We did something new this Christmas break. Given that the kids are getting busier and busier each year over spring and summer breaks, and given that it is so easy to be distracted by devices and day to day activities and chores while at home over a long winter break, we decided to create a fun adventure for ourselves. That adventure was a trip to Akumal in the Yucatan peninsula, about an hour and a half south of Cancun. Amy planned the trip and booked us a fantastic place to stay and some fun adventures. We did this between Christmas and New Years.
Oliver and Gloria bright and early at O'Hare.
After a short four hour flight, we made it to sunny Cancun.
Amy arranged for a charter van to pick us up and take us directly to our VRBO rental.
And what a rental! We stayed in the north of Akumal, on a half moon bay, directly on the ocean. Our rental was on the top of a four story building, and we could experience the ocean waves throughout the day and night. We could walk about a hundred feet or more into the bay at still be standing. A special, quite place to enjoy some rest and relaxation.
Kids wasted no time in getting to the water.
Luke and Amy.
Oliver especially enjoyed doing a little boating.
Chad loved the calm waters.
Gloria and Luke relaxing on the front deck.
On the back deck, we could view sunsets and the Yucatan jungle.
A walk to dinner.
There was a local restaurant, with seating on the sand in front of the bay, that became our regular hang out for dinner.
Gloria and Amy.
Oliver proudly ordered the whole fish.
A morning walk to breakfast.
Just like we had a regular dinner place, we had a regular breakfast place -- the Jungle Cafe. Great coffee overlooking the jungle, just a stone's throw from our place.
Gloria approves!
Oliver wanted to visit the 7-11 to see if they are different in Mexico. Not really, but the visit was fun.
Oliver and Chad had a short walk through the main portion of Akumal, on an outing. Some great murals.
Oliver back at the rental.
We did some amazing snorkeling, but sadly didn't have our waterproof camera with us -- we saw amazing fish and had a great time. Luke and Chad.
Oliver doing some paddle boarding.
Luke at our favorite dinner restaurant.
Amy having a good time waiting for our table.
Luke and Chad.
Amy and Oliver.
A chief highlight was our visit to Chichen Itza. Amy arranged for a private tour that picked us up and took us the 2.5 hour drive to the ruins and gave us private guided tour. Our guide answered all our questions -- and we had a LOT of questions -- and got us in just as the area opened up for the day. It was a day we will not ever forget.
Amy and Luke.
Gloria.
Oliver.
Oliver.
Luke, Amy and Gloria.
We saw all the ruins that were there, including the main El Castillo, as well as different platforms where different rituals where held, including beheadings.
This is a place designed to celebrate a sport played by the Mayans.
An ancient observatory for charting the stars.
A space for schooling.
Luke.
Wait, need to fix the hair.
There we go! Chad and Oliver.
What a visit!
Amy negotiating for our souveniers.
Before we go, a coconut drink treat.
Gloria.
Amy enjoying some well deserved relaxation.
Oliver back at boating.
A little movie relaxing time away from the sun.
Our last night at the restaurant was karaoke night -- and Amy and kids were all over this!
A little breakfast before we left on New Year's Eve Day.
What a great trip!
