Archive for "Travel"
Post Birthday Trip to Mexico Part 1
Posted on December 2, 2019 by Ching under Travel.
For my birthday this year, I managed to convince Brian to travel to Mexico with the Vacay with Jay Jay crew. It’s quite exciting because Brian has always been super paranoid about Mexico (based on stories from former coworkers who lived there) and vehemently against traveling there for vacation. We’ve been to Cozumel, Mexico via cruise ship but we’ve never flown there and stayed at a resort because he’s always been very afraid of being ripped off, mugged, abducted, or worse – murdered – because there’s supposedly a lot of violence and criminal activity. I’ve never been worried about this because the best resorts (about the only places he would even consider) provide transportation to and from the airport. I didn’t think we would ever be in any danger. This time we had two other couples on the trip (the Huntees and the Dills) and I suppose it’s quite a special birthday (we were going with the group but also the trip was what I wanted for my second 21st birthday). This was the year he actually caved and gave in.
We’d heard of people vacationing in Mexico for less than $1000 because of all the fabulous deals to be had. That was not the case with this trip. The place we stayed at was relatively new (only two years old) and in such high demand — we paid a lot. But, as you’ll see from the pics, the place was worth every penny.
We’re going to start our recap at the Wichita airport. As always, Brian had us there two hours before our flight which was completely ridiculous. The airport wasn’t even open yet! I tried to tell him but he wouldn’t listen.
There was not a soul there. I really could have slept an hour longer but instead we were at the airport at the butt crack of dawn waiting for airport security to open. All of the time wasted waiting at the airport is probably one of the worst parts about traveling with Brian (the other bad parts are his incessant paranoia and constant worrying — the man just cannot relax). I often joke that had we traveled together when we were dating, we probably wouldn’t have ended up getting married. He is such a pain to travel with!
We traveled with the Huntees — Justin and Tina Huntington. I suppose they are smiling because they didn’t have to get up as early as we did. They arrived at the gate just as First Class passengers were getting boarded so they walked right on. They didn’t have to wait at all. I told Brian that, next time we travel with these guys, I am spending the night at their house so I can ride with them to airport and not have to get up stupid early only to have to wait for two hours in an uncomfortable seat at the airport when I could have been still sleeping!
Anyway, the Dills didn’t travel with us because they were already in Mexico on a work thing. They basically just extended their trip so the six of us could hang out.
The place that we stayed at is called Hotel Xcaret. Our arrival was actually delayed almost two hours because we missed our connection in Dallas. Our plane left Wichita late because the de-icer wasn’t working and they had to get another de-icer truck. Thankfully, the four of us were able to get on the next flight out to Cancun so it wasn’t too bad of a delay.
Once we arrived in Cancun, we made a beeline for the transportation pickup outside. The Dills were already there. Rather than paying for a special transfer from the other resort they stayed at for the first part of the trip to Hotel Xcaret, they took the free/included transfer from their resort to the airport and then just hopped on the Hotel Xcaret bus. It worked out great because the six of us were able to ride to the resort together.
When you arrive, the first thing that you notice, besides the grand lobby, is the amazing smell. Brian thinks the fragrance comes from the hanging plants which are not only decorative but also serve a purpose. No matter where fragrant aroma comes from, I loved the walking through the lobby because of the wonderful spa-like smell. It’s very relaxing.
We splurged on an ocean-front swim-up room just ’cause. I mean, how often does one turn 21 really? Well, this will be my second 21st birthday technically but the first time I couldn’t afford to travel to another country. LOL.
Here are some pictures of our amazing accommodations.
Upon entering the suite, you’re immediately drawn to the amazing view of the ocean outside. Though you only see one hammock in this photo, you actually get two (one for each person).
You can see the other hammock hanging in the corner in this next photo.
Here’s a pic of Brian and me enjoying the hammocks.
And a pic of just Brian. It’s nice that we each got our own.
While the view outside is magnificent, the interior of the room is equally impressive. We found the bed comfortable and the rest of the furnishings very nice.
There’s a small round table next to the bed and a bigger one by the sliding door. The glass table (pictured below) is perfect for enjoying some room service.
We never did get room service (even though it was free/included) but the butlers did leave us some delicious cakes a couple of times.
I didn’t get a pictures of the luxurious hooded robes and comfy slippers that the resort provides but I did take a pic of the water bottles. The place is so eco-friendly that, instead of providing you with water in disposable plastic bottles, they have water in reusable glass bottles. The bottom of each bottle has a bottle opener. It’s a very elegant and ingenious way of avoiding excess plastic waste.
Another special touch that I appreciated is the tray of treats that they provide in the room which gets replenished daily. The mazapan candy was my absolute favorite because it reminded me polvoron.
The free facial kit that I found on one of the bathroom shelves was also a nice surprise. The kit contained a small tube of scrubbing face gel, SPF30 sunblock, moisturizer, and eye contour gel.
Besides that, the resort also provides everything you could possibly need in the drawer beneath the sink. All the stuff was natural, including the wooden comb and toothbrush (the bristles were not made of wood — LOL).
The toothbrushes actually came in handy on our departure day because we had already packed ours in our suitcase.
Every night, you got surprise candy from the housekeeping staff. That was a nice treat as well. We also got a keepsake bag and little hand-woven baskets that the treats came in. There were so many thoughtful touches. They even provided you an umbrella to use on rain days.
Our room was was super nice and the rest of the resort was equally impressive. I will post some pics of the property in the next blog. Until then. GNG.
No Comments
Final Day in Orlando
Posted on August 17, 2019 by Ching under Travel, Zumba.
Brian and I got some much needed pool time after the ZINCON closing session.
It was a hot one!
Afterwards, we went to our favorite restaurant, the Pub Orlando, for dinner. We had our first and last meals in Orlando there. We love it that much!
Bumped into DJ Dani on our way back from dinner.
With Renee and Kizzy from Soca Xplosion.
They packed up super quick. By Sunday afternoon, there was no trace of ZINCON in sight. The stage, the window clings, the signage — all gone.
Pictures of the beautiful Hilton Orlando lobby. Hotel was great. Resort pool was great. Still not a fan of the long walk to the Hyatt. LOL.
No Comments
ZW Insider Photo Shoot
Posted on August 13, 2019 by Ching under Travel, Zumba.
Speaking of photos, I did make it to the Zumba Wear Insider 3-Star photo shoot on Thursday. Brought my new gear with me and snapped up a few pics.
These home office gals are super cool. I love seeing them every year.
As if that weren’t enough, Brian and I also had our own little photo shoots.
The Hilton Orlando resort pool area is so beautiful, it’s the prefect place to take photos. This is all for now. Come back next time for more ZINCON recaps.
No Comments
ZINCON Kick Off Day
Posted on August 12, 2019 by Ching under Travel, Zumba.
Thursday was ZINCON kickoff day. Naturally, I wore all new stuff I got from the store the previous day. 😉
In case you are curious about what all I got, here’s a video clip of me trying on my new Zumba wear finds.
I did go back to the store with Brian after the ZIN Flavors Master Class to get this button up shirt. I originally didn’t want one but, after seeing it on a bunch of the presenters, I just had to have it.
Took some fun pics with the giant signage.
Pic of me and Brian while I was waiting to get in to the kick off session.
Got a pretty good spot at kick off and I was joined by Joel, Mara and Danielle.
Danielle and I wore the same shirt that day.
I left as kick off was wrapping up because the gift shop was about to open. Brian had been holding my spot in line. Thanks to him, I was the first one in!
After shopping a bit, it was time to head to my first session — a master class with Mauricio Camargo. I also had Bring It with Prince and Madelle Paltu-Ob and Marlex Pangalunan and House Experience with Benjamin Richard and Rodrigo Angello later that day. I didn’t stay for pics for any of these.
In hindsight, I kind of wish that I would have stayed for pics because I didn’t get a lot of pics on kickoff day. And I regret that. The lines were just sooo long, though! Perhaps next year. Until then, GNG.
No Comments
Traveling to Orlando
Posted on August 7, 2019 by Ching under Food and Drink, Travel.
Obligatory airplane selfie.
Upon our arrival at the Orlando airport, we were greeted by the same chauffeur we had in 2013. What are the odds?
Our first stop that night was the Pub, our favorite place to eat in the area.
Our first drinks in Orlando.
Brian’s favorite meal.
I love the fish and chips at the Pub. This time they had an option on the menu to get fish and chips and shrimp.
It was a nice night for a walk, so we took the long way back to our hotel. Grabbed a few pics on the way.
It was a long day but there’s always time for a few pics.
We stayed at the Hilton this time because the Hyatt Regency was already full by the time I registered, which was within a couple of hours of registration opening. It was ridiculous. Anyway, the Hilton also does the commemorative ZINCON keys so at least I still got one to add to my collection.
We went to check out the fitness center in the morning. It was decent but not as nice as the one at the Hyatt.
I guess it’s a lot nicer than most hotel gyms.
We did some exploring that day.
The rooms are just okay and it’s on the opposite side of the Orange County Convention Center from the Hyatt so the location is not idea but the resort pool is phenomenal!
It is much bigger and nicer than the resort pool at the Hyatt.
And, they have a lazy river. Bonus!
There’s even a splash pool for the kiddos.
There are a few fire pit areas with food and beverage service.
The pool grounds are super nice!
Besides that, it’s like a legit resort with activities and everything. I just wish it wasn’t so far away. Anyway, next post will be all about ZINCON. Check back soon!
No Comments
