fish or rare farmstead cheese reach your plate..best said by Anthony Bourdain, "Turning the Table is pure crack for foodies looking for more inside information on the restaurant world".

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