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
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
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
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
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
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
Look at how picturesque this scene is!
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
Here’s another look at the spectacular ocean view from our hotel grounds.
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
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
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
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 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
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
