Toes in the Sand!

May proved to be the month of beaches for me!  

MEXICO!

First up, Chris and I traveled to Cancun, Mexico with a fun group to check out the new Finest Playa Mujeres all-inclusive resort.  Now I was a little concerned about traveling to Mexico with the whole kidnapping thing.  However, I was reassured by our friends who travel there frequently that they feel safe and haven't had any issues.  They were right and we had a great time.

The Finest is only a few months old and overall I enjoyed the experience.  The pools are nice, the staff friendly and the beach was pretty despite some sea grass.  The main annoyance for me was that while it is an all-inclusive resort, tipping most definitely got you better service.  When Chris and I went to Sandals a few years ago, tipping was not allowed.  (Except if you had butler service, and then you could at the end of your stay if they had earned it.) In my opinion, we'd paid good money to come on the trip and still had to dole out money for better service.  Otherwise, the food was good especially being an all-inclusive and the drinks flowed freely. If you go, be sure to check out the Japanese restaurant hibachi dinner...delish and SO fun!  

Our favorite part was the day trip to Isla Mujeres! A group of us hopped on the ferry and rented golf carts to tour the island.  (Be sure to grab some beers as you can drink and drive. Ha!) SO fun!!  After a quick lap to the south end of the island, we headed to Playa Norte (North Beach) for drinks and swimming in the amazing turquoise water.  Beautiful! 

Regardless of where we were, the company made the trip!  Great times with old and new friends!  Looking forward to seeing the whole gang again soon.

KEY WEST!

A few weeks later, Brandi and I headed to Key West to celebrate her birthday.  As usual, we flew in to Ft Lauderdale and made the fun trek down the Keys.  We hit our obligatory stops at Robbie's, World Wide Sportsman and The Island Fish Company.  If you want more info, check out my Florida Keys entry from a few years ago.  Everything was just perfect as we cruised down Highway 1.  One note, our stop at Robbie's to feed the tarpon was much more challenging than in the past as the water this time was only a few feet from the top of the dock.  Man those fish are big and fast!  I can usually feed them, no problem...this time not so much.  Whew!  Crazy!

We finally arrived in Key West about 10 pm and got checked into the Southernmost on the Beach hotel.  A new spot for us to stay and it was great!!!  Nice hotel, great pools shared between their 4 properties and beach access with use of chairs and umbrellas.   

The next morning we headed off to fish with Captain Teddy and Heath with Lethal Weapon Charters.  A fun 12 hour trip with these guys netted us plenty of Mahi Mahi to take home, as well as, Rosebelly fish and Brandi caught a huge Glass Eyed snapper.  Amazing!!!   *If you want to catch some great fish when you're in Key West, look no further than Captain Teddy.  He's the best!

This trip had a different experience including trying a new hotel, all new restaurants and reminiscing about our past trips.  We felt more like a local and less like a silly tourist.  Don't get me wrong, we still day drank on Duval and had Key Lime pie!  When you're hungry in Key West, check out Blue Heaven, Abbondanza Italian restaurant, Dante's (they'll cook your catch!) and Ana's Cuban Cafe for a killer cuban sandwich, across from Southernmost hotel.

A very special part of our trip was crashing our friends, Beth and Justin, wedding!  So we really didn't crash it since Beth invited us when she found out we'd be in Key West the wedding weekend.  But I still say we crashed it!  Beth is a wonderfully sweet soul that Brandi and I got to know through Casey.  Along with the Ramen Slaw recipe, I am so thankful for Casey bringing Beth into my world.  Both have made my life better!  (Yes I realize I'm comparing a human to a recipe but seriously, if you have ever met Beth or tasted the slaw, you know what I mean!) 

Anyway, the wedding was just perfect!  The two got married on Smathers beach as the sun was setting over the Conch Republic.  Beth looked beautiful in her perfect dress.  I loved that she and Justin wrote their own vows.  I felt so honored to be a part of their celebration! Afterwards we ate a The Commodore Waterfront Restaurant and what a riot!  We sat with Beth's brother, his good friend, and Beth's college friend.  Hilarious time with good people and great food! Then we headed over to Schooner's Wharf bar for celebration drinks and dancing.  So fun!  However, when the Jaeger shots hit, it was time for the 2 old ladies to go!  The next morning we headed out early for our journey back to Ft Lauderdale and home.

Truly an unbelievable May to fit in two super fun beach trips but hey, when it works out you just gotta roll with it.  Whether it's a trip to the beach or a staycation, make the best of the time you have with family and friends.  Memories made and stories to tell are the true souvenirs! 

Until next time, many laughs and happy travels...