Naturally Optimistic

On Tuesday we still had our rented bikes, so after some strong Mexican coffee and Coca-Cola Light and breakfast at El Pirata we went back to the bike shop to exchange my slighly defective We rode our bikes back out to Playacar. This time it was much easier due to WAY less traffic and people. Thank god. Well, before we went into the aviary, we biked all the way around the loop again. Due to the handlebar smashing of the day before, we lost the lock that went on the Boy's bike. So, we looped back looking for it, hoping it would still be in the median where we accidentally left it. Well, it wasn't there. Oh well, what can you do...we decided not to let it worry us too much and went back to the aviary. It was a little spendy ($15 admission) but we were on vacation! We wanted to see native flora & fauna! And we were on vacation! So we paid it and went in. It's very low-key. No obnoxious.... anything . Just one girl sitting at an open air desk in front and a pop machine. That...

Walked right up on this guy - he's very camouflaged! Sneaky creature! 

Toucan Sam in the flesh! 

Xaman-Ha Aviary - cranes & flamingos 

Okay - I'm a HUGE dork for the Oscars. I don't know why but I get completely caught up in it every year. Well, okay, it could be because I'm an actor and a filmmaker (might have something to do with it) but I just love the party atmosphere, the ladies and gents dressed to the nines, the jewels, the speaches, the tributes. I love it! I used to live about a block away from the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood and it was so thrilling for me to go there the day before the Oscars and walk on the red carpet and check out the preparations, the flowers, the people, it made me so excited!! (again...dork). Last year I had an Oscar party - the first soiree in my house - and it was so much fun. I decorated everything with black and gold, stars hanging from the ceiling, confetti on the table, Oscar ballots (and prize for the winner), champagne tons of food and a 5' paper mache Oscar statue for posing with/picture taking. (dork, III). Anyway - the arrivals have started and as much as I try...

Valentine's Day was lovely. We woke up and it was - guess what? Clear, Sunny blue skies, 80-85 degrees outside, a slight breeze (which picks up in the afternoon) off the ocean. *sigh* On Monday we didn't do a ton ...we walked around a bit, had breakfast at the Las Mañanitas (again), laid in the sun, read our books and later that afternoon went to rent bikes. We thought we were SOOOOO lucky - Playa Bike was right across the street from our hotel. How fortunate. Unfortunately when we went early in the day, they didn't have any bikes. So we came back later and they had a couple. A boy's and a girl's. Well, the boy's bike was crap but it fit Steve okay. We thought my bike was 'nicer' but the seat needed to be adjusted. So for an hour we sat on the sidewalk and watched the two "bike guys" (hardly) try to get the seat lowered to accommodate my short stature. It was hot. They were sweating. They had a little teeny hammer that was bent that they kept ...

Valentine's Dinner 

Beach Musician 

Steve & a palapa 

Ahhh...Palm Trees 

Carrie Sunning on the Beach 

Silly Smile 

On our first morning we slept in. We got to Playa late (about 1:30am) and couldn't sleep very well due to SUPER loud music at our hotel's bar & the club next door. We went for breakfast at a great little place on 5th Avenue called Las Mañanitas and then spent the day laying on the beach relaxing, reading and marveling at the beauty all around us. That night we enjoyed dinner & margaritas and a couple beers at our hotel bar - El Pirata. 

Hola! We have returned from the Mexican Rivera. What a wonderful time. White sand beaches, turquoise crystal clear water and muy cervezas! The food was great, the sights fantastic, the company outstanding. I have posted a few pics...we took over 200 so this is just a sampling. If you want to see any others, just let me know!

Fire Dancers at the Blue Parrot 

Temple of Kuklacan at Chichen Itza (El Castillo) 

Beautiful Sunrise 

Sunning outside the Costa del Mar 

Valentine's Day 2005 

Mexican Margaritas