Concert or bust!

How far would you travel for a concert?  What if I told you it's a rock-n-roll concert next to the Sea of Cortez in Mexico and the weekend consisted of beach soccer tourneys at the resort, swim-up bars, fireworks, sunshine and lots of American fans?

I know what I'd say ... "Count me in!"  I don't know the band, but that doesn't even matter, Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers have a fun sound and prove to please crowds every year at Circus Mexicus.  According to a friend who's been there multiple times, we'll fly into Tucson, rent a car and 4-hour road trip it to Puerto Peñasco, Mexico (AKA Rocky Point), on the Pacific side of Mexico.

Nice way to spend a long weekend, don'tcha think?

Photo double-take

Last fall, we decided to walk through an outdoor art show near our apartment.  The streets were lined with food vendors, local artists trying to sell their prints and creative art and even a guy yelling to promote a Medieval revival "battle" that was going to take place around the corner.  We did not attend the fight ... but we did step into the tent of a local photographer (whose name I never thought to remember at the time).  Looking back, I wish I had. 

Anyway, her work was a myriad of photos taken from trips all over the world -- some near, some far.  They were OK photos, nothing too spectaclar, except for one.  On a canvas about 30 X 40" or so, was a photo of a long rickety pier that was roped off as too dangerous for pedestrians, overlooking a tropical blue ocean, sandy beach and white puffy clouds.  I was blown away.  Not by the beauty, but because I knew I had taken the *exact* same photo from the *exact* same spot not even a month earlier.  I had to ask this woman where this was taken.

It turns out it was true!  She'd stayed at the exact resort we stayed at in Mexico on our honeymoon, only she was there a few years before.  El Dorado Royale.  Talk about a small world.  I stood in nearly the exact same place in the sand to take an identical photo from the same point of view as did the legit photographer.  I (someone who has always dreamed of becoming a photographer someday) was in awe of the situation. 

Her canvas print was for sale for almost $500 that day, and that got me thinking ... why can't I sell my travel photos too?  I personally thought my photo was taken on a nicer day, so the quality was even better than hers ... I had to check out how much it would cost to get a photo blown up to that size canvas.

There is another photo I took in East Hampton on a stormy day at the beach in April.  The beauty of the natural setting on such an ominous day was breathtaking, so I just had to snap a few pictures.  To my surprise they turned out awesome.

My husband chose his favorite, and I had it blown up on and stretched on a canvas to surprise him for Christmas.  Now, my photo is a focal point in our living room -- a conversation piece -- my work!  To think, that photographer in the tent was selling hers for $500, and I had mine blown up and stretched for ... let's just say ... less than that (wink).

The plan for our Hawaii trip is to bring a good camera along to take some great photos.  Maybe some day I'll be able to sell my stuff too.  That'd be a dream come true!  In the meantime, my canvas print is a constant reminder that my dream could be realized some day.  But first I need to travel and actually take the photos ... and that I'm completely fine with!

Rivera Maya, Mexico

The day after our wedding we relaxed, packed and contemplated anxiously the adventures in store for us in the Mayan Riviera. Not leaving the morning after our wedding day was one of the best decisions we've ever made. It gave us a chance to re-group and prepare for the 6AM flight out of Cleveland.

Once we landed in Cancun, I could already sense a new vibe. A foreign vibe. The first stamp on my passport was stamped and I was off to explore! But first, we'd have to make our way through the swarms of cab drivers and excursion sellers. We found our pre-arranged van ride and headed to our hotel - El Dorado Royale.

After driving our way through the lush winding road toward our hotel, I could feel my palms getting sweaty with nerves. Would the hotel prove to deserve all the hype?

My husband's cousin had recommended the resort to us after having a fabulous time there only a few months before. Their advice: Don't drink the water on excursions. They learned the hard way. Nevertheless, the resort itself was perfect, per their recommendations of course.

There it was, I could see it in the distance. Finally. We're here!

Just as the name presumed, the El Dorado Royale was grand.

We were greeted at the lobby with 2 glasses of champagne -- just what the doctor ordered after a long flight. We checked in and headed outside. We had no idea what pampering meant until just then. indeed. Lush landscapes, flowers, beautiful buildings.

With only a step out the door, I was instantly overtaken by sunshine, excitement and heat. My jeans were no longer a smart choice. We were in Mexico!

From the back door of the lobby balcony the landscape expanded in all directions until there were palm trees, winding paved walkways, fountains, bridges, villas and the ocean

for as far as the eye could see. It was breathtaking. I took a sip of my champagne, breathed in the humid air and welcomed the heat.

We were shuttled to our room via golf cart, learning the grounds along the way thanks to our driver/resort guide. He was inviting, cheerful and above all, accommodating. We arrived at our suite, which happened to be a swim-up jacuzzi room on the first level. It was perfect.

We woke up every morning at our leisure. We'd lay by our private swim-up pool and be served drinks from our mobile bartender, until we'd decide to hit the "fun" pool. In the afternoon, games are arranged by the entertainment staff, the "K" team. We quickly made friends with other couples and the staff, playing water & beach volleyball, water polo, aqua aerobics, name that tune,

and of course, just sitting up at the swim-up bar. The vibe was a good one. Everyone just wanted to have a good time.

People were from all over -- Chicago, California, Ireland, Scotland, Texas -- which made for some interesting conversation and a hella good time late night at the guacamaya bar!

The live shows were great, the music was fun, the drinks were strong and the food was absolutely top notch! Every single restaurant the resort offered was a gourmet experience ... always with at least 4 courses. Always dessert. We couldn't have been more pleased!

With all there was to do and see, some of my favorite memories at El Dorado were simply taking a nap in a cabana by the pool or on the ocean. The gentle warm breeze accompanied by an occasional rain sprinkle were the perfect ingredients I needed to sleep off a few drinks from the pool bar. Perfect.

If you're ever searching for the perfect couple's getaway, El Dorado Royale is it. Period. Couples only, fabulous food, amazing service, all-inclusive, gorgeous beachfront, live shows, planned activities by the hour, a wonderful spa, relaxing atmosphere and a youthful vibe were the perfect combo for us. We can't wait to go back!