Tag Archive: Anniversary

Our 5th Wedding Anniversary

We spent our 5th wedding anniversary in Cancun, Mexico.  Cancun holds a special place in our heart because it’s the place we got engaged on June 5, 2002 and it’s where we spent our 3rd anniversary when Cheryl was pregnant with Cora.

Originally, we had planned to spend our 5th anniverary in Las Vegas, NV.  However, the insane costs of Vegas coupled with the amazing deal we got via Expedia helped guide us back to Cancun.  Instead of staying at the Westin Regina (where we’ve stayed in the past) we decided to stay at the all inclusive GR Royal Solaris.  It was a great choice.  Unlimited food and liquor is never a bad thing.

With this being our 3rd time in Cancun together, it was really tough to figure out what to do.  We’d been to Chitinitza, Isla Mujeres, done some parasailing, and shopped a ton.  Outside of just kicking back on the beach, something that’s very difficult for Adam to do, we took the Jungle Tour for the first time.  There’s a picture from the excursion below.  That was really the only new thing we did.  It was the familiar favorites that we really relished.  We shopped a Plaza Kulkulcan and La Isla.  We ate dinner at Cambalache and this little whole in the wall taco place that we ate at the night we got engaged.  Of course, we also ate at the Captain’s Cove, where Cheryl enjoyed a Banana Monkey.  Basically, we were right at home.

It was tough to come back after 5 days, but it was also great to see Cora again.  She stayed with Grandpa and Grandma Iverson while we were away.

A few select photos are below and the entire gallery can be seen here.

This is the front of our hotel, the GR Royal Solaris. We highly recommend it.

This is the front of our hotel, the GR Royal Solaris. We highly recommend it.

This is a picture I took on day 2.  Its probably one of my favorite photos from the trip.

This is a picture I took on day 2. It's probably one of my favorite photos from the trip.

It's rare that I make an appearance in photos on trips. Usually I'm too busy taking them. I really liked the casual and simple nature of this photo. Cheryl did a great job capturing it.

It's rare that I make an appearance in photos on trips. Usually I'm too busy taking them. I really liked the casual and simple nature of this photo. Cheryl did a great job capturing it.

We took the so-called "Jungle Tour." It basically consists of driving a speed boat 30 minutes to a huge reef. You snorkel for about 45 minutes and then head back. We had a great time driving fast and checking out the underwater life.

We took the so-called "Jungle Tour." It basically consists of driving a speed boat 30 minutes to a huge reef. You snorkel for about 45 minutes and then head back. We had a great time driving fast and checking out the underwater life.

When we came down to Cancun for our 3rd anniversary, the Captains Cove was closed due to construction from the hurricanes.  It was open this time around and we made sure to eat dinner their on our anniversary.  The coconut shrimp were as amazing as we remembered from June 2002; when we got engaged.

When we came down to Cancun for our 3rd anniversary, the Captain's Cove was closed due to construction from the hurricanes. It was open this time around and we made sure to eat dinner their on our anniversary. The coconut shrimp were as amazing as we remembered from June 2002; when we got engaged.

We’re Back From Vacation

Cancun was a blast.  More updates to come, but wanted to get this photo out there so you all could see we actually made it to Cancun and had a great time.  This was taken on our anniversary using the D2Hs, two towels, and the shutter timer.

What I Learned In Cancun

This was my 4th trip to Cancun, Mexico in the last 15 years or so. This trip was really unlike others I’ve taken. Cancun has changed so much. Here is a list of my observations:

1. The dollar is still strong in Mexico (about 12 pesos to the dollar), but things have gotten more expensive to purchase.

2. English, as a language, is widely adopted. I spoke very little Spanish on the trip.

3. Technology is huge. There were plenty if free wifi hotspots throughout the hotels, bars, malls, etc. This made staying connected really easy. It’s also the opposite of what you’d find in the U.S.; where we charge for everything.

4. The Mexicans I spoke with were pro-McCain. They indicated most of the country was.

5. Public transportation us cheap and runs 24 hours; it’s the lifeblood of the economy. Nearly everyone opts for a bus ride over a taxi.

6. The concept of green friendly hasn’t made its way down here yet, but I saw many products touting: organic, natural, or free from preservatives.

7. I still hate just laying on the beach; I need to be doing something all the time.

8. There is always one set of guests at the hotel who swear they are the life of the party and should be the center of attention. The group this year was easy to spot thanks to one girl’s leave nothing to the imagination bikini and cowboy hat.

9. It’s getting harder to find real authentic Mexican food. The food has really been Americanized. Really do we need 2 Chilis’ in Cancun?

10. Talking to the locals is always better than the guide books; yes, have a conversation and get more personal.

It was a good trip, but I’m torn between appreciating the advancements being made here (eg wifi) and continued commoditization of the city. At what point will Cancun just be a more southern version of California?

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Head of Social Media at Walgreens. Interactive marketer, innovator, boat rocker, continuous learner, movie lover, risk taker, dad and all around good guy. I'm always up for a spirited conversation. These are my thoughts and ramblings, not those of my employer.
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