It's been about 2 and a half weeks since Amanda and Yaya were here. It was wonderful having them here and we had such an amazing time!! I think that week was the busiest I have been while in Cancun. I'll give you the whirlwind version of what we did because the long version would be WAY too long.
They arrived Wednesday afternoon, and after they got to the house and got settled in I got them mangoes and kiwis and then we went to the store to pick up some groceries. Thursday morning we had an eventful morning out in service which included doing Arabic calls and getting freshly made tortillas (SOOO GOOD). After service Yaya, Amanda, and I went to the Hotel Zone and hit the beach. Friday morning we went out in service again, though we didn't last very long seeing as it was extremely hot. Friday afternoon we were hanging out at the house trying to figure out what to do for the weekend. We tossed around a few ideas for excursions for the day on Saturday. However, after a little online research we decided to pack up our things and leave that afternoon for Holbox, an "island" about 3 hours driving and 30 minute ferry ride from Cancun. Wally oh-so-graciously drove us to pick up our rental car and we embarked on our expedition.
By the time we arrived at Holbox it was dark and of course we had neglected to find out exactly where our hostel was located on the island. We DID know that it was near the beach so we just started walking, stumbled upon the beach, and eventually (after walking for what felt like hours) someone pointed us in the right direction and we found it! The woman who was working at the hostel couldn't have been more helpful. She had waited up for us to arrive, and after we got set up in our cabana she showed us around the town and suggested a place to eat. It was an Italian restaurant and the food was excellent. We just sat there soaking everything up as best we could, still not completely sure whether it was reality or a dream.
Saturday morning we set off to the explore the island. I cannot even describe the intense beauty of this small, modest island. We couldn't go very far without stopping to take a picture of a thatched-roof house, a glimpse of a white sand beach, or one of the many rustic hotels hidden in the island's tropical gardens. We really lived it up in this dreamland oasis; walking along the quiet dirt roads, napping in the hammocks of our cabana, and relaxing on the pristine beaches. It was a day of complete bliss, delight, and peace and exactly what I picture paradise to be like. I just find it so amazing the things that Jehovah created so that we could enjoy life to the full, and I can't wait for the time when we will all be able to live life the way he intended. And what better way to end the day then at a traditional Mexican restaurant, complete with INCREDIBLE guacamole and the most AH-mazing mango margaritas!!!
Sunday morning we woke up early and went to a small cafe for breakfast before getting back on the ferry in order to make it to Cancun in time for my 3:00 meeting. After the meeting we went to Omar and Jessica Gallegos' house for a party. I'm so glad that Yaya and Amanda got to meet so many from the hall and spend time with everyone in a relaxed setting...and just hang out!
Monday morning we set off for Tulum. It's a couple hours away from Cancun...I think. I'm not exactly sure because I slept most of the way there. Monday night we stayed in a cabin hut type thing with a tent inside, inside an ecological park. We had a crazy gorgeous view from our porch of the ocean to the left and a big lagoon to the right. Monday night we had quite an interesting experience at the restaurant at the place we stayed at. I'm getting very sleepy and it would take a while to tell the story in detail, so if you want to hear what happened feel free to ask Yaya or Amanda...or me when I get home! Ah man, good times. We had to leave early Tuesday morning because we had plans back in Cancun for the rest of the day. When we got back to Cancun we went to Wayne and Alma Keenan's house so that we could spend the day with them. We piled into their car and headed for the ferry that would take us to Isla Mujeres, a small island right off the coast of Cancun. Wayne and Alma took us to a beautiful part of the island where we were able to go snorkeling! We got to see some really neat looking fish; it was the first time I have gone snorkeling in the ocean and I loved it! We went back to the Keenan's oceanfront condo and Wayne grilled out for us. We enjoyed the delectable dinner outside with the ocean just off in the distance while listening to Wayne tell us stories of his hippie days :)
Tuesday night we went back to the house and Yaya and Amanda packed up their things so that they could leave in the morning with time to return the rental car and get to the airport. That was their visit in a nutshell! Whew...THAT took a while to recount! And not a moment too soon. I'm ready for bed!
Not too much is new around here. Just service and going out to eat, hittin' the beach and hanging out with friends when I can. We have the assembly coming up April 10th and 11th, right before I leave. It's in Merida, a city about 4 hours from Cancun. I'm really looking forward to it. We will leave Friday morning and go to the Pioneer meeting that afternoon. I have heard that Merida is a really cool city and that there is live music and dancing in the evenings. It should be really fun!
If anyone wants to see my pictures you can see them online through my Picasa albums. I think there is a link somewhere in one of my other posts. If not or if it's not working, just let me know and I'll get it to you.
I look forward to being back home with my friends and family super duper soon.... <3
Hey Linz...thanks for this post reminding me of what a fabulous time we had. Not that I need a reminder; I'm still basking in the glow!! Actually my glow is peeling; I look like a leper:D
ReplyDeleteLove ya tons & can't wait to see you!! xoxoxo
YaYa