RE: Post Your Vacation Story and get a LG 2012 commemorative cooler
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RE: Post Your Vacation Story and get a LG 2012 commemor... - 5/16/2012 11:31:26 AM
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greenga
Posts: 4225
Joined: 11/3/2008
From: ~ Colorado ~
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I don't need the cooler ~ I have a very special one already  ... just want to join in the fun thread .... below is an excerpt from Edd y greenga's first trip report and trip together while being recently engaged at the time. Even though every time we go down now, it's new and wonderful in it's own ways, there's just something about the very first time you go down there, words fall short of expressing! ~ sweet sigh ~
Legend: Edd {greenga}
Subject: Day 5 {a day of many firsts}
The wind had picked up a bit so, rather than push our luck snorkeling in the bay, we headed down to the naturally beautiful beaches of Tulum. My amateur status as a photogragher was again demonstrated as I tried to capture greenga also in her natural state. Here you can just see her head on the right side. {I'm just letting him talk here and have his fun looks like two heads out there to me Edd}
While here you can get a better view...if she wasn't so far away.
Suffice it to say, if you've seen the movie "10" with Bo Derek running down the beach, that was my greenga that day (sans suit of course). In the interests of accurate LG trip reporting, I'll try to enroll in that photography course that I've been meaning to take... before the next trip! We really did swim sans suits and, as we were swimming, a warm tropical rain started and drove everyone off the beach. As we were already wet, there wasn't much to do except stay and witness one of the most beautiful rainbows to have ever graced the Tulum area. Amazing, simply amazing and indelibly inked in our memories.
{a more accurate version ~ I was awe struck by the smooth white sand and the most amazing ocean with it's changing colors...remember I'm not used to the ocean, so it was a thrill to go out into the waves with Edd. He taught me how to ride them (is the what you call it?) and we had so much fun. Hardly anyone was on the beach at that point. He took his trunks off in the water so I bravely (and to shock him) took my top off too. Remember I said it was a day of firsts....never thought I'd do such a thing but it was liberating! He helped tug off the bottoms so yes ~ we were both sans-clothes....and laughing the whole time. All of a sudden some man started coming out into the water walking our way and I'm scrambling to put things back on...a wet suit in waves with a storm blowing in is not an easy thing to put on fast...then I noticed I'd put the bottoms on wrong because the tag was on the side so I had to do it over again...one of the most fun times I've ever had and I believe not only did I fall in love with a most beautiful beach and ocean...I fell more in love with Edd. The memory will be etched in my mind and heart forever. And yes, a full rainbow appeared just for us ~ sigh}
< Message edited by greenga -- 5/16/2012 11:32:46 AM >
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RE: Post Your Vacation Story and get a LG 2012 commemor... - 5/24/2012 10:32:24 PM
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Gem
Posts: 2331
Joined: 2/20/2005
From: ~~Coal Valley, Illinois~~
Status: offline
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wow...I posted "a little bit of Mexico" when we got home...hope this gets Tatt & I a new cooler...we still have the orignal white one but would love to have the new one...
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RE: Post Your Vacation Story and get a LG 2012 commemor... - 5/29/2012 9:25:16 PM
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elletek
Posts: 434
Joined: 4/27/2010
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I posted a short report of my recent trip to ABR with photos hoping to receive a new cooler, running out of space on the old cooler.
http://forums.locogringo.com/forums/tm.asp?m=1472611&mpage=1&key=�
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http://www.seashepherd.org/
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RE: Post Your Vacation Story and get a LG 2012 commemor... - 6/4/2012 5:25:50 PM
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turtlelovefromCO
Posts: 1
Joined: 6/4/2012
From: outside Denver, Colorado
Status: offline
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Hi all,
This is my very first post on the site, but as I am doing pounds and pounds of laundry today after our return last night, I was nostalgic and thought I would finally join the site! We just spent 8 days in Soliman Bay and stayed at Villa Marcaribe. The house is almost as much of a paradise as the beach and views from it. My husband, our two children (ages 3 and 6), and my parents spent most of our days under the beach palapas and the house's glorious pool. We took the canoe out into the bay several times for snorkeling. We found the buoy out by the breakers to tie up, and that's where the real snorkeling is. It is like an aquarium out there! We also saw a large ray on our paddle out during our last round. My husband and I made a couple trips to cenotes: the one across from Casa Cenote and Grande Cenote on the road to the west of Tulum. Very different and both very worthwhile. We would like to do more cenotes next trip. We didn't make it to CEA for the night time turtle walk this trip, so that goes on next trip's list, too. Seemed we had alternating days of rain last week, but usually at least several hours of sun each day. This was our first time to rent a house in the Yucatan (did outside Puerto Vallarta last June), and it was a very easy experience from car rental with Easyway, grocery shopping in Tulum, and even buying fresh fish at the pescaderia in el centro del Tulum. We loved the area so much that we are thinking about a return trip later in the year!
< Message edited by turtlelovefromCO -- 6/4/2012 5:56:47 PM >
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RE: Post Your Vacation Story and get a LG 2012 commemor... - 6/29/2012 1:29:21 AM
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jim700
Posts: 38
Joined: 5/31/2012
Status: offline
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My wife and I had made our first trip to QR in 1981. Went to Merida, rented a VW and self-toured all the ruins. Then went to Fiesta Americana in Cancun to stay (3 stories, no elevator or neighbors). Visited Tulum, Isla Mujres and Xal Ha. A lot has changed since then.
We started this self directed trip plan June 1 and using LG forum found ABR as a perfect fit for our preferences of beach front, palapa, and snorkeling. The size and simplicity of the resort fit our style. Using the resort rates we focused on the low season (ending 6/30) for our 7 day stay. Next was the air using Citi thank you points. Aero Mexico was the most economical and the flight got us to the resort at about 2:00 AM. I made room reservations directly with the hotel (no charges until a few days of arrival). The air was booked to leave 6/18 and return 6/26.
We left LAX to MEX and went thru customs in about 45 min. Had to wait a few hours for the flight to CUN and had dinner at TGI Fridays. Arrived at CUN and Cancun Shuttle (internet reservation) was waiting for us at 12:30 AM. Drive time to ABR was about 70 min. The desk was open and found a room for us to get some rest (our check in time was 3:00 PM that day). In the morning we got our permanent beach front room on the third floor of Bldg. 7 (746). We agreed for an extra day charge for the room which was reasonable as a balance to free airfare.
The room was adequate – flat screen TV, mattress topper as requested (made a difference compared to the first night), water pressure and temps good, and AC was quiet and good. Ocean view was excellent. There was no noise from the resort activities. Minimal hall noise from vacationers (no partiers). Saw the NBA finals in Spanish on TV.
Used the buffet for breakfast and lunch. Always some good fresh fruit and salad fixings (not as many compared to a larger resort, but adequate and fresh. The tomatoes were always the best. The omlet station, bacon or sausage, toast (real toaster) were my choices for breakfast. There was a Yogurt station, cold cereal choices, oatmeal, hash brown potatoes, pancakes and French toast also available. Lunch always had chicken, fish and maybe some beef/pork entrée with veggies. Chips and quacamole never ran out. Pasta/pizza was always available at a station. The snack bar had hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, chips and guac. A cup of ice cream was available at the drink side of the snack bar.
We had dinner at the al a carte three nights – one Italian, 2 Mexican. The menu is not repeated, but simple entrée 1 or 2 (4 courses). The service was excellent and food good (only had 1 course that was not to my liking). The soups were excellent. This was a good break from the buffet and we enjoyed the service. Reservations are made at the towel exchange at about 9:30 AM each day. Was shut out one day when they moved to the special dining area next to the buffet (less seating area). The bars we never very busy. Always had good service any time (after 6 only 1 open).
Our palapa of choice was the southernmost for the resort in front of our room. Used Buba mugs for cold beverages and we were good until the next meal. We only went into the water to snorkel. Most of the time was spent either reading or walking along the beach to the town or other direction looking for sea shells (not a strong point for this area). The best snorkling water entrance is in front of moonrise- leave your land stuff on a lounger. Some coral with lots of fish are in front of the resort - turtles, sting rays and other larger fish are towards town (minimal wave action from the snack bar to Akumal). Enjoy the sight. The turtles arrived late at night and we could count at least three nests each morning in front of bldgs. 6 and 7 on our walk to breakfast. Never used the pool or went to any of the entertainment shows (our preference). A short visit to CEA in Akumal is worth the 20 min. They organize night turtle walks that you can sign up for. Debbie allowed us to play a Mexican Train game one afternoon to stay out of the rain.
Check out was simple – had to pay the $35 for Wifi (good, reliable and fast) requested. There are two free internet terminals in the lobby that were not very busy if you need simple email etc. access. Arrived at CUN checked bags and had some lunch at Buba Gumps. The AM plane was about 1 hr and 20 late, but not an issue for our flights. We arrived in MEX a day after the shooting deaths of two federal drug officers in terminal 2 (our terminal) that occurred in the nonsecure food court area. Appeared to be a greater presence of federal police in the terminal and roads. Arrived in LAX from Guadalahara on time and picked up our car and arrived home at 1:30 AM. Great resort and will return.
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bprnek
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RE: Post Your Vacation Story and get a LG 2012 commemor... - 11/21/2012 6:48:11 AM
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LeeLee
Posts: 23
Joined: 11/20/2012
From: Minnesota
Status: offline
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We visited the Playa del Carmen area for the third time in March 2012. We truly have enjoyed the beautiful beach and turquoise waters in this area. A typical day begins with waking up early to watch the sunrise and a long walk along the beach with a large cup of coffee, then staking a claim on our choice spot under a palapa. Breakfast - with a bloody mary or mimosa, then off for some time under the palapa. When we start to think that we really should be doing something, it is time for a walk in to town. Explore the shops and bars...old favorites and explore what is new, maybe a light lunch of tacos, then walk back along the beach. More time under the palapa intermingled with dips into the sea; then off to the pool bar for a few cervezas and/or blender drinks. Some days, we may include an activity like snorkeling, parasailing, a massage or sightseeing... but most of the time is spent with no set plan except relaxing. After a day of fun in the  , it is time to refresh for dinner and whatever entertainment we choose for the evening - maybe the show, dancing, drinks in the lounge, or back to the palapa to watch the sea at night... it is all good! The weather has always been wonderful - this is paradise.
I truly enjoy the planning, research and preparation for our trips. Then actually being on vacation is absolutely fantastic. The time goes by way too fast and the last day arrrives, which makes me sad that it has gone by so quickly. We can relive the dream back home every time we look back at all of the great pictures and start planning for the next trip!  We return again to the Playacar area in February 2013; this time we are planning adventures at Xel-Ha, a trip to Tulum and investigating the area south of Playacar. I look forward to receiving the cooler to bring along on the trip. The Akumal area may be our destination for 2014...please share your recommendations for an all-inclusive resort!
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RE: Post Your Vacation Story and get a LG 2012 commemor... - 12/2/2012 9:21:32 AM
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db
Posts: 11
Joined: 10/27/2004
Status: offline
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Been going to the RM since the 1980's. It is the one place that really feels like home. Those were the days of PDC being a town of dirt roads, 5th ave was not an avenue at all, and there were no all inclusives except in Cancun. My fondest memories are of learning to scuba dive in Pamul with Lester as my instructor.....learned from the best IMHO. The first time underwater was surreal. I had always snorkled and loved it but this took it all to the next level. For a while there I was travelling down to the RM almost 4 times a year......
Now a days we settle for once a year between our birthdays....to celebrate. Our favorite spots (no surprise) is snorkeling on the beach in Akumal. One of the trips we took the night walk with the turtle rescue center to observe the turtles laying eggs. It was one of the best experiences to watch these giant mommas dig their nest, drop hundreds of eggs, cover the nest and then make the slow trip back out to sea.....just priceless!
Heading back that way for a quick weekend trip in 2 weeks.......while we are staying closer to the airport because time is short......I've been thinking about taking a collectivo down to Akumal
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DB
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RE: Post Your Vacation Story and get a LG 2012 commemor... - 12/11/2012 11:53:33 PM
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marynot
Posts: 46
Joined: 1/18/2010
From: BC, Canada
Status: offline
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It was on our second or third trip that we found Akumal Bay, believe it or not we had actually been to Yal-ku and missed the beaches. Our first trip was in 2007 for our 25th wedding anniversary, booked on Friday, drove 500 miles on Saturday to get to Vancouver, flew out very early Sunday morning. It was the most amazing trip, although we hardly ventured off the GBPC resort, we were very unprepared newbies. Now Akumal Bay is the place we visit the first day we wake up in the Mayan. Must say that the sidewalk from the highway in to Akumal seems sadly straighter every visit, maybe it's my imagination?
In September 2011, our 5th trip into the Mayan we were off our resort exploring every day...except the day I had a filling replaced using the resort dentist...trip was a little painful but would not have changed a thing...well yeah would have skipped the toothache. It was a windy week so snorkeling was not the best, water was really stirred up but then on the Friday Sept 9th, we woke up to calm water! We packed our snorkeling gear, had breakfast, hit the highway, colectivo, Akumal Bay! We spent the entire day snorkeling, had lunch at the beach bar, amazing fish tacos and refreshments, lol. Then back out to the still calm water, what a day. Back to GBP, thought I should check my email...several messages from my daughter and son in law to call them! Wonderful news, our Grandson was born that day & it was my birthday too. The previous year we had a wonderful trip with them, what a place to share! We look forward to bringing our grandson with us in the future. With the news of our grandson I'll admit that it was the only trip where we could not wait to get home, September 11th the three of them met us at the airport!
So next month, my BF from elementary school and myself are doing a ladies trip, can not wait to show her paradise! Hoping she will enjoy snorkeling as much as I do, if not I know she loves the beach.
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Mary
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RE: Post Your Vacation Story and get a LG 2012 commemor... - 12/30/2012 3:13:12 PM
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Monabear
Posts: 1
Joined: 12/29/2012
Status: offline
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Stayed a week in Akumal at Casa Tranquilidad. Amazing. Snorkled at Yal Ku and the beach with tourtugas and beautiful fish. Took leisurely walks and ate delisious food. Napped a little, shopped a little and smiled a lot. Thank you LocoGringo and Tranquilidad for making this trip a spectacular event.
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RE: Post Your Vacation Story and get a LG 2012 commemor... - 1/12/2013 12:09:42 PM
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MissingMexico
Posts: 137
Joined: 8/28/2005
From: Winnterpeg, Manisnowba, Canada
Status: offline
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Just returned from Grand Sirenis and posted a trip report but two other moments stand out as my favs.
First trip to Akumal in 2005 we took the catamaran ride from the dive shop in Akumal. The captain headed north then to the bay that Grand Sirenis is built on now. The beach was empty and surrounded by beautful jungle. We unloaded and snorkled, swam, walked the beach, and soaked up the sun.
The crew prepared our lunch of ceviche, salsa, tacos and freshly pan-fried fish. I think that was the best fish I have tasted in my life!!! The ceviche was awesome as well. Ate till I thought I'd sink even in the salt water! Moment #1 for me.
Second moment that stands out was a trip we took with the kids and went to Xcaret. What a beautiful and wonderful way to spend a day (probably two if you really want to do EVERYTHING). Kids were enjoying themselves thoroughly and as parents that made our experience all the more rewarding.
Well, as we're walking along a path, we all hear a loud 'cough'. The hair on the back of our necks stood up but we followed the sound anyway. We found an open air enclosure with a black and a spotted leopard in it. Standing to watch the beautiful cats we heard the black leopard let out a chuff (at least that's what I think it might be called) sound and we all had the same thought. If we were actually in the jungle that sound would mean LUNCH. I turned at looked at my hubby and said "If I ever heard that in the wild it would be time to coat myself in BBQ sauce and just hope it was over quick!" It was such a beautiful and yet primitive sound. Can still hear it as I talk about it!
Ahhh..... Mexico!
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ABR 1/05, 1/07, 1/09, 2/11
Antigua 2/10, Grand Sirenis 11/12, Turks&Caicos 2/13
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RE: Post Your Vacation Story and get a LG 2012 commemor... - 3/17/2013 2:48:08 PM
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CLK51
Posts: 3
Status: offline
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Did I post my trip report for Dreams Tulum in the correct thread? How do we go about getting a cooler? Thanks!
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RE: Post Your Vacation Story and get a LG 2012 commemor... - 3/25/2013 6:20:25 AM
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Happycamp01
Posts: 27
Joined: 7/18/2009
From: Waynetown Indiana
Status: offline
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May of 2012 we went on our 4th trip to the Rivieria Maya area. We spent 9 wonderful nights at Dreams Tulum. Beautiful resort with some decent snorkeling off the beach. Great food and fun entertainment staff. We visited the Tulum ruins and spent a day at a beach club at Tulum. My favorite day we spent snorkeling at Akumal Bay and Yal-ku lagoon. It was our first visit to Yal-Ku and it was amazing!! We finished up with dinner and drinks at La Buena Vida. It was a perfect day. Every trip we visit Akumal at least once to snorkel the bay to see the turtles, and it is always the best part of the trip!
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