TULUM!
During our trip to Mexico, we did go on one formal “excursion”. This was nearly a whole day’s activity so it provided a nice break from the resort. First thing in the morning, all 4 of us boarded an empty bus and proceeded to make 1,000,000 stops as we picked up other people at different resorts that were also going on this excursion. Hours later (at least it felt like that to me given that I had to get up early to just sit on a bus for awhile and everyone knows how happy I am in the morning…) we arrived at Xel-Ha. Xel-Ha is a sort of natural preserve in the area. There were so many activities to chose from there and we didn’t have time to get to them all. I took pictures but they are on an waterproof camera so who knows when I’ll get around to developing them.
We rode bikes up to the start of a fresh water river. I haven’t ridden a bike for 5 years so I started out a little shakey but hey, you never forget how to ride a bike right? By the time we were done I almost wished that I could do it more often. So they we all got a tube and floated on the lazy river through the “mangle” (a jungle of mangrove trees?). It was very pretty and calm. At one point we all got off our tubes and Casen, Peter, and I all jumped off a cliff into the water. I, naturally, screamed like a little girl while falling through the air.
Once back on our tubes, we continued down the river as it widened and flowed toward the ocean. Casen showed his monkey-like abilities by successfully crossing a rope walk (2 ropes suspended between two platforms where you walk on one and hold onto the other with your hands). It was quite impressive to watch as he somehow managed to hang on despite the efforts of people at one end to shake him off. At one point he was completely horizontal!
The lazy river continued a little too long for our tastes but eventually we made it out. We then got some snorkel gear and got back in the water. Overall, it wasn’t the best snorkeling ever but we did get to swim into a cool underground Mayan cave/grotto.
After a fantastic lunch and the best margaritas I’ve ever had, we boarded the bus again and headed to Tulum. Tulum is a set of Mayan ruins right by the ocean. We had plenty of time to explore the grounds and enjoy the sunset. Here are the pictures I took. (You can probably tell the time of day by the lighting in each pic.)
We rode bikes up to the start of a fresh water river. I haven’t ridden a bike for 5 years so I started out a little shakey but hey, you never forget how to ride a bike right? By the time we were done I almost wished that I could do it more often. So they we all got a tube and floated on the lazy river through the “mangle” (a jungle of mangrove trees?). It was very pretty and calm. At one point we all got off our tubes and Casen, Peter, and I all jumped off a cliff into the water. I, naturally, screamed like a little girl while falling through the air.
Once back on our tubes, we continued down the river as it widened and flowed toward the ocean. Casen showed his monkey-like abilities by successfully crossing a rope walk (2 ropes suspended between two platforms where you walk on one and hold onto the other with your hands). It was quite impressive to watch as he somehow managed to hang on despite the efforts of people at one end to shake him off. At one point he was completely horizontal!
The lazy river continued a little too long for our tastes but eventually we made it out. We then got some snorkel gear and got back in the water. Overall, it wasn’t the best snorkeling ever but we did get to swim into a cool underground Mayan cave/grotto.
After a fantastic lunch and the best margaritas I’ve ever had, we boarded the bus again and headed to Tulum. Tulum is a set of Mayan ruins right by the ocean. We had plenty of time to explore the grounds and enjoy the sunset. Here are the pictures I took. (You can probably tell the time of day by the lighting in each pic.)
The four of us on the trolley up to the ruins
The biggest ruin at Tulum.
I thought this was beautiful.
You can see the ocean off to the left.
Kallie in front of some ruins.
Peter putting up with another picture.
Shannon and some girl in a bikini(??)
Another view of all the ruins at this one location.
Kallie and Peter
Shannon and Casen
Peter down by the beach.
Hunk and hunks of stone.
Another picture.
Good times. I think the ruins were really cool. Looking back, I just wish we had tour guide that would have even told us more about them. However, at the time I was glad that he didn't share much because I was tired of standing up and listening. :) It's tough to have energy at the end of a long, hot day.
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