Live a little, Love a lot [Archive]

Westybchbum

13th April 2011, 10:08 AM

As many of you know, this was to be our 4th trip to Tulum inside of a year. Counting our blessings on that one! The typical trip preparation was of course complicated by the fact that this was to be a 14 day excursion with a little ol’ wedding thrown in. Hardly typical. Skipping past the intense stress of it all, the night was finally here that we were checking our lists and covering last minute instructions for pet caregivers and friends and family traveling soon behind us.

It didn’t matter that the alarm went off at 3:30 am or that it was 20 something degrees out. We splurged on a driver for this trip and I truly felt like a princess when my dress was laid carefully in the trunk across our baggage and our driver waited with door open for us to get in. It was finally here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We flew JetBlue out of JFK, 7:30am flight. With four suitcases as well as backpack and carryon (oh yea, and the 6 foot white garment bag holding a wedding dress), we breezed through check in and were invited to cut the line at security (way cool!). Tyt also decided last minute to splurge on a seat upgrade. We were slightly concerned how a wedding dress was going to do in an overhead bin with luggage so we went for the empty front row section. This was an awesome move on T’s part. We had 3 seats for the 2 of us and our choice of 6 empty overhead bins to spread the dress out in. I was very happy.

Westy stretched out across 2 seats (yes I am playing angry birds!!):
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%203-29-2011/DSC_0630.jpg?t=1302789885

We arrived at 9:30 am in Cancun- 4 hour direct flight but 2 hour time change, different than the one hour we were used to. No wait through customs, grabbed our insane amount of luggage and headed for the last part of security. Once again, an agent brushed us through ahead of line, we didn’t even have to put our stuff through the x-ray machine! We pushed the button and got a green and we were off.

Note: It would appear juggling a large white garment bag is the key to breezing through lines. I’m pretty sure if you just carried one empty and feigned getting married this could be a good tactic to getting through airports quicker. ;)

Our rental car company met us, we head over to their van once again juggling all our stuff and carefully laying my dress over top, we hop in. There is another couple in the van already- they are actually being dropped off to the airport. They kindly ask if we were getting married (can’t hide that garment bag anywhere) to which we reply, yes. They ask where, when we tell them Tulum, the guy says are you Westy? Huh??? Further conversation ensues and it turns out, it is another member of our esteemed forum, Cougar (?? am I remembering right?), who has just left NVR. We can’t help be excited as he tells us NVR is anxiously awaiting us and has been getting ready for our wedding. Woohoooo!!! Our TI rocks!!!

Anyway, we got our car and we were off to Tulum. Well, almost. Ten minutes down the road, TyT is struggling to keep the car on the road (really bad steering column problem) and we realize there is no radio. That’s it. We have to live with this car for 12 days, we head back. They give us something better no questions ask and NOW we are on our way. Made a quick stop at Soriana for water, beer, soda and also got margarita makings. We paid $2 USD for 2 dozen limes. Unbelievable. At home it’s 4 for $3.

Ricardo greets us at NVR with arms wide open. We unload our fully loaded vehicle after several wheel barrow trips and up come our margaritas…. Our trip has officially begun. **SIGH** We are in our favorite room with our favorite view onto the beach where we will be getting married in just 3 short days. At this point it’s only about 1:30 pm so we actually managed a few hours on the beach that afternoon just breathing and relaxing before it would get nutty.

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%203-29-2011/DSC_0642.jpg?t=1302789885

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%203-29-2011/DSC_0632.jpg?t=1302789885

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%203-29-2011/DSC_0639.jpg?t=1302789885

Dinner was at LaZebra that night. Nice and easy, nothing to think about. We both had Lime soup, T had steak fajitas, I had grilled shrimp with chipotle mashed potatoes, a WONDERFUL introduction dinner to the 2 weeks ahead. La Zebra is certainly a staple and a constant in that regard. 2 margs, 2 beers, and 2 shots later a hazy bride and groom to be make of for Extasis (our room silly people) for our first night of our dream trip, it’s just barely 8pm!

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%203-29-2011/DSC_0653.jpg?t=1302789885

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%203-29-2011/DSC_0656.jpg?t=1302789885

Sleep will elude us, however….:rolleyes:

utmck

13th April 2011, 10:36 AM

Oops, I hate when that happens. I spelled Little without the second L in the title. Help please oh masters of the forum?????????????? :) Muchas gracias....

Look at your original post again and you will notice and "edit post" button towards the bottom.... it comes in handy!!!

but 2 hour time change

Shouldn't that be only 1 hour? est to cst

Bring on the TR girlfriend!!!!

Westybchbum

13th April 2011, 10:41 AM

Between the excitement and the 2 hour time change we are a mess. Both up at 2 am and then again 5:30 am for the day. This is the day our kids arrive and I’m really, really excited to share this place with them!!!

We sit on our balcony, the sunrise is around 6:45 am… we are enjoying the peace and quiet and our first of (little did we know) 13 consecutive gorgeous sunrises. No joke. We did breakfast at Casa Banana, we were on the beach by 8:30, beers started at 9:30. :beerchug: After enjoying an hour or two of beach time, we were visited by Guylene who had some goodies for our guests, and we went off to do some “wedding stuff” and await folks and kids!

My mom and the kids (my son is 14, daughter 16- I say this because I think people were expecting wee ones) arrived first this day. It was just after noon and they were a bit travel weary. Once to their room though, they all perked up. We put the 3 of them in Espiritu Maya, #13. This is a very, very cool unit. Well, my daughter might disagree only because she is deathly afraid of any kind of bug so that made things a little interesting. We didn’t properly catch this in photos but I will try to share a couple. (didn't have wide angle lens so hard to get feel for room with this pics)

Top floor:
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/DSC_9925_282.jpg?t=1302794683

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/DSC_9927_284.jpg?t=1302794683

Bottom floor- they had this room nicely done for kids with both futons pulled out and mosquito nets over both
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/DSC_9924_281.jpg?t=1302794683

It is a stand-alone unit with two floors, inside there is a spiral staircase from one floor to the other. Also, the top floor is not completely closed off. Hard to explain, but this unit is circular and except for where the staircase is, you can see down into the room below. It is perfect for families. The top room has a king bed with a HUGE walk out palapa covered deck. The bottom room has 2 futons with a double door walkout onto a cement patio with a wooden table and chairs. The bathroom is a short very walk from the downstairs room in a separate building. Across from the bathroom is a screened-in, full sit down kitchen with sink, fridge, and oven. We did not put this to full use but the fridge was sure nice!! There was ALSO a small palapa gazebo just on the other side of the downstairs patio. There are two pathways walking up to this unit. The down side is if you are staying upstairs, you need to go down and out to use the bathroom which in the middle of the night can be interesting. But my 69 yr old mom did it, so there you have it. We used the palapa gazebo for Margo’s massages. This whole unit is very Robinson Caruso-ish and really, really cool. The view and breeze from the top deck is amazing. My mother often sat reading up there rather than in the hot sun on the beach. (sorry for the long plug here, but little has been said of this unit at NVR prior to this).

For ease sake we head to Casa Banana for lunch. Their menu changed at the beginning of the year, and we found that their lunch menu now is also their dinner menu. It didn’t have quite what we were looking for (quesadilla/taco simple type stuff) so we headed to La Zebra. T ate quickly and headed back to greet his parents. We enjoyed empanadas, chicken nachos and quesadillas and of course margaritas.

T’s folks had arrived when we got back. They settled into unit #15, Hechizo de Luna. We had looked at this room a year ago and noticed they had done a little redecorating; the room is more beautiful than ever. So much so, T and I started to seriously consider moving here after they left. My mother-in-law very quickly forgave me for the no hair dryer thing once she saw the room and the view. They were very, very pleased. Along with our kids and parents we now enjoyed settling in and a few hours on the beach. We took them all to Mateo’s for dinner, it was the perfect place. Everyone was getting in party mode and very excited for the rest of the gang to come. Margaritas poured freely (sodas for kids lol) and everyone found something they liked on the menu. It was the perfect atmosphere for newbies to Tulum, we made a good choice.

Groom's folks:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%203-30%20and%204-1/DSC_0728.jpg

Mom of the bride:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%203-30%20and%204-1/DSC_0730.jpg

Happy couple:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%203-30%20and%204-1/DSC_0727.jpg

Kids- my son Hates being photo'd can ya tell?
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%203-30%20and%204-1/DSC_0722.jpg
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%203-30%20and%204-1/DSC_0721.jpg

Everyone was ready for an early night after a great meal. For the bride and groom sleep continued to be elusive….but then again, the other 11 guests were arriving the next day so emotions were high. :)

Westybchbum

13th April 2011, 10:43 AM

Shouldn't that be only 1 hour? est to cst

Bring on the TR girlfriend!!!!

It won't let me edit the title!! there is more to the time change story but I can assure you, it was 2 hours when we arrived.....

minniemex

13th April 2011, 12:29 PM

Love living the wedding through your story!

I fixed your title. I think you could do it too, just click on "edit" at the bottom like Chuck said and then you have to click on "advanced" and you would have been able to edit it.

I know the story about the 2 hours too!! I had an hours change in time and I am in the same time zone. :o

Westybchbum

13th April 2011, 01:15 PM

It was another beautiful sunrise. This time we were up at 4 am pretty much for the day. I’ve decided that I think I’m going to post all our sunrise photos in one thread. We have a couple mornings where the colors changed so much it almost looks like a whole different sunrise and I don’t want to have to eliminate any to put in this already WAY long thread.

After a nice breakfast at Casa Banana (thank god for pancakes for kids), this day starts with Westy taking mom and kids into town. T stays behind to hang out with his parents. We had an 11 am meeting with Charlie and our wedding planners so we got our pesos, snacks and did a quick peek into the shops.

Run, run, run. I pretty much did that all of Thursday. There simply was not enough tequila this day. We sat with Charlie and really enjoyed speaking with him. Even the part where he stressed the importance of us speaking our own vows to one another during the service. We weren’t quite sure what to do with this at the moment but we pushed the thought aside. Then we met with Coni and Julietta who are perhaps the two sweetest adorable wedding planners ever. They really had a grasp on everything, nothing much for us to do but sit back and let it all happen. By now, the main crowd is about to arrive. I want to say there was lunch involved but I have absolutely NO recollection of what we did, where we went. (TyT, help here??) Perhaps it was a liquid lunch. In any case, we had a gang of 7 all arriving in one van first. Here are most of them at the airport about to embark to Tulum:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5149/5617019548_184a38e05a_z_d.jpg
(yeah, I got flickr to work!! Photobucket has been down for 2 days!)

They arrive and we discover that two of our guests have had a hiccup in their flights and we set out to try and figure out when they will be coming in. But not before this group goes through reception. Ricardo had a table of margaritas ready to go for them (this is Emilio serving them, we LOVE Emilio!):

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5265/5617019498_506a755607_z.jpg

And our guests piled their suitcases in the famous wheelbarrows:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5221/5616435193_735222c408_z.jpg

I’m going to jump around a little here…. We had 10 rooms booked at NVR. T and I were in the Corazon area. His folks and my mom and kids were close by in #15 and #13. My brothers occupied the three front units, Ola, Alma del Mar and Amor Eterno. Our cousins had Pasion Marina and Horizonte Perdido. Our friends occupied #3 Blanca Duna and #6 Luna de Miel. We certainly grabbed the prime real estate and it was awesome!!! Here are some of the photos our guests took upon arrival:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5222/5617014884_639a8f71bf_z.jpg

This shows how crowded the beach was this weekend, most crowded we ever saw. This was not to be the case the following week however:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5266/5616985564_c95ab941dc_z.jpg

View from Pasion Marina:
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5309/5616434915_0944acc9cd_z.jpg

View from the window of unit #3 Blanco Amanecer:
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5030/5617019050_62aae78834_z.jpg

This is taken from the deck of Horizonte Perdido, from left to right, it is Pasion Marina, Nave Inquieta, and the side of Amor Eterno:
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5109/5616983710_244c7acf0d_z.jpg

View from Amor Eterno:
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5301/5616395733_d5d4e364f6_z.jpg

Inside Amor Eterno (ps, Pasion Marina and Amor Eterno are IDENTICAL inside):
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5028/5616976548_c752e1a24d_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5181/5616978430_5fba434c5d_z.jpg

A very cool pic of Casa Banana:
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5264/5616387387_1261cb4a2a_z.jpg

View of Horizonte Perdido and Blanca Duna units from Amor Eterno:
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5147/5616383879_8e11cb9a85_z.jpg

There are a few others, but most of the views are ones that have been already posted in other TR's. TyT has a couple of pics of inside some of the rooms that we will post later...

Westybchbum

13th April 2011, 01:17 PM

joshsgirl

13th April 2011, 01:30 PM

Westy - OMG I'm loving your report so far! I feel so anxious for the wedding part just like I'm sure you did! You are a great writer! Good golly I'm excited to get down there!

Westybchbum

13th April 2011, 01:37 PM

Thursday continued... (I had to hit submit for fear of losing that last post!)

The deck of Amor Eterno:
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5310/5616380819_d28ba39d3f_z.jpg

And a couple more fun shots taken by our Tulum virgin guests- can never get enough of that excitement of the first timer views:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5224/5616879842_c652872197_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5266/5616293889_a5207a52ec_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5268/5616292917_1ec8411793_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5064/5616876046_daca3ecdc8_z.jpg

Little did we know we were going to meet Oscar Y Gea in person that very trip.... Lots of very cool, special things happened to us this time around. :)

Anyway, just as TyT and I were heading to our room to do a flight tracker on our missing friends, we bump into them on the beach. I don't know how it happened but they arrived within an hour of the others. Woohooo! Here's our dear friend, J- someone T and I went to school with way back when :)
Okay, I had a (little) head start on the tan lol:
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5269/5616431469_b5af21ae3f_z.jpg

One of my fave lines of the trip came at this time. My cousin says to us, thanks a lot guys. You have now ruined any other beach ever for me. I've already decided that I'm losing my passport before I leave. Ha! Success, they love the place as much as we do!! It was pretty wild pulling up several NVR beach beds together and lounging in a big group setting. Ricardo was so very kind to allow our coolers right on the beach, too. What a party. Soon it was time for everyone to shower and get ready for our welcome dinner at Casa Banana. I have yet to see any real good photos of this but let's see what I can come up with.

In the meantime, I'll talk a minute about the dinner. We had fish ceviche and guacomole on the tables to start. The fish ceviche was out of this world and I do have a great pic of that:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5064/5617016982_08b06c4017_z.jpg

I had wanted to do sort of an indigenous to the area kind of meal, but as I mentioned earlier, Ligia has somewhat drastically changed the menu at Casa. It is a bit more upscale than it was. She does have some neat things on the menu but we had a bit of a miscommunication. We chose a 3 chile honey shrimp dish, chicken mole and beef tacos as choices. Tacos are not on her normal menu but she did them for us. Apparently the shrimp had habanero to it. While most of us were told it wasn't that hot, unfortunately more than half our guests ordered it and almost none could eat it. It came with a broccoli puree that was nicknamed "broccomole" by our group and it did soothe the heat from the shrimp some.

The infamous shrimp, note the "broccomole", I think you see why we named it that :)
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%203-30%20and%204-1/DSC_0813.jpg

Our table:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%203-30%20and%204-1/DSC_0814.jpg
We made the most of it, the group was just happy to be together and Ligia made good by bringing out plates of beef tacos to make up for it. After some delicious gelatto:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%203-30%20and%204-1/DSC_0825.jpg?t=1302795724
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%203-30%20and%204-1/DSC_0826.jpg?t=1302795724

18 happy gringos went back across the street to rest up for the big day!
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%203-30%20and%204-1/DSC_0805.jpg

Westybchbum

13th April 2011, 01:41 PM

Westy - OMG I'm loving your report so far! I feel so anxious for the wedding part just like I'm sure you did! You are a great writer! Good golly I'm excited to get down there!

Thanks JG! I can't tell you how fun it is to relive and share it with fellow Tulum lovers!!!! I'm a little overwhelmed about reporting the wedding day. There are SO many flippin photos my head is spinning! And I have even seen the photographer's yet!!! I'm probably going to post without his and perhaps throw a few of those at the end... :) SOOOO excited for you that you are just about a month out!! Woooohoooo!!!

joshsgirl

13th April 2011, 01:50 PM

I think you should do a TR here then a WR (wedding report) in another thread;) I don't want to miss out on any gratuitous wedding shots! I'm a slave for luff!

Justine

13th April 2011, 01:52 PM

loving the report Westy! great pics, so excited for the next installment :)

Westybchbum

13th April 2011, 02:07 PM

I think you should do a TR here then a WR (wedding report) in another thread;) I don't want to miss out on any gratuitous wedding shots! I'm a slave for luff!

Not a bad idea.... :)

wwtulum

13th April 2011, 03:52 PM

She's gone Coastal!!!

beachreader

13th April 2011, 04:01 PM

I agree with the two separate reports, but it's entirely up to you. This is so great already, I can't wait for the rest!

Too funny that you met Cougar in the airport shuttle and they knew who you were! This website does some cool stuff sometimes. :)

CoconutShrimp

13th April 2011, 06:41 PM

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5109/5616983710_244c7acf0d_z.jpg

Hey I recognize that view from HP!! Dang I miss it too!! Although my view also had a lot of rain in it.

Westy,
I am L-O-V-I-N-G this report so far. So much that I had your first post read at lunch and decided to come and read the rest of it so I wouldn't get in trouble at work.
I am eagerly awaiting for more. :)

tbpeaceful

13th April 2011, 07:41 PM

:beerchug: This is just great!

debski

13th April 2011, 08:17 PM

great start..............can't wait for more!!!! Our son is getting married in the spring of next year in mexico so I am really excited to hear about your wedding! next instalment please!

sparklegem

13th April 2011, 11:25 PM

It is so fun to to read your TR and to find out about all of the little details that are building to the big day!

Westybchbum

14th April 2011, 07:10 AM

great start..............can't wait for more!!!! Our son is getting married in the spring of next year in mexico so I am really excited to hear about your wedding! next instalment please!

Where in mexico??

Westybchbum

14th April 2011, 08:00 AM

Making headway..... TyT downloaded about 800 pics last night- and that's only for the first 5 days of the trip, yikes!! Of course, that's when most of the pics were taken. I also just got word from the wedding planner that she is mailing the photographer's CD today.

So, my thought is to use some of the random shots our guests took during the ceremony and I will fill in later with any really good pics from the photographer.

I apologize for the "pieciness" (is that a word???) of this TR.... I just got some great photos from T of things I've already posted about so I'm going to fill in before moving on.... You are all sure to be exhausted by the time this is done, which is only fair cuz that's how we were!!! LMAO. Don't forget, we did 2 days in Isla Mujeres at the end!! :)

Westybchbum

14th April 2011, 02:14 PM

Anyone who knows us knows that April Fool's Day couldn't have been a more perfect day for our wedding. Every time someone asked us when we were getting married, we'd reply April Fool's Day. They'd look at us waiting for us to say, Just Kidding! But we were quite serious. And what a perfect day it was. When asked how our wedding day went, I believe we would both tell you it was above and beyond our dreams and expectations. Starting with the weather.

I think I do need to post ONE sunrise picture here... so you can see how this day got started....

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%203-30%20and%204-1/DSC_0834.jpg?t=1302808332

Guylene told us that Tulum had been in a heatwave starting the week before we got there. Ricardo told us just before we arrived there had been very heavy winds. But somehow the Mayan gods shined down on us.... We literally enjoyed 85 perfect degrees every day there. And on our wedding day, the breeze died to a gentle sway. I'm not making this sh*t up.... tho it does sound like a bad romance novel....

I tucked myself away for the day. Mom, my girl and I did breakfast on the deck of Espiritu Maya and waited for Margo to arrive and give the 3 of us massages. Most of the gang ventured off into the pueblo since they only had a partial day before getting ready for a 4pm wedding.

They found Charlies:
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/IMG_0343.jpg?t=1302811426

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Wedding%20day%20April%201%202011/IMG_2890.jpg?t=1302811482

I'm pretty sure the guys bar hopped and the girls shopped. Meanwhile, back on the ranch, I was in a coma state from the best Margo Massage ever. She suggested I sit 15 minutes on a side and take advantage of the coco oil layer I had on. Just right, popped the tan quite nicely.

Went off to LaZebra with kids to get lunch and had a slight hiccup. Kids and I were going to eat at LaZebra and bring back lunch for T and his dad. So I ordered our lunches and then asked the waiter if they did to go. He replied yes. Perfect. I would then order their food after ours came. Not so much. Our lunch came in to go containers. Oopsy. So, I went back, tried to share my lunch with my soon to be hubby who was a little less than happy and honestly, that was the ONLY bad part of the whole day. Not bad I guess in the grand scheme of things.

EDIT** I forgot about jewelry boy which is a part of our story later.... this cutie came along and had a productive day with our lady wedding guests the morning of the wedding. Of course, their purchases in no way kept them from buying from Guylene the next day!!

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Wedding%20day%20April%201%202011/DSCN2656.jpg?t=1302882972

Part 2 coming up next- the WEDDING. :)

beachreader

14th April 2011, 02:29 PM

Yay, you're back!

OK, everyone has to go back and re-read from the beginning, since Westy has added a whole bunch of great photos. Great stuff, and our first view (for most of us), of Espiritu Maya. Hope you've got more pics to share of that one.

Actually, would you consider doing a whole separate thread (after you're done with this main one, of course:)) and title it Nueva Vida Rooms, or something like that, and post all of your room interior and view pictures with captions? That would be a really helpful thread for future searchers, I'm sure.

sparklegem

14th April 2011, 03:03 PM

Westy that sunrise is gorgeous! What a perfect way to start your wedding day and your new life together! I love all of your photos; especially the family photos! You all look so amazingly happy!!

debski

14th April 2011, 03:24 PM

Where in mexico??

cancun..................... we will extend our trip to 2 weeks and head to NVR!!!!!

TnTWalter

15th April 2011, 05:15 AM

so exciting!

Westybchbum

15th April 2011, 08:09 AM

cancun..................... we will extend our trip to 2 weeks and head to NVR!!!!!

Good for you two!!!!!!!!!!!!!

minniemex

15th April 2011, 09:18 AM

Everyone looks so happy! What a wonderful day it is turning out to be!!

Can't wait for the wedding.

beachreader

15th April 2011, 09:22 AM

I love that all your friends have given you their pics to work with as well. The sorting project must be mind-boggling, but it's great having so many different viewpoints!

solman2

15th April 2011, 09:34 AM

Where have I been lately that this is the first I've seen this?? Great pics so far, and it sounds like everything has been almost perfect up to this point. Can't wait for the rest and to see some more pictures too!!

Westybchbum

15th April 2011, 09:54 AM

Here's the thing about getting married right on the beach just outside the room you are staying in... You get to watch the fun unfold right before you. Being that this was not our first time around, I can honestly say Tulum is the place to be for this. Any stressful situations that might creep up just simply melt away. Seriously, that cool laid back vibe just kicks in and it's perfect for this kind of event to keep things real.

T showered, we did a pre-wedding shot together:

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%203-30%20and%204-1/DSC_0893.jpg?t=1302876900
(how cool are those shot glasses, I found them in pueblo!) We then parted ways so the girls could get ready (me and my daughter).

She and I popped in some tunes, nothing crazy, don't worry we didn't disturb the neighbors, and bopped around doing hair and makeup, taking an occasional walk out to the balcony.

Cutest wedding planners ever:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%203-30%20and%204-1/DSC_0890.jpg?t=1302876900

They were apparently waiting for the props to arrive. Then Our Fave Mr. Ricardo made an appearance to talk with Coni:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%203-30%20and%204-1/DSC_0889.jpg?t=1302876900

The flowers arrive and it's time to get the dress on. I send my girl on her way and ask her to have T come up. It was a very different way to do a wedding, I got to walk down with my groom, just the two of us. Way cool. We basically hid out in our room, peeking out from our window watching our guests gather and take pics of the set up as we waited for the okay from Coni and Juli to come down. It was kind of momentum-building for us- different than the nerve racking groom in one place, bride in the other march down the aisle. This was like one big fun party that we got to do together. The guests got some fun pre-wed pics.

This picture really depicts what T and I were watching from above as everyone was getting ready for us to come down:
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Wedding%20day%20April%201%202011/DSCN2664.jpg?t=1302877627

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Wedding%20day%20April%201%202011/DSCN2685.jpg?t=1302877627

Eduardo, our photographer:
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Wedding%20day%20April%201%202011/IMG_0431.jpg?t=1302882403

The after wedding cocktail hour set up, our room is directly in back- top floor:
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Wedding%20day%20April%201%202011/DSCF7444.jpg?t=1302877627

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Wedding%20day%20April%201%202011/DSCN2663.jpg?t=1302877871

My 3 bros, I got SUCH a kick out of this (yes, I have all the hair in the family)!
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Wedding%20day%20April%201%202011/DSCN2668.jpg?t=1302877871

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Wedding%20day%20April%201%202011/IMG_0350.jpg?t=1302880738

Our kids:
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Wedding%20day%20April%201%202011/IMG_2929.jpg?t=1302877962

The set up:
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Wedding%20day%20April%201%202011/DSCF7453.jpg?t=1302878051

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Wedding%20day%20April%201%202011/DSCF7479.jpg?t=1302878051

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Wedding%20day%20April%201%202011/DSCF7481.jpg?t=1302878051

Charlie and Maria preparing the circle:
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Wedding%20day%20April%201%202011/IMG_0363.jpg?t=1302878237

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Wedding%20day%20April%201%202011/DSCN2684.jpg?t=1302879453

Charlie instructing our 4 chosen people how to throw flower petals on us, little did we know what was ahead:
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Wedding%20day%20April%201%202011/DSCF7475.jpg?t=1302879243

Our new friends F and L... they were staying underneath us and live on the Vineyard (summer trip, yea!)- they had a 16 day stay at NVR and we are glad they got to witness our wedding!
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Wedding%20day%20April%201%202011/DSCF7474.jpg?t=1302879243

If you've never been to a Charlie and Maria ceremony- here's how it works. The guests don't sit, they stand in a circle around you. They are all given instruments which they are to play loudly when the bride and groom arrive and enter the cirlce:
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Wedding%20day%20April%201%202011/DSCF7483.jpg?t=1302879399

Once we enter the circle, we walk around once. Our moms are to follow behind us (little did we know with small bowls of water). Once around the circle, the ceremony begins. There are 4 places where we are to stop, each person with flower petals to sprinkle (did I say sprinkle?) over our heads. Meanwhile are mother's are behind us "sprinkling" water at us. On a serious note, the symbolism is very cool and we loved having this type of ceremony- I know both of us were very moved by the setting.

I'm not going to lie, however, it did become a bit comical towards the end. Four bowls of flower petals and two bowls of water later, T and I were feeling slightly harrassed. Our family had a little too much fun with us but it made the ceremony that much more special I think. I'll let these pictures speak for themselves:

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Wedding%20day%20April%201%202011/DSCF7463.jpg?t=1302880258

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Wedding%20day%20April%201%202011/IMG_2947.jpg?t=1302879908

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Wedding%20day%20April%201%202011/DSCF7494.jpg?t=1302880339

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Wedding%20day%20April%201%202011/DSCF7496.jpg?t=1302880388

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Wedding%20day%20April%201%202011/DSCF7501.jpg?t=1302880495

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Wedding%20day%20April%201%202011/IMG_2951.jpg?t=1302880540

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Wedding%20day%20April%201%202011/IMG_2978.jpg?t=1302880579

The first of the petals:
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Wedding%20day%20April%201%202011/DSCF7526.jpg?t=1302880642

And the next:
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Wedding%20day%20April%201%202011/IMG_0413.jpg?t=1302880826

(somehow missed pics of his dad who was next)
And the last... here is my bro contemplating whether he should just dump rather than sprinkle, frankly I wish he had!
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Wedding%20day%20April%201%202011/IMG_0425.jpg?t=1302880957

AND what we spent most of our time doing in that circle, getting petals out of our hair lol:
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Wedding%20day%20April%201%202011/IMG_0427.jpg?t=1302880957

Next came vows and rings but I don't (yet) have great pics. Charlie had explained to us that the vows were the most important part and they aren't recited, they are to come from us from our hearts. And that's what we did. No rehearsing no discussing. We decided we were going to just totally wing it and speak at that moment what we were feeling. OH THANK GOD T went first, my knight in shining armor my hero. It was beautiful but partly why we don't have good photos is that this part got teary and it looks like we were sad which could not have been farther from the truth. But here's what I mean:
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/IMG_3004.jpg?t=1302882034

Okay, grab a tissue, we are moving on.

The next part was for our guests to raise a hand while Maria said her blessing:
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Wedding%20day%20April%201%202011/IMG_2962.jpg?t=1302881100

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Wedding%20day%20April%201%202011/IMG_0392.jpg?t=1302881187

Apparently we needed lots of blessing as this went on for several minutes and I noticed guests' hands were getting droopy. What we missed during this is apparently we had a little wedding crasher (note red head boy)
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Wedding%20day%20April%201%202011/IMG_2961.jpg?t=1302881298

He would go on to crash the wedding at La Zebra the very next day.... sounds like a sequel is on its way!

This picture is funny I think. Charlie is putting together this candle with the 4 petals that we were showered in. Here he is explaining the importance of this candle and how it symbolizes us as a couple and how we are to use it for strength in our marriage. He is really stressing his point as you can see by T's expression. Needless to say it was wrapped in about 5 t-shirts as T was deathly afraid if it broke we would be done for:
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Wedding%20day%20April%201%202011/IMG_0448.jpg?t=1302881650

Almost to the end... we get our own instruments to play along with everyone- the circle is supposed to use them to create a positive energy for us, this was just awesome:
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Wedding%20day%20April%201%202011/IMG_0450.jpg?t=1302881422

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Wedding%20day%20April%201%202011/DSCF7587.jpg?t=1302882515

Last but not least, the KISS and the swirl.... :)
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Wedding%20day%20April%201%202011/IMG_3009.jpg?t=1302882247

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Wedding/wedding1.jpg?t=1302882301

Whew!!!!!!!!!! Next up, cocktail party and dinner reception! :sun:

Westybchbum

15th April 2011, 10:08 AM

I love that all your friends have given you their pics to work with as well. The sorting project must be mind-boggling, but it's great having so many different viewpoints!

I was so happy to have my new Ipad for this. I basically walked around Saturday taking the SD card out of everyone's cameras and plugging them into my Ipad to upload pics. But you are right... it took me a while to tackle all those photos!! Worth the effort though I think. And we haven't even seen the photographer's stuff yet!!

PS- we don't have any other pics of Espiritu Maya!! UGH. Those 5 days got away from us fast. I look back and don't think we could have done it differently either. Which just means, we have to go back and do an expedition and photo shoot of the rooms. :)

beachreader

15th April 2011, 10:21 AM

What fabulous photos, and what a great idea to go around and take everyone's card so you would have them and not have to wait for them to get home and upload and all that. You'd never have gotten half of them in that case.

I love the pre-wedding beach photos--there must have been six cameras in one of them!

And how did you arrange that wonderful beach furniture? So pretty with the white and blue.

And where did you find your wedding planners? Are you going to give resources at the end of the report? Sorry for so many questions! :)

I tried to get into as many rooms as I could back in August '09, but only got a few.

In fact, maybe you could just (eventually) add your pictures to my thread of the room pics so they're all in one place. I'll see if I can find it for you.

minniemex

15th April 2011, 10:44 AM

Okay, grab a tissue, we are moving on.

I was already on my second one....

Absolutely beautiful. I loved the white furniture also. I think BR has a good idea ~ list at the end of how & who.

utmck

15th April 2011, 10:55 AM

Wow that is so really cool!!!! Congrats!!!

Westybchbum

15th April 2011, 11:44 AM

I can certainly list at the end... esp when I get the photographer's photos, I'm hoping they are as good as I think they will be. He got some very cool stuff.

The wedding planners did everything. I told them I wanted orange flowers and other than that they did the rest. Honestly, it was wonderful to sit back and just let them do everything. All I had to do was show up!!

sparklegem

15th April 2011, 01:14 PM

Absolutely Beautiful! Westy you looked gorgeous, TyT so handsome, your children and the setting are so beautiful! I am so happy for all of you!!

CoconutShrimp

15th April 2011, 09:38 PM

Oh Westy, that was fantastic. I certainly understand your sad looking photo, and actually being happy. I balled like a baby when I was walking down the aisle at my wedding, but was so happy to be walking down the aisle to meet my groom. ( I blame the whole thing on my Dad who said something awesome right before we started walking.)

Your setting was great and I agree the furniture with the blue, white and pops of citrus color is really beautiful and has such great vibe. I'm looking forward to the reception and cocktail hour.

You and TyT looked so relaxed and happy, and your family is beautiful. CONGRATS!!

debski

16th April 2011, 09:41 AM

What Beautiful Pictures!!!!! The ceremony looks like it was lovely and the two of you look so happy, relaxed and in love!!!!! Tell me Westy, was this a typical mayan ceremony performed by a shaman????

Congrats to you both!!!

MexicanVirgins

16th April 2011, 04:47 PM

Oh Sue, I just found this...its Saturday night and now I will probably be blubbery for the next couple hours..Tom and I are so happy for you and Tom...Even more so because we had the pleasure of meeting you in February...You pictures are awesome..But I need more pictures..Can't wait for the next installments...Congrats again on the nuptuals and can't wait to meet up with you two again...Jules

JunkyBurrittos

17th April 2011, 06:01 AM

Oh Westy, you got me all teary and I'm not a blubbery kinda gal! Thank you for sharing such a joyous and intimate celebration with us. Truly a special ceremony for two obviously special people!

Westybchbum

17th April 2011, 09:38 AM

debski

17th April 2011, 09:42 AM

Yes it was debski, is that what your son is doing?

Yup, Yup!!!! and it looks absolutely lovely!!!

Westy, Check your PM!

minniemex

18th April 2011, 11:59 AM

Westy, did you ever get to sit on those white chairs??

Westybchbum

18th April 2011, 12:12 PM

Yup, Yup!!!! and it looks absolutely lovely!!!

Westy, Check your PM!

Hey Debski, never got a PM?!

Westybchbum

18th April 2011, 12:12 PM

Westy, did you ever get to sit on those white chairs??

Umm, if I did it was very short and I don't recall! That part of the night went kinda fast.... gonna try and get next installment going this afternoon!

debski

18th April 2011, 01:21 PM

Hey Debski, never got a PM?!

ok, sent another!!!!

sparklegem

20th April 2011, 09:12 AM

gonna try and get next installment going this afternoon!

Hurray!!

Westybchbum

20th April 2011, 11:07 AM

I'm struggling with what to do here, not gonna lie. I really don't want to go further until I get the pics from the photographer. I'm thinking about skipping the rest of the wedding day and moving forward, then will post 2nd half of wedding when I have all the pics in hand. I know the longer I wait to keep posting the more I'm not going to remember, we are only on day 4 of a 13 day trip after all!! :)

beachreader

20th April 2011, 11:18 AM

I think that would work just fine, or you can post the rest of the wedding day/reception/etc. with personal photos and then add the pro pics later on.

Up to you, but we're all psyched to see whatever you want to show us!

joshsgirl

20th April 2011, 11:19 AM

It would be great for ME if you could skip ahead and continue your TR because I really need you to keep me entertained for the next 30 days. Thanks for your consideration!:o

Westybchbum

20th April 2011, 11:28 AM

Okay ladies, those the words I needed to hear.... I'm off to start the rest of the weekend with our guests then....

Westybchbum

20th April 2011, 12:27 PM

There's so much more to say about our wedding but not without the right pictures to help tell the story....

So let's skip ahead until we can tell it right.

It's now Saturday, the day AFTER. Newly wed, we arise to oh yes ANOTHER gorgeous sunrise (posting sunrise pics in separate thread) and I'm not gonna lie we couldn't be happier. Our wedding day far exceeding our expectations which was not easy cuz mine were pretty high up there. We did what we were told we had to do as it wasn't official til we did, we "married" each other on Facebook.

We bumped into most of the gang at Casa Banana, it was to be a day of everyone doing their own thing. Except as it turns out, most were looking for us to kind of guide them along. Margo was coming for the morning and early afternoon to give massages. I am so MAD :mad: that we did not get pictures of where she set up. It was divine. Oh well.

As it turns out, there was to be no rest for the weary. My duties as cruise director continued. Some of the guys wanted to start happy hour just after breakfast so I pointed them to Ziggy's. Perfect walking distance from NVR and 2 for 1 cocktails. Shortly after, their wives were asking where Ziggy's was so the 3 of us went for a walk. It was nice to actually visit and get some down time with them. On our walk the scenery was a little more than we wished for as there was a (not very in shape and hairy) man laying naked on the beach. His back side really could've used a razor but I digress. We giggle like little school girls trying not to stare and move on. As we approach Ziggy's I start thinking it looks a bit different. The patio where tables once were is all boarded up. They have plastic tables right on the sand with the beach beds and their 2 for 1 cocktail sign is not there. (sorry have to insert photo here later, don't have it)

So I have no idea where our guys ended up but it wasn't there. It was still open but didn't have the signs of life it typically does esp with clear signs of construction going on. So the girls and I turn around. As we walked we noticed the (not so in shape and hairy) man get up from the beach and approach the water. We all looked at each other like, OH NO we have to walk RIGHT by him. Now we start praying he is fully submersed in the water before we pass and Oh Thank GOD he was. Of course, like anyone watching a train wreck we decide to turn around after passing by to witness one of the strangest drying off tactics we've ever seen. Of course because it's burned in my memory forever I must share it. He was literally jumping on one leg than the other with his legs spread apart. And that's all I'm going to say about that. Moving on....

Margo is massaging away and I've promised my daughter some shopping in town. My brother asks to come along and we also invite my mother in law who needs pesos. So off we go, leaving the others sunning, drinking and massaging. We start off having lunch at Don Cafetos. A true favorite, they all loved it. We even managed to find something non-Mexican for my girl who's stomach was in a bit of revolt. My mother in law LOVED the pickled garlic. Then it was off to the shops. We had a great afternoon. Even though it ended with my mother in law and I being yelled at.

For the girls, our main goal was jewelry shopping. My daughter and I found some neat gifts for her friends and my MIL found a really neat charm to be hung from a necklace. Shop after shop, we got better at bartering and hunting for treasures. In the last shop, MIL found a neat bracelet to go with the charm she had purchased. Cuanto cuesta we asked. $130 usd he tells us. Wow, outrageous. She had paid $45 for the charm, it seemed way off. He also wanted double the pesos for the same bracelet we had purchased in another store. So, MIL and I start laughing saying we are going to get in trouble with our husbands spending too much money and we put bracelet back. Senor Shop Owner starts yelling at us. Seriously. He shouts, Hey I am a serious business man trying to make a living and you do not laugh at me! Huh????????? Well, with prices like those he deserved to be laughed at but truly we weren't. We were giggling to ourselves but whatever. So he tries to put bracelet in our hands and asks what do we want to spend. Now that he's yelled at us we aren't spending anything in his store so we start walking out. He yells $100 usd. No gracias, we are leaving. Now we are literally 3 stores down the street and he comes out of the store into the middle of the road and yells $65 usd, $65! I sell to you! Now I look at MIL and say $65 from $130? No way are we buying from this guy. Holy cow, what a scammer! AND he yelled at us! Made for a fun story though.

We get back in just enough time to regroup with everyone. They've all decided to come to Zamas with us to see Camilo Nu. Margo arranged for a table for us all, THANKS MARGO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Post%20Wed%20Weekend%204-11/photo.jpg?t=1303323787

We piled in taxis and headed down the beach road for dinner, which was just awesome. I had a fish that Margo recommended on the menu, not sure of name but it's served over bed of cabbage and man oh man it was (almost) as good as the fish Angelo served at our wedding. I did say ALMOST. :) Another fave was fish and shrimp tacos and one of my bros got a burger- I can at least put up pics of those....

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Post%20Wed%20Weekend%204-11/photo1.jpg?t=1303323787

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Post%20Wed%20Weekend%204-11/IMG_3210.jpg?t=1303323787

Before I sign off (the rest of these pics are on T's computer at home...) I just want to give Zamas a plug. In 3 trips, this has become one of our fave places I think. Middle of the road price-wise, we have found them to be incredibly consistent and some of these meals are on the top of what we've had in Tulum. Of course, we've always been with Margo, so maybe it's the company as well. :) In any case, big thumbs up to Zamas and to Camilo Nu... the lead guitarist actually came to the table to personally congratulate us and say hi. I was slightly in awe I have to admit. Okay... off to brave a HS softball game in the cold- I am hoping to post rest of Zamas pics tonight. Thanks for your patience! :wave:

beachreader

20th April 2011, 02:12 PM

I agree with you, Westy, I love Zamas! We had some spectacular fish there twice in February, and the fish tacos in your picture look amazing! (not to mention the hamburger, wow!)

beachreader

20th April 2011, 02:32 PM

By the way, has anyone ever mistaken you and your daughter for sisters? You guys look SO much alike!

sparklegem

20th April 2011, 06:02 PM

Westy, do you care to post the name of the shop with the very rude owner? I would like to avoid (boycott) it.

Westybchbum

21st April 2011, 07:01 AM

Westy, do you care to post the name of the shop with the very rude owner? I would like to avoid (boycott) it.

I wish I could remember it.... they all started looking the same after a while. It was a block or two south of Don Cafetos on the Don Cafeto side. I have a feeling anyone will know they are there the minute the owner starts talking. He's just rude.

Westybchbum

21st April 2011, 07:04 AM

TortillayTortuga

21st April 2011, 07:37 AM

Now I have a task for myself (well for T) on our next visit to photo some of these shops. I have another shop that I've come to like because the guy in there is always wearing a NY hat and when you walk in he tells you everything in store "almost free" for you lol. I've purchased probably about 5 sarongs from that shop, the first one he approached me respectfully with it and said "permiso?" I nodded and he showed how to finally tie one of those things the right way!! :)

and he looked at me and said "I no touch...I no touch" LOL

Westybchbum

21st April 2011, 07:52 AM

The forces are against me getting this TR done, sheesh! Okay, just a couple more Zamas pics and we are off to our Sunday "Ed"venture tour with our gang...

Tres Amigos :)
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/April%202nd%20Zamas/DSC_1066.jpg?t=1303391934

Just sharing this cuz we didn't get a lot of good pics of my boy who is typically VERY photogenic and I just like it :)
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/April%202nd%20Zamas/DSC_1061.jpg?t=1303391934

Here's the thing I love about Margo, she doesn't sit still during live music either :)
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/April%202nd%20Zamas/DSC_1074.jpg?t=1303391959

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/April%202nd%20Zamas/DSC_1076.jpg?t=1303391959

LOVE Camilo Nu:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/April%202nd%20Zamas/DSC_1079.jpg?t=1303391997

I just think this is a cool pic:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/April%202nd%20Zamas/DSC_1096.jpg?t=1303392067

And T's continued obsession with Bano signs though I don't think this one was frequented like the one at Xamach:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/April%202nd%20Zamas/DSC_1109.jpg?t=1303392113

Onto Sunday..................

sparklegem

21st April 2011, 09:56 AM

I love the new photos!

sparklegem

21st April 2011, 10:00 AM

I wish I could remember it.... they all started looking the same after a while. It was a block or two south of Don Cafetos on the Don Cafeto side. I have a feeling anyone will know they are there the minute the owner starts talking. He's just rude.

I am sorry that you had that experience and I am super glad that you did not give in to his reduced price! We will avoid him and his shop!

Westybchbum

21st April 2011, 11:01 AM

No, I did not misspell it... this tour company is called Edventure, I'm guessing after the owner who is named, yep you guessed it, Eduardo. Funny, that was our photographer's name also. The vans were picking us up at 8:30 am so the plan was to meet in the lobby at 8:15.

Edventure Day certainly turned into an ADventure. Sorry to bore you but we woke to yes, ANOTHER gorgeous sunrise. Of course, there was something seemingly off this morning. The time on our cell phone and ipad seemed wrong according to what sunlight there seemed to be. Of course, I woke somewhere in the 4-5 am range and chalked it up to bad cell reception. T's watch, well, we were too groggy to explain that one. But the time just felt weird. Anyway we woke and had a nice leisurely start to the day preparing for our all day excursion. We were feeling ahead of schedule and were going to sit on our deck to look through pics and stuff when my son appears and says you know it's 8 am not 7 am. HUH?????????????? Oh, apparently there was a time change in Mexico unbeknownst to ALL of us!!!! Yowszers!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now the scramble is on. No one has time for breakfast. Well, almost no one. Our parents made time. T and I grabbed a breakfast of champions, dos cold Sol with a lime slice. Our van drivers very patiently waited for our guests having breakfast, we piled in and we were off for a day of ziplines, cliff jumping, cenotes and snorkeling.

First we are taken to Edventure headquarters to pay and be fitted for snorkel gear. We arrange for waters and beers for the vans and we are off. The guys explain to us that we are going to first venue and when we are done there will be cold drinks for us. Well, a few of our gang were a bit leery of the whole zipline/cliff jump thing and were really wishing for beers before. But, in hindsight it is smart on the part of the tour group to wait until after....

As our van turns into what appears to be an abandoned building and lot, we are let through a dicey looking gate and start driving to who knows where. Everyone is kind of looking at each other with doubt like we are being driven off to be some Mayan sacrifices or something. It was a bit comical but off into the jungle we go. I honestly don't know where they took us (name) but it was beautiful. 2 ziplines were hung over a very large and beautiful lagoon. We were to zip a short line twice, then a long one once and would canoe ourselves back to the other side of the lagoon. It was awesome. T and I were the only ones in the whole group who had ziplined before and we were happy everyone (except 3) willingly participated. Including my MIL. If you haven't figured it out she is one character let me tell ya. We have pics of everyone but I will highlight a few. Getting harnessed and short zipline:

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Sunday%204-4/DSC_1116.jpg?t=1303398090

If you've never ziplined, they give you this stick. It's your brake to help slow you down at the end of the line. In this case it's my threat to keep T in line (as if):
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Sunday%204-4/DSC_1121.jpg?t=1303398090

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Sunday%204-4/DSC_1122.jpg?t=1303398162

A view of the short line:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Sunday%204-4/DSC_1128.jpg?t=1303398162

I have 3 younger bros, this is the middle one and we learned that he is the daredevil of the 4 of us. It ain't pretty but this is him attempting upside down, which I would've done but feared cutting my foot off on the lines above:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Sunday%204-4/DSC_1132.jpg?t=1303398162

My, oh so graceful husband:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Sunday%204-4/DSC_1140.jpg?t=1303398296

Me:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Sunday%204-4/DSC_1145.jpg?t=1303398296

My girl:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Sunday%204-4/DSC_1153.jpg?t=1303398416

My boy:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Sunday%204-4/DSC_1164.jpg?t=1303398474

The long Zipline:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Sunday%204-4/DSC_1231.jpg?t=1303400274

MIL:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Sunday%204-4/DSC_1244.jpg?t=1303400351

T's better side lol:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Sunday%204-4/DSC_1239.jpg?t=1303400351

Me looking like the Vanna White of zipline:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Sunday%204-4/DSC_1234.jpg?t=1303400351

Banshee girl:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Sunday%204-4/DSC_1267.jpg?t=1303400627

Canoeing back:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Sunday%204-4/DSC_1273.jpg?t=1303400757

And the survivors!
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Sunday%204-4/IMG_3312.jpg?t=1303400912

Exhilarated and happy no lines broke, we trek on foot to the next thing, a small open air cenote with 12 foot cliff jump. Daring bro #2 starts things right off, literally head first!

Look at that form!
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Sunday%204-4/DSC_1383.jpg?t=1303401168

T did a great jackknife:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Sunday%204-4/DSC_1376.jpg?t=1303401168

The MIL jumps to the complete horror of us wusses standing by the sideline. Knowing we will NEVER live it down, we begrudgingly head over to the jump.... There's about 5 of us who had NO intention of doing this but sheer peer pressure did us in.

My son (note the 3 chickens in the background, me and my 2 cousins. We decided we were going to go together holding hands. Right up until we looked over the edge and then it was every woman for herself. And NO, I did not do it twice)
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Sunday%204-4/DSC_1358.jpg?t=1303401516

I will point out that my darling husband isn't even standing on the ledge ready to jump in and rescue me, in fact, when I came up from the jump he started shouting that I had lost my top (which I hadn't- NICE)
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Sunday%204-4/DSC_1364.jpg?t=1303401516

Okay, I've relived that nightmare long enough... another fun pic though and how we all felt after climbing out of the murky, deep water and surviving the moss laden slippery stairs out (oh okay, that's just how I felt but you know what I mean):
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Sunday%204-4/DSC_1449.jpg?t=1303401891

The lagoon was really refreshing actually which was a good thing because it was hot in that there jungle and we were about to go for a bit of a walk through a small Mayan village. I'm truly grateful we all got to experience such a different way of life. It began with this cutie calling out "Hola" to us:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Sunday%204-4/DSC_1457.jpg?t=1303402436

For any of you who have been around T and his camera you will fully understand this photo. At home we literally have an entire folder of pics of me and N (my daughter) flipping T off:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Sunday%204-4/DSC_1464.jpg?t=1303402436

It's a love/hate thing. He loves to take pictures. We hate the lens in our face. :)

The church in the village which is actively used:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Sunday%204-4/DSC_1468.jpg?t=1303402436
Inside:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Sunday%204-4/DSC_1470.jpg?t=1303402436

Foliage:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Sunday%204-4/DSC_1452.jpg?t=1303402847

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Sunday%204-4/DSC_1472.jpg?t=1303402940

T will have to tell us what this is:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Sunday%204-4/DSC_1473.jpg?t=1303402940

Bad "black" tree that you can't touch:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Sunday%204-4/DSC_1475.jpg?t=1303402940

Sidenote if you haven't had the opportunity to tour a Mayan village you really should. It just makes the Tulum experience so much more "real". We had been told of these trees that literally will eat through your skin if you touch them and then the irony of how there are always trees growing right next to this one that are the remedy. How cool is that?

Cousin Phil:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Sunday%204-4/DSC_1477.jpg?t=1303402940

Back in the vans with some cold Sols we were having a blast. This is cousin Phil (above). Phil was particularly worried about those ziplines and whether they'd hold up. He was a great sport and even conquered his fear (thanks to MIL) of heights by jumping off a cliff. All in all a great day so far.

Now we were off to underground cenotes and snorkeling in caves. With bats. Oh yes. And this one I did sit out. MIL or not, I am claustrophobic and no amount of peer pressure would be getting me to conquer that fear. But it did allow me to take pictures!!

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Sunday%204-4/DSC_1498.jpg?t=1303403362

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Sunday%204-4/DSC_1501.jpg?t=1303403422

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Sunday%204-4/DSC_1504.jpg?t=1303403422

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Sunday%204-4/DSC_1509.jpg?t=1303403512

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Sunday%204-4/DSC_1512.jpg?t=1303403512

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Sunday%204-4/DSC_1513.jpg?t=1303403512

I'm sorry, I have to post this. After one of the guides pointed this out I couldn't help myself:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Sunday%204-4/DSC_1520.jpg?t=1303403608

I think the caves were definitely a hit. It was quite an adventure from what was described and they all enjoyed it even though it was slightly creepy and a little cold.

Next, it was off to swim with the turtles. Sorry to say, I had to sit this out again. I had hoped to give snorkeling a try esp with the kids there but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. Maybe a fear I will conquer on another trip. In the meantime, I just felt SOMEONE had to sit on the beach and watch everyone's stuff!

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Sunday%204-4/DSC_1533.jpg?t=1303403608

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Sunday%204-4/DSC_1538.jpg?t=1303403852

The day was getting a wee bit long and so I cannot recall the place we had lunch but I guarantee someone on this board will recognize this and help me out, I'd love to remember the name again. It had swings at the bar and these cool tree fort things:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Sunday%204-4/DSC_1555.jpg?t=1303403966

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Sunday%204-4/DSC_1554.jpg?t=1303403966

That line hanging over the rail is how you get your drinks up and down. Very clever.

Hanging in the bar:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Sunday%204-4/DSC_1556.jpg?t=1303403966

Oh wait, I think this is the name of the lunch place!
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Sunday%204-4/DSC_1559.jpg?t=1303403966

Everyone REALLY enjoyed lunch. Almost everyone got these chicken quesadillas that had a smokey kinda sauce inside. No good pics of it though. The swim with the turtles, the heat and the walking had everyone pretty wiped. There was to be one more stop and at that point, few were wanting to do anymore. But our guide convinced us that we really needed to see this last place.

Up the road we drove, literally just 2 minutes and we hopped out, no one had to walk anywhere. PHEW. This was yet another beautiful lagoon where we could snorkel and just witness sea life. It was a calm and relaxing place so half the group decided to stay and do it.

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Sunday%204-4/DSC_1562.jpg?t=1303403966

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Sunday%204-4/DSC_1561.jpg?t=1303403966

Strange statue at last lagoon:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Sunday%204-4/DSC_1560.jpg?t=1303403966

Another:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Sunday%204-4/DSC_1563.jpg?t=1303403966

The other half climbed in a van and headed back to NVR. A very welcome sight to weary travelers:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Sunday%204-4/DSC_1564.jpg?t=1303404359

This was to be the first real down time I get to enjoy since Wednesday.... a few hours to just do nothing, shower and catch my breath before dinner while waiting for the rest to get back. Ahhhhhhh.

Westybchbum

21st April 2011, 11:05 AM

By the way, has anyone ever mistaken you and your daughter for sisters? You guys look SO much alike!

To my delight and her chagrin, Yes. All the time. :)

solman2

21st April 2011, 11:16 AM

Now I have a task for myself (well for T) on our next visit to photo some of these shops. I have another shop that I've come to like because the guy in there is always wearing a NY hat and when you walk in he tells you everything in store "almost free" for you lol. I've purchased probably about 5 sarongs from that shop, the first one he approached me respectfully with it and said "permiso?" I nodded and he showed how to finally tie one of those things the right way!! :)

Is his the little shop where you go down about 3 little stairs? He always seemed respectful and I felt bad for not buying anythining there.
Great job so far, the pics are great and it looks like everyone is having a great time!! Can't wait for more!

Westybchbum

21st April 2011, 11:42 AM

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Wedding%20day%20April%201%202011/photo2.jpg?t=1303407577

Refreshed and energized T and I head towards our group to work out dinner plans. The others didn't get back until almost 7. The plan was for those who wanted, meet at La Zebra sometime after 8. Everyone was on their own for dinner. My brothers, sis in law, mom and son went to Villas las Estrellas at our recommendation. They wanted a nice meal on the water. And they got it. My SIL and bro shared the paella and really liked it. My son had a ceasar salad, my other bro had steak and I can't remember the rest but I know they were happy they went.

7 of us went to OM. Good ol' Om. We enjoyed a very relaxing dinner together, reminisced about the past few days and then walked over to La Zebra. It was the first time T and I got to witness how it's actually done as it has rained every other time. Wow. What a party! Especially since there had been a wedding there the day before. We opted to hang by the bar and drink tequila. By about 11 we were all shot and headed to bed.

Sadly, everyone would be leaving the next day. And while I was sorry our weekend was coming to an end, a very exhausted bride and groom were looking forward to some well deserved rest and starting the honeymoon. ;)

beachreader

21st April 2011, 11:46 AM

sparklegem

21st April 2011, 12:03 PM

Westybchbum

21st April 2011, 12:38 PM

Departure day.

Here's some of the gang enjoying a last Casa Banana b'fast together.
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Mon%20and%20Tues%20morning/215758_1968447576989_1416946523_32298547_2926513_n .jpg?t=1303407993

In the law of averages, we knocked everything off the scales as far as our wedding weekend. I realize you have yet to see the wedding day in its entirety but you can take my word, it was just simply amazing. Everything was so above and beyond what we could've hoped for. If I had it to go back and do over (oh how I wish!) I would do 3 things differently. The third being the most important. 1) I would've had the kids and my mom travel with us on that Tuesday. 2) I would've skipped the shrimp choice at our welcome dinner. 3) I would've willed my very dear friend, J, not to fall ill on Saturday of the trip. She went down and out from Saturday morning until she left Monday. She is found above bottom left, dark hair. She is notably absent in any of the Sunday photos. She spent 2 days in bed. :( She even missed her Margo massage!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

She was a true champ though, remaining positive through the whole thing and it is her intent to be back in Tulum some day so that's a good thing. So again, in the law of averages, we had it pretty darn good.

All of the guests, save 2 had left; my daredevil bro and our friend's boyfriend. Both had later flights. We decided to go tour our friend's room as it was one we had not seen.

(side note- oh, Sparklegem I screwed up!!!! I thought for sure this was your room but I had it wrong. :( We do not have pics of your Proa al Mar but we did walk by it several times. It sits in a very NEAT place with a lovely set back view of the ocean. The deck looks sooooooo cool!!! I'm sorry sweetie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

This is room #6, Luna de Miel. IMHO, I think this is probably one of the nicest rooms on property. Except for the staircase. The staircase, unlike those in Zona Corazon, is wooden and it was uneven. And rather steep. Margaritas and these stairs would definitely not mix. That aside it was really lovely:

Don't mind the unmade bed:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Mon%20and%20Tues%20morning/DSC_1570.jpg?t=1303408622

To my dismay our guests had taken off the canopy in its entirety and cast it aside. I was not really happy about that but never heard a word from NVR:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Mon%20and%20Tues%20morning/DSC_1571.jpg?t=1303408622

The bathroom sits behind the bed. You can't really notice but the shower is glassed in and the toilet is behind that wooden door:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Mon%20and%20Tues%20morning/DSC_1574.jpg?t=1303408622

Along the right side of the room is this hallway and behind the bathroom sit this little changing room:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Mon%20and%20Tues%20morning/DSC_1575.jpg?t=1303408622

The pictures are really not doing this room justice. In any case, this room is a top floor with palapa and sits just behind and bit to the right of Horizonte Perdido. The ocean view is lovely, but it does sit back a bit offering a good amount of privacy on the balcony. The walls on the sides of the room are all wooden slatted and screened so you can open the slats to allow breeze in. Just a very cool room. I'd book it in a heartbeat if it weren't for the stairs.

We part ways with our friend and are now heading north. We've offered to drive my brother to the airport as it gives us a reason to leave Tulum for a bit and explore PDC. We arrive a bit before lunch time and are surprised at the charm to be honest. I think we were picturing bigger and louder. But it was daytime so what do I know. We have our mapchick map out and are trying to determine a more "local" place to eat rather than tourist. We end up making it easy on ourselves and sit at a place right across the street from an ATM. I go to get pesos and discover that (because I didn't call to inform my bank) my ATM card was locked down. Oopsy. So, in 4 trips to Mexico, neither of us have ever called bank or credit card companies and this time I got nabbed. No biggie, I step around the corner to call the bank and as I'm squaring this all away, I come back to our table to find T and my bro chatting like old time neighbors with none other than..... Angelo. Apparently he lives a block from where we were. Love the small world of Qunitana Roo.

I wish we had had more energy at this point so I have to apologize. No photos of the very delicious lunch we had. My brother had some pork something that he really enjoyed. T and I had oh hell I have no idea, it was some meat mixture with onions and peppers, kind of like a mashed up version of fajitas served with flour tortillas. It was outstanding. And pretty cheap. We just didn't have it in us to explore any further so we headed to the airport. Honestly, PDC is a place I'd like to try again in a different circumstance when we can enjoy it.

We drop bro at aeropuerto and our honeymoon is officially on its way. It was early enough that we even got to spend a few hours on the beach. Ahhhhhh.

I'll try and get through this part quickly folks as I don't have any pictures. The prior 5-6 days had certainly taken their toll on us. Not in a bad way. In a completely satisfied, exhausted way.

We were very excited to try Hartwood and had decided that was going to be dinner. As we slowly were coming down off our high and simply just letting the Tulum vibe seep in as it does, we were still basking in happiness of how well everything went and that our nearest and dearest now all understood our love of this place. With that, we had a couple of pre-dinner cocktails and decided to hoof it via beach road to Hartwood, of course T with camera in hand.

Quite a few of the tables were full but not all. We were pointed to sit where we wanted and proceeded to do so, T placing his camera on the table. We had all but settled in and placed a drink order when an abrupt American young lady came to our table and barked, "There are no pictures allowed." We must've looked at her like she had 2 heads. First because she spoke like someone from back home and second because of how rude she was. I think we both felt like we were in NYC. We must've looked funny because she told us if we had a problem we should talk to the owner, Maya- and she pointed her out. A little stunned, we just kind of looked at one another trying survey the situation. We were trying to get the feel of this place, which has an amazing open air kitchen with chefs cooking right there. That look is very cool. But we were beyond uncomfortable. The other clientele seemed to be a bunch of obnoxious New Yorkers. We were having a hard time relaxing. Our drinks came via a very cool and eager to please bar tender. Our waiter spoke no English and awkwardly offered us the board to read with that night's menu, he too, seemed eager to please. We agreed on an appetizer to start deciding we really wanted to just sit back and take our time and not rush. At which point Blonde american rude girl comes back and barks at us again, are we done with the board. We reply we have not ordered dinner yet. She tells us she needs it for another table and takes it anyway. Fine. Now we are really put off.

I decide to try and talk to the owner, Maya. She was far from friendly. I explained that we didn't want to disrupt dinner, we would just like to snap a few pictures because we belonged to a Tulum forum and knew many people who were interested in her new restaurant. She really gave me a hard time. She wanted me to provide her with a business card, cell number and email address. Huh???????????

T and I got our appetizer which was an heirloom tomato salad. It was a little out there, and we tried to eat it but I think we were so surprised at the events thus far we just decided to leave. We thanked our waiter and bartender profusely and I explained as best I could with my limited Spanish that it was not their fault and we paid our bill, tipped them well and left.

I realize that on any given day every restaurant has its ups and downs. I'm not saying we'd never go back but I am saying that when we are in Tulum we enjoy the essence of Mexico and if we want a place like Hartwood, we could find about 20 of them in a one hour radius from our house in CT, esp being so close to NYC. We were both just disappointed by the unwelcoming, rude reception we received.

Now we are hungry and a bit weary and just wanting a nice meal. So of course we head to our "go to" place.... Villas las Estrellas. We had never gone in from the road before and I have to tell you, I just think that this is one of the prettiest properties on the beach. We barely are seated when we realize Guylene is at the next table!!! With none other than Patmex!!! Gosh we just love this place. We are now bumping into friends everywhere we go, and meeting new ones- like Patmex. She was a doll. Very excited to hear about our wedding but also very respectful that it was our first night alone so the ladies let us be.

We both ordered grilled shrimp with mashed potatoes. They were in a beautiful presentation and we both ate it all. No pics, sorry the whole camera thing was now just exhausted. We go to get our bill to which we are told there isn't one. Huh? I mean I know there is a language barrier but no cuenta???? Finally it hits us that Patmex was the culprit. We just want to say again, THANKS PAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a doll of a lady. Happily, we would bump into her a few more times along the course of the week.

Did I mention that I just love this forum?????

So, that's the Westy n Tyt story of Hartwood. Tomorrow's dinner tale is a much better one...... Hechizo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:wave:

Westybchbum

21st April 2011, 12:50 PM

Oh wait! Look what I found! See, when someone tells T not to do something, he usually comes out of his skin trying to do it anyway. And HA!

He snuck a picture of the Hartwood kitchen tee hee:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Mon%20and%20Tues%20morning/DSC_1596.jpg?t=1303411702

joshsgirl

21st April 2011, 01:16 PM

#1 your kids are gorgeous!
#2 I'm going to need to have the blue/red tunic dress
#3 Please don't stop

p.s. Would you recommend Edventures?

Melissita

21st April 2011, 01:29 PM

Westybchbum

21st April 2011, 01:32 PM

Ahhhh, the first real day of our honeymoon.

This day is going to go quickly because sand gravity sucked us in full force. On the beach by about 9 I think where we stayed for a long, long time.

I'll tell you something, I really truly love the sand of the Tulum beaches. There is simply nothing like it. But I cannot lie, I look at it a little differently now. It's one thing when you are leisurely walking the beach each day. It's another when you have to trek back and forth from one side of NVR to the other. I have new found respect for the guys working the grounds. By the end of a long weekend, I felt like someone had taken an stick to the bottom of my feet and hit them repeatedly. T felt the same way. Amazing what running back and forth in sand in barefeet can do to the virgin northern foot. Ha. Anyway, the one thing we did NOT do is walk far up or down the beach which is typically our morning routine. But that's okay. We were soaking up rays like you read about. I swear the tanning index must've been 15 or more all week. Just kidding. That morning, T ran out and tipped the NVR worker to place our mat just right for us:

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Tuesday/DSC_1722.jpg?t=1303411956

Later that day, when it came time to put those mats away, that poor worker was sweating his buns off. It was warm! T brought him down a cold Sol and I swear we made a friend for life. Each morning for the rest of the trip, he'd drag our mat out look up at our balcony and give us the thumbs up sign. As if we weren't endeared to this place already.

This is a good place to re-introduce our new friends, F and L. They were staying right below us in Corazon. This Tuesday was their 15th day, they had extended their trip by almost a week. What a fun loving couple and even better, they live in Martha's Vineyard, just a couple hours from us so we have a trip planned this summer WOOHOOO!

Two VERY cool people:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Tuesday/DSC_1633.jpg?t=1303412162

I happened to remember seeing a "full moon" on the camera at some point but it's probably best that T just left this one:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Tuesday/DSC_1639.jpg?t=1303412239

Lunch was at La Zebra, I had tortilla soup ( I meant to order lime soup, oops ) which was really really good and T had their Mexican chicken sandwich, also very very good. Esp the French fries. :)

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Tuesday/DSC_1621.jpg?t=1303412381

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Tuesday/DSC_1620-1.jpg?t=1303412381

Its been posted before but just love this:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Tuesday/DSC_1623.jpg?t=1303412381

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Tuesday/DSC_1625.jpg?t=1303412381

A twist on an old fave pic:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Tuesday/DSC_1626.jpg?t=1303412381

Afternoon of total perfect sun and it was time for dinner. F and L had really raved about Hechizo. Margo had also spoke of this place and frankly, she has NEVER steered me wrong so T had NVR make us a reservation for that night at 7:30. This had to be better than the Hartwood thing but I think we both went with tentative expectations.

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Tuesday/DSC_1672.jpg?t=1303412878

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Tuesday/DSC_1673.jpg?t=1303412878

A little plug for Guylene here, I'm wearing ALL her stuff!!
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Tuesday/DSC_1676.jpg?t=1303412878

Now, F and L have probably told us more than they needed to about this place. That Stefan was the chef and that he's rather serious and steadfast about his business. That the food was amazing, there was a fish tank, very cool, blah, blah, blah. Hard not to go expecting something great. We were not disappointed. As promised, it was slightly more formal than other places but still had enough "vibe". Upon first sitting, I hear a martini shaker and like Pavlov's dog I'm sitting straight at attention. I love a good grey goose martini but I pass in Tulum. With the exception of Mezzanine, they just don't do martinis. Which is no complaint believe me, I love them margaritas!!! BUT, this was a special night and we treated ourselves to a couple of Gooses.... heaven. Our table sit right inside a large window and looking out, we had a view of sand, trees, foliage and a bit of the sea. It was just enough. Stefan is, in fact, methodical. He has an order of business and goes table by table in the order they sit. It's a very smart and well oiled machine. His staff is impeccable, placing a napkin on your lap and providing just A1 service.

Stefan crouches at our table (to tell us that night's menu) when it's our turn and looks at T. Now we've been told he's rather serious so we are trying our best to behave. Stefan says to T, you've been here before. T says, no. Stefan is clearly confused so T says, well I'm famous so I'm sure you've seen me on tv. Oh sh*t. We can't last 5 minutes behaving. That threw Stefan for a loop and he actually stumbled through the menu but it was all very endearing and we just loved the whole essence of the restaurant. Debski just posted very similar pictures but in the spirit of promotion, here's ours as well:

Just a little tease, awesome- note the knife standing on its side, I was just so amused by that:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Tuesday/DSC_1683.jpg?t=1303412878

Table decor, we just LOVE turtles:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Tuesday/DSC_1695.jpg?t=1303412998

Looking at this photo taken before dinner, I guess T is looking a bit Charlie Sheenish:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Tuesday/DSC_1688.jpg?t=1303412998

T had crabcake salad:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Tuesday/DSC_1689.jpg?t=1303412998

I had a divine radiccio, asparagus, portobello mushroom salad:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Tuesday/DSC_1690.jpg?t=1303412998

My lobster gnocchi with asparagus tips (OMG about best meal I've ever eaten)
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Tuesday/DSC_1693.jpg?t=1303412998

T had tuna cooked to perfection:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Tuesday/DSC_1694.jpg?t=1303412998

We don't always do dessert but weren't going to miss this one:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Tuesday/DSC_1698.jpg?t=1303413651
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Tuesday/DSC_1700.jpg?t=1303413651

The fish tank which was very hard to photo:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Tuesday/DSC_1696.jpg?t=1303412998

This is definitely a splurge place by Tulum standards. With 2 martinis and a couple of glasses of wine following it was $1400 pesos not including tip. And well worth EVERY penny. At home we would've paid at least $50 more for a meal like this. At least.

We highly urge you to experience Stefan and his magic. It was a very special night out.

(wooooohooooo, one week down- one to go!)

Westybchbum

21st April 2011, 01:34 PM

#1 your kids are gorgeous!
#2 I'm going to need to have the blue/red tunic dress
#3 Please don't stop

p.s. Would you recommend Edventures?

#1 Awww thanks. :)
#2 It can be yours, Victorias secret (i had it shortened though lol)
#3 I'm going, I'm going!

PS- yes!!!!! At the end I'm going to list everyone we used with contact info. :) PM if you want it sooner!

Westybchbum

21st April 2011, 01:37 PM

Thanks for your report on Hartwood, Westy. Wow, what a let-down. I don't blame you for feeling uncomfortable - I would have been put off, too. I felt like giving both of those ladies a slap after hearing about their attitude (not very "Tulum" of me, perhaps)! I understand what you say about restaurants having good days and bad ones but after reading about your experience and after reading a few other less-than-complimentary reviews on this board and elsewhere, I definitely won't be taking my boyfriend there for his birthday meal. We like our vacation experiences to be attitude-free, thank you very much!

Can't wait to hear about Hechizo!

Hechizo has just been posted! Mel, I struggle to post anything negative. Restaurant and property owners have told us how damaging online critique can be to their business. I tried to tell our story factually. Honestly, if someone had approached us the way blonde rude girl did, even here at home, we would've been put off. There was not even any politeness in the request. It's too bad. The place could be soooo cool. I hope you find a great place for your boyfriend's b'day. Hechizo would be right at the top for me. :)

Westybchbum

21st April 2011, 01:41 PM

What an exhilarating day! I don't think that I could have made it off that cliff even if my MIL did it first!

How do you manage to look so gorgeous all of the time?!!

Do you know the name of the quiet lagoon that was last place that was on the tour? Was there a lot of sea life to see? It looks beautiful.

See BR's comment above yours.... She may have it there. I honestly don't know. I'm not usually so flakey but I was really just in sit back and let them take us there mode. I can certainly find out though! Yes, my MIL is a character. :) And thanks, I think I just had a glow for those 2 weeks. It's still kinda with me. :):):):)

rick-n-meme

21st April 2011, 01:43 PM

Great trip report. Thanks for all the details and cannot wait for the wedding day part of the report.
If you have some photos of Alma del Mar, we'd love to see them. We will soon be staying at NVR in that unit. Thanks for your talented story-telling!

Westybchbum

21st April 2011, 01:44 PM

Wow, fantastic pictures, and how fun your day with Edventure looked! Did you guys customize the tour at all, or was this one of their regular ones? The Mayan Village ziplining part reminds me of an Alltournative tour my friend (T) and I did almost ten years ago, but the second half of the day was a tour of Coba. I like the idea of snorkeling the rest of the day. Looks like you did Akumal, Half Moon Bay and Yal Ku, kind of the trifecta for snorkeling in the area.

I did customize this as we had a gang with different needs. These guys were fantastic. They did everything they could to make it a great day for every guest, even those with extra needs (my mom, T's dad). Thanks to Ed and his guys!!!! I think you got the places right, I was kind of dazed through it all lol.

sparklegem

21st April 2011, 02:27 PM

I love reading your trip report Westy! You are so terrific! I am so glad that you left Hartwood and did not stay for dinner! And I so glad that TyT took a photograph of the kitchen! You two seem perfect for each other! I love how you both have such a wonderful sense of humor and how you don't take flak from anyone (in a very nice way).

Hechizo sounds incredible! I hope that get to go there on our trip. What were your desserts that night?

Thank you for you description of Proa al Mar! I have been re-thinking our choice. Alfred's review of Tierras del Sol was so glowing. Did you ever walk by that property? If you did, I wondered how you thought that it compared to NV. I would love to have your opinion.

TortillayTortuga

21st April 2011, 02:48 PM

sparklegem

21st April 2011, 02:53 PM

Yep...when someone tells me "no" I really hear..."you go right ahead"!!!!!

I love it!

beachreader

21st April 2011, 02:57 PM

Wow, you have been busy this afternoon!!! I can't even multi-quote everything, so I'll just try to remember:

Yes, Yal-Ku Lagoon is the name of the last place your group went snorkeling. Lovely place, I was there like 20 years ago before it was a sculpture garden.

Patmex is one of the MOST generous people I have EVER met in my life. She is really special, so glad you got to meet her!

Your experience at Hartwood (Heartwood? can't remember) absolutely shocks me. I had really hoped to go there, but they're off my list now. No photographs allowed? What kind of rule is that? I can see "no flash photography" because it would disturb other diners, but they should recognize the power of getting a good online review, because they're killing themselves with the negative side right now. This makes me very unhappy, New Yorkers or no. Adding her attitude to the stupid rule, well...

beachreader

21st April 2011, 02:59 PM

And Hechizo is such a wonderful place, I need to go back there next time. Looks like Stefan's cooking has even gone up a notch since I was last there. That lobster gnocchi looks incredible!!

beachreader

21st April 2011, 03:19 PM

delgadeaux100

21st April 2011, 03:19 PM

i wish Hechizo was open in June :(

patmex

21st April 2011, 03:50 PM

Ahhhh, thanks for the shout-out, guys.

TERRIFIC trip report, Westy! Enjoying Tulum all over again, while at the same time wondering just why I came home. :)

debski

21st April 2011, 04:04 PM

mmm wasn't that lobster dish a piece of heaven?!!!!! We forgot to take a pic of it, hope you don't mind, I'm gonna copy yours!hehe! Loving your report Westy..........and I just figured out what MIL stood for! dah!!!!

We've got pics at heartwood...........nobody said anything! I think that's strange how you were treated. Oh well it ended well, can't beat VLE!!!

Westybchbum

21st April 2011, 08:06 PM

Let me share what we heard regarding Hart (heart?) wood after our experience.... I do not know if this is true or not but supposedly a group of very obnoxious tourists landed there at some point and all descended upon the open kitchen with cameras making it near impossible for the chefs to function. After that it seems Maya cracked down. Now i can kind of understand her reaction. However, when you see one couple come in with a camera is it necessary to jump on them before they've even attempted one photo? And then our second issue was that I attempted to explain to Maya where we were coming from and she was still quite standoffish. Too bad. I am anxious to see how this places fares.

Westybchbum

22nd April 2011, 06:39 AM

Ahhhh, thanks for the shout-out, guys.

TERRIFIC trip report, Westy! Enjoying Tulum all over again, while at the same time wondering just why I came home. :)

Same here Pat.... Not liking 40 degree weather. You were certainly one of special unexpected surprises that made our trip sooooo special. Here's to bumping into on Tulum sand again some day!!!

Westybchbum

22nd April 2011, 06:42 AM

Random thought for Sparklegem: The room below Luna de Miel has two beds (at least, it did a year or so ago). Same finishes just another bed. More expensive than Proa al Mar, though. That little dressing area really intrigues me, though. I wonder if, maybe during a wedding, when NVR eases up on the "no kid" thing, if a couple could put a child back there? Could you shove that armoire out of the way a bit for more room? Thinking maybe bring a single aerobed as we did at La Luna once (it blew up with battery power). Sorry, I know this is kind of a hijack, just thinking. And procrastinating from work.

I really hope I get to meet up with you guys again. I am so loving this trip report and all the wonderful photos, I feel like we were all really invited to your wedding, thank you so much!

BR I've got to believe we will be in Tulum again together some day! More garlic sauce at OM!!! :)

About the space in that room.... Selfishly I was wishing I had known about it for the wedding day. Would have been a great dressing room with full mirror..... Definitely there is room for a mattress and the furniture certainly could be moved.

Westybchbum

22nd April 2011, 06:58 AM

SG-
My thoughts on TDS vs NVR. Not sure how to word it. Alfred was right that NVR is a bigger property and closer to the hub of things going on around the beach area. If you are going to stay at TDS I would definitely recommend having your own car.

We did see the TDS property when we stayed at Las Ranitas in Feb. It immediately went on a short list for a return visit. It is very hard for us to imagine staying anywhere but NVR at this point simply because they have become like family to us. That said, I would say the major differences are the size of the property and where each sits. Alfred was absolutely right, TDS is in a much more secluded area. Room wise I think both seem to have the same rustic qualities mixed with a nicely furnished clean room. Im going to guess that there are probably a bit more guest services available at NVR due to the size..... If you are into having internet, we had wifi in our room most days. The restaurant opens at 730 am each day and beach service starts around 1030-11.

My friend stayed in room #3 at NVR which is another option for you as it has two beds. Going to go see if she has any pics. To be very honest, while the deck of Proa al Mar is way cool looking I would have two thoughts.... First it is a little dark and second it sits back and down so I wonder if there is any breeze on hot nights.

Good luck in your continued search my friend!

CoconutShrimp

22nd April 2011, 07:07 AM

To my dismay our guests had taken off the canopy in its entirety and cast it aside. I was not really happy about that but never heard a word from NVR:

We did too in our unit... :rolleyes:

Love, love, LOVE your trip report so far!!!

minniemex

22nd April 2011, 08:05 AM

Holy buckets!! I missed all this yesterday??

Like Beachreader said, hard to multiquote so much info!

First off ~ a true treasure of a picture.

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/April%202nd%20Zamas/DSC_1061.jpg?t=1303391934

Having raised two boys, I always found it hard to get a true picture of them just being themselves. Great picture.

The restaurant you were at was La Buena Vida ~ one of the favs in Akumal on Half Moon Bay. Just letting you know so that when you and TyT argue about it in around 40 years, you will have the answer.:)

Glad you had the opportunity to meet Pat. I am lucky enough to also call her my friend and see her on a regular basis. She brought me back some garlic to try and make the famous "OM" garlic sauce.

I really felt your exhaustion! Even when you are experiencing "fun" things, you really run on fumes and when the dust settles it is quite the let down and you realize how exhausted you are. Glad you had the time to relax finally and let that sand gravity take hold.

I am also taking Hartwood off the list. I don't think I would ever enjoy the ambiance there.:mad: Life is just too short.

You guys make such a great couple! Congrats on the nuptuals!

beachreader

22nd April 2011, 08:24 AM

I love that picture too!

On the canopy thing, I think the Minnemexes (or someone) mentioned to the staff that it blocked the ceiling fan, so the staff removed theirs. So I'm guessing they're OK with it.

I'm going to dig up Sparklegem's original Proa al Mar post so we can discuss her housing options in more detail. I've had some thoughts (rare, I know :o).

CoconutShrimp

22nd April 2011, 09:00 AM

On the canopy thing, I think the Minnemexes (or someone) mentioned to the staff that it blocked the ceiling fan, so the staff removed theirs. So I'm guessing they're OK with it.

It was the Shrimps, :) with the sage advice from the Minnemexes. I don't think NVR cares... but we did feel kind of bad when we removed ours in the HP unit for we knew it was going to be extra work for the staff to put it back up...

Kathi

22nd April 2011, 12:29 PM

Great report Westy! I especially love the pictures you took of your group inside the cave. I think they are really stunning.

I'm excited to put Akumal, Half Moon Bay, Yal Ku and La Buena Vida on our agenda! If we drive up to Akumal by ourselves, what's the process at those places - do you have to pay a fee to get in, or are they public?

minniemex

22nd April 2011, 12:31 PM

It was the Shrimps, :) with the sage advice from the Minnemexes.

Guilty as charged!! :wave: Although, I think it was just Mr. Minniemex's idea. :o

heenan

23rd April 2011, 05:17 AM

Catching up on your report! Great work!
Very happy for you on the nuptials.
Thanks for all the details on the restaurants.

utmck

23rd April 2011, 05:46 AM

Wow you did a lot of planning outside of the wedding as well and I am sure the guests loved being taken care of as well!! I can just imagine how happy you were to start enjoying the "true Tulum vibe"!!!

No walks down the beach...can't imagine not doing that!!!

Hartwood....... not happening, this Texan does not go to Tulum to be dealt with by a NY'er wanna be

Yep...when someone tells me "no" I really hear..."you go right ahead"!!!!!

TyT, right there with ya'

Great TR guys, we are so glad your wedding came off so perfect!!

Solbound

23rd April 2011, 06:01 AM

Enjoying the TR Westy...too bad about Hartwood..must have caught them on a bad night. We had thought about trying it but didn't get around to it. Some other people we bumped into enjoyed it but thought it pricey. Anyway enough negativity lets get on with the GOOD STUFF!

Justine

23rd April 2011, 07:27 AM

The only problem with this trip report is that I want more and I want it now! :) Keep it up Westy and TyT! This inspired me to tell my husband that next time I get married I want to do it in Tulum ;)....

babycakes

23rd April 2011, 03:02 PM

My hubby and I have booked a private tour with Edventures when there in a few weeks. They get great reviews. We are not doing the ziplining, afraid I'm not as brave as you and your MIL. But I am going to take a deep breath and get in the cenote. Am looking most forward to the turtles. I tried to snorkel there last trip but the water was so rough I wimped out. My husband did see turtles and has not stopped rubbing it in. Yes, very rough even in the bay. I am hoping so much for the kind of day, weatherwise, that you had. The lagoon looks beautiful. Thanks so much! Have loved all your reports, especially this one. Justine, loved that last comment, LOL.

Westybchbum

26th April 2011, 07:29 AM

It's fun to relive it all with you guys, Babycakes- so glad to hear you will be using Edventure! I hope it's a great day for you!! :)

beachreader

26th April 2011, 11:20 AM

{Patiently waiting for more trip report, now that Westy's been hanging on the boards again.}

TortillayTortuga

26th April 2011, 07:27 PM

{Patiently waiting for more trip report, now that Westy's been hanging on the boards again.}

Westy tells me she's working on it...expect something soon!

beachreader

26th April 2011, 08:26 PM

T, I thought I saw you in the city today. I was just about to call out "TyT!" when he turned around. Not you. Made me a little sad. :(

By the way, how would one say "TyT" out loud? Would you say "T Y T", speaking out each letter English-style, or would it be "T y (pronounced 'e' as in "and") T"? Or would you prefer we actually say "Tortilla y Tortuga" and be all formal about it? :D

TortillayTortuga

27th April 2011, 05:05 AM

MakinHay

27th April 2011, 06:35 AM

Loved the TP! Wished we could have been there with ya!

Westybchbum

27th April 2011, 07:58 AM

I'm ba-ack! I'm not gonna lie.... getting back into email, facebook, TI has NOT been easy. I'm finding myself much less responsive than what is typical. It's been weeks and I'm still not completely shaking the Tulum Vibe, and frankly don't want to. :)

So, where were we????????? Ah, onto Wednesday. After a blissful dinner and fairly early night in, we awake oh yes, you got it to ANOTHER gorgeous sunrise. Every one different than the one before. Some mornings I swear it looked like it would rain all day but those perfect blue skies and bright sun came out once again.

This day, my tummy started to be just a little funny. We took it very easy, I believe this is the day we needed to replenish our bar supply and pesos so we went into town for lunch at Don Cafetos, grabbed what else we needed and plopped back on the beach.

Sorry, this is a rather boring day to report, but thankfully we had a little renewed energy and decided to go for a stroll at dusk so I have some fun TyT pics to share at least!

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1757.jpg?t=1303911520

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1761.jpg?t=1303911520

Gosh, I can't remember who wanted me to post this pic but I finally found it.... This is what Ziggy's looks like right now:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1762.jpg?t=1303911520

And they even changed their signs (my avatar is their old sign):

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1765.jpg?t=1303911520

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1776.jpg?t=1303911520

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1777.jpg?t=1303911661

The wood fettish thing again:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1766.jpg?t=1303911520

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1773.jpg?t=1303911520

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1775.jpg?t=1303911520

T will not be happy that I am posting a blurry picture but he had to run backwards to get this and many of you have befriended these two, they are none other than the VLE pups:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1785.jpg?t=1303911661

VLE is beautiful anytime of day, and here it is at dusk:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1794.jpg?t=1303911661

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1799.jpg?t=1303911661

Now here's something we rarely get to see, a sunset on Tulum beach.... well, kind of:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1791.jpg?t=1303911661

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1793.jpg?t=1303911661

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1801.jpg?t=1303911661

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1802.jpg?t=1303911837

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1803.jpg?t=1303911837

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1804.jpg?t=1303911837

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1805.jpg?t=1303911837

Only T would see a yellow string randomly laying on the beach and find a way to make it look cool:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1807.jpg?t=1303911837

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1808.jpg?t=1303911837

Ah, back home to get ready for dinner:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1810.jpg?t=1303911837

Our room is the top one for those who haven't paid attention to all the other TR's it is def our home away from home lol:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1812.jpg?t=1303911837

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1814.jpg?t=1303911837

Deck of the room below us, now unoccupied since F and L left that morning:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1816.jpg?t=1303912192

Sorry that's all the pics we have. That camera started to become a wee bit much to carry all the time and T doesn't do point and shoot lol. As I said earlier, my tummy was not right. It wasn't bad it just wasn't good either. So we wanted something light. I had Casa Violetta in my head so off we went. Wow, it is just a really cute little place, in between La Zebra and OM. We sat at the bar and ordered margaritas which strangely seemed to soothe my stomach and both ordered the same dinner, it was a fish filet, grouper I believe. Please don't ask me how they did it. It's killing me that I don't recall. But we both ate the whole thing, it was very nicely done and we really, really enjoyed our meal there. So much so, we would return the next day for lunch!

On to Thursday.... Our TI meet up night!!!! :beerchug::beerchug:

Westybchbum

27th April 2011, 08:58 AM

It's the day of our Tulum.Info meet up.... Funny how this one came together. We just knew there were a bunch of us all over and fabulous Margo happened to be in touch with everyone. She and I had chatted and Thursday seemed like a good night, we checked with Angelo who NEVER says no to a good party and it was planned.

Of course, my tummy thing was a bit worse this day and I sadly didn't get to enjoy the food part of this any where NEAR as much as I would have liked. But off we go.....

Just another sunrise, haha, and Casa Banana b'fast (oh yea, we had that yesterday too). We were now enjoying double digit hours of what seemed to be insane sun, T is now looking more Mayan than Mexican even and we are beginning to wonder if they will let him back across the border. In fact we were hoping not!

We also got to enjoy a lot of perfect ocean swimming. There was not too much breeze so the ocean was not all kicked up and there was virtually no seaweed. It was perfect, just perfect. Rough life..... cold Sol now and then, sometimes a shot of tequila, a swim, a nap, another chapter read.... heaven. For lunch today, we decided to do Casa Violetta. We were big fans now. It is charming as hell. We can't beat Alfred's cool pic but we got a couple of our own:

I really like this one, all those glass panels can be opened up, so cool! And I love how this picture truly depicts the perfection I was describing above, yes the sky is that blue, the ocean that green and the sand that white....
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1828.jpg?t=1303912192

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1829.jpg?t=1303912192

One of my personal faves of the trip:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1830.jpg?t=1303912192

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1831.jpg?t=1303912192

The seats above were found all around the perimeter of Casa Violetta. To me this place really has the essence of that Tulum Vibe that Utmck always speaks of.... very casual, just gorgeous and both times we were there, a group of people gathered around one of the couches and tables sipping drinks and visiting with each other. Very pleasant ambiance. We opted for pizzas. We both wanted something different (T was all about meat, I was all about vegie) and so we ordered 2 pies. It was much too much food but awesome nonetheless and did well for my topsy turvy tummy.

As we headed back to NVR, we passed this- the couple was offering (for what price I don't know) rides on this:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1833.jpg?t=1303912192

We got back to our beach bed and chilled until it was time to get ready for OM!

I actually got T to stand on the other side of the lens for a change (well, truth be told, he is testing the remote to get a pic of us) :)

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1844.jpg?t=1303912192

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1846.jpg?t=1303912192

And off we go to meet Guylene, Patmex, Brianjonesphoto and wife, Solbound and Penny, Margo, and Tendebar and gang! BJP and wife were also staying at NVR and in the craziness of our week, we had not bumped into them... they did, however see us but we weren't hard to miss as we were everywhere it seemed. We had bumped into Tendebar right on the beach since they were staying right next to the Horizonte Perdido unit of NVR... and Solbound and Penny were everything we expected having gotten to know them through their 2008 TR. Angelo, as always, out did himself. The man is my hero I tell ya. Cheers my friend, YOU ROCK IT!!!

I know SB and BJP took pics, as did Margo I think. We started to but truth be told when Angelo and T get together, that tequila starts flowing and boy they are two peas in a pod I tell ya. They are a lot of fun. Anyway the menu was (and I may miss something here) a beautiful salad which we DID photo:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1853.jpg?t=1303913483

Those were dried apples and jicama I believe on the top.

We then had these crab cakes and I'm hoping someone has a pic somewhere, please feel free to plunk it somewhere on my thread.... Angelo had stopped by the NVR beach during that day and joined T and I for a swim for a bit.... as we are floating in the ocean he starts concocting in his head some wonderful crab cake idea.... I don't know how he does it, he's like watching a musician write lyrics and a song. He lights up and gets very passionate about creating food for people who appreciate it. Anyway the crabcake (OM, please chime in here) was awesome though I can't really remember the whole presentation. It had a little kick to it and was to die for!

Dinner was a fish filet wrapped around a huge prawn. Yes, Tyt, P-R-A-W-N. He wants to know why it's not just called a shrimp. Those were no shrimp, they were huge... and I don't know who had the idea of sticking them on fingers but T went off and running with that one.... (the shells I mean):
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1855.jpg?t=1303913483

And this is how we thank the wonderful chef who cooked this awesome dinner, Christian:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1856.jpg?t=1303913483

Our dear friends, this picture captures the evening, we had such a blast!
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1858.jpg?t=1303913483

I just know there are more pictures out there so I'm hoping someone posts them!!!!!!!!!!!! I hate to say, my stomach was not cooperating and I have limited memory of if we did dessert or another course (I'm sorry Angelo!!) We say good night to Patmex and Guylene, and then the Tendebar gang who had a couple of kids that handled dinner amongst adults SO well but were very tired. :) So nice to meet such a nice gang of people, Tendebar with her hubby and kids and bro and her mom. K, I'm really glad we got to sit next to each other and chat for a bit. XO

Now the rest of the party heads to Zamas for some music!!! For the life of me (this is why I can't wait to do TR's because I forget) I cannot remember the name of this angel who sang this night.... OMG she had the most amazing voice and we really enjoyed her music:

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1859.jpg?t=1303913483

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1860.jpg?t=1303913483

Not to mention, she is gorgeous:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1893.jpg?t=1303914475

Margo asked T to get this funky pic, which came out pretty cool!
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1867.jpg?t=1303914431

Their last song was fun:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1902.jpg?t=1303914511

Done totally a capella, the guitarists put down their instruments:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1908.jpg?t=1303914511

As we were sitting there, I noticed Camilo Nu lead guitarist having dinner with the Zamas owners and next thing you know, there is an encore performance with him joining in, it was very, very cool!

We said good night to our new friends, said to say goodbye but we can always hope to see them again on Tulum sand. Mucho gusto BJP and Solbound and wives!!!!!!!!!!!!!! XOXO Hasta luego mis amigos..... Here's hoping! ;)

joshsgirl

27th April 2011, 09:27 AM

Eeeeek that deck "below" you is going to be our home in 23 days!!!!!!!!!!!

sparklegem

27th April 2011, 09:39 AM

Your photos are fantastic!! I love all the shots along the beach. I wish that we could have joined you for the TI get-together. I am sorry that your tummy was off; other then that it sounds like a perfect trip!

Westybchbum

27th April 2011, 10:29 AM

Wow, it's already one week later.

I will tell you about the conversation I was having with myself and with my husband all during this week.

"Are we really leaving Saturday to go to Isla Mujeres????" His answer was, we don't have to.... we could stay. We decided that on Thursday we would see how we felt.

We were literally anchored to our beach bed in front of Zona de Corazon all week. On Tuesday I couldn't fathom leaving. By Friday my sensibilities were trying to kick in and I figured it would be an easier trip home making it from Isla than Tulum. So, the original plan would eventually win out. There was also the fact that Hotel Secreto on Isla charged us the full 100% for 2 nights already.

So, this is our last full day on our favorite beach. Frankly, we had gotten enough sun. I have never been so tan in all my life and I was loving that. On this day, (yes, one more beautiful sunrise later) we were getting a little bored with our same breakfast as we had had it now 9 days in a row. My stomach was starting to get back to normal and I was feeling like I needed a decent sized breakfast so off to Zamas we went- our first ever daylight visit.
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1945.jpg?t=1303918750

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1946.jpg?t=1303918750

What a great decision that was. I had this french toast something or other that had some caramel type cream glopped inside oh man, tasty!! T had some toast and some potatoes, nothing major. He was too busy taking care of the photo opportunities of Zamas in daylight to be eating a big b'fast. And he got some great stuff:

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1916.jpg?t=1303918264

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1918.jpg?t=1303918264

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1919.jpg?t=1303918264

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1921.jpg?t=1303918264

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1922.jpg?t=1303918264

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1925.jpg?t=1303918264

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1926.jpg?t=1303918264

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1927.jpg?t=1303918264

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1929.jpg?t=1303918393

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1930.jpg?t=1303918393

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1931.jpg?t=1303918393

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1934.jpg?t=1303918393

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1935.jpg?t=1303918393

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1936.jpg?t=1303918393

There is just something about Zamas for me. When I'm there with my feet in the sand while eating and looking out or hearing the waves right there I feel kind of like I'm in a place I am meant to be. I can't explain it. It feels like home- not necessarily Zamas specifically but Tulum. For some reason when I'm there, it's the place where I sigh and thank my lucky stars for finding such a treasure, it's a place to soak in the surroundings and appreciate them, knowing we will be back again and again. Which always makes me smile. Anyway, I digress.... a little daydreaming I suppose but back to our report....

I'm really glad we left NVR for that morning as it allowed us to browse some of the shops in this section of beach road that we have not ever yet done. There was one shop that I've always wanted to go in and we did!
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1915.jpg?t=1303918683

Inside:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1938.jpg?t=1303918750

I made the coolest purchase ever in this shop. I can't even describe them but we are framing them and putting them above our headboard in our room- they were these brown and white designs made out of like a thin stick kind of material. Anyway, when we ever hang them I'll take a pic and share.... Funny, she would not negotiate on price and I bought 3 of these suckers. They were only 150 pesos a piece and I really wanted them so I didn't care. But she said no, firma. I wonder how she makes out with that.

A few more assorted photos of that area:

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1940.jpg?t=1303918750

Oh hey, TCarter, there is a money exchange place right on beach road- I never paid attention to that before!
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1942.jpg?t=1303918750

Back to the beach we go and we see this for the first time ever:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1958.jpg?t=1303919214

They didn't bother us. Kinda strange to see black military boots pounding delicate white sand but other than that, off they went.

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1960.jpg?t=1303919214

So, I'm pretty sure we skipped lunch on this day. We had had a bigger breakfast than usual and had decided to do Posada Margarita for dinner. It's been on my to do list every single trip but somehow we just never got there. We opt for an early dinner since we have had more than our fair share of beach all week.... even though typically my favorite time on the beach is the 6-7 hour. But like I said, we had the luck of having that all week long.

Posada Margarita is not totally what I expected, visual-wise. Granted most of what I had read was off TA. I'm not sure what I was thinking but yes, it is on the beach side, but not really right on the water. There is a fair amount of vegetation along with beautiful water views but they are slightly obstructed views. I really liked the look and feel of the place. I hadn't realized that they had rooms attached to the restaurant. Most seem to be back behind the restaurant so they had no view but it was a neat set up. There is a thin path from the road to the restaurant and rooms on either side of the path. There is also a neat staircase in the center of the dining area, not totally sure where that went. Here, we would bump into Coni, our wedding planner!! What a doll she is.

T took some really great photos but not of dinner. In retrospect you wonder how you missed taking them but at the time I guess it eluded us. We did get a photo of the great app they bring out though!!

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Fri%20and%20Sat%20morning%20plus%20the%20JUMP/DSC_1962.jpg?t=1303919653

This is looking in at the kitchen which you can see into from most parts of the dining area:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Fri%20and%20Sat%20morning%20plus%20the%20JUMP/DSC_1963.jpg?t=1303919653

Seating in a forward section of the dining area, which is all open air but has a roof over it:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Fri%20and%20Sat%20morning%20plus%20the%20JUMP/DSC_1964.jpg?t=1303919653

Bar area, I think I would go back and have a cocktail here:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Fri%20and%20Sat%20morning%20plus%20the%20JUMP/DSC_1965.jpg?t=1303919653

More seating:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Fri%20and%20Sat%20morning%20plus%20the%20JUMP/DSC_1967.jpg?t=1303919653

I hate this pic of me but I will post for my dear friend Guylene's sake, yes I have bought a LOT of her stuff.... this is a good example of how much T's camera is going off, usually after a trip I see a bunch of pics like this and never even knew he was taking them, I guess I'm getting numb to that lens in the face lol:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Fri%20and%20Sat%20morning%20plus%20the%20JUMP/DSC_1968.jpg?t=1303919653

Cool outdoor shower (this sits just outside the restaurant on a path to the beach):
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Fri%20and%20Sat%20morning%20plus%20the%20JUMP/DSC_1969.jpg?t=1303919653

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Fri%20and%20Sat%20morning%20plus%20the%20JUMP/DSC_1971.jpg?t=1303919653

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Fri%20and%20Sat%20morning%20plus%20the%20JUMP/DSC_1985.jpg?t=1303920227

That last picture gives you a good feel for the kind of view you have from the restaurant, lots of vegetation and the water just behind it. It's different, we really liked it.

Beach area of Pos Marg:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Fri%20and%20Sat%20morning%20plus%20the%20JUMP/DSC_1970.jpg?t=1303919653

This guy enjoyed a nap right near our table, man do I want his life:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Fri%20and%20Sat%20morning%20plus%20the%20JUMP/DSC_1973.jpg?t=1303919834

Looking back towards road from our table, to the right you see the path I mentioned above:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Fri%20and%20Sat%20morning%20plus%20the%20JUMP/DSC_1974.jpg?t=1303919834

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Fri%20and%20Sat%20morning%20plus%20the%20JUMP/DSC_1977.jpg?t=1303919834

Kitty on stairs I mentioned:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Fri%20and%20Sat%20morning%20plus%20the%20JUMP/DSC_1978.jpg?t=1303919834

That's the kitchen on the right past this sign:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Fri%20and%20Sat%20morning%20plus%20the%20JUMP/DSC_1979.jpg?t=1303919834

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Fri%20and%20Sat%20morning%20plus%20the%20JUMP/DSC_1980.jpg?t=1303919834

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Fri%20and%20Sat%20morning%20plus%20the%20JUMP/DSC_1981.jpg?t=1303919834

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Fri%20and%20Sat%20morning%20plus%20the%20JUMP/DSC_1982.jpg?t=1303920227

Very yummy appetizer board they bring out (we didn't order this, it just comes with the meal)
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Fri%20and%20Sat%20morning%20plus%20the%20JUMP/DSC_1983.jpg?t=1303920227

In anticipation of a potential Beachreader question ;) there were 3 kinds of breads, 2 chunks of parmesan cheese, some tortilla chips and salsa, olives, cauliflower (YUM) and cashews. Wow. I loved this spread. So did T.

Okay, so here's the Westy and Tyt take on this place. The margaritas were great. The views and the chic feel of the place was very comfortable and pleasant. Very pleasant, like I do want to return. Dinner was just eh though. The whole presentation of the place is nice and different in that they do come to your table and talk you through the menu for the day. I do like that. But we both ordered a pasta that was nothing spectacular. It was okay, good flavor. Way overcooked though and nothing we haven't had back home. Maybe I'm a tough critic. I guess I like to have things I can't get back home when I'm there. I was looking forward to pasta though, as my stomach was trying to get back to some sort of normalcy. Trust me, it wasn't a bad meal but this place has gotten some pretty awesome comments so I guess I had a bit of an expectation. We did not find it at all stuffy which I had also heard. And price-wise it wasn't at all outrageous either.

We will definitely go back, perhaps to have cocktails at the bar and get that bread and cheese board again. Wowszers did I love that.

Our last full Tulum day was done. I had wanted to get to Margo's class but physically just couldn't get there. With a couple of days of wishy washy stomach coupled with the sheer exhaustion of the prior weekend, it was not meant to be. Cheers to my dearest chica Tulum friend, I promise we will get there!!! XOXOXOXO

Off to slumber for our last night to the sound of the waves and the breeze......

Westybchbum

27th April 2011, 10:34 AM

JG, now I'm jealous!!!!!!!!!!! Not really, I'm actually soooooo flippin excited for ya!

SG, the stomach thing fortunately did not take me out fully. It was just in the background being a little pesky but it didn't stop me much. :)

joshsgirl

27th April 2011, 10:45 AM

utmck

27th April 2011, 11:50 AM

Very nice!!!!!!!

Westybchbum

27th April 2011, 12:05 PM

It's our last morning. We had done a bunch of packing the night before so we could get a few more hours of beach time in. Yesterday I had felt like I had had enough now I couldn't get enough. Go figure.

Before we plopped our butts down, though, we had a task at hand. We never did get to do the "bench-jumping bride" thing and I was going to just forget it. But with Utmck the Texan heckling me, the dress came back out.

And the sunrise performed beautifully. We also got to take a pic or two next to the Suenos log that I had really wanted to have:

Getting some "jump" instructions from my personal photographer:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Fri%20and%20Sat%20morning%20plus%20the%20JUMP/DSC_2010.jpg?t=1303923020

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Fri%20and%20Sat%20morning%20plus%20the%20JUMP/DSC_2011.jpg?t=1303923020

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Fri%20and%20Sat%20morning%20plus%20the%20JUMP/DSC_2012.jpg?t=1303923020

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Fri%20and%20Sat%20morning%20plus%20the%20JUMP/DSC_2015.jpg?t=1303923020

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Fri%20and%20Sat%20morning%20plus%20the%20JUMP/DSC_2013.jpg?t=1303923020

I jumped and I jumped. And finally we got the right one!
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Fri%20and%20Sat%20morning%20plus%20the%20JUMP/DSC_2022.jpg?t=1303923156

And the log:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Fri%20and%20Sat%20morning%20plus%20the%20JUMP/DSC_2018.jpg?t=1303923020

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Fri%20and%20Sat%20morning%20plus%20the%20JUMP/DSC_2021.jpg?t=1303923156

It's a shame we had to hire a photographer for the wedding because I think my personal photographer is quite talented. :)

As we were walking back from OM to NVR we see this in the distance:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Fri%20and%20Sat%20morning%20plus%20the%20JUMP/DSC_2024.jpg?t=1303923156

We couldn't figure out what the hullaballoo was, it was only 7 am after all!
But as we got closer it hit us! A turtle had laid eggs!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The very first of the season and a good month early!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Fri%20and%20Sat%20morning%20plus%20the%20JUMP/DSC_2023.jpg?t=1303923156

The bag of eggs (they let T touch one!!):
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Fri%20and%20Sat%20morning%20plus%20the%20JUMP/DSC_2025.jpg?t=1303923156

The irony of this photo is that these guys had just built this cage last week while we were there:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Fri%20and%20Sat%20morning%20plus%20the%20JUMP/DSC_2026.jpg?t=1303923976

We left them deciding where to put the eggs, in complete and total awe.
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Fri%20and%20Sat%20morning%20plus%20the%20JUMP/DSC_2027.jpg?t=1303923976

This momma came and went down the same path, she didn't come far up the beach.

An article that NVR posted on their Facebook page from that day!
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/turtlearticle.jpg?t=1303923893

Another irony.... (I forgot to post this to Friday!) is that we went to an NVR soccer game that Friday night. We did early dinner at Posada and came back to nap as the game was not until 10:30 pm!! Now, we are typically dead asleep by then if not long before so this was a challenge. But one well worth it. NVR has their own team (this is in another thread so pardon the repeat) and we caught wind of this during the week. We asked Ricardo where the game was and he gave us directions, it was right in Pueblo just a few blocks off the main drag. Let me tell you, that was fun! We got to watch all the staff we've come to know and boy those boys can play some soccer! Ricardo kindly introduced us to a couple but I missed who they were. They certainly we fun to sit near though. He had a drum that he beat faster every time we were about to score and they had other noisemakers and such. It was like a party. We saw the girls who clean our room as well! NVR won!!! Woohoo!

So, back to my story of irony. We got back pretty late needless to say and had we only known we might very well have seen the momma turtle! It never even occurred to us to go to the beach just in case. Oh well, we still have the trifecta to witness. We've let babies go, we've seen eggs gathered. Now we just need to see a momma!

Back to Saturday am, we head to Casa Banana for our last breakfast and there we run into the couple that we had watched the game with last night. He was a fun and loud kinda guy and he somehow knew that we had witnessed the turtle eggs on the beach and he says to us so all can hear, "What a great wedding gift, you witness the first turtle eggs of the season!" Yes, we agree. Now we are wondering who these people are so T goes off to ask Ricardo. And lo and behold it is Oscar y Gea, owners of NVR! So T goes up to them and tells them how we've stayed in Room #24 3 times this year and how much we adore Tulum and NVR and he tells T, that room- it's yours!! Oh man, if only that were true.

We head back to the beach now for some last rays both feeling completely content like our 12 days in Tulum could not be more perfect and had truly come full circle. I kinda get goose bumps just thinking about it all. :) :) :)

Somewhere around noon, we bid Ricardo a very fond farewell with promises to friend each other on Facebook we feel like we are leaving family and in a way we are. Ricardo tells us he no longer feels like he has guests, it is family that comes to stay there. Boy, that NVR really has become a part of us along with all the people who work there. :wave:

I'm teary eyed as we drive away but we know we will be back and we have another adventure ahead of us.....

Isla Mujeres..... :boat::palmtree::sun:

Westybchbum

27th April 2011, 12:10 PM

Two Q's (sorry I'm too excited to wait for the Q&A portion of this TR)

#1, did you guys walk most places or did you drive? Just curious how far things are for when we don't want to drive.

#2, how are NVR's toiletries? Can I leave my shampoo/conditioner/body wash at home?

I don't blame you! Our walking limits for dining are typically OM to Villas las Estrellas (NVR pretty much sits right in between these two). It's roughly a 5 min somewhat brisk walk, T walks fast! We have always had a car and probably always will. We just like the flexibility and freedom. If you were to go to Hechizo or Zamas you def need a cab or a car.

Toiletries.... leave yours at home! They had a chocolate shampoo we discovered our last couple of days that was to die for. And body wash won't even really work. The soap they give you works best in the brackish shower water. It's usually got some grit in the bar of soap that helps to scrub sand and suntan lotion off, too. :) And they give you conditioner and mouth wash as well!

Westybchbum

27th April 2011, 12:35 PM

I need to do a little research on some of the places we went before running on this post, however, I will put up some teaser photos of our room.

We opted to stay at Hotel Secreto. We had a few choices in mind when we booked and decided to go higher end for a honeymoon-last weekend splurge.

If you haven't figured it out, I certainly have my opinions about things. And I have a few about this whole Isla weekend but I'm thinking perhaps I will keep them to recap at the end.

Here is the room we had, on the 3rd floor I believe.

King bed:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2035.jpg?t=1303928693

Closer bed view:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2038.jpg?t=1303928693

Sitting area, french doors to outside sitting area behind that white couch:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2036.jpg?t=1303928693

Now looking from sitting area back towards entrance:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2037.jpg?t=1303928693

Bathroom:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2039.jpg?t=1303928693

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2051.jpg?t=1303929042

Outdoor sitting area, my hand is resting on glass, which runs halfway up the wall and serves as your "fence"
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2041.jpg?t=1303928693

View from our balcony:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2042.jpg?t=1303928693

Balcony looking back towards room, we ate breakfast here:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2043.jpg?t=1303928693

We were handed a mimosa upon check in and just kinda sat for a few brief moments, taking in our surroundings as they were quite different than what we had just left.

More later................

TortillayTortuga

27th April 2011, 01:14 PM

Ricardo kindly introduced us to a couple but I missed who they were. They certainly we fun to sit near though. He had a drum that he beat faster every time we were about to score and they had other noisemakers and such. It was like a party.

That was Oscar and his lovely bride I believe!

Justine

27th April 2011, 01:37 PM

Thanks, Westy, it totally made my day to check in and find more of your TR. very much enjoying it :)

JBlue

27th April 2011, 01:46 PM

I don't blame you! Our walking limits for dining are typically OM to Villas las Estrellas (NVR pretty much sits right in between these two). It's roughly a 5 min somewhat brisk walk, T walks fast! We have always had a car and probably always will. We just like the flexibility and freedom. If you were to go to Hechizo or Zamas you def need a cab or a car.

Toiletries.... leave yours at home! They had a chocolate shampoo we discovered our last couple of days that was to die for. And body wash won't even really work. The soap they give you works best in the brackish shower water. It's usually got some grit in the bar of soap that helps to scrub sand and suntan lotion off, too. :) And they give you conditioner and mouth wash as well!

First off Westy - thank you for your trip report. It is amazing - and congratulations to you both! What a wonderful way to spend your wedding and honeymoon!!! I wish I could convince my hubby to go back to Tulum (and we were just there about 6 months ago)!

I just wanted to mention, we stayed at NVR for our honeymoon and hoofed it all up and down the beach and beach road - including to Zamas a few times. We had a car, we just preferred to walk. We would often walk down that way on the beach before dark (we were there in December so it was getting dark early) and then would walk back with flashlights in hand on the beach road (or sometimes on the beach). And we would often pop in places along the way for a drink or simply to look around. It is a hike, but we LOVE walking - so it can be done ;);););)

utmck

27th April 2011, 05:41 PM

we stayed at NVR for our honeymoon and hoofed it all up and down the beach and beach road - including to Zamas a few times

Now that is more work than I would do the entire time I would be there. NVR to Zamas and back.... no way.

utmck

27th April 2011, 05:42 PM

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2041.jpg?t=1303928693

We would put that to good use!!!!!

ByTheBay

27th April 2011, 06:56 PM

Westybchbum

27th April 2011, 07:02 PM

Ahhh....Secreto. I went there the year it opened and it was all alone on that Northeastern corner of the Island. Very quiet and peaceful. That area has changed a lot since then so I'm eagerly awaiting your impressions of the place.

Oh BtB, what year was that, I am curious! Especially because we do have impressions of how we found the place.....

ByTheBay

27th April 2011, 07:24 PM

Oh BtB, what year was that, I am curious! Especially because we do have impressions of how we found the place.....

It was before Hurricane Wilma so maybe 2003 or 2004. The homes to the North of Secreto were there but there was nothing behind it or next to it on the South side. It was very quiet and secluded. I was traveling with a friend and we wanted to be in a place where we could meet other people and hang out on the beach at a fun bar and socialize so ultimately it wasn't the best choice for us. Still, a beautiful place.

tbpeaceful

27th April 2011, 08:59 PM

Beautiful story Westy ~ thank you.

I just LOVE this woody! ; )

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Wed%204-6-2011/DSC_1766.jpg?t=1303911520

susan

27th April 2011, 09:18 PM

Great report, great pics. Thank You

beachreader

27th April 2011, 09:52 PM

I can't even think of anything to say but thanks for all your beautiful pictures. Tom, you are a really talented photographer--those colorful shots at Zamas are SO Mexico to me!

And how cool that turtle came up so early in the season! I mean, I hope that's OK for her and the little ones, but great that you saw them. You'll just have to come back (in September, say;)), and see some mamas!

Westybchbum

28th April 2011, 06:35 AM

We would put that to good use!!!!!

I actually fell asleep out there the first night.... I needed the sound of the waves, I was in withdrawal from our NVR room. In this room there was A/C (eew) and the bed sat way back in the room and then the closed doors, no ocean sounds. :(

Westybchbum

28th April 2011, 08:15 AM

Beachreader, you are in luck. More T pictures coming. :)

So, I will back track slightly. We drove North from Tulum to Cancun to drop off our car rental and requested to be brought to the Isla ferry. It was about a 25 minute ride with a very nice young man who didn't speak a lick of English. It was a very good lesson for me to work on my Spanish. I'd love to know what his version of our conversation was.

We purchased one way tickets since I had read when you buy round trip you risk losing track of your ticket back, good advice I think. One less thing to worry about. The luggage situation wasn't horrible. We both had a large and small suitcase on wheels. We got on the ferry and off we went. We were seated in the front row since we had the most luggage, so when we stopped, we waited for everyone else to get off first. I was sitting there in my Tulum haze with my handbag carelessly teetering on my lap. As a woman with two children walked by, I caught the little girl, roughly 8 or 9 attempt to grab my purse. HOLY CRAP. I shook the Tulum laid back vibe out of my head and was suddenly paying much closer attention to my surroundings. Talk about a shock to the system.

We grabbed our luggage and headed toward the road off the dock. An sprite elderly man was rather persistent in helping us. We shrugged and decided to roll with it. Foreign territory from what we've come to know in Tulum. This guy grabs a bike with a huge front basket, loads our stuff with us behind kind of unknowingly waiting to follow when another guy starts yelling at him. Next thing we know, this guy is taking all our stuff off the bike and telling us to wait. He returns with another bike, loads us up and off we go. On foot. Him too. He doesn't ride the bike, he pushes it. I guess because we wouldn't be able to keep up. It was about a 10 minute (maybe more) walk through town which allowed us to get a very immediate feel for our new surroundings. A lot more hussle and bustle, a lot more English being spoken. Looking back we probably could've gotten a taxi but the walk was fine for us.

We turn off the main drag and start heading farther north up a street that is suddenly much more barren than what we found a block over. As we are walking we notice on our right a very large skeleton of a building that looked like it had started construction and stopped abruptly. It was not new either. Then we passed what appeared to be a gypsy family set up on the outer perimeter of the lot. And right next to that, our hotel- Secreto.

We decided we were going to remain open minded but were a bit dismayed. The reception of Secreto was polite and reserved. The warmth we've come to love in Mexico was seemingly absent at this point. Don't get me wrong, Secreto was more than accommodating. Just a bit sterile. Oh well, so much for keeping my opinions to the end. Well, onward we go into the weekend....

We are now checked into our new digs and we decide it's time to explore a little, specifically for food as it was past 3pm and we hadn't eaten since about 8 am.

Forgive me here, I only have one name of one restaurant we ate at during this weekend. I could probably get the names of the other places on our Mapchick map, or maybe T will fill in if he remembers.

In any case, we decide to head back towards the hubbub and now determine that the main thrust of downtown Isla is this Hidalgo Av. We meander until we find a place that looks comfortable to us and thus I start my mission of trying margaritas in as many places possible on this island. I'm second guessing our decision to come here and now I feel like we are here and need to make the best of it. We order chicken nachos, just a light snack since dinner will be soon and margaritas which were quite good. We watched the activity around us and started to relax a bit.

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2053.jpg?t=1303998136

Shops like those were scattered everywhere with the merchants standing in the street beckoning you in. At first I was a bit put off by this but it quickly fades once you get used to it.

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2054.jpg?t=1303998136

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2055.jpg?t=1303998136

An example of the many restaurants to be found also. These owners, too, would stand in the middle of the street trying to hustle you in. We started to wonder how competitive that market must be with so many options.

The first of many Isla Margaritas.... and looking closer at this picture, I guess the restaurant pictured above is where we were for this. Duh.
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2056.jpg?t=1303998136

Some of the sights of the main drag and surrounding area:

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2059.jpg?t=1303998136

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2060.jpg?t=1303998136

We ventured over towards the water for margarita 2:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2072.jpg?t=1303998449

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2061.jpg?t=1303998136

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2064.jpg?t=1303998449

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2062.jpg?t=1303998136

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2063.jpg?t=1303998136

This precious little nugget was toddling around us, OMG so cute!
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2067.jpg?t=1303998449

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2068.jpg?t=1303998449

I think he wanted to play with these guys
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2069.jpg?t=1303998449

At this point I really needed el bano, so I used the one attached to this restaurant. One session of dealing with no toilet seat in a dingy dirty stall, well, I was ready for a new place. Yes, I can be bratty but I also can roll with it... this was just a bit too much. Onward....

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2074.jpg?t=1303998449

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2076.jpg?t=1303998662

As you can see, T is working his magic with his camera. There is much to see and so many bright colors here. Well, when he is doing this, I'm sitting on a rock wall navigating my mapchick map.
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2077.jpg?t=1303998662

He comes up to me slightly ashen. Tells me he's taking a photo of these boats and a seemingly drunk, homeless man walks right between the boats and starts, well, relieving himself right in front of Tom. Thankfully THAT wasn't captured but here's the photo just before:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2075.jpg?t=1303998662

Again, we are trying to roll with it and learn this new Isla "vibe". We can do this. Of course the margaritas are helping. :beerchug:

No more pics of this day. We wandered up around Playa Norte and back to our room to leisurely get ready for dinner.

I *think* dinner was at Angelo's on Hidalgo Av. We just set out to see what would hit us. This owner had his dinners showcased in a glass cart and the bar looked cool so we sat. Dinner was pretty awesome. Filet of fish once again for us, T's topped with shrimp and mine with lobster. Really, really good. I'd probably go no meat if I lived down there and all fish and seafood. Ahhhhh.....

While we are eating there are entertainers up and down the avenue performing various dances and tricks. T likened it to New Orleans, having not been I simply nod in agreement. It was cool and fun, really it was. The down side was that we were not shaking that laid back thing that had sunk so deeply in. Trying to pull out of that, we stopped two doors down to a Tequileria and had a couple of shots, watched more of the street shows and once again tried settling into the Isla zone. Right until a couple roughly in their 30's sat next to us. That part was fine. What wasn't was when she pulls out this purple stuffed animal and they begin taking pictures of the thing doing a shot of tequila and then passing out. T and I look at each other incredulously. That's it, check please. We are outta here.

We stretch out in our air conditioned room (YUCK) and I can't hear the sound of the ocean so I leave T fast asleep in bed while I go and take advantage of the bed on the our balcony where I fall asleep to the ocean. At least the day ended peacefully. :)

pepper

28th April 2011, 09:18 AM

ByTheBay

28th April 2011, 09:43 AM

That big, abandoned construction site next to Secreto is such an eyesore. And the squatter's camp next to it was littered with trash when I was there last year. It's not the most welcoming approach to their property. Isla has changed so much since I first went. It seems to have gotten much more crowded with Cancun day trippers and the shop owners much more aggressive than a few years ago. With so many new high-end properties going up on the South end and the massive AI resort, Privilege Aluxes occupying the best stretch of remaining beach on Playa Norte it's lost a lot of its charm for me.

Westybchbum

28th April 2011, 09:47 AM

Sunday morning comes, our last full day of vacation and honeymoon.

At this point I'm missing the kids and feeling like we've had a very wonderful couple of weeks and also getting our heads around the fact that we will be thrust quickly back in to reality as T will be headed on a plane to Milkwaukee less than 12 hours after we arrive home.

Oh, and this day it's my birthday. Not a bad place to be for your birthday!

We had decided we were going to golf cart it around the island this day. We got a fairly early start after a very nice continental breakfast that is delivered to your room.

We find a rental place literally a block away and opt for an all day rental. With mapchick's golf cart tour map in hand we are off.

Oh, and let me also comment that the weather pattern continued for us in Isla Mujeres. It was a gorgeous day. We set off and one of the first places we decided to stop and photograph was Villa la Bella. It had been the 2nd place next to Secreto we were contemplating. In hindsight we both agreed we should have stayed a VLB. Why? Not because there was really anything wrong with Secreto. I guess we could've never known how we were going to feel. But Secreto was too far a departure from what we had grown comfortable with in Mexico. The amenities and room were quite beautiful but perhaps a bit too much for us at that point. Anyway, back to our golf cart ride- with signs like these you can see why we wished we had stayed here:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2079.jpg?t=1303998662

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2080.jpg?t=1303998662

I'm going to let these photos just speak for themselves. This was on the drive south to Punta Sur. What we found remarkable was the huge contrast of buildings that could be found right next to one another at any given place, and also the amount of unfinished construction like someone started a project and simply walked away right in the middle never to return.

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2081.jpg?t=1303998662

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2082.jpg?t=1303998662

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2083.jpg?t=1303998662

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2084.jpg?t=1303998662

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2085.jpg?t=1304000478

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2086.jpg?t=1304000478

Right about here, we stop and T asks me to step out to the rocks for a pic. I go to put my flip flops on and they aren't in the cart. I had flipped them off and I guess over a couple of the topes, they "flipped" out. So, back we go in search. And you can't believe it, we found them about 5 minutes up the road, woohoo!!!!!!!!!!

Airport:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2088.jpg?t=1304000478

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2089.jpg?t=1304000478

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2090.jpg?t=1304000478

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2091.jpg?t=1304000478

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2092.jpg?t=1304000478

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2093.jpg?t=1304000478

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2094.jpg?t=1304000478

Much quicker than expected, we find ourselves at Punta Sur. Oh, and no we did not touch the statue of Ixchell, goddess of fertility. In fact, T wouldn't even photo her! 2 teens, 2 dogs and a cat, we are good. We don't need babies in the mix lol.

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2096.jpg?t=1304001205

We'll have to post this to that sign thread tee hee:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2100.jpg?t=1304001205

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2101.jpg?t=1304001205

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2102.jpg?t=1304001205

We didn't mind taking a pic of the Iguana though!
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2103.jpg?t=1304001205

What I love about this island is that the east side shore is rocky and the west side is not. Funny how that works. I mean our hotel sits at the far north corner and the whole east coast line is rocky. Here is the west side looking towards Cancun:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2105.jpg?t=1304001205

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2104.jpg?t=1304001205

Side note here.... you can probably hear the negativity in my TR at this point. Was never very good at not sharing my opinion. It's hard to describe exactly what it was about the island that had us, I don't know, a bit uncomfortable. I guess what I would say is that there were sections (mostly everything not a part of main downtown northern Isla) that seemed ghost-townish. So many times we saw diminished signs of a place that looked like it used to be so much more active. For example, the picture above.... you can barely make out zipline cables and stations. They looked like they hadn't been touched in years, but how cool they probably were!!

More random pics:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2106.jpg?t=1304001205

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2107.jpg?t=1304001451

We decided to stop for an early lunch at one of the beach clubs in the Sac Bajo region, I honestly don't know which one!!! I hate myself for not writing any notes, we had a couple of very unique appetizers and the first of many margaritas on this day. The setting was beautiful but one got the feeling there were more workers than visitors, we just couldn't stop shaking the feeling that these areas and people were used to being a lot busier.

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2108.jpg?t=1304001451

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2109.jpg?t=1304001451\

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2110.jpg?t=1304001451

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2112.jpg?t=1304001451

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2114.jpg?t=1304001451

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2115.jpg?t=1304001451

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2116.jpg?t=1304001451

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2119.jpg?t=1304002358

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2122.jpg?t=1304002358

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2123.jpg?t=1304002358

These taxi drivers (about 15 or more) were all under a gazebo playing cards.... waiting for business that I'm not sure would ever come:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2125.jpg?t=1304002358

Cute little roads driving back north:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2129.jpg?t=1304002473

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2127.jpg?t=1304002358

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2128.jpg?t=1304002358

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2131.jpg?t=1304002473

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2132.jpg?t=1304002473

Our excursion took much less time than we expected. So we decided to soak some rays and headed to playa Norte, here is the road to it:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2134.jpg?t=1304002473

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2135.jpg?t=1304002473

T parks, and we hit the sand:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2138.jpg?t=1304002473

Well, it's pretty hot and the beach is crowded so instead we take in the views from the bar in the shade, this is Buho's:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2141.jpg?t=1304002822

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2146.jpg?t=1304002822

At this point we remember that we have a beautiful infinity pool near the comfort of our room that we could be taking advantage of so we return the rental and head back for an afternoon of soaking rays.
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2078.jpg?t=1304003405

Here is the construction right next to Hotel Secreto. I'll be curious, By the Bay to know, I bet this wasn't there when you went. In fact the brochures all show a very different picture. The walls and palm trees are not there because there is a straight view of beautiful rocky ocean. Now it's blocked by an unfinished building. It also blocked our view of the sunrise. :(
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2148.jpg?t=1304003530

Ah, now this is more like it:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2151.jpg?t=1304003530

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2152.jpg?t=1304003530

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2154.jpg?t=1304003530

Westybchbum

28th April 2011, 09:49 AM

Relaxed and ready to have b'day dinner, we decided to give Sunset Grill a try. We had spent 12 days of perfect sunrises, we definitely wanted to take advantage of a sunset. I was a little worried maybe this place would be tacky due to it's name but not at all. It was a perfect place for dinner, well almost.

In any case, one of the things that astounded us on this island were how many adults were carting wee ones on mopeds. Now that's not a big deal. However, what we couldn't understand is why the adults all wore helmuts while the children did not. Not easy to photo but you get the idea:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2160.jpg?t=1304003530

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2161.jpg?t=1304003530

Dinner!
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2162.jpg?t=1304003530

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2163.jpg?t=1304003530

We did not photo food (shock I know) but the menu was nice, we did vegies tempura for an app and then ordered typical Mex fare, like fajitas and steak quesadillas I think. And of course margaritas. It was just right. Well, once we got past the drama.

Behind us sat 8 rowdy, drunk Americans. Not only did they NOT watch the sunset, they proceeded to drink and eat very loudly. At one point, one guy tripped on the deck sending a table and chairs (oh and red wine) flying everywhere, broken glass the whole 9 yards. The mgr replaces the bottle of wine (why I do not know) and finally they pay and go to leave. Not before a blondie decides they shouldn't leave any wine behind and attempts to pour from the wine bottle into a water bottle. More went down her arm and all over the table than into the plastic bottle. Oh well, the antics were finally over and we enjoyed a very nice, quiet romantic dinner. I'll end with the sunset pics:

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2165.jpg?t=1304004036

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2167.jpg?t=1304004036

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2169.jpg?t=1304004036

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2173.jpg?t=1304004036

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2174_01.jpg?t=1304004036

Our fave:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2174.jpg?t=1304004354

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2176_01.jpg?t=1304004354

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2181.jpg?t=1304004621

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%20Isle%20Mujeres/DSC_2188.jpg?t=1304004621

And that's our trip, folks.

I've been impatiently awaiting the arrival of the photographer's pictures to complete the wedding day thread. I actually think this timed out well as I still don't have them and ended up finishing the rest of the trip.

Isla was fun and I think we are glad we tried something different but I know we are both also feeling like maybe it would have been better if we stayed in Tulum for this trip. Part of why we didn't "get" Isla Mujeres, I'm certain is because we were not in the mindset for it.

It was fun to explore a new place but it didn't quite meet with our expectations and to be totally honest, I'm not sure what our expectations were. There were parts of the island that were very charming but parts that were also surprisingly in disrepair. We get that there are going to be impoverished sections and that didn't put us off as much as the businesses and buildings that look like someone left behind in the middle of the night. We were trying to determine if a hurricane had affected what we were seeing. Based on what By the Bay said earlier, I think that may be it.

There was just a bit too much of a party mode, spring break feel to Isla that we weren't prepared for. You've read the Tulum part of the trip so I think that played a part, too. After 12 pretty much perfect days, how can you possibly top it? You can't.

The good part of this TR is, it's not over!! And what a better way to end it than to go back and relive our wedding day in it's entirety. I can't wait!!!!

Hopefully those pictures will arrive SOON. Minnie, where's the baguette? I might need to send her in an email to our wedding planners.......

Adios amigos. For now. :)

Westybchbum

28th April 2011, 09:52 AM

Westybchbum

28th April 2011, 09:53 AM

What a great detailed report!! LOVE IT!! I can't believe how much your kids look just like you - they are amazingly precious!! You guys are so happy and will have a wonderful life together.

This installment from IM sounds....errr...stressful. Yikes! I think we'll always stick with Tulum.

Us, too- sticking to Tulum from now on. PDC has us just curious enough for perhaps a one night stay sometime but beloved Tulum is first in our hearts. :)

ByTheBay

28th April 2011, 10:37 AM

Ah BtB so well said!!!!!! Having never been we had no basis for comparison but found all of what you said to be true. Yes the squatters had us feeling a bit leery of our choice in hotels.

I'm glad you got to enjoy the view from Sunset Grill. We always stay at Nautibeach when we take our family trip to Isla so I've enjoyed that sunset many times. I'm sorry about the loud, drunken crowd you encountered there. The first time I went to Isla the thing I loved about it was its laid back, slow vibe. I met so many other travelers from all around the world with interesting stories and a real appreciation for the Island and its people. Now when I go it seems to be attracting more American tourists of the "party til you puke" variety. The island suffered terribly after Hurricane Wilma and was hit even harder by the swine flu scare and the economic collapse in 2007. Tourists quit coming for a while. Add to that the fact that the main thoroughfare, Avenue Hidalgo was being repaved for a year so many businesses were shuttered due to lack of foot traffic. The remaining businesses had to start hustling for customers and that level of aggressive barking seems to have stuck.

Westybchbum

28th April 2011, 10:55 AM

TortillayTortuga

28th April 2011, 11:29 AM

TortillayTortuga

28th April 2011, 11:30 AM

and I need to fix my ticker...

ByTheBay

28th April 2011, 04:06 PM

Wow...a Cat 5 hurricane AND the swine flu...that certainly explains A LOT! Like Westy said, I don't think we're going to be rushing back to Isle Mujeres. It's too bad it's lost it's charm, and the description of "party till you puke" is very fitting. The level of poverty was unreal, and just sad, it appears that many have given up hope and have resigned themselves to merely existing. For anyone looking to buy at very depressed prices, this is the place. Some of the homes were simply amazing, but you need to keep in mind your next door neighbor may not have 4 walls, running water or electricity.

Yes TT, there is a lot of poverty on display on Isla now. Colonia Guadalupana, the shanty town by the garbage dump sprang up after Wilma. Many people lost their homes and jobs in the storm and they started rebuilding with anything they could salvage on that big, then empty plot of land. The land is privately owned so officially they are squatters but it's quickly becoming its own little community. There were several attempts to evict them at first but they had nowhere else to go. There were a few protests and even an attack on the municipal building over the squatters. There was a terrible fire there a while back when a propane tank exploded and a whole row of those little shacks burned to ash. No one was killed or seriously hurt thank goodness, but after that the government did allow some of them to access the electrical grid for power. The fact that they have erected that colorful, hand painted sign identifying their community is bittersweet. That they who have so little have such a sense of pride is a testament to the spirit of the people of Isla Mujeres.

ByTheBay

28th April 2011, 05:30 PM

Wow BtB, your explanation helps me to understand everything we experienced. So do you plan on going back any time soon? We did see remnants of the charm and what was probably once a very cool place. The "party til you puke" metaphor described very much what we witnessed everywhere, mostly in the northern sections. Very loud and obnoxious Canadians and Americans which were frankly an embarrassment!!

Se la vi. We live and learn. :)

I'll be going back Westy. I still love that little Island. My family loves it there too and we've made friends with a few locals over the years that we look forward to seeing. I don't like some of the changes I've seen on Isla, but change is inevitable everywhere so I'll just roll with it.

minniemex

29th April 2011, 09:03 AM

I was just over on Isla in Sept ~ the changes were really huge! The worst being the lack of recovery of Playa Norte. When I first went there it was one of the most beautiful beaches there was. Wilma really did her damage. I was there to witness it. I think the dredging of sand for Cancun hurt it greatly too.

I just posted pictures to that thread. Be fun to see if you recognize any!

I have a picture of that "goddess of fertility". One of the ugliest things I have ever seen.

Those ziplines were at El Garrafon National Park. I saw them the same year they installed them. Wanted to do them, but never got around to it. I think they were pretty spendy at the time too.

Loved losing the flips on the road! :p Great that you found them.

sparklegem

29th April 2011, 11:57 AM

Dear Westy, I am so sorry that you last few days were a let down. I think that you are right- it would have been impossible to top the 12 days that you spent in paradise. I guess being less then enchanted with Isla made it easier to go home... I really felt for you while reading the last part of your TR.

My bf was married in Tulum and spent part of her honeymoon on Isla. She said that they did not enjoy their stay there either. That was in 2003. I stayed for a while on Isla in 1987. It was pretty sleepy back then, but that was a long time ago. Your photos make it look like a different place.

I am looking forward to your wedding photos! xox gem

utmck

29th April 2011, 03:29 PM

Wow sorry about the last part of the trip, I fully understand after spending so much time in Tulum. The "party" atmosphere just doesn't do it for us any more, we are more of the laid back type and keep the "party" to a smaller number.

Again congrats!!!!!

Mel

29th April 2011, 08:23 PM

Congratulations on your marriage in Tulum! I really enjoyed the detailed trip report and all of the pictures. We return for our first full week in Tulum on June 14th. I'm ready for that cool laid back vibe of Tulum!!!

beachreader

30th April 2011, 05:02 PM

Solbound

1st May 2011, 09:22 AM

Well done Westy....as I mentioned on BJP's report I can see I won't have to worry about duplicating pics...good job T! Actually might have a few surprises of our own...going to try and get something done today! (note my signature line below)

minniemex

2nd May 2011, 08:00 AM

If you ever go back, they serve the BEST pina colada I have ever tasted.

Would these be those??

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/1028002869_M2xwZ-L.jpg

beachreader

2nd May 2011, 08:03 AM

Why, I do think they are! So good, not too sweet, with none of the fake gooiness you get some places.

Westybchbum

2nd May 2011, 08:03 AM

Sue and I stayed right next door to Hotel Secreto, at the Media Luna. Really lovely outdoor area, but the rooms were pretty basic. I think, if I ever go back to Isla, I would stay at the place you mentioned, Villa La Bella. Lynnette stays there and loves it. If you ever go back, they serve the BEST pina colada I have ever tasted.

Yes, Lynette spoke highly of the place and I really wish I had listened to her. Our thinking was that we might feel like we were ready for a change after 12 days at NVR, VLB had a similar look and feel. Turns out we were wrong. I don't think I'd be ready for a change if I was there for an entire year. :)

Westybchbum

2nd May 2011, 08:07 AM

Would these be those??

http://minniemex.smugmug.com/photos/1028002869_M2xwZ-L.jpg

Gosh, almost makes me want to make the trip.... wow they look good.

You know, I did not put near the amount of research into Isla as I did Tulum.... I guess partly because I was stretched thin on wedding planning and also part of me thought for a change it might be nice to just wing it. I did learn a lot about myself on this trip. I think I was better at "winging" it in my 20's about 20 or so years ago. Now in my 40's not so much. I know what I like, and I like to be organized and I like knowing what I'm getting into to a certain extent. If we do go back to Isla, or try PDC or even Cozumel some day, I will definitely have a different approach!

My husband wants to think about Punta Allen. I told him he'd likely be taking that trip by himself, lol.

Westybchbum

2nd May 2011, 08:08 AM

PS Folks, still no photos from the wedding photographer... :( Gonna get on the bat phone and track those suckers down!!! All our Facebook friends are wondering why there are no wedding photos!!!! ARGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

beachreader

2nd May 2011, 09:17 AM

Hmm. Just posted a reply to this about how your wedding pics are so great I can't imagine the pro did any better, but I do want to see and hear about your big reception at Om, and it disappeared. So I'll try this again.

Westybchbum

2nd May 2011, 09:30 AM

I have to believe he did just based on where he was and what I know I saw him taking.... I'm trying not to freak out but also looking forward to seeing them! And reporting on the rest of the day!!!!!!!

Maybe I'll put up our sunrise pics in the meantime.....

MN Rose

10th May 2011, 01:38 PM

First of all, Congratulations to you both. Your trip report and pictures were nothing short of incredible.

Westybchbum

10th May 2011, 02:13 PM

First of all, Congratulations to you both. Your trip report and pictures were nothing short of incredible.

Wow, thanks Rose!! Any minute now those wedding pics should be here from our photographer so I can finish this bad boy up once and for all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MN Rose

10th May 2011, 03:18 PM

I totally forgot to mention that you absolutely rocked that dress. Your were a lovely bride to say the least. LOVED the pics of you jumping off the chair. I'm sorry Isla was not the experience you hoped for. I kind of wondered about that going from Tulum but was hoping for a better experience for you. This past year DH and I decided to revisit PDC - it's much larger than the little fishing village it was on our first visit in 1996. But, live and learn. I think you two have found your spot....And, as others have mentioned Isla simply wasn't at her best at the time you visited. If you ever do decide to revisit there feel free to drop me an email; we go yearly and I think I could point you in a couple of different directions as far as where to stay. Do you by any change know if Guyene (sp) has a website? Your jewelry was gorgeous and your tan enhanced it beautifully.

minniemex

11th May 2011, 10:34 AM

I know this is posted elsewhere but will add it here ~

http://www.lamourdeguylene.com/

I am a fan too!

Westybchbum

12th May 2011, 12:34 PM

Thanks Minnie for posting that! And Rose, you are too kind! I have to say I didn't intend to go with a dress like that but once I saw it, that ended that! :)

Soooo...... GOOD NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Our pictures came today! T and I just took a quick look through them WOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! I can finally finish this post!!!! :)

joshsgirl

12th May 2011, 12:55 PM

Hoooooray! Can't wait for more wedding goodness!

Dale

12th May 2011, 01:44 PM

Hoooooray! Can't wait for more wedding goodness!

Is that goodness or goddess? ;)

sparklegem

12th May 2011, 09:41 PM

Hurray for the Wedding Goddess!!

Margoinmexico

13th May 2011, 12:38 AM

:wave:WOWWSER!

Honest to Goodness or Goddess, which every you wish, it took me OVER 3 hours to read this report!!!! I can't even imagine how much time it took to POST it!

Thank you so much for taking such care and letting us enjoy your Wedding and Honeymoon WITH you! I feel as if I was really there.....

.....Oh, I was! :pjajajajaja:p

Thanks for all the nice photos and kuddos and support you guys give me, what a gift to be part of it all......

I also was not able to multi quote, and did NOT take notes while reading, so will just try to randomly remember the thigns I thought of along the way....although at some point I'd like to read the whole thing AGAIN......

/////Yes, they ALL look alike! I was just walking down the beach, looking for Westy and TyT on the day all the family arrived, and did a double take on a "Looks just like Westy" basking in the sun....and stopped and asked, "um, you MUSt be here for the wedding"......and it was daughter and mother to Sue....then her son walked in......I think they were all cloned, they all look like Westy's MOM! So fun to get to meet your family and friends. Westy and TyT showed up shortly and we got to go up and have some private time, was super nice.

I have NEVER seen a more beautiful dress for a beach wedding......and Sue was STUNNING in it, yet walked around comfy like in her old favorite jeans....she is so gorgeous in EVERYTHING she wears.....but so unpretentious about it. Makes everyone at ease around her. So happy to call her my friend. A class act to be sure.

Thank you Tulum.info for so many wonderful friends.

LOVE LOVE LOVE the photo of me and Angelo....TyT, can you please send me that one? THANK GODDESS, (hey, someone else started it....) I had my legs crossed!

I never did get you any of the photos I took.......I have quite a few movies that I took during the actual wedding, some of your MIL that will TOTALLY crack you guys up! ....I'm moving right now, but my first project is to get the seasons photos organized so I can share with my musician friends before they all start to leave...some have gone already, sniff sniff....:(

Thanks so much for the photos of my good friends! Camilo Nu Band and the other is Lady Lou and her Blues Knights.....Lo is the lead singer from the legendary Bandikoro and a very close friend. She is from Sweeden and just the sweetest, most talented chica! The guys with her are David and Pisco, also from Bandikoro, this project has been really great to watch evolve over the season....these three are in ANOTHER band called Skinna Ruida, which is very different YET! Such a gift to be part of the music family of Tulum!

Speaking of these musicians....Camilo Nu and Bandikoro now have CD's, so support them anytime you have the opportunity to buy a cd from a musician, do it, they don't get paid that much for their gigs, and the extra from cd sales really makes a difference to their ability to continue performing for you!

There was a bit of talk about tummy upset in your report...I just wanted to add, that there was something going around, myself as well as many of my friends ended up with varying degrees of this stomach bug, so thanks everyone for not automatically pointing the finger at particular things that you ate as automatically being the cause.....I always recommend bringing Probiotics and Grapefruit seed extract when you travel anywhere......it can end most problems very quickly....also....order Coconut water everywhere you go.......it is antibacteria, antiviral, anti parasite, anti fungus and works better with shots of tequila. Also has more electrolytes than an IV drip you might get in a hospital so good for the dehydration. (I actually teach classes on coconuts if anyone is interested...):rolleyes:

Have not been to Isla.......lots of places I have never been...would love go go, but with Tulum all around me, don't really feel like moving to fast away from perfection....but I would like to add a note.....there are many abandoned projects on the Tulum Beach...(what I call the ruins there by Los Arricifes for example) and Tulum isn't an island, the locals live in town.....so a big difference...imagine if some of the streets of El Pueblo Tulum were right next door to say Ana y Jose......it would be a total different feel.......at least the Isla natives get to enjoy living so close to the beach with thier families...

Swine flu has been hard on all of us....as well as Dean......not as devistating as Wilma, but some places were closed for months.....please tell everyone how safe you felt in Tulum! Please keep your fingers crossed as we start hurricane season! Good juju por favor!

I AM AMAZED ABOUT THE TURTLE EGGS! I have never heard of them that early.....so cool you got to see that! ONe of my clients did get to see a mama laying eggs last week, so it really has begun! So excited as I'm moving to the beach this weekend, and will be living there until December....or more, who knows. The house I'll be living in had 8 nests last season!

Just for the record, you don't have to book a tour to go to Yalku.....it is open to the public and you just pay the admission and the rest I think is pretty self explanitory....I alway recommend brining your own snorkel gear when you come to the area.....

Yes, that was La Buena Vida....got a chuckle thinking of them arguing about it in 40 years....thanks Mimnie! They will be adorable doing it!

Westy, if TyT goes to Punta Allen, we'll both go with him! :):):) :)You would LOVE it actually...and I will go along to make sure! jajaja! But, we have to stay at least 3 days so you really get the feeling of it and get the value of making it down that fabulous road.

Beach Reader, you asked about what to call TyT if you ever meet him....that was fun trying to explain to the friends and family about why I was calling her Westy and him TyT! jajajaja!

Well, that is all I can think of.......fun to have a moment of time to catch up with you all,;) I so enjoy being part of this forum, sorry I have been so quiet....but loving meeting so many of you!

Thanks again everyone for this place where we can all get together and dream of the perfect beach, the perfect margarita and the perfect wedding......and all the things that go with that no matter where we physically may be at the moment.

And thanks again Westy and TyT for making me and the rest of us part of the family. (remember when she lost the RING!, it's been like a mini series!)

You guys did it all just right. Good for YOU!

I LOVE YOU BOTH! :beerchug::eat-drink:

Besos:sun:

SHEW! I am so glad I copied this before trying to post it! I had timed out and was no longer signed in...I had made a few changes, but am not going to jynx myself...just posting.....! YIKES

Westybchbum

13th May 2011, 09:34 AM

****SIGH*****

Wow, do I feel the LOVE or what????????? I can't imagine any of you wonder why Tulum is my obsession........... lol

Margo posted at such a PERFECT time... I finally got to put our wedding pics on Facebook where people have been clamoring for WEEKS to see something!! Now to finish this TR, a very happy place for me and for TyT. LOVE YOU MARGO!!! XOXOXOXOXO

Westybchbum

13th May 2011, 10:52 AM

I guess things always happen for a reason. It just seems fitting to end this TR with Part 2 of our wedding day.... a great note on which to end what was probably one of the best trips of our lifetime.

I'm going to start with pictures from the view of our photographer, I tried to find the ones that were different than what has been posted. I'll admit with TyT as my personal photographer, I'm rather spoiled but Eduardo captured some real beautiful moments:

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-12.jpg?t=1305302839

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-13.jpg?t=1305302839

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-2.jpg?t=1305303174

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-21.jpg?t=1305302839

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-31.jpg?t=1305302839

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-33.jpg?t=1305302839

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-35.jpg?t=1305302839

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-6.jpg?t=1305303174

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-42.jpg?t=1305302839

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-47.jpg?t=1305302839

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-49.jpg?t=1305302839

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-51.jpg?t=1305302839

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-59.jpg?t=1305305829

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-61.jpg?t=1305303174

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-72.jpg?t=1305303174

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-78.jpg?t=1305303174

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-81.jpg?t=1305303174

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-82.jpg?t=1305303174

One of my faves, both my men looking handsome:

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-87.jpg?t=1305303174

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-91.jpg?t=1305303314

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-100.jpg?t=1305303314

Plug for Guylene, my MIL in background wearing one of her necklaces and my bracelet made by her:
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-101.jpg?t=1305303314

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-110.jpg?t=1305303314

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-112.jpg?t=1305303314

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-113.jpg?t=1305303314

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-114.jpg?t=1305303314

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-120.jpg?t=1305303314

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-134.jpg?t=1305303314

Love this one he got of my bro and sis in law:
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-137.jpg?t=1305303540

And this one of my boy:
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-138.jpg?t=1305303540

Our April Fools Gang:
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-140.jpg?t=1305303540

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-141.jpg?t=1305303540

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-142.jpg?t=1305305544
Beautiful ladies:

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-144.jpg?t=1305303540

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-145.jpg?t=1305303540

Gosh, I missed THAT tray!!
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-146.jpg?t=1305303540

Probably because of these photos lol:
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-148.jpg?t=1305303540

Yup, we had a flyover:
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-149.jpg?t=1305303747

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-150.jpg?t=1305303747

Brochetas, barely got to these either!
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-151.jpg?t=1305303747

See Beachreader? We did use the couches!!
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-152.jpg?t=1305303747

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-154.jpg?t=1305303747

We laugh at how dark T's legs are!
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-158.jpg?t=1305303747

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-159.jpg?t=1305303747

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-161.jpg?t=1305303747

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-164.jpg?t=1305303747

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-172.jpg?t=1305303947

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-174.jpg?t=1305303947

Our very dear and very special Tulum friends:
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-175.jpg?t=1305303947

The purple stone is from Guylene, LOVE this pic.
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-186.jpg?t=1305303947

Found these online, how cool are they!?
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-187.jpg?t=1305303947

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-188.jpg?t=1305303947

And here goes the twirling bride, I'm not going to lie, I was WAY (more) dizzy after this!!
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-192.jpg?t=1305303947

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-193.jpg?t=1305303947

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-195.jpg?t=1305303947

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-199.jpg?t=1305304189

Can't go anywhere without an animal latching onto T:
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-201.jpg?t=1305304189

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-205.jpg?t=1305304189

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-207.jpg?t=1305304189

Okay, okay. I'm done boring you with wedding photos!

So, after the wedding, as you saw they brought out drinks and appetizers and we made use of those cool white couches and big blue pillows. T and I were running around being photo'd and were just settling in when my daughter whispers to me, Mom, there's circus people hiding in the bushes staring at us! Oh yea!!! Wow, I had almost forgotten this part of the day! We had decided on a drum and fire show to entertain us during cocktail hour. So, now it's just past 5 and the sun is starting to set and the timing could not have been more perfect. This group saunters over in front of us and starts setting up. Our guests are all looking around like, huh? What's going on? This was way cool, we had told NO one about this.... I think they really loved it, I know I did!

It starts with this guy calling our attention:
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-209.jpg?t=1305304189

And the entertainment begins:
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-212.jpg?t=1305304189

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-213.jpg?t=1305304189

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-214.jpg?t=1305304189

My reaction to some of her positions:
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-216.jpg?t=1305304703

This guy was way cool, he had 3 clear orbs that he kind of juggled:
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-218.jpg?t=1305304703

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-220.jpg?t=1305304703

All the while, there was chanting and drumming in the background.

Then the fire part began:
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-228.jpg?t=1305304703

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-233.jpg?t=1305304703

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-234.jpg?t=1305304703

Another interesting position and that's all I'm going to say about that:
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-236.jpg?t=1305304703

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-237.jpg?t=1305304703

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-239.jpg?t=1305304703

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-240.jpg?t=1305304933

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-242.jpg?t=1305304933

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-243.jpg?t=1305304933

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-246.jpg?t=1305304933

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-250.jpg?t=1305304933

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-251.jpg?t=1305304933

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Our%20Wedding%20Photographers%20Pics/TomandSue-255.jpg?t=1305304933

With the fire show over and the cocktails gone... it's time to mosey down to OM. Everyone gathers themselves and we start our stroll down the beach. Gonna post this and add to it so I don't lose these pics!! :)

joshsgirl

13th May 2011, 11:08 AM

Holy expletive bleep bleep bleep to the freaking bleep! UH MAZE ING! Gorgeous! I want to have a wedding in Tulum now! AWESOME!

Mas por favor!

beachreader

13th May 2011, 12:11 PM

Wow! Great timing for the fire guys, love the heart!

Westybchbum

13th May 2011, 01:17 PM

Let's start this thread out with our fave dog, Polly as seen in Solbound's TR, she was everywhere! Including walking down the beach with us to OM:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%203-30%20and%204-1/DSC_0921.jpg?t=1305310581

There is not much more story to tell my friends. We ended our day in the most perfect way. At OM.

I will post this as we didn't get great photos at dinner, but wanted you to see that Angelo did such an AMAZING job. These flowers were all down the table, simple and very elegant and ironically the same flowers we threw into the ocean for good luck earlier. Minnie, do you know what they are called? I LOVED them:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%203-30%20and%204-1/DSC_0924.jpg?t=1305310581

Our main man:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%203-30%20and%204-1/DSC_0925.jpg?t=1305310581

Since no one was apparently in photo taking mode (we only used the photographer for the ceremony) we kinda slid here. But since you've all been so kind to follow along, I guess I'll revert to my story telling.

Ya know, when you have a party bunch to begin with and then you add to it the fact that no one has to drive, well you can do the math. It made for a VERY fun night and I'm certain you will see the light going out in many people's eyes by the end lol. OMG did we have fun. We started with Kaipiroskas a vodka based mojito kind of drink. Angelo had suggested we pick something to have on the table so people wouldn't be waiting for drinks. That man knows is stuff I tell ya.

In any case, we were all just thoroughly enjoying each other, the company, the weather, the venue. We started with a light citrus salad and then followed with an appetizer portion of homemade pasta in garlic and oil. Christian outdid himself. (hence my earlier comment regarding Posada Margherita and I'll just leave it at that) We offered two choices of dinners; glazed pork chop with garlic creamed potatoes, or fish filet verazcrusana with crispy rice. They were outstanding and our guests were very pleased. Here are two not so great photos but thanks to my cousin for being diligent when no one else was!

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Wedding%20day%20April%201%202011/IMG_0465.jpg?t=1305311687

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/suemiller11/Wedding%20day%20April%201%202011/IMG_0462.jpg?t=1305311687

Our favorite lady:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%203-30%20and%204-1/DSC_0931.jpg

Lots of laughter:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%203-30%20and%204-1/DSC_0936.jpg

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%203-30%20and%204-1/DSC_0933.jpg

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%203-30%20and%204-1/DSC_0940.jpg

Us taking a minute to take in the fact that we finally did it!! woohoo!
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%203-30%20and%204-1/DSC_0939.jpg

Boy, it's been 6 weeks since this day and I hope I'm not forgetting anything. At this point a leisurely dinner was enjoyed by all and we are ready to party. I hand Angelo my ipod, he moves the tables out of the back room in front of the bar and we moved there for dessert and dancing. And tequila. LOTS of tequila. It was a simple, private and fun evening and EXACTLY what we wanted.

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%203-30%20and%204-1/DSC_0942.jpg?t=1305311906

Not sure if you can see above in my sis in laws hand, her dessert plate. As you can see this was anything but traditional as far as weddings go. No garters, no throwing bouquets, no cake cutting. We did a chocolate mousse cake and fruit skewers in chocolate sauce. Oh yea. Again, Angelo's brilliance and Christian's skills.

Another dessert pic:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%203-30%20and%204-1/DSC_0944.jpg?t=1305311906

Me and the man, not my man, Angelo!:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%203-30%20and%204-1/DSC_0945.jpg?t=1305311906

I just LOVED that he partied with us, he really made the night fun, and I think he enjoyed himself just a bit:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%203-30%20and%204-1/DSC_0948.jpg?t=1305311906

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%203-30%20and%204-1/DSC_0949.jpg?t=1305311906

The lights going out in the groom's eyes already lol:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%203-30%20and%204-1/DSC_0954.jpg?t=1305312279

So, things are just getting rolling, people are starting to dance, and out of nowhere comes a VERY special wedding present. Guylene came and did a dance for us!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She is so special and so sweet, we can't thank her enough for being a part of this day:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%203-30%20and%204-1/DSC_0958.jpg?t=1305312279

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%203-30%20and%204-1/DSC_0959.jpg?t=1305312279

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%203-30%20and%204-1/DSC_0960.jpg?t=1305312279

I don't know what I liked most, the dance, her shoes, her makeup, her dress or her jewelry! I loved it ALL!!!
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%203-30%20and%204-1/DSC_0961.jpg?t=1305312279

Of course, things took a turn when my brother thought he should hand Tom the palms and let him try the dance:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%203-30%20and%204-1/DSC_0971.jpg?t=1305312429

I don't think he appreciated us laughing at him, OMG but was he funny:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%203-30%20and%204-1/DSC_0972.jpg?t=1305312429

And fun pics, these photos always seem like a good idea at the time but after the fact.... well.... one wonders....:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%203-30%20and%204-1/DSC_0979.jpg?t=1305312429

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%203-30%20and%204-1/DSC_0983.jpg?t=1305312429

So, "I'll Be" by Edwin McCain comes on and Angelo decided we had to play it twice. Everyone danced around us, it was way cool:

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%203-30%20and%204-1/DSC_0991.jpg?t=1305312576

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%203-30%20and%204-1/DSC_0995.jpg?t=1305312576

Now random... My favorite Chef (he's not hard to look at either!)
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%203-30%20and%204-1/DSC_1013.jpg?t=1305312827

These guys made our night, LOVE them:
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%203-30%20and%204-1/DSC_1014.jpg?t=1305312827

The entire staff with Angelo could not have been greater. They had fun with us and at the same time made sure we were well taken care of. My mother needed a ride at one point and they would not call a cab. Instead the manager insisted on driving her himself and would not take one peso. Just awesome, awesome sweet people here I tell you.

We had this whole room to ourselves for hours and as you can see, really made the most of it. To this day our guests tell us all the time they want to go back and how much fun they had. We couldn't have asked for more from the weather to the great guests, to the Tulum friends that made it so special- Guylene and Margo, Angelo and Ricardo. We are truly blessed.

If you've ever seen Tom and Angelo get together, well, there are usually a few empty tequila bottle but I think my groom had fun, don't you?
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%203-30%20and%204-1/DSC_1016.jpg?t=1305312827

I guess I did too ;)
http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%203-30%20and%204-1/DSC_1018.jpg?t=1305312827

This TR has come to a very quick end my friends. Much like a wedding day, it is over much too quickly. Thank you for sharing in our happiness and for all of your friendship and support, it really made our entire "wedding 2 weeks" remarkably special and truly unforgettable.

I will leave you with what we woke to our first day as a married couple:

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n616/werner_tom/Tulum%20Wedding%203-30%20and%204-1/DSC_1043.jpg?t=1305313121

Peace mis amigos y amigas. XO from Westy and TyT. :wave: