The Cook's: 2011

Last Sunday marked the fourth trip to the Iberostar Quetzal/Tucan resort in Playa del Carmen. And it marked the first time with kids. It almost comes full circle. We had been their prior to getting married, got married there, went back for our 5 year anniversary, and now back with the kids. When we started going down there 8 years ago, we though it odd at the many people we met who said they had been there 5,6,7,8 or more times. But that is us now - frequently going to the exact same resort. It simply is the ideal location, on a flawless beach, set in a jungle, with a laid-back, fun vibe. Its nice, but not too nice...and just feels right. We have been to a couple other places down there, but always regret them. And now that the kids have experienced it, I predict it may be a yearly trip. While walking through the jungle to dinner one night, Connor got stated "Naperville stinks, I like Mexico."

Day 1 - Sunday

The trip certainly did not start out on a high note. Connor and I had ran to the mall on Saturday to pick up a piece of luggage, as the zipper had busted on one our existing ones. On the way there, got a call from the airline that the flight would be delayed 3 hours - leaving at 9:30 versus 6:30. Well, by the time Sunday morning rolled around, it was 11:45, and ultimately ended up being 12:30. And really, was a big deal, as with a 6:30 flight, you are on the beach by noon. We ended up pulling in at about 5:45. So we really missed a half day of "fun in the sun". But what can you do? Thats the risk we take with flying via Charter planes...if there is a mechanical problem (which there was), there is no quick replacement plane they can wheel over from another terminal. We had to wait for one to fly back from Punta Cana.

Either way, I am amazed by how much Playa and the Rivera Maya continues to change. I remember our first trip back in 2003, it was a rinky dink two lane road. Now its a modern expressway with a tree lined median and overpasses/exit ramps all the way though Playa. Not to mention the Costco, Wal-Mart, Sams Club and Office Depot that reside in Playa. They have nice modern hospital too, that we didn't envision checking out - but would ultimately get to on Day 5.

Anyway, check-in was a breeze and we were assigned to room 2331 (Quetzal side of the resort) - which is in building 23 and one we will undoubtedly request building 23 again, as it is directly adjacent to the pools and only 3 buildings north of the beach. It was the perfect location, especially with kids, as they did not have to trek through the jungle every time we needed to go back to the room. Other times we have been in buildings nearer the lobby, which is also nice as its closer to the main restaurant, lobby bars and shows , but can make for some lengthy walks (10-15 minutes) from the beach/pool.

Once we checked in, we got settled and headed to the buffet to eat. We simply walked the resort and headed over the the entertainment stage to check out the kids show (which would end up being a favorite) and the main show. So not too much activity, other than some daiquiri and cerveza drinking. Kids tried NA Bahama Mama's - but they much preferred the Coke Light (mexican diet coke) and Sprite. I think we made it to about 11pm and headed back to turn in for the night.

Day 2 - Monday

Up and at em' early, as it was typically up by 6:45-7:15 each day. Retrieve the swim suits from the patio and head on down for breakfast, which is by far one of the best meals at the Iberostar. A complete spread of everything under the sun (pancakes, waffles, french toast, fruit, pastries, yogurts, custom omlettes, bacon, sausage, hash browns, cereals). Kids had no problem finding something they like. Like me, they got set in their ways early. For Connor it was pancakes, bacon and a chocolate donut every day, for Carter it was pancakes, sausage and hasbrowns. Surprisingly, they liked the less sweet orange juice that is available down there.

After breakfast, it was a walk though the jungle to the pool. The kids absolutely loved all the wildlife they would see, as the monkeys were always very active and loud in the morning. Not to mention all the iguanas, peacocks, turtles, flamingos, fish and large mouse like creatures (that I always forget their names). By far, one of the nice little side perks of this resort is the small things like this - kids were amazed every day.

We saw monkeys nearly every day. Sometimes as close as 3-4 feet away.

The 1-ft kiddie pool was a favorite of the kids, not so much for Bridget or I, as it is somewhat separated from the main action.

A family leaving the day we arrived "gifted" to us all their inflatables. Sammy, as we called the Samsonite branded alligator, was a favorite.

First beach experience (well, ocean beach, not Lake Michigan). They much preferred the pool area, as they did not like the salt water taste on the rough surf days.

Carter getting buried on the beach.

The iPad was a savior for the down time that required mom and dad to get ready for the night activities.

Heading through the jungle for reservations at the Mexican restaurant. I typically don't care for it, but it was top notch this time. Kids ate spaghetti off the kids menu - and to our surprise, were much better in the "structured" reservations meals, versus the buffet.

Connor sporting his sombrero.

Day 3 - Tuesday

More of the same...nearly all of our days were identical. Up early, breakfast, and on the beach/pool by 8am. Hang out, watch the many activities offered by the Star Friends. Lunch was always beach side at was usually burgers or hotdogs, followed by a stop at the beach side ice cream stand for an ice cream cone. They have a fabulous coconut ice cream which I have no idea why it is no more popular stateside. Tuesday we had reservations at the Japanese restaurant, which was not built yet when we got married, but was there 2 years ago we were there. By far, the best of the 5 restaurants, as its a nice social experience, and really great food.

Tuesday was also the day I got sucked into two different on stage performances with the Star Friends (pics, story below). As much as it took me out of my comfort zone, it really was a good time and I got to see a side of the Star Friends that not many do. They work tirelessly to entertain every one day in and day out, and after doing it for 2 hours, I was wiped out. I was amazed at what goes on back stage to make everything work. And in the end, I had many more "friends" around the resort the remainder of the trip.

Simply stunning turquoise waters.

The beach is now "sand whale" free, and likely twice as wide as we have typically experienced here.

Building 23.

While we weren't able to get a family shot against this tree, as timing was never right (too dark, not dressed properly, etc), the exact spot where we got married 7 years ago.

Fun in the room. Boys had no problem sharing the double bed and slept like saints.

Tuesday the monkeys ate lunch right over the kiddy pool, which gave Carter a close experience with his "buddies".

Note the baby monkey riding along.

The sushi appetizer at the the Japanese restaurant.

Rice shaped like a duck.

Veggies getting grilled, onion volcano flaming. Side note, shaved head dude and his wife ended up having kids there as well. He actually grew up in Naperville, wife from Wisconsin. Small world, I guess.

Connor, getting a medal for participating in the kids show.

Myself, getting suckered into my first stage show. Luckily, this one was up my river, and simply required my to sing recognizable versus from songs, last man/women standing wins. I made it to final 3, simply drew a blank.

For the second show, I got suckered back on stage, as one of the Star Friends said I looked comfortable on stage and they needed another participant for the main show. Not knowing it was for "Mr. Iberostar", I accepted, not knowing what was in store for me. First part - me competing against 3 other guys in a half-strip tease.

Which required me "losing" the shirt.

2nd part - saying "Iberostar" as long as could hold it in one breath while one of the "attractive" Star Friends popped balloons on my lap. I made it through 5 balloons.

Doing as many push ups as I could with a female Star Friend on top of me. It was supposed to be Bridget, but she got out of it because of the kids.

Dancing with one of the Star Friends.


Finally, had to lip sync dressed up as Elvis...

Day 4 - Wednesday

The only day we did not have dinner reservations, so was the day we planned to go into town, as we typically like to head down to 5th Ave to experience some of the local culture. Thankfully, we decided to give a test run at some local shops near the resort and the kids simply were not cut out for it. They wanted to touch everything in sight, and my comfort level was near zero, so we deep sixed the "cultural" experience for the kids.

It was also the day Connor won the Iberostar Kids Musical Chair competition against 12 or so other kids. We didn't know Connor was such an experienced musical chair player, but he knew exactly what he was doing, and outplayed everyone. He said he never played it before...but then said he never played it in his current class at school, only the he one last year. Go figure.

Iguana's a plenty.

A "Sprite" break on the beach.

The clearance fish rings we picked up from Target were a savior.

Jumping quickly became a favorite for Connor.

Carter was a bit more apprehensive, but eventually gave in.

The new Nikon catches some great action shots.

The onsite park also provided entertainment.

Heading out to shop.

The kids liked the bridge to the buffet.

Goofing around at the lobby bar.

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Mesmerized by the M&M ice cream stand.

Our abbreviated shopping trip.

A common occurrence, as Carter would take naps in a pool lounge chair. Connor would have none of that, and quite often, this would be the scene early in the evening.

But Connor had no problem popping up to participate in the kids show.

In the musical chairs competition.

Dancing at the kids show.

Day 5/6- Thursday/Friday.

Final full day - and don't think any of us would have predicted how it would end. Weather was beautiful every day (with expections of a few sprinkled early Monday morning for 20 minutes), and Thursday was no different. We had reservations set of the beach Steakhouse, and Carter had said it was the night he was finally going to participate in the kids show, as the previous four nights, he got nervous and backed out.

Well, needless to say, none of that happened. Carter had developed a bit of a rash early on the trip, but we did not think much of it, as he typically is a bit more sensitive to things, and it was clearly not bothering him. However, as the day progressed, we noticed his lips and genitals were swelling a bit. I originally wrote it off as sunburn, or chaffing. However, by dinner time, it was clearly not improving, so we took him to the the Iberostar doctor that is on premises ($106)...very nice experience, however, the doctor there was not 100% comfortable with the rash and the fact that it had lead to swelling. So he wanted us to do the Playa Del Carmen hospital. Hearing that, we started to get a bit nervous, but got in a cab and had no idea what we were in for.

To our surprise, the hospital is right at the entrance of Playacar and is virtually brand new - so that eased our concerns. We were quickly admitted after we provided a credit card the provided a $600 deposit. Just like in the states, we were whisked back to a waiting room where we waited about an hour. All of the nurses and doctors spoke very good English and the entire situation, while nerve wracking, was exceptional. To shorten the long story, they ended up giving Carter a steroid through IV, which he fought like a maniac. However, he eventually calmed down, and fell asleep. The main doctor preferred that Carter stay for multiple treatments, but I declined, and said we were comfortable with one treatment, and then slower acting oral steroids versus IV. We had to sign off on a form stating we declined the doctors advice, and finally left the hospital at about 11:30 PM. We declined the other treatment as we would be back in Chicago within 14 hours.

Second challenge was we now had to have a taxi take us to a pharmacy in Playa to get the prescription filled. Being it was almost midnight, and we were basically going to have to trust the cabbie to take us to a pharmacy that was close, I told Bridget I was most comfortable if I stayed in the taxi with the kids, while she ran in and got the prescription filled, versus her waiting in the taxi with the two boys.

However, once again, our fears were unfounded as the taxi driver took us to a very close pharmacy, and agreed to wait until the prescriptions got filled - which only took 5 minutes or so.

All in all, $30 bucks in total cab fare, $470 in hospital bills, and $43 in medicine. Could have been worse, so we counted our blessings and got back to the hotel at midnight, where the boys had fun eating cereal at the snack buffet.

I could not be more impressed with the service we got from the Mexican Health Care system. We will see how insurance handles it. Certainly, a night we will never forget. We assume the hospital caters to tourists based on its location, as we saw 3-4 other people in there with problems such as food poisoning, twisted ankles, and one girl who was there from Germany who was there for a wedding, but took a header into the edge of a pool.