Our trip to Akumal was a first to the Mexican Riviera. I had always been skeptical of visiting Mexico even though it was always a favorite destination of my father. He worked with the Border Patrol in the early 1940’s –out of El Paso. A trip to a Mexican restaurant was always high on Dad’s list, but I had no idea of what anything was like with the exception of my few trips to Tijuana. I still remember the young street urchins offering to watch our car for $1.00. I was not impressed with Tijuana. Unfortunately there are many large cities that hold refuge to many children really needing food, clothing and shelter, but it is never a fun thing to witness.
My in-laws decided to host a trip to the Mexican Riviera in 2006. Geoff was not in the greatest of health, and passed away about four years ago, but this was a great way to bring the family together. The slides depict our family as it was back then. Both my son and daughter have since married, and the children of Peter and Nancy have either graduated from college, or have completed at least one year of college at the time of this writing. We were very fortunate to find luxurious adjoining condos near the town of Akumal with ample privacy for all parties.
We were able to enjoy very good snorkeling right out from our condo, and to take convenient drives to several Mayan ruins such as Tulum . Short drives took us to other tours where we could try zip lining, repelling, and swimming in a cenote. Nancy was our trip planner, and as you will see we loved the trips we took.
We arrived on Christmas day, and were surprised to find many restaurants and shops open in nearby Playa del Carmen that night.
I very likely mixed up several of our “trips”, but I do know that we explored a lot of the scenery between Cancun and Tulum. I know that I gained a new attitude about the country and people. Lest I forget–the wonderful food.