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

FOOD, TSA & Virgin America's Meal?

Karen shared with me some information about what may be allowable and not for what we can bring on the plane. First, don't bother with "DRINKS"... Get that on the plane, but what about other stuff?

Karen and I were talking about what kind of goodies to bring on the plane. Because we have a group leaving on Virgin America from LAX couple of us have decided to bring some goodies to share...Karen at last words spoke about bringing cookies, Jan mentioned about bringing some lemon bars and I am planning to bring my pumpkin-apple cake sliced, wrapped and ready to share. So dessert is covered if you are with the Roger & Diana group Virgin America Flight 290.

Here are a couple of links that Karen referenced to see what she can bring for meal items through security and also what Virgin America offers for food that you can order/pay on board. You will need a credit card to order food and booze. So pull that out with your pen (which you will need to fill out forms before Mexico) for easy access. Thanks Karen for sharing this!

Transportation Security Administration

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/holiday.shtm

Virgin America

http://www.virginamerica.com/inflight/airline-food.html

Mexican Cocina (Kitchen)?

We're pretty lucky in California to have some awesome Mexican eats. But trying the really thing is authentic...so,

Thought I would highlight some Mexican cuisine that you might have tried or not. Here are a small listing that might be helpful to you as you are wandering through PDC or Puerto Morelos for some local eats.

Also check back on the blog articles "PDC - Playa del Carmen" & "Puerto Morelos -eats & Drinks" for more restaurants & eateries.

Lomo - Pork Loin

Asada - Steak

Pollo - Chicken

Lengua - Tongue

Pata - Pig or Beef Feet

Tacos Dorados - Crunchy Tacos

Tacos Suaves - Soft Tacos

Ceviche - Fresh raw seafood marinated in fresh lime juice garnished with tomatoes, onions, chillies and cilantro

Sope - thickish small circle of fried masa with pinched sides, topped with meat or fish, onions, salsa, lettuce

Machaca - Shredded beef scrambled with eggs and some vegetables

Carnitas -pork deep cooked in lard & simmered served with tortillas

Chile en nogada - Problano pepper stuffed with ground pork & beef spices, fruits,raisins & almonds, friend lightly battered with a walnut cream sauce

Gorditas - thickish fried corn tortilla, slit & stuffed with choiceof beef pork or chickenwith or without lettuce, cheese, tomatoes & onion.

Tacos al Pastor - Thin sliced of flavored pork roasted on a revolving cylinder dripping with onions slices and juice of fresh pineapple slices. Served in small corn tortilla ith chopped onions & cilantro.

Torta - a sandwich , usually on bolillo bread, typically with sliced avocado, onions, tomatoe with chice of meat and often cheese.

Photo provided by Flickr.christophermacsurak

2 Davis' 4 Dinner @ NOW Jade...please!

Been surfing the internet a bit to explore and see if I can get any idea of the restaurant scene for the NOW Jade Riviera Cancun Resort. Haven't found much other than 1. names and descriptions of the restaurants 2. which restaurants require a dress code 3. the resort restaurants do not take reservations 4. the seating capacity are small with approximately 10 or so tables per establishment, so potential delay for getting in, count on it!

The reviews seem to vary on opinions and often there are whiners or mix matched hotel guests. So these reviews I take with a grain of salt. However for those guests of ours who have been loyal blogerss...did want to let you know that Roger and I will be checking out each of the restaurants during our stay and on Wednesday after our cocktail reception. We will try out the 'Tamarindo", mexican cuisine....hopefully this will be the easiest to get in...we shall see or maybe change out at the last minute?

Oh and all else fails, because you decided to hang out at the bar...don't forget room service it's part of the all inclusive service and 24 hours to boot!

Hope you all have begun laying out your outfit. Below is a recap of the appropriate dress code

for each of the dining establishment at the NOW Jade Riviera Cancun Resort.

DRESS CODE: "CASUAL ELEGANCE"

Capers - "Italian Cuisine" Dinner Only

Mercure - "French Cuisine" Breakfast & Dinner

Tamarindo - "Mexican Cuisine" Dinner Only

Spice - "Asian Cuisine" Dinner Only

Cin Cin - "Mediterranean Cuisine" Dinner Only

DRESS CODE: "CASUAL"

Carnival International Buffet Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Castaways - Lunch Only

Coco Cafe - Premium Coffee & Deli

Photos provided by Apple Vacation

Biodegradable Sunscreen..Mother's Market

Wanted to share this tip now. Alex has an upcoming blog article she wrote which will be posted on March 4th. Thought if you were interested, you might want a few more days to make this purchase. If you are from Southern California you might be familiar with Mother's Market check out this link for location.

Alex has found a biodegradable suntan lotion that will work for use at Yalku Lagoon for snorkeling. She says she has a bottle to share but if anyone else can get one that would be great for those guests who are out of the area. I will try and check out our local health food store to see if they might have one as well. Alex said they also sell this at the lagoon.

Thanks Alex for this helpful tip! Roger is gonna love you as my "Pale Face -Body Boy" will need the sunscreen for sure.

Photo provided by Flickr.Crinity

CARDS ANYONE?

Anyone who hangs out with Roger or Diana knows that they love playing 'Progressive Rummy'.

Its a card game that is actually quite easy to learn and play. And the great thing about it is that you can actually drink, eat and play all at the same time, really! These things not necessarily in priority order, seem to be top choices for things to do with

the Davis'. So if you are incline to give it a try and join in. There will be a number of our guests on hand to teach you. So don't be afraid to inquire. So who are they you ask?...well, Buzz, Karen, Russell, Martie, Paul, Mike, Laura, Reagan, Fumi, Ani, Tim to name but just a few...

During this trip we will be having a bit of fun competition for those wanting to play. NO, of course it's optional. YES, it includes winners, prizes and verification of scores of course. You really thought we would trust you? Not when it comes to cards!...oh so now you want to play huh? Well join in, hang on to those scoresheets as we will be keeping track to determine the awards of the prize. Karen and Buzz has graciously accepted to assist us on this activity. And so check-in with them and ask them for the rules to win.

More specific details for this contest will be provided at the resort... Following is the rules for the game...but trust me, it's a lot easier to join in and pick it up from actually playing the game...it's not hard, really-give it a try!

PROGRESSIVE RUMMY GUIDELINES

1 standard playing deck of 52 cards plus 2 jokers (minimum) • 6 players maximum per 1 deck of cards

Object of the Game – Player with lowest point wins

RULES OF THE GAME

• Determine who will start the deal by turning cards face up in front of each player and the first player with a “Jack” is the first determined dealer.
• All cards are face value……Ace’s = 1 (with the exception for the first round in which the Ace is a wild card and worth 15 points……tens and face cards= 10 point each. Wild cards are worth 15 points including the Joker cards.
• Begin the first hand with “Aces” being wild; the second hand “Twos” are wild…..through Kings.
• Ace is always low as one , and never high King.
• Dealer deals 7 cards to each player, starting at his/her left.
• Dealer turns over the top card after dealing everyone 7. Dealer is the first to play by either taking the card turned over or drawing from the deck. If dealer gets a wild card, he/she has the option to keep it to play later.
• Object is to get rid of all cards in your hand with the lowest point value. You must initially have 25 points to lay down and can do so with a minimum of three of a kind (3 tens would work or 2 fives and a wild card, etc.) or a run of three or more of the same suit that add up to 25 points. You can also have two sets of three cards or more that add up to 25 points as well (Example; Game 5, Fives are wild, you can lay 3 Fours = 12 + 3 cards of the same suit, 5, 6, & 7 hearts = 18, your total points 12 + 18 = 30 to lay down, qualifies for 25 or more points).
• Once you lay down your initial 25 points, you must wait until your next turn to play cards in your hand on any other players “lay downs”. You may continue to lay down additional runs or three of a kind that are of any value on your turn. You may also exchange a card in your hand that is being used by a wild card on any of the “lay downs”….but the wild card taken from the table on others set lay down cards must be used at that time. You cannot hold the wild card for use in your hand for a subsequent turn.
• If you draw a wild card off the deck pile you have the option to use it or choose to play it later and keep in your hand till your decision to discard. Again remember, Wild Cards are worth 15 points!
• Once the draw card pile is gone, then the play is to go around one last time till a player cannot play in which case the game is over and everyone counts their points to tally or…
• The first player to get rid of all of their cards is the winner of that round. All other players get charged the number of points in their hands for the score sheet.
• At the end of the game (13 rounds……..Ace being the first round and the King is the last round) the player with the least number of points is the winner of that game.
• Each game must have a minimum of two players and a maximum of no more than six players.
• The winner of the 13 rounds will be the player with the lowest average for all games played.

Progressive Rummy... "Join Us" says Karen & Buzz!

PRIZES-FUN-PRIZES-PLAY-PRIZES-EASY -PRIZES-CARDS-PRIZES!

Did we tell you there were going to be prizes? Well come find Karen or Buzz as they have been recruited with coordinating the Progressive Rummy Game that Roger and Diana so love to play!

We will be handing out rules, scoresheets, playing cards & pen at the resort, so form a group or join in with any of us playing and enjoy the challenge and camaraderie. At the end of each game or at some point during the trip, turn in your scoresheets (be sure you identify the players) to Buzz or Karen. We will keep track of the highest ("Loser") and the lowest ("Winner") scores for the week and at the last night (Friday) happy hour cocktail time, prizes will be announced and

distributed. Since this is a celebration of their 20th year of marital bliss, Roger & Diana have decided to also have special prizes for anyone with a score that ends in '20, such as 20, 120, 220, 320 (you get the picture) or '90 as they got married in 1990!

So grab a drink, a snack and tanning lotion and meet us for some fun and entertainment. We'll be floating around throughout the week to help or coordinate games and root you on.

Cheers!

Karen & Buzz