Cancun, Mexico

Wednesday, December 12, 2007 (Ron)

As usual we had to get up way early to make our 6:30am flight. Everything was packed and in the van last night so just a few last-minute things to do, say good-by to the ‘kids’, and we’re on our way. It’s cold! Around freezing, but we are headed south. It’s all good.

We’re flying Portland to Dallas, forty minute layover, then on to Cancun. Coming in to Dallas (a very busy airport) it was totally foggy – we could barely see past the wing tips. I got to wondering how many other planes were flying around in this fog and how close they might be and what our pilot’s reaction time might be in an emergency. Just before we landed the fog cleared and everything was cool.

The second leg of the flight was over quickly and before long we were landing in what appeared to be a tropical forest. Sure hope there’s a landing strip under the plane. Turned out there was. We got our bags (three large checked bags plus the four carry-ons) and loaded them onto two carts. We pushed our loaded-down carts to the Customs line. It moved pretty fast and soon we were almost to the front. When you go thru Customs each person has to push a button and you either get a green light or a red light. Green light means go on thru. Red light means stop while we search thru all of your bags. I noticed that the line we were in, several people in a row got a red light. That’s good for us, because you seldom see a red light and they were getting them all used up before we got up there. Then the next few people got the red light as well. Everybody in this line is getting the red light. Pat and I got up there and I got the red light. Pat, right behind me, got the red light too. So we put our bags (all seven of them) up on the table and they searched thru them. No contraband of any kind except for two bananas that Pat was trying to smuggle into the country. She had to throw them in the trash and they sent us on our way.

The driver from the resort met us outside the airport and took us to Laguna Suites resort. Check-in was quick and we were taken to our room, suite uno, dos, tres. One twenty-three, ground level, right by the pool and not far from the bar/restaurant. Nice resort, very small – only thirty two units. So there are no crowds, very quiet and relaxing.

The condo is nice, plenty of room for two people and lots of storage for clothes and stuff. We didn’t unpack everything but we did get settled in and relaxed for a while inside, then went out and laid by the pool and had a couple of beers each. This resort is all-inclusive so all drinks and meals are free (or at least pre-paid). That’s a great deal for us, but the beers are served in a small glass so two beers here are equal to about one bottle or can. Still, the price is right, the location is great, and the weather is beautiful. Hard to beat!

After finishing our drinks we went to the restaurant for dinner. Pat had fish and I had fish. Prepared differently, but both were presented well and tasted very good. Again free.

I don’t remember where I initially heard about this whole deal, but it was not something that filled me with confidence. Five days, four nights in Cancun at an all-inclusive resort. Free condo, free meals, free drinks. All we had to do was attend a short sales presentation. I was prepared for something much worse, but right now it’s looking pretty good.

After dinner we went back to our suite, relaxed just a little, and got to bed early – about 9:30pm. Long day but a wonderful finish.