Today I woke up full of excitement mixed with a bag of nerves, which I realise is ridiculous but that's just me. My sister on the other hand woke up very very ill; unfortunately she'd caught the bug I had just days before the holiday and let me tell you it was not pleasant. I felt a huge pang of guilt knowing she would be spending the last days of our holiday in bed so I brought her breakfast in bed & let her read my latest edition of Vogue, before I had. I know, I am such a good person. I however had lost my appetite due to intense butterflies-in-the-stomach syndrome and headed down to the PADI centre early. As I'd already watched the training video and practiced in the pool, I just had to get kitted out and was ready to jump on the boat. It was an extremely hot day and the group had been told they wouldn't need to wear wetsuits just a t-shirt, I hadn't been informed this at the training session, so Nick lent me his t-shirt which smelt of suntan lotion and aftershave. I spent the boat ride chatting away to him and found out his mother was actually a journalist herself which gave us ever more to talk about.
The ocean was deadly still and we were all hoping that this time we would see some amazing sea creatures as the group the previous day had seen whale sharks and a three foot moray eel. Once under the water I lost all track of time and felt like I was in my own world. This time I was so relaxed I could really enjoy being in the moment and not solely concentrate on just breathing, and that's when I spotted the turtle in amongst the coral, it was nothing like seeing it in a tank at Xcaret or when snorkeling, it swam so close to us and didn't seem to mind we were there at all. Just as we were coming up to the surface we also saw a school of barracudas. I wish I could have taken an underwater camera to show my family what I had seen that day.
As we exited the boat heading back to shore, I managed to slip on a rock and severely cut the bottom of my foot, but not to worry, Nick literally swept me off my feet and carried me the rest of the way. Having his hands wrapped around me and having his bare chest pressed against my body made me completely forget about my foot, in fact I was rather glad I slipped. After clearing up the cut and getting a plaster, Nick and I went to grab lunch before heading back to our next session. This time however there was a guy filming our 'experience' which you could buy afterwards. Nick held my hand and helped me back over the rocks and helped me back into the boat, one lady smiled at us and commented on what a cute couple we were and me and Nick exchanged an awkward glance and laughed.
This time, instead of staying by Nick's side went off to explore the corals and ended up lagging behind the group and that's when I spotted a giant sting ray only about a metre or so away from me. I froze, transfixed by this huge creature so close to me and could not think how to get the groups attention but I knew Nick would turn around soon enough to check up on me, which he did and the group soon gathered around. Once back on the surface, Nick's friend, one of the scuba diving instructor's filming, said how beautiful I moved under the water, like a mermaid, which made me smile. He sat and chatted to me for the remainder of the journey and asked, very loudly if I was single, which I replied, rather loudly too, 'yes' in which he winked at Nick who gave a cheeky smile back. I had to keep reminding myself that he was already seeing someone but this proved very difficult when he was so God damn flirty. Again Nick carried me over the rocks 'so I didn't hurt my foot again' and asked if I would like to go on a free scuba dive tomorrow, which of course I agreed to straight away. Tomorrow was going to be the best last day ever.
Monday, 23 August 2010
Wednesday, 18 August 2010
Day 11 - Chockablock
Today was one jam-packed day. After an early start, we jumped on our own private minibus complete with tour guide at hand and headed off into Riviera Maya. Our first destination was a typical Mayan home, which we were given a tour around. These types of things always make me feel not only grateful for what I have but also a little awkward, I understand that these families appreciate the help given from having tourists wander around their homes but I can't help feel I'm intruding but at least it makes people aware of how little others around the world have. Seeing how they live is a complete reality check; they sleep in hammocks, with mud floors and mosquito nets as curtains. For the rest of the day I didn't complain once. I bought some handmade bracelets from the children there, it was the least I could do.
We then headed to Coba; a large ruined city of the Mayan people. Here Eddie, our tour guide, who mum kept referring to as Ernie, took as around the ruins describing how the buildings were originally constructed and about the lives of the Mayan people. After taking many photos, he left us to trek 2 1/2 miles there and back to the Nohoch Mul Pyramid which is a total of 42 metres high, which you can climb using only a rope up the crumbling stairs. Being petrified of heights I climbed about three meters and freaked out and had to walk back down again. I heard the view was amazing but I knew I'd never make it back down if i reached the top.
Us beginning our journey up the Nohock Mul Pyramid, which I didn't make much further than this
By now it was around two in the afternoon and we were beginning to get hungry but our final destination before lunch was to a cenote. A centoe, meaning well, is a sinkhole and are found mainly in the Carribean. To get to this particular one, we had to climb down some rickety stairs into a hole underground and once we were down there it was breathtaking. The water was almost ice cold but thankfully there were rubber rings which we floated about in and took pictures.
My sister in a rubber ring in the cenote.
The last part of our day was heading to a traditional Mexican restaurant where we were given endless nachos and fajitas before looking out over a giant lake, filled with crocodiles.
One back at the holiday, we had a long nap after a quick dip in the pool and went to the Cajun restaurant which was by far my favourite, with Cajun spiced steak, blackened catfish and gumbo, which i just had to try after remembering the scene in The Princess and the Frog. It was a perfect end to a perfect day. And tomorrow I had my scuba day to look forward to.
We then headed to Coba; a large ruined city of the Mayan people. Here Eddie, our tour guide, who mum kept referring to as Ernie, took as around the ruins describing how the buildings were originally constructed and about the lives of the Mayan people. After taking many photos, he left us to trek 2 1/2 miles there and back to the Nohoch Mul Pyramid which is a total of 42 metres high, which you can climb using only a rope up the crumbling stairs. Being petrified of heights I climbed about three meters and freaked out and had to walk back down again. I heard the view was amazing but I knew I'd never make it back down if i reached the top.
Us beginning our journey up the Nohock Mul Pyramid, which I didn't make much further than this
By now it was around two in the afternoon and we were beginning to get hungry but our final destination before lunch was to a cenote. A centoe, meaning well, is a sinkhole and are found mainly in the Carribean. To get to this particular one, we had to climb down some rickety stairs into a hole underground and once we were down there it was breathtaking. The water was almost ice cold but thankfully there were rubber rings which we floated about in and took pictures.
My sister in a rubber ring in the cenote.
The last part of our day was heading to a traditional Mexican restaurant where we were given endless nachos and fajitas before looking out over a giant lake, filled with crocodiles.
One back at the holiday, we had a long nap after a quick dip in the pool and went to the Cajun restaurant which was by far my favourite, with Cajun spiced steak, blackened catfish and gumbo, which i just had to try after remembering the scene in The Princess and the Frog. It was a perfect end to a perfect day. And tomorrow I had my scuba day to look forward to.
Wednesday, 11 August 2010
Day 10 - Going In For The Kill
After such a long, exhausting day yesterday, I had a lye in and then headed down to the beach. I could see Nick over at the PADI centre and spent the rest of the morning thinking of an excuse to go over there, seeing as the centre was a few minutes walk down the beach, I couldn't just saunter past in a bikini like 'ohh I was just passing by, what are you doing here?' Then, I found the perfect excuse. Book another diving session.
So, I did saunter over in my bikini to talk to him and he actually had remembered my name! I had a little flirt and asked about booking another session & he said he'd offer me two dives for $88, pretty good bargain, better than half price! So, I booked the dives for Sunday, two in one day, so I could get to know him for the whole day and hopefully pluck up the courage to actually ask him out for drinks.
I then spent the remainder of the afternoon regretting not asking him out when I saw him and instead got stupidly drunk, then heading back to the centre to ask him out. Yeah, I know, really clever. Fortunately, he wasn't there but I managed to slur a few words together and ask the girl that worked there if Nick was single and she said no...but that it wasn't serious. After waking up a few hours later on the beach, I found Evie and asked her what to do and she said, 'there's no point, you're going home in five days.' So much for holiday romance. She was probably right, to be fair he did have a girlfriend. God damn it, why did I buy more scuba lessons.
So, I did saunter over in my bikini to talk to him and he actually had remembered my name! I had a little flirt and asked about booking another session & he said he'd offer me two dives for $88, pretty good bargain, better than half price! So, I booked the dives for Sunday, two in one day, so I could get to know him for the whole day and hopefully pluck up the courage to actually ask him out for drinks.
I then spent the remainder of the afternoon regretting not asking him out when I saw him and instead got stupidly drunk, then heading back to the centre to ask him out. Yeah, I know, really clever. Fortunately, he wasn't there but I managed to slur a few words together and ask the girl that worked there if Nick was single and she said no...but that it wasn't serious. After waking up a few hours later on the beach, I found Evie and asked her what to do and she said, 'there's no point, you're going home in five days.' So much for holiday romance. She was probably right, to be fair he did have a girlfriend. God damn it, why did I buy more scuba lessons.
Wednesday, 4 August 2010
Day 9 - Xcaret
Waking up after a peculiar dream of turtles with six packs, it was only six in the morning and we were already up and getting ready for what was going to be a long day out...
After a 'hearty' breakfast we grabbed a load of buns, pastries and rolls for the journey and got a taxi to Xcaret. Xcaret is an Eco park and is filled with animals, shows & performances and activities and we had no idea how we were going to pack it all into one day.
We began by checking out the monkeys, tapirs and jaguars and then onto a river tour and a walk around 'the jungle' discovering a mushroom farm and orchid house.
The beautiful river cruise
To get to the river cruise, we walked through the 'jungle' and then through some caves and came out into a secluded area with the sweet sounds of nothing but rippling water. Evie and I were lucky enough to get the front seats on the 'boat' which was similar to an extremely large gondola complete with our own gondolier and were transported into a world of paradise as we floated through caves and past wild animals.
Some of the weird and peculiar yet fascinating looking mushrooms
Breathtaking orchids
We popped into the orchid house for a while to take a few snaps but the heat was unbearable. So we headed down somewhere cooler, to the bat caves. When I was younger, bats were my favourite animals, I'm unsure now to why that was but I think it was because they were so different to any other animal I'd ever seen.
After lunch by the beach we headed on to see the 'sea creatures.' There were dolphins, nurse sharks & their 'dead' eyes, manatees, sting rays and turtles.
My favourite animals
For the rest of the afternoon we went to the aquarium to escape the midday heat & I lost myself in amongst the breathtaking corals & alien looking fishes.
As soon as the sun began to set, the shows began.
Safely on the ground, beginning their rain dance
We saw an amazing show 'the flying men' where these five Mexican men wearing traditional dress, performed a rain dance on top of a 40 foot pole, with no support but a rope around their ankles...the highlight of the show was when they threw themselves off the top of the pole & swung around upside down from their feet until they reached the ground, it really was breath-taking.
The next show was a horse show with men & women in beautiful costumes filled with music and 'dances.' The final show was the highlight of my day. It began with a walk to the 'theatre' and along the way there was music & more beautiful men & women in tribal costumes to set the scene for the show.
Like many of the animals & shows at Xcaret, the finale was incredible & was filled with dances, songs but also a traditional game, like football, but where the ball is passed not by the feet, but by the hips, yes, the hips! To top it all off they also played tennis with a ball that was set on fire. Like I said, incredible.
After a 'hearty' breakfast we grabbed a load of buns, pastries and rolls for the journey and got a taxi to Xcaret. Xcaret is an Eco park and is filled with animals, shows & performances and activities and we had no idea how we were going to pack it all into one day.
We began by checking out the monkeys, tapirs and jaguars and then onto a river tour and a walk around 'the jungle' discovering a mushroom farm and orchid house.
The beautiful river cruise
To get to the river cruise, we walked through the 'jungle' and then through some caves and came out into a secluded area with the sweet sounds of nothing but rippling water. Evie and I were lucky enough to get the front seats on the 'boat' which was similar to an extremely large gondola complete with our own gondolier and were transported into a world of paradise as we floated through caves and past wild animals.
Some of the weird and peculiar yet fascinating looking mushrooms
Breathtaking orchidsWe popped into the orchid house for a while to take a few snaps but the heat was unbearable. So we headed down somewhere cooler, to the bat caves. When I was younger, bats were my favourite animals, I'm unsure now to why that was but I think it was because they were so different to any other animal I'd ever seen.
After lunch by the beach we headed on to see the 'sea creatures.' There were dolphins, nurse sharks & their 'dead' eyes, manatees, sting rays and turtles.
My favourite animals
For the rest of the afternoon we went to the aquarium to escape the midday heat & I lost myself in amongst the breathtaking corals & alien looking fishes.
As soon as the sun began to set, the shows began.
Safely on the ground, beginning their rain dance
We saw an amazing show 'the flying men' where these five Mexican men wearing traditional dress, performed a rain dance on top of a 40 foot pole, with no support but a rope around their ankles...the highlight of the show was when they threw themselves off the top of the pole & swung around upside down from their feet until they reached the ground, it really was breath-taking.
The next show was a horse show with men & women in beautiful costumes filled with music and 'dances.' The final show was the highlight of my day. It began with a walk to the 'theatre' and along the way there was music & more beautiful men & women in tribal costumes to set the scene for the show.
Like many of the animals & shows at Xcaret, the finale was incredible & was filled with dances, songs but also a traditional game, like football, but where the ball is passed not by the feet, but by the hips, yes, the hips! To top it all off they also played tennis with a ball that was set on fire. Like I said, incredible.
Tuesday, 3 August 2010
Day 8 - The Day I Met The Man Of My Dreams
Today was the day of the dive and my sister & I were both so over excited as we'd heard that around these areas you were likely to see turtles, sting rays and even sharks (not looking forward to encountering the last one.) When we got to the PADI centre, I noticed someone out of the corner of my eye. A guy. I couldn't see him properly as his back was turned but I noticed he was about 6'4 and had a mess of blond surfer-style hair. I knew once he turned around he'd be unbelievable ugly or something so I didn't get my hopes up. Then he pulled his top up over his head and revealed a set of beautifully toned arms and a muscular, tanned back. Trying not to stare was exceptionally difficult but I remembered I was yet to see his face. Then he turned around. And I've never seen anyone so gorgeous, just standing there before my eyes. He had deep blue eyes, chiseled features and a stunning six pack. Looks wise he was my dream man.
Until now, I hadn't noticed anyone around, not one single guy that was actually remotely good looking. I'd been hoping for some sort of holiday romance, now was the first time I was single on holiday and looking for some beautiful guy to come and sweep me off my feet. But a week had already gone by and I was beginning to give up hope. To be honest, I hadn't actually seen many people similar to my age, whatsoever. There was supposed to be around 3,000 people staying here and I'd seen around maybe 40-50 people around the age 18-25 and it was beginning to get me down. As much as I was loving spending time with my family, Evie and I had expected to meet a big group of people to be hanging out & going out clubbing with. Everyone here were groups of older people or families with young children. And also honeymooners and people getting married, which wasn't remotely depressing seeing loved up couples everywhere...I was fine with being single, I enjoyed being free, able to do whatever I wanted, see whoever I wanted but it was lonely.
Anyway, back to The man. He smiled, a big white dazzling smile and then he spoke. He was American (no matter how ugly a guy is, if I hear an American accent escape their lips, they suddenly are twice as appealing.) 'Hey, you here for the dive?' Trying, to pull myself together I nodded. Turns out, he was our diving instructor and I had no idea how I was going to concentrate whilst training. Once he walked off to go set up the diving video, Evie and I exchanged glances, both saying oh my God have you ever seen a guy this good looking and were suddenly even more excited about scuba diving. After watching an outdated, over simplified video about the importance of safety under the water we got our scuba gear and headed to the pool.
Doing our practice dive in the pool
We were doing the dive with two other American guys who were about our age and seemed like pretty decent guys. When we got into the pool, the hottie introduced himself as Nick and paired himself up with me(!) for the half an hour practice session. To be honest, I didn't pay attention to half of what he was saying and pretty much just stared at him, not in a creepy way, honest. Then we were ready to head out to sea.
Not the best picture of him, but pretty damn good for having scuba gear on and wet hair.
Once out at sea, we threw ourselves backwards off the boat and went to descend. The sea was pretty rough that day and once we were under I couldn't see the bottom, all I could see was blue. For some reason I went into a bit of a panic and came back up. Nick calmed me down and said he'd go down with me, all I had to do was look into his eyes to keep calm. Well as soon as he said that I was more that fine, especially when he wrapped his legs around me until we touched the bottom. Once we were down there it was unreal, I felt as if I was floating and the whole sensation was surreal. Although the dive was 45 minutes it felt about 5 and soon we were ascending. Although we hadn't seen any majorly amazing sea creatures we did see a baby moray eel!
That night we had another restaurant booked at the Japanese, which I had most been looking forward to as they cook the food straight in front of you. Here we had an amazing meal and had a lovely chat with the couple sitting next to us. We had a long day and an early start ahead of us, so an early night was in need.
Until now, I hadn't noticed anyone around, not one single guy that was actually remotely good looking. I'd been hoping for some sort of holiday romance, now was the first time I was single on holiday and looking for some beautiful guy to come and sweep me off my feet. But a week had already gone by and I was beginning to give up hope. To be honest, I hadn't actually seen many people similar to my age, whatsoever. There was supposed to be around 3,000 people staying here and I'd seen around maybe 40-50 people around the age 18-25 and it was beginning to get me down. As much as I was loving spending time with my family, Evie and I had expected to meet a big group of people to be hanging out & going out clubbing with. Everyone here were groups of older people or families with young children. And also honeymooners and people getting married, which wasn't remotely depressing seeing loved up couples everywhere...I was fine with being single, I enjoyed being free, able to do whatever I wanted, see whoever I wanted but it was lonely.
Anyway, back to The man. He smiled, a big white dazzling smile and then he spoke. He was American (no matter how ugly a guy is, if I hear an American accent escape their lips, they suddenly are twice as appealing.) 'Hey, you here for the dive?' Trying, to pull myself together I nodded. Turns out, he was our diving instructor and I had no idea how I was going to concentrate whilst training. Once he walked off to go set up the diving video, Evie and I exchanged glances, both saying oh my God have you ever seen a guy this good looking and were suddenly even more excited about scuba diving. After watching an outdated, over simplified video about the importance of safety under the water we got our scuba gear and headed to the pool.
Doing our practice dive in the pool
We were doing the dive with two other American guys who were about our age and seemed like pretty decent guys. When we got into the pool, the hottie introduced himself as Nick and paired himself up with me(!) for the half an hour practice session. To be honest, I didn't pay attention to half of what he was saying and pretty much just stared at him, not in a creepy way, honest. Then we were ready to head out to sea.
Not the best picture of him, but pretty damn good for having scuba gear on and wet hair.Once out at sea, we threw ourselves backwards off the boat and went to descend. The sea was pretty rough that day and once we were under I couldn't see the bottom, all I could see was blue. For some reason I went into a bit of a panic and came back up. Nick calmed me down and said he'd go down with me, all I had to do was look into his eyes to keep calm. Well as soon as he said that I was more that fine, especially when he wrapped his legs around me until we touched the bottom. Once we were down there it was unreal, I felt as if I was floating and the whole sensation was surreal. Although the dive was 45 minutes it felt about 5 and soon we were ascending. Although we hadn't seen any majorly amazing sea creatures we did see a baby moray eel!
That night we had another restaurant booked at the Japanese, which I had most been looking forward to as they cook the food straight in front of you. Here we had an amazing meal and had a lovely chat with the couple sitting next to us. We had a long day and an early start ahead of us, so an early night was in need.
Monday, 2 August 2010
Day 7 - I Like Turtles
Today was an amazing day. We had a trial dive in the pool, just to check we were all OK to do scuba diving. Having done it before in Dominican Republic a few years back I couldn't wait to go out into the ocean, instead of a pool. My dad couldn't take part as he's asthmatic and had a collapsed lung from an accident years ago so he was pretty 'bummed' but me and Evie were seriously hyped. We headed up to the PADI centre to book the times for the dive tomorrow and chose 11.30, which would give us time to have a bit of a lye in, hit the gym and grab brunch before.
In the afternoon we went to Akumal, a place famous for seeing loggerhead turtles. Seeing as turtles are my second favourite animal (monkeys being the first) so I was pretty damn excited! Jumping into the water with our snorkels we were lucky enough to spot three turtles just a few feet from us.
After what was turning into an amazing day, we headed to Playa Del Carmen again for some evening shopping. The shops over there are open until around 11, so it's just a bit nicer to shop when it's not boiling hot.
The atmosphere in the town was amazing, as the sun was going down, the town was buzzing with people hitting the bars and clubs. We wandered around and found a bar that was set out like a jungle with palm trees and a waterfall and river running through the place, with swings as bar seats. Yes, swings. There were tons of boutique shops and little market stalls and was trying to look for some Mexican inspired jewellery but mainly found stalls selling knock offs and silver jewellery.
I could have spent hours here and checked out some of the clubs, the Blue Parrot was supposed to be one of the best, but I refrained as scuba diving and hangover do not go well.
In the afternoon we went to Akumal, a place famous for seeing loggerhead turtles. Seeing as turtles are my second favourite animal (monkeys being the first) so I was pretty damn excited! Jumping into the water with our snorkels we were lucky enough to spot three turtles just a few feet from us.
After what was turning into an amazing day, we headed to Playa Del Carmen again for some evening shopping. The shops over there are open until around 11, so it's just a bit nicer to shop when it's not boiling hot.
The atmosphere in the town was amazing, as the sun was going down, the town was buzzing with people hitting the bars and clubs. We wandered around and found a bar that was set out like a jungle with palm trees and a waterfall and river running through the place, with swings as bar seats. Yes, swings. There were tons of boutique shops and little market stalls and was trying to look for some Mexican inspired jewellery but mainly found stalls selling knock offs and silver jewellery.
I could have spent hours here and checked out some of the clubs, the Blue Parrot was supposed to be one of the best, but I refrained as scuba diving and hangover do not go well.
Day 6 - Hangover From Hell
Woke up at midday with only a minor headache and minimal waves of nausea, I grabbed a huge fry up and pancakes and felt better than fine. My sister on the other hand, was suffering from her first full blown hangover and had thrown up three times in the first hour of being awake. I left her with a large pint of water and headed off for a day of sunbathing at the beach to read my magazines.
After catching up with all the latest trends, I was in a brilliant mood. In the evening, we went to the Italian restaurant expecting an amazing selection of pizza and pasta, instead the pizza was worse than Dominos or Pizza Hut, how can you mess up a pizza that bad?! However, the resturant itself was beautiful, which made up for it, a little. Evie, wanting to gorge out on pizza after a night out, which seemed a perfect combination didn't do too well and retreated off to bed.
The Italian restaurant
* * * * * * * * * * *
All the latest magazines are raging about the new AW10 trends. Most of it I love, some I'm not sure about and a few I'm staying as far away from as possible. So, what's in this season? The main trends are military, glamour goth & countryside (think jodhpurs, knitted over-the-knee socks, tweeds & plaid.) And what are the main pieces to wear? High waisted, flared smart trousers. Nice, would get a pair, if I worked in an office. Aviator jackets. I know I'm supposed to like them and everyone's going mad for them but I'm just not too sure. Hiking boots however I adore. Definitely getting some of those. Coats should be camel, capes or leopard print. I'd rather like one of each...but knowing I can't think I'll be picking the leopard print. Deep reds, purples and black. Gothic, not usually me but I like it. Military. No surprise there really but adore the military boots & leather shorts, already got myself some of those. Over sized, knitted jumpers, again got some of those when I got home. It bags are satchels, again really want one of those. Makeup is smokey eyes & red lipstick and hair should be back combed & in a beehive.
* * * * * * * * * * *
After catching up with all the latest trends, I was in a brilliant mood. In the evening, we went to the Italian restaurant expecting an amazing selection of pizza and pasta, instead the pizza was worse than Dominos or Pizza Hut, how can you mess up a pizza that bad?! However, the resturant itself was beautiful, which made up for it, a little. Evie, wanting to gorge out on pizza after a night out, which seemed a perfect combination didn't do too well and retreated off to bed. 
The Italian restaurant
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