Predictably, our hotel was quite a long way along the Cancún beachfront "strip", but although having gained an hour it didn't seem as dark. We said our "thank you and goodbye" to the driver who was very good, although he drove faster than we thought was perhaps sensible at times, we feel that was purely because Arturo's inability to time manage put him under pressure to get us to our next destination. To Arturo, I'm afraid, we said nothing - the first time since Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos Guide 3.
The hotel was huge, with lots of different wings and whilst we had all been in nearby rooms everywhere else, the group was now split up over 150+ rooms. Unfortunately we were put in an annex off the car park and as soon as we walked into the building it was dreadful and the room on the second floor was just a hideous, dark, square box and although we were only going to be there for one night, I was not prepared to accept the room. So, with apologies to Ian who never likes me making a fuss, I went straight back to reception and complained - the result of which was we were moved to a suite in one of the main blocks. It didn't have a sea view but at least it was ground floor, light and airy and felt like it actually belonged to the hotel. I also was able to arrange a late check out so we didn't have to leave the room until 1400 (instead of 1100) - full marks to the receptionist.
We briefly considered venturing out for dinner but in the end decided to eat in the beachside bar where we both enjoyed delicious burger and chips and a decent bottle of wine at a reasonable price. I think we're both more than ready to go home tomorrow.
Breakfast was served in quite a small restaurant given the number of rooms in the hotel; we were lucky and got a table straight away but others were told to either wait outside or come back in xx minutes. The food was cooked to order and was delicious, we were just conscious of not staying too long at the table.
It was only just after 0900 when we headed past the huge pool to the beach.
It was beautiful with plenty of loungers/umbrellas to choose from.
And, more importantly, crystal clear, warm water.
We had a swim and then I left Ian lazing whilst I went for a walk along the beach, carrying just my small lens.
Walking round the headland at the end I came to pelicans which were a little far away for my small lens.
So I headed back to the room to pick up the other camera/lens.
And retraced my steps along the shoreline.
Great Tailed Grackles f. and m.
That's better, the birds are much closer now, except the wretched pelicans have flown!
Although it was still quite early in the day, the coconut man was already touting for business.
He certainly has the easier job than his mate, who has to harvest them.
I kept on walking further round the headland and found one before too long. But got photo bombed by a passing jet ski.
It seemed like the pelican thought the gulls were its chicks.
We spent a very pleasant morning sitting in the sun and then swimming to cool off. We tried the pool which was also lovely, but not as good as the Caribbean. I noticed some Germany ladies standing around chatting as they are prone to do and they were peering at something in the water. By this time the camera gear was back in the room so I used my phone and just hoped I didn't drop it.
We had an pleasant lunch on the beach, this is the starter which is the predictable corn nachos (black and normal colours) plus a spicy dip which I was surprised was to Ian's taste.
In view of the complete c*ck up that Mexcellence had made of our arrival collection and because Ian and I were the only ones taking the BA flight (the others were on Aero Mexico and had to go via Mexico City - we'd be landing a good 6 hours before them!) I'd messaged them a couple of days ago to confirm what time they'd be collecting us for our 1835 flight. They'd responded in a timely manner advising 1500 which was then revised to 1430 in view of local roadworks, which was absolutely fine with us. This morning apparently none of the other 4 leaving had heard anything so I passed on contact details and suggested they get in touch. They were given a 1445 pick up time which seemed a little daft, surely we could all gave gone together. We were all waiting in reception at 1430 when a minibus arrived, however when the driver showed me his paperwork - it said collection time 1430 for the group of 4 and 1545 collection time for us! Fortunately there was room for him to take all of us at the same time, although we were delayed by dropping them off at T3 before he drove us on to T4. At the end of the day it was not a problem but could have been - there seems to be a lack of attention to detail regarding these individual transfers.
Check-in was only just opening when we arrived and before long we were sitting in a small lounge which was perfectly OK and certainly not the dump I'd read about online. Unfortunately they'd run out of champagne glasses so we had to drink out of tumblers until they'd done some washing up - I've done worse. The BA staff were lovely as always and somehow the time passed by fairly quickly and Don was waiting at Gatwick to meet us.
The tour was long and tiring but we're both glad we did it. We met some lovely people and one complete **** and as we've said many times before there's always one - it's just a shame we found her so early into the trip.
Unfortunately it's taken me almost two months to finish this blog so no doubt I've forgotten lots of interesting facts, figures and events. With 42 posts it's also probably the longest so I'm quite sure I'll have contradicted myself over time.
