ShannonAlbert.com - June 2009

On our final morning, we got out of bed late and got ourselves packed up and checked out. Our shuttle arrived right on time and we got through the airport check-in/security/customs process quickly. We felt suddenly inundated by Americans while we were waiting in the airport. It was very strange after being away for a few days and it felt like we were in the US at this point.

We grabbed some souvenirs for the kids, had lunch at Air Margaritaville. Andy was upset we were making Jimmy Buffett rich instead of contributing to the Mexican economy. I reminded him that Mexican people had jobs because of Jimmy Buffet's restaurant. He felt the same way when we were at the bar the night before in Playa.

I was so relaxed and just peaceful from our time in Mexico that I said to Andy - "other people don't look as relaxed as I feel." He looked at me funny (as usual) but it just felt odd that other people didn't look nearly as relaxed as I would have expected.

On our first flight, we met a couple that had been staying at a rustic resort. One of them loved it, the other one didn't. I spoke to one of them about traveling around New Zealand for a month, how she had just quit her job and decided to become a painter. Interesting people.

Houston airport, no problem, finally touch down in KC and go get our car and head to my parent's house around 10. Kids are still up and they've got a party for us. My mom made chocolate fondue, Mexican music was playing in the background and we gave the kids their souvenirs. It was good to see them again but we were not shy about how much we enjoyed our vacation.

Our overall thoughts on our trip...
- We loved the resort. Andy wanted an all-inclusive, I didn't want a mega resort so this place was a medium sized compromise. The lack of English-speakers made it interesting and we actually felt like we were in a foreign country. Nevermind the fact that the guests weren't speaking Spanish - at least it didn't feel like the US with different scenery. We'll likely stay at a sister resort on our next trip and bring the kids along. The other resort has suites, has more English speaking guests and staff (though still not primarily English speaking) and more amenities the kids will enjoy.
- We wished we had stayed one day longer. There were a couple of things we didn't do such as kayaking and jet skiing. One more day and we could have fit them in.
- I often recommend if people go to all-inclusives that they take their own large plastic cup but I forgot one on our own trip. All-inclusives are notorious for giving you drinks in small cups so having a large cup is easier. We didn't see other people using larger cups but it would have been convenient.
- More cash. We ran out of cash the last day and couldn't tip the last couple of people we needed to.
- Pics of animation staff. They were awesome and I wish we had pics to remember them by.

Andy may have something to add but he's asleep so he'll have to add anything else later.

We loved this trip and we are discussing returning sometime next year (or maybe the year after - I have so many destinations on my "to do" list!).

Glad everyone has enjoyed the trip report. I'm just glad to finish one after not finishing our NYC or Walt Disney World ones from late last year. Adios!