Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Day 156: Xcaret, Tulum and a Spider Monkey

Thank you so much for all your wonderful comments on my "active" vacation. From the photos, you might not realize how cowardly I really do tend to be about scary things. Brian wants got me to watch a video on "When Good Times Go Bad," and this really unnerved me re: risks. I'm actually the kind of person that hates roller coasters, and even ferris wheels.

But up until about 1 1/2 years ago, I had lots of trouble walking. At all. I kept getting diagnosed as having stress fractures, being put in walking casts, told I had plantar fasciitis (heel spurs.) But it was finally diagnosed correctly as an inflammatory arthritis. It's made a world of difference, using an anti-inflammatory! But I don't take mobility for granted, and there's a part of me that now looks at things with the perspective (especially on this vacation) with "If not now, then when? Do I really think I'll be MORE able in another 5 years? Probably not." And so I want to try things now.


But less you think it was ALL a work-out, these 2 photos show Dianna and Brian back in Tulum, the 1/2 way point between Coba and our resort in Puerto Adventuras. We had a little "celebration" with our group of 11 people involving shouting something in Spanish and drinking shots of Tequilla.


And here you see a not particularly. . . modest. . . spider monkey.


No, Becky, this was not a member of the Blue Man Group! This was one of the characters that performed in the evening show of ancient Mayan ceremonies at Xcaret, an eco-park.


Xcaret (shkar-et) was another phenomenal excursion we got to do on this trip. We went snorkeling in an underground river, and saw all kinds of huge tropical fish. I've never snorkeled before and have decided it's one of my all time favorite things to do. It's incredibly relaxing, and you float along with a life jacket, flippers on your feet, breathing through an air tube, and seeing all kinds of exotic coral and sea life.

16 comments:

Amy said...

I would love to go snorkeling. Wonderful pics yet again!

Jen said...

OMG! That monkey picture is a riot!!!!

♥ Amy said...

Such interesting sites! So glad you're taking the time to share.

Becky said...

I was so busy trying to come up with a joke for the spider monkey photo that I didn't even think of the Blue Man Group one. :-D
I extra admire your adventure knowing where you were a couple of years ago! I snorkeled in Puerto Rico several years ago and loved it.
Thanks for the tips on Baxter. We wondered about allergies too, but we think not because he will do the same thing to our legs if we let him, and Springers tend to be obsessive. I may give the diet a try anyway to see.

Chell said...

LOL at the spider monkey. Too funny. So glad you pushed your comfort zone and had fun.

Reds said...

I feel like I am going on a trip with you! Wonderful pics - keep them coming! Celine

Jeanne said...

Given what you shared, this vacation is even MORE impressive than I originally thought. These pictures you are sharing are fantastic and I sort of feel I am going on your vacation, if only vicariously!

Thanks SO much for sharing!

Amy said...

Looks like so much fun! How funny is little Mr. Monkey letting it all hang out! :) Great shots!

Sara said...

Thanks for that mini vacation in a bottle!
I'm still jealous, but shared a moment floating along in an underground river with tropical fish.

mel said...

looks like fun!

Margaret said...

I'm having so much fun seeing your vacation shots each day. I love your attitude about trying new...and sometimes scary things. That monkey picture is just too funny!

Mom2Drew said...

The monkey shot is hilarious!

Michelle said...

that monkey has me totally cracking up! and how great that you've finally figured out the problem and can now be active again. go, you!

pat said...

Wow, can't believe all the different things you got to do and see. I LOVE snorkeling! The guy at the Eco-Park was really interesting...lots of detail in that outfit.

Heather said...

Hey Angela! Glad to see you really live LIFE. :) What a time with your children. I must admit though, seeing Brian plunging into nothingness is, well, scary. You have to tell me what he said it was like!

Bobbi said...

Wow on the monkey lol. LOve that you had time to just relax and enjoy your vacation too!