Cozumel 101

Cozumel 101

So, Joseph and I had been to Cozumel on our honeymoon, but we didn't do any of the tours.  We spent the day strolling the ships, shopping for Mexican blankets and knick-knacks, and eating at off-the-beaten-path restaurants.  It was a great day, but we knew that we wanted to do something else when we went back to Cozumel with his family.  So when his brother Ben found a tequila tasting tour, I was a little hesitant, but we were up for the adventure!

We got off the boat and opted for the 10 minute walk instead of getting a taxi.  DON'T DO IT!  Get a taxi.  The one complaint that I have about this tour is that the walk is very long, and you should just get a taxi.  I can't even sugarcoat it and say that there is pretty views along the walk, because there is not.  Save your limited time in Cozumel and get a taxi.  End of rant now. 

We took a tour through Discover Mexico, and saw some pretty cool art.

Brother-in-law Ben.

Loved this- made completely from sand. 

Once we finished up the art tour, we headed for the tequila tasting, and let's just say I was pleasantly surprised.  When I sat down and saw this... 

And this....

 I was looking for the nearest exit.  Flashbacks from college and Northgate were coming back to me, and I was not about to take 3 shots of tequila.  No thank you.  However, when we sat down Chucho gave us a complete history and "class" per say on tequila.  We learned how to smell it different ways and to sip on it, and it was very much like tasting wine.  Although I do not plan on leisurely sipping tequila anytime soon, it was educational, fun, and something out-of-the-box, so it was right up our alley!!

Our amazing guide- Chucho

The tequilas that we tasted. 

At the end of the day, I had a wonderful day with my husband and in-laws, 

We got yummy margaritas, 

& we got delicious homemade tacos and sides.

 After lunch, we watched a crazy show with these guys climbing the pole below and then spinning themselves out.  I know that is not a good way of explaining it, but I don't know of a better way.  Just see pictures below! :)

After Discover Mexico, we headed over to Chankanaab National Park, and let's just say that the next time we go to Cozumel, this will be our stop for the entire day.  It was amazing, and I regret not taking more pictures of the beautiful beach.  They have a beach, dolphin swimming, snorkeling, water sports, water trampoline, and tons of restaurants on the water.  

Adios Amigos! 

Cruisin' Christmas

So, not sure if I have mentioned, but Joseph and I are practically professional cruisers.  In 1.5 years, we have been on FOUR cruises!  One when we got engaged, one for our honeymoon, one to Alaska with my family, and now one with Joseph's family to Mexico.  However, I will not complain, and in fact as soon as we got off the boat I saw specials for a future cruise, and I was ready to book again already! :)

We all loaded up on the cruise boat with these adorable matching t-shirts that my sweet mother-in-law got us! :)  Thanks Dawn!

We left out of NOLA on December 28, and went on the Carnival Elation cruise line to Cozumel and Progresso Mexico.  

Just like every cruise, there is some stuff we REALLY love, and there is some stuff that we could do without.

I LOVE cruises because...

1.  I love how it gives us the opportunity to see multiple places in a short amount of time. 

2.  I do not like having to unpack my bag, so this way I only have to unpack my bag 1x and I still get to go to a lot of cool places.

3.  The entertainment is great, and the comedians are hilarious.

4. The food is wonderful- melting chocolate cake.... YuMmMyY

5.  The staff is amazing, and they go way above and beyond to make you feel like royalty- I could definitely get used to it. 

6.   I love the towel animals.

Some things that are a little bothersome on cruises...

1.  Communication sucks.  You can't use cell phones.  You can't use apps to communicate because it requires internet.  And the note and plan system just doesn't work.  If I am in the spa and comfortable, I dread when the clock hits noon and I should be meeting my husband to eat lunch.  I want to be able to shoot him a quick text saying let's go later, but I can't.  If anybody has a solution for this problem let me know! :)  PS.  No walkie talkies.  They are annoying to all of the other guests, and I refuse to be that person.

2.  The buffet is a pretty yucky option for dinner.  The Aggie game was coming on one night, so we did what any maroon bleeding Aggie would do, and we skipped dinner to eat the buffet so we could make it to the game on time.  I do not advise this.  Go to dinner. Every night.  Skipping = yucky food.

Overall, cruises are amazing, and we will definitely do them again in the future.  

Taylor