Mexico - Mayan's World

What's a milestone birthday if can't make it memorable one. In that quest I chose Mexico to celebrate my 35th birthday. I know, 35th is really not a milestone birthday. But, I sure did make it memorable enough to make it a milestone :)

Total No. of days: 3 days and 4 nights
Time of Year: March (2012)
Weather: Sunny mornings and slightly cool nights.
Destinations in Mexico: Cancun and Yucatan
Travelling From: Seattle (USA)
Commuting in Mexico: Tour bus and Resort bus
Visa: Required for Indian Citizens. It was easy since we had an embassy in Seattle. We went in person and got back our passports in 2 days.

The idea was to just "RELAX", enjoy the sea, sand and sexy weather.

While at it we also wanted to pay a visit to the archaeological site of the Chichén Itzá (600 AD) located in the Mexican state of Yucatán.

We stayed at the Royal Solaris Resort in Cancun on an ALL INCLUSIVE Package. Vegetarian food was sparse, but we were happy to live on Bread, Soft Tacos, Salads, Chips, Dips, Salsa, Juices and Desserts

The perks of "All Inclusive" package was that food and drinks was always at our disposal anywhere within the resort. All we had to do was show them our colored band. The receptionists tags at the concierge when we check in. They have different colors depending on what package you choose and accordingly you will be charged or not charged for food, drinks and activities on the resort.

The resort had many restaurants one of it served Buffet style. The chefs at the a la carte styled restaurants were extremely caring and paid needed attention to honor our vegetarian food habits. The willingness to work with our constraints and the hospitality made us one happy customer.

There was one fine dining restaurant where we had my birthday dinner. My husband was kind and thoughtful enough to sneak away and talk to the chefs at the fine dine restaurant and arranged for them to make a bday cake. I was deliriously happy with the surprise when the restaurant staff brought the cake and sang for me.

We took a sea view room and woke up to see the beautiful sunrise and at starry night the lullabies of the sea waves would put us to sleep. The resort had several activities for all age groups and they indeed strive to keep all their guests entertained.

We had booked on a tour to go see the Chichen Itza. We had a pickup and drop off arranged from our hotel by the tour people. Lunch was included in the tour (which also had entertainment).

Mayan Lady making corn tortillas the traditional way.

I seized my trip with a rejuvenating massage and facial at the resort. I thoroughly had the time of my life for sure. There was nothing that I could say was dissatisfactory.

More pictures here.

Note: I read that Chichen Itza is accounted under the "New 7 wonders of the world".

Sperlonga

Coastal View

It's a small coastal town. It was a fantastic surprise how quiet and cosy and beechy it was. Most people chose Amalfi coast for the coastal experience in Italy. When we planned out the trip I went to Italy map and started to spot pick the coastal towns. I couldn't exactly find much reviews for Sperlonga but whatever was there it was good enough for us to take the risk and it paid off very well. Besides we wanted to have something to talk about our trip that others may not have experienced in Italy so commonly. This is a good place where at you can end your vacation. The beach was enticing. The breeze and sound of waves will just make you feel like you got an oxygen treatment for your lungs. I and my son freaked out in the waters. We  didn't want to end. 

Coastal View, You can choose to see the crowd or its beauty 

Recommendations, Suggestions and Tips:

• Travelling to Sperlonga may be a little tricky/cumbersome/annoying if you are going to take the public transport. But its all worth it. The bus service from the Metro station to the town runs at the frequency of per hour. You literally have to use the push and shove technique to get in the bus. It was kind of fun though if you have a gang of folks helping and covering for you. If you can rent a car to drive from Rome, that would be a better choice. 
• The beach does have rocky areas in some spots but there were plenty of perfectly sandy areas too. 
• You will have to pay to rent a chair (recline) or umbrella.
• Lots of sunscreen is a must. 
• Our hotel (Hotel Ganimede) was not on the shore, but it was THE BEST, LUXURIOUS, CLEAN and EXTREMELY MODERN one. Large breakfast bar, they have room service, best shower with bath robes and all. Not one thing to complain. The ONLY hotel in our whole time in Italy we actually enjoyed staying. No, I am not paid for my recommendation.  
• There is a church/cathedral at the top of the hill near the beach. An evening walk with loved ones or just by yourself - through the town, up some incline and stairs you will end up with the best moment of your day or even your trip. Pictures speak a thousand words!

They call it the entrance to the beach. Love the colors in the water.

We loved the walk up the hill to the church/cathedral. 

View of the dock enroute to cathedral at the top of the hill

Other side of the dock (which is split by this rocky wall) is a calm place drown yourself in the view

Occasionally take the splashing showers

Sunset that we captured from top of the hill

The stairs that take you to the church on the hill is quite a workout

Something for the kids too

Night view of the promenade

Devouring Tiramisu

I couldn't resist putting pics of our hotel - Lobby 

Backside of our hotel room

The best moment of our trip captured for ever