July 2009

Dealing with the Swine Flu – Thursday, July 30, 2009

by dlcasas on July 31, 2009

7-24-09 Dianne, Antonio, Eliana & Soleil with Tulum Mayan Dancers

7-24-09 Dianne, Antonio, Eliana & Soleil with Tulum Mayan Dancers in Mexico

Friends:

It was supposed to be an idyllic family vacation in Cancun, Mexico. Turquoise waters. Sugar sands. Mayan Ruins. Fun in the Caribbean sun. And it was. Until we got home.

7-25-09 Soleil and Eliana being goofy in the hotel room on our last night in Cancun

7-25-09 Soleil and Eliana being goofy in the hotel room on our last night in Cancun

Our family (my husband, our 19 year old daughter, Soleil, our 9 year old daughter, Eliana, and I) vacationed in Cancun, Mexico from July 20-26, 2009 at Dreams Resort & Spa. On the last day we were there, Soleil didn’t feel well and stayed in bed while we went to Mercado 28 downtown and took a last dip at the beach. Before we left, Soleil asked if she could see the resort’s doctor but there was no time. We had a flight to catch.

7-26-09 Last day in Cancun, view from Dreams Spa & Resort hotel room balcony

7-26-09 Last day in Cancun, view from Dreams Spa & Resort hotel room balcony

We arrived home late Sunday night, July 26. Soleil went to work late on Monday. By Monday evening, she was complaining of a sore throat and asking for tea. She went to work on Tuesday but later that night, she began coughing and sneezing. She felt so bad that she decided not to go to work on Wednesday. By this time, her nose was dripping and we thought she had a really bad cold. She took over the counter medication, which provided little relief.

On Thursday morning (July 30), she barely had any voice. When I looked at her, she was flush. I touched her skin and she was burning up. When I took her temperature, she was running 102.5 F fever. She didn’t want to eat the soup I made for her and complained of achiness and chills. I was alarmed but I didn’t want to jump to conclusions. Still, my mind wandered… “We did just return from Mexico. She has all the flu symptoms.” I called the doctor’s office and talked to a nurse who advised me to bring her in right away.

So, of course, I did. While waiting for the doctor, she had uncontrollable chills and was still burning up. She wanted nothing more than to lie down. After a long wait at the “Urgent Care,” they finally called her name.

The doctor swabbed her nostrils and said she tested positive for Influenza A – H1N1, commonly referred to as the “swine flu.” Concerned about pneumonia, he took chest x-rays, which fortunately showed no signs of pneumonia. The doctor prescribed her Tamiflu, Ibuprofen 600 for the headache and aches, and Robitussin with codeine for her cough and mucus build-up. We were also given a “Swine Influenza” information sheet.

7-30-09 Soleil's Influenza A - H1N1 medications

7-30-09 Soleil's Influenza A - H1N1 medications

After filling her prescriptions at our Neighborhood Wal-Mart, we went home where she promptly crawled into bed. Unfortunately, Soleil has to be quarantined. If she comes into the common areas of the house, she has to wear a mask. I am supposed to wear a mask when I enter her room. Because she is quarantined, I have to wait on her hand and foot. This, I don’t mind. I am her mother. That’s what mothers do… We take care of our children and we pray for their speedy recovery.

We had to send our 9 year old daughter, Eliana, away to stay with my mom. She is young and we wanted to minimize her exposure to the illness. This, I mind. She’s starting school soon and I am sad that I don’t get to spend as much time with her.

The swine flu is a costly illness. Soleil is missing a lot of work. Since she is a student worker, she does not get paid for the days she does not work. She has no “sick leave.” The doctor visit included the H1N1 swab, x-rays, and medication administered on-site. That will no doubt cost a pretty penny. Tamiflu is not cheap either. Fortunately, we have health insurance but all these costs add up and we pay for it, one way or another.

The good news is that Soleil seems to be responding well to the medications. Earlier today, she was listless and exhausted. This evening, she was sitting up in bed, asking for orange juice. She has been drinking a ton of water so dehydration shouldn’t be an issue.

When we booked our vacation, our resort promised a “swine-flu free guarantee” or they would give guests three free vacations. It is even advertised on the hotel’s Facebook page. As soon as we arrived home from the doctor, I wrote a letter, attached a photo of Soleil’s prescriptions, and emailed it to their customer service department. It will be interesting to see how they respond in the face of a claim. I will let you know how all this works out… Of course, I wouldn’t trade three free vacations for my daughter’s health any day. Her well-being is tantamount. But I do hope the hotel follows through with their guarantee as a show of good faith. One of the reasons we chose that hotel was because of that guarantee. We postponed our family vacation from May because of the swine flu epidemic and U.S. travel advisories.

Thank you to everyone who sent their well-wishes. Soleil is strong and is already conquering this swine flu. It too will become yet another story in our lives…

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Craft: Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach Puppets

by dlcasas on July 28, 2009

Madame Poulet, Monsieur Roach & Friends puppets w Dianne

Madame Poulet, Monsieur Roach & Friends puppets w Dianne

Friends:

To accompany our newest book, Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach, Marita Gentry (illustrator) and I have created printable puppets you can use to enhance story time! Here is the link where you can print the puppets – http://www.storyconnection.net/?content=madamePoulet. The puppets came out so cute. Here are the instructions.

Madame Poulet & Monsieur Roach puppets (other roaches are hiding behind Madame Poulet's back)

Madame Poulet & Monsieur Roach puppets (other roaches are hiding behind Madame Poulet's back)

Madame Poulet chicken puppet

Materials:
Madame Poulet puppet pattern
http://www.storyconnection.net/?content=madamePoulet
Small paper plate
Jumbo craft stick
Construction paper in four colors

Directions:
Cut Madame Poulet from the pattern provided. Don’t forget her feet. Trace a child or adult’s hand on four different colored sheets of construction paper. Cut out the hands. Glue the chicken to the paper plate. Glue the jumbo craft stick to the back of the paper plate (bottom of the chicken). Glue the chicken feet to the bottom of the chicken. Position hands behind the chicken’s head and attach with glue, creating feathers. Done!

Madame Poulet, Monsieur Roach & Friends puppets

Madame Poulet, Monsieur Roach & Friends puppets

Monsieur Roach & Friends Puppets

Materials:
Monsieur Roach & Friends puppet pattern
http://www.storyconnection.net/?content=madamePoulet
Card stock
Black glove (you may use any inexpensive dark glove – gardening gloves work well)
Chenille sticks in blue, red, orange, yellow and green (2 sticks each color)
Hole punch
Hot glue

Directions:

Print out the roaches on card stock. Cut out the roaches. Punch holes where the dots indicate on each roach, being careful not to get too close to the edge of the roach. Create antennae, arms and legs, threading the chenille through the holes. Curl antennae by wrapping the chenille around your finger or a pencil. Hot glue roaches to the glove. The largest roach, Monsieur Roach, is blue and brown and should be glued to the thumb of the glove.

Alternatively, you may also glue each of the roaches to small craft sticks so that the roaches could be played by multiple children or adults.

Find the puppet script here!
http://www.storyconnection.net/activities/mpmr/MadamePoulet_MonsieurRoachPuppetTheaterScript.pdf

Watch the book trailer here!
http://www.storyconnection.net/?content=videos

As Monsieur Roach says, “Laissez les bon temps rouler! Let the good times roll!”

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Cancun, Mexico – Sunday, July 26, 2009

by dlcasas on July 27, 2009

7-26-09 Last day in Cancun, morning view from balcony

7-26-09 Last day in Cancun, morning view from balcony

Friends:

Sunday was our last day in Cancun. Soleil wasn’t feeling well so she stayed in bed while Antonio, Eliana and I headed to Mercado 28. The locals told us not to visit Coral Negro, a flea market within walking distance from the hotel because it had high prices because of its location in the hotel zone (Zona Hotelera).

7-26-09 Open air market - Mercado 28

7-26-09 Open air market - Mercado 28

Mercado 28 is a market located in the heart of downtown and has souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, and art offered at better prices because the locals shop there.

7-26-09 Jewelry at Mercado 28 at the Esmeralda Store

7-26-09 Jewelry at Mercado 28 at the Esmeralda Store

Antonio and I shopped for silver jewelry. While I wouldn’t say it was a steal, the prices were better than you can find in the United States. Antonio got a thick silver cross pendant on a masculine silver chain. The shop, Esmeralda, had a great shopkeeper and we haggled prices with him. Here, he holds a sculpture I covet (next time?!!). It is a Mayan warrior made of obsidian, silver, abalone and mother of pearl.

7-26-09 Shopkeeper of Esmeralda store with Mayan warrior sculpture

7-26-09 Shopkeeper of Esmeralda store with Mayan warrior sculpture

Antonio bought me an anniversary gift (August 7), an abalone and silver jewelry set with a pendant, chain, earrings & ring. The necklace is stunning – the Mexican sun with a silver crescent moon inside, overlapping a sea of abalone.

7-26-09 Dianne's Silver & Abalone jewelry

7-26-09 Dianne's Silver & Abalone jewelry

It has special meaning for me too. My name “Dianne” is derivative of “Diana,” the Roman goddess of the moon. “Soleil” means “Sun” in French and Eliana’s middle name is “Marisol,” which means “sunny seas.” So now I have a necklace that symbolizes all of us – the sun, the moon, and the seas. The ring is also gorgeous – so different! It reminds me of a peacock and I love how the abalone has all the colors of the Caribbean sea. Thank you, Antonio!

7-26-09 Mexican tapestry depicting Mayan life

7-26-09 Mexican tapestry depicting Mayan life

After the market, we decided to take one last dip in the Caribbean waters before we headed to the airport. As usual, the beach was divine. It’s just that our time was too short! I have to reiterate how splendid the beaches were. The sand was sugar fine and white. The waters gradated from sea green to turquoise to a majestic royal blue. My heart just felt so happy looking at the waters. The beach, the ocean, is my favorite place in the entire world.

7-26-09 Last day on the beach

7-26-09 Last day on the beach

Look at how picturesque this scene is!

7-26-09 Lifeguard stand on the beach

7-26-09 Lifeguard stand on the beach

Eliana and I left the beach but not before absorbing more of the balmy breezes and the stunning Caribbean views!

7-26-09 Goodbye beautiful beach

7-26-09 Goodbye beautiful beach

Here’s another look at the spectacular ocean view from our hotel grounds.

7-26-09 Hotel walkway along the Caribbean Sea

7-26-09 Hotel walkway along the Caribbean Sea

I stopped for my last photo in front of my perfect paradise…

7-26-09 Dianne's last picture in front of picturesque Caribbean waters

7-26-09 Dianne's last picture in front of picturesque Caribbean waters

I am golden brown now! But look at Eliana. She is really “morena.”

7-26-09 Eliana's last picture in front of Maya Riviera

7-26-09 Eliana's last picture in front of Maya Riviera

All good things must come to an end and so it was for us. It was time to say goodbye to Cancun, Mexico and the majestic Maya Riviera.

7-26-09 Goodbye Dreams Resort & Spa Cancun

7-26-09 Goodbye Dreams Resort & Spa Cancun

After flight delays in Cancun and Miami, we finally made it home. Travelers Tips: Do not pack candles in your carry-on. They are considered “liquids & gels” and will be confiscated. Our $25 layered sand & sea shell candle from Xcaret was confiscated and thrown away even though the airport sold the SAME EXACT candles in the gift shop inside the gate! Another tip: Do not take pictures inside U.S. Customs. TSA will take your camera and delete ALL photos on the camera. Apparently, it is a security breach. I didn’t know this and snapped this picture of Eliana before getting fussed at by a well-meaning TSA employee (who did not erase my pictures – TG!).

7-26-09 The forbidden picture inside TSA Customs

7-26-09 The forbidden picture inside TSA U.S. Customs

Cancun and the Maya Riviera was spectacular. I recommend visiting and staying at Dreams Resort & Spa Cancun. The level of service is phenomenal and all the restaurants serve great food. It was wonderful being served hand and foot on the beach by a waiter who constantly brought us drinks and food when we asked. You can eat poolside, barside, or beachside. And it’s all included! We had twice daily maid service with fresh towels and turn down service.

7-26-09 Under the straw palapa at the beach

7-26-09 Under the straw palapa at the beach

The attractions in the Maya Riviera were all worth the money. It’s a great place for couples, family and friends. Eat, drink and be merry… in paradise!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Cancun, Mexico – Saturday, July 25, 2009

by dlcasas on July 27, 2009

7-25-09 Cancun Day 5 view from balcony

7-25-09 Cancun Day 5 view from balcony

Friends:

Since we had been taking tours all week, we decided to “stay in” and enjoy the offerings of our hotel, Dreams Resort & Spa. We decided to go to the “deep” beach. Eliana and I wanted to collect sea shells so we brought our snorkel gear and wore our beach shoes. While the entrance to the water is a little rocky with shells and stones, it smooths out if you go out a little further. It was perfect for shallow snorkeling and shell collecting, especially for Eliana.

7-25-09 Eliana poses w snorkel gear

7-25-09 Eliana poses w snorkel gear

The water was so clear, it was like swimming in a pool. I am still in awe of the beauty of Caribbean water! Eliana loved snorkeling and stayed under a lot!

7-25-09 Eliana snorkeling

7-25-09 Eliana snorkeling

Soleil stayed mostly under a palapa because the day before, at Tulum, she burned under the scorching sun.

7-25-09 Straw palapas that line the beach

7-25-09 Straw palapas that line the beach

We met a nice family from Iowa and Eliana made a new friend!

7-25-09 Eliana makes a new friend - Erin from Iowa

7-25-09 Eliana makes a new friend - Erin from Iowa

Our hotel hosts many weddings. It’s a perfect location because of the majestic cliff views, the beach access (for the wedding reception), and the balmy, breezy weather. I wish I could get married again here! LOL

7-25-09 Gazebo on the cliff overlooking the ocean, set up for a wedding

7-25-09 Gazebo on the cliff overlooking the ocean, set up for a wedding

I loved the walk on the perimeter of our hotel, which is surrounded by water on three sides. The views are breathtaking!

7-25-09 Rocky cliff view

7-25-09 Rocky cliff view

There were even iguanas on the grounds of our resort. He sort of blends into the rocks.

7-25-09 Iguana on the hotel grounds

7-25-09 Iguana on the hotel grounds

Here I am, after a full day of fun in the Caribbean sun! (Warning: no makeup! LOL)

7-25-09 After a long day at the beach

7-25-09 After a long day at the beach

Because we are situated on Punta Cancun (Cancun Point), the resort has a lighthouse to warn the ships at night. Our lighthouse happens to be a pretty candy cane design.

7-25-09 Dreams Resort lighthouse

7-25-09 Dreams Resort lighthouse

Eliana and I have a cool souvenir – a sea urchin shell found on the beach (A kind woman found it and gave it to Eliana). It still has to be bleached and clean, to get rid of the fishy smell.

7-25-09 Sea Urchin found on the beach

7-25-09 Sea Urchin found on the beach

Take a look at our awesome treasures from under the sea. Wow! What a collection! We have sea shells, sea glass, stones, tile, coral, and even petrified wood. I can’t wait to display our treasures.

7-25-09 Our collection of sea shells & other underwater treasures

7-25-09 Our collection of sea shells & other underwater treasures

Here’s another pretty sunset in Cancun.

7-25-09 The sun sets over Dreams

7-25-09 The sun sets over Dreams

After our day at the beach, Eliana and Soleil ordered room service (24 hour room service is included in the price!) and watched a DVD (the hotel offers a collection of DVDs available free of charge) while Antonio and I dined at the Seaside Grill, an adult-only restaurant on the grounds at night.

7-25-09 Two goofy girls in the hotel room

7-25-09 Two goofy girls in the hotel room

It was our last night in this incredible Caribbean paradise. Sigh. But what a memorable vacation this has been!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Cancun, Mexico – Friday, July 24, 2009

by dlcasas on July 27, 2009

7-24-09 Cancun Day 4 View from balcony

7-24-09 Cancun Day 4 View from balcony

Friends:

On Friday, we took a tour of Tulum, Mayan ruins located on the coast of Quintana Roo, in the Maya Riviera. The ruins were breathtaking and the Mayan culture is so fascinating. When we arrived, we were greeted by Mayan dancers.

7-24-09 Tulum Mayan Dancers

7-24-09 Tulum Mayan Dancers

Eliana lead the way, entering the Tulum ruins…

7-24-09 Eliana at the entrance to the Tulum Ruins

7-24-09 Eliana at the entrance to the Tulum Ruins

Mayan cities were not built in square grids, like our cities today. They were built in an astrological pattern, following the constellations and positions of the sun and moon. On the solstice (June 21), the longest day of the year, the building below showcases the sun with a spectacular framing of the sun in its exact solstice position.

7-24-09 Spectacular Tulum Ruins

7-24-09 Spectacular Tulum Ruins

Here, an iguana suns himself on the stones of the ruins.

7-24-09 Iguana on the Tulum Ruins

7-24-09 Iguana on the Tulum Ruins

Our tour guide brought us to various points in the ruins, giving us the entire tour in Spanish. The cool thing is we understood nearly every word. The paths that wind around the ruins are white because the light of the moon would reflect upon the paths, providing illumination at night.

7-24-09 Close-up of Ruins

7-24-09 Close-up of Tulum Ruins

The city’s position along the coast allowed it a distinct tactical advantage. They would see anyone coming from the sea. When Spanish conquistadors tried to land at Tulum, they were unable to do so because of the great coral reef barrier that protects the coast. The coral reef that begins in Cancun and ends in Honduras extends some 700 miles and is the second largest coral reef barrier in the world, second to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

7-24-09 Breathtaking View from the cliff

7-24-09 Breathtaking View from the cliff

It was blazing hot at the ruins so we were excited to be able to go down to the beach and take a dip in the tantalizing Maya Riviera. Eliana even filmed a video clip for her website, ElianaCooks.com, on the cliffs overlooking the sea.

After filming Eliana’s video, we headed down the steep stairs to the beach.

7-24-09 The view of the Tulum beach

7-24-09 The view of the Tulum beach

We had to tread carefully. But it was worth the journey! The water felt amazing and the sand was sugary soft, packed hard beneath the waves with no rocks or seaweed present. Soleil said it felt like a floor beneath her feet.

7-24-09 Playing in the waters of Tulum

7-24-09 Playing in the waters of Tulum

To memorialize our visit, we bought Mayan jewelry made of silver and 18K gold. The jewelry artist personalized our pendants for us – a silver sun with a gold Mayan hieroglyph symbolizing the first letter of our name in the middle. Soleil, Eliana and I each got one.

7-24-09 Tulum Jewelry Artist making Mayan inspired jewelry

7-24-09 Tulum Jewelry Artist making Mayan inspired jewelry

I also bought a finger-painted scene of the Mayan ruins and the beach.

7-24-09 Artist fingerpainting Tulum scenes

7-24-09 Artist fingerpainting Tulum scenes

When we returned to our hotel, we decided to explore more. But first, we had to stop and see the dolphins frolicking.

7-24-09 Dolphin playing in lagoon on way back from Tulum

7-24-09 Dolphin playing in lagoon on way back from Tulum

Our hotel, Dreams Resort and Spa, is located on Punta Cancun (Cancun Point) and is surrounded on three sides by water. It has two swimming beaches. One beach is shallow and calm, a great beach for kids. The other beach is deeper and rockier, but perfect for shell collecting. The third side of the hotel is a cliff area that overlooks the deep ocean.

7-24-09 View from back of hotel

7-24-09 View from back of hotel

The sunsets in Cancun are gorgeous.

7-24-09 Sunset at Dreams Resort & Spa

7-24-09 Sunset at Dreams Resort & Spa

Later that night, Antonio and I decided to go to Coco Bongo, a much-hyped nightclub that features an interactive Broadway-type disco show featuring iconic legends such as Frank Sinatra, Elvis, Beyonce, Madonna & Michael Jackson. We enjoyed the show until club management arbitrarily set down a table in front of us, blocking our view and moved us to let another couple sit down. They moved us upstairs, where we were unable to see the show in its full glory. We left early and I was very upset. That was the one negative experience we had in Cancun. Still, the show at Coco Bongo is spectacular and not to miss IF you can get VIP seating.

7-24-09 Coco Bongo

7-24-09 Coco Bongo

Even so, we had a wonderful day full of unforgettable memories.

7-24-09 Iguana on the path to the ruins

7-24-09 Iguana on the path to the ruins

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Cancun, Mexico – Thursday, July 23, 2009

by dlcasas on July 24, 2009

7-23-09 Cancun Day 3 from balcony

7-23-09 Cancun Day 3 from balcony

Friends:

Today was another amazing day in paraiso. We went sailing on a catamaran operated by Samba to Isla Mujeres, an island just off the tip of Cancun.

7-23-09 Dianne on board the Antares 52 catamaran

7-23-09 Dianne on board the Antares 52 catamaran

We sat at the front of the catamaran on a big net. The Mexican Caribbean water is crystal clear. It is like sailing over a big pool. You can see straight down to the bottom. Here is Eliana, staring into the gorgeous water.

7-23-09 Eliana at the front of the catamaran, looking down

7-23-09 Eliana at the front of the catamaran, looking down

The crew was so much fun. The boat played fun music and served us unlimited drinks the entire cruise. We sang, danced, and enjoyed the balmy breeze.

7-23-09 Antares crew member, "Barracuda"

7-23-09 Antares crew member, "Barracuda"

Our first stop was snorkeling in the open sea. We donned our snorkeling gear and jumped off the back of the boat into the amazing water.

7-23-09 Eliana & Soleil Snorkeling in the Open Sea

7-23-09 Eliana & Soleil Snorkeling in the Open Sea

We brought our own snorkeling gear although the company provides you with a snorkel you can keep (not the mask, just the snorkel).

7-23-09 Eliana underwater snorkeling

7-23-09 Eliana under the sea, like a mermaid

We took a lot of pictures with our underwater cameras.

7-23-09 School under the sea

7-23-09 School under the sea

There was just so much to see, under the sea!

7-23-09 A coral reef

7-23-09 Fish dart in and out of the coral reef

After our underwater adventure, we headed to shore.

7-23-09 Isla Mujeres

7-23-09 Isla Mujeres

We went to Isla Mujeres for a visit with a shark, lunch and a dip at the beach. We pet a female sand shark. She didn’t feel like I expected. On her top, she felt rough, like sandpaper. On the bottom, she was soft. I even held “Monica!”

7-23-09 Dianne holds a shark!

7-23-09 Dianne holds a shark!

Eliana was afraid at first. But then she relaxed when she saw that we were all going to hold the shark.

7-23-09 The family holding the shark

7-23-09 The family holding the shark

Soleil was the bravest of us all – she kissed the shark! Unbelievable!

7-23-09 Soleil kisses a shark!

7-23-09 Soleil kisses a shark!

After petting the shark, we had lunch at a beachside restaurant. I just adore seaside dining! Look at this view!

7-23-09 Seaside Dining

7-23-09 Seaside Dining

When we finished eating, Eliana and I took a dip in the tantalizing turquoise waters.

09 Dianne & Eliana in the crystal Caribbean, Isla Mujeres

09 Dianne & Eliana in the crystal Caribbean, Isla Mujeres

After lunch, we boarded the boat and headed to El Centro, downtown Isla Mujeres. We did quite a bit of shopping. We even bought a hammock for our patio so we can relax and remember our wonderful time in Cancun.

7-23-09 Beach Club Restaurant, Isla Mujeres

7-23-09 Beach Club Restaurant, Isla Mujeres

On our way back to Cancun, the Antares crew had a surprise for us. If we chose, we could swing on a spinnaker from the front of the boat. A spinnaker is a swing attached to a sail that billows in the wind, carrying the person high into the air. Only strong swimmers were permitted to do this activity because you had to swim with no life jacket. Of course, I had to do it. When I jumped off the swing, I did a butt flop into the water. Everyone on the boat laughed. It was such a cool experience!

7-23-09 Dianne on the spinnaker

7-23-09 Dianne on the spinnaker

I look forward to my next adventure in these beautiful Mayan lands!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Cancun, Mexico – Wednesday, July 22, 2009

by dlcasas on July 23, 2009

7-22-09 Cancun Day 3 from balcony

7-22-09 Cancun Day 3 from balcony

Friends:

Yet another day in paraiso! Today, we “x-plored” Xcaret (pronounced “sh-ca-RET” meaning “little inlet” in Maya), an eco park located approximately 1 hour south of Cancun. The park is huge and we didn’t get to navigate the entire park in one day (we didn’t see the bat caves). :( Upon entering the park, we were greeting by gorgeous macaws. They were just stunning.

7-22-09 Macaws @ Xcaret

7-22-09 Macaws @ Xcaret

Our day began in the Underground River.

7-22-09 Xcaret Underground River

7-22-09 Xcaret Underground River

We snorkeled our way through the winding river which took us into waterfalls, dark caverns, rocky tunnels and twisted tree enclaves.

7-22-09 The family in the Xcaret Underground River

7-22-09 The family in the Xcaret Underground River

It was a phenomenal experience!

7-22-09 The family in the Underground River

7-22-09 The family in front of a Mayan warrior

After the underground river, we ate lunch at a seaside restaurant called The Peninsula. Our view was breathtaking!’

7-22-09 View from table at The Peninsula

7-22-09 View from table at The Peninsula

After lunch, we decided to go snorkeling in a little snorkeling bay. We saw tons of pretty fish, all of which were photographed with the underwater camera.

7-23-09 A variety of fish

7-23-09 A variety of fish

You can’t beat this breathtaking view!

7-22-09 Amazing View at Xcaret

7-22-09 Amazing View at Xcaret

Eliana loved the giant sea turtles!

7-22-09 Gigantic sea turtle

7-22-09 Gigantic sea turtle

Then it was on to a trek through the jungle. Eliana led the way, navigating the flora and fauna like an expert explorer.

7-22-09 Eliana leads through the jungle

7-22-09 Eliana leads through the jungle

Iguanas are everywhere! Here’s an iguana for you, Kelly Milner Halls! I took lots of iguana pictures for you!

7-22-09 Iguanas are everywhere!

7-22-09 Iguanas are everywhere!

At the end of our trail, we came to Spider Monkey Island. The Spider Monkeys are like mischievous little children – you never know what to expect from them!

7-22-09 Spider Monkey runs

7-22-09 Spider Monkey runs

After trek through the mighty jungle, we visited the cemetery. I was truly moved by seeing these incredible ornate graves, made to fit each person’s unique personality. The Mexican people truly know how to celebrate a life – by honoring their deceased with elaborate tombs.

7-22-09 The Cemetery

7-22-09 The Cemetery

We ended our day at the Espectacular show, a huge production in a 20,000 seat arena in the shape of a Mayan pyramid. Before the show, we got some great Kodak moments. Here is Eliana with Quetzalcoatl, the Mayan feathered serpent god.

7-22-09 Eliana with Quetzalcoatl, the Mayan feathered serpent god

The show honored Mexico from past to present – from the Mayans to the modern day folk dances. I especially loved the ribbon dance around a pole topped with a basket. Mexican culture is so beautiful! Ole!

7-22-09 Mexican folk dance w ribbons

7-22-09 Mexican folk dance w ribbons

It was a marvelous day in Mexico. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Cancun, Mexico – Tuesday, July 21, 2009 – Soleil’s Birthday!

by dlcasas on July 21, 2009

7-21-09 Day 2 - Cancun from my balcony

7-21-09 Day 2 - Cancun from my balcony

Friends:

The sun has set in paradise and our day was nothing short of amazing! Today was my daughter Soleil’s 19th birthday. So we celebrated! First, we had to fill our tummies with yummies so we headed to the massive breakfast buffet at World Cafe’. The food was delicioso. Here is Eliana in front of the Kids Corner. So cute!

7-21-09 World Cafe Kids Corner

7-21-09 World Cafe Kids Corner

We decided to stay at on the grounds of our hotel, Dreams Resort. We stopped and booked some tours for the rest of the week – XCaret Eco Park, A catamaran trip to Isla Mujeres, and a visit to Tulum, Mayan ruins on the coast (Chichen Itza is 3 hours away so we decided to see Tulum instead, which is only 1 hour and 15 minutes away. When we asked our salesman, Juan, about the weather he said, “Cancun is like my wife. In the morning, she wakes up happy. In the afternoon, she is…” At this point, Juan made a grumpy face and made some funny sounds, as if his wife were on a tirade. We all laughed.

7-21-09 Juan from Mayaland Tours

7-21-09 Juan from Mayaland Tours

After scheduling our tours, we hit the beach! The Caribbean water did not disappoint. It was refreshing, calm, and clear, like swimming in a pool.

7-21-09 The Beach!

7-21-09 The Beach!

I totally love the beach!!!

7-21-09 Dianne at the beach

7-21-09 Dianne at the beach

There were spots of seaweed, where we did a bit of snorkeling and saw some fantastic fish. I took pictures with my underwater camera. Check this out!

7-21-09 Fish in the seaweed

7-21-09 Fish in the seaweed

I love that when you stay at an all-inclusive resort, the staff waits on you, hands and foot, bringing you drinks and food. I had a few pink panthers (pina colada, cream, grenadine and I added coconut rum!). Delish. Eliana and Antonio had fun on a kayak…

7-27-09 Antonio & Eliana in a kayak

7-27-09 Antonio & Eliana in a kayak

After swimming in the sea, we headed for our dolphin swim.

7-21-09 Soleil, Dianne & Eliana get ready for the dolphin swim!

7-21-09 Soleil, Dianne & Eliana get ready for the dolphin swim!

It was an incredible experience. We got to pet the dolphins, watch them do tricks up close, and they even gave us a “foot push” through the water, pushing our feet with their noses so that we “flew” through the water.

7-21-09 Dolphin Tricks

7-21-09 Dolphin Tricks

Here is a picture of Soleil, dancing with the dolphin named “Waay,” a Mayan name meaning “Trickster.”

7-21-09 Soleil dances with Waay the Dolphin

7-21-09 Soleil dances with Waay the Dolphin

Here is a picture of the dolphins up close. Our hotel has a dolphin lagoon, home to several dolphins who frolick at all hours. Instead of waking up to the sounds of a rooster, we woke up to the songs of the dolphins!

7-21-09 Two dolphins swim

7-21-09 Two dolphins swim

After swimming with the dolphins, we grabbed a quick bite at the poolside snack shack. Soleil and Eliana headed to the room to rest. Antonio and I went back to the beach for one last dip in the incredible Caribbean. We arranged for a surprise to be delivered to Soleil at the room at 6pm. Sure enough, it was on time – a beautiful fruit and chocolate birthday cake! Happy Birthday, Soleil!

7-21-09 Room service delivers beautiful birthday cake to Soleil

7-21-09 Room service delivers beautiful birthday cake to Soleil

Here is the cake up close. It was every bit as tasty as it looks.

7-21-09 Soleil's cake

7-21-09 Soleil's cake

Our last activity of the day was a Mexican Fiesta and folk dance show. The food was good and the show was enjoyable. I loved the footwork of the dancers and the women’s dresses were gorgeous, like blooming flowers. I wish I could show you but my pictures did not turn out well because of the lighting.

7-21-09 Eliana at the Mexican Fiesta

7-21-09 Eliana at the Mexican Fiesta

It was a phenomenal day in paradise. Tomorrow, we explore Xcaret, pronounced (esh-car-ETT – don’t forget to roll your “R”), a vast eco park with lots of attractions including an underground river, bat cave, butterfly pavillion, and beach.

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Cancun, Mexico – Monday, July 20, 2009

by dlcasas on July 21, 2009

7-20-09 Welcome to Paradise sign

7-20-09 Welcome to Paradise sign

Friends:

My family and I arrived safely in Cancun, Mexico. We left New Orleans at 6:00am and arrived in Miami for our connecting flight (Don’t you hate those early morning flights?!). Unfortunately, we had a lengthy layover so we explored the airport a bit. I discovered something I had never seen before – service that wraps your suitcase in cellophane for an extra measure of security.

7-20-09 Miami Airport - wrapping suitcases in cellophane

7-20-09 Miami Airport - wrapping suitcases in cellophane

The floor of the Miami Airport in Concourse D is beautiful. It has art inspired by undersea life.

7-20-09 Eliana stands on the artsy floor of the Miami Airport

7-20-09 Eliana stands on the artsy floor of the Miami Airport

After a severe weather delay (it was raining coconuts & bananas) of an hour, we were off to Cancun!

7-20-09 Leaving Miami

7-20-09 Leaving Miami

We arrived in Cancun in the late afternoon.

7-20-09 Eliana rides the suitcases in the Cancun Airport

7-20-09 Eliana rides the suitcases in the Cancun Airport

Since we reserved and paid for transportation ahead of time, it was smooth sailing in an air conditioned shuttle to our hotel about 10 miles away. On the way, we drove through Punta Zona Hotelera, the hotel zone. We even passed Chocolate City! (Eat your heart out, Mayor Ray Nagin of New Orleans!) hahaha

7-20-09 Chocolate City

7-20-09 Chocolate City

We are staying at the Dreams Resort & Spa, an all-inclusive luxury resort on the tip of Cancun, surrounded on three sides by water. The hotel staff was so friendly and accommodating. The open air lobby is gorgeous.

7-20-09 Dreams Resort Lobby

7-20-09 Dreams Resort Lobby

Our room overlooks the hotel’s Dolphin Lagoon and the gorgeous Caribbean sea. (Bringing to mind the crooning of 80s pop star, Billy Ocean “Caribbean Queen… now we’re sharing the same dream…”). LOL

7-20-09 Amazing View from room balcony

7-20-09 Amazing View from room balcony

Here’s a picture of me with my gorgeous girls!

7-20-09 Eliana, Dianne & Soleil on balcony of room in Cancun

7-20-09 Eliana, Dianne & Soleil on balcony of room in Cancun

Our room is very pretty with marble floors, a banana tree bas relief and Carribean turquoise and white decor.

7-20-09 The bed with robe and slippers awaiting...

7-20-09 The bed with robe and slippers awaiting...

Even our bathroom is beautiful!

7-20-09 The bathroom in the deluxe dolphin lagoon room at Dreams Resort, Cancun

7-20-09 The bathroom in the deluxe dolphin lagoon room at Dreams Resort, Cancun

We decided to take a little nap to sleep off the travel weariness. When we woke up, it was already dark. We rushed to dinner and ate at Himitsu, a pan Asian restaurant on the grounds. The food was good. I did, however, cry at dinner. I ordered spicy tuna rolls and were they spicy! The waiter told me, “Oh we make them with Mexican habaneros. But it’s only the juice. No big deal.” Fortunately, the coconut ice cream and pink panther daiquiri (pina colada, grenadine & Malibu rum) helped immensely.

7-20-09 Dipping Toes in Caribbean Sea

7-20-09 Dipping Toes in Caribbean Sea

After dinner, I decided to walk along the beach. The family wanted to return to the room so I explored solo. I had to take my traditional toe dip in the sea (I do this at every beach I visit around the word). The water was warm. I can’t wait to swim tomorrow! I discovered some ancient Mayan ruins too…

7-20-09 Mayan Ruins sand castle, washed away by time and tide

7-20-09 Mayan Ruins sand castle, washed away by time and tide

Now it is time to dream at Dreams. Tomorrow (July 21) is Soleil’s 19th birthday and we have a full day planned, including beaching, shopping and a dinner show. It should be fun!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach Book Trailer! Friday, July 17, 2009

by dlcasas on July 17, 2009

Friends:

I am very excited. Soleil and I produced my second book trailer for my new picture book Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach (Pelican Publishing, September 2009). I really love the way this came out. The illustrations are by the talented Marita Gentry. Music is by Betsy Braud and the Jazz Nurse Prescription from my World Fiesta: Celebrations in Story and Song CD. Let me know what you think! Thank you so much!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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