As I have said, its fun to go, but great to get home.  Overall, it was a fabulous trip. Loved the diving and beautiful, clear, blue water.  I think my underwater photography is getting better, regardless, it was fun taking them.  Photography gives a purpose to diving, instead of swimming along looking at the beauty.

In regards to traveling alone, I found a place where I feel safe, beginning to know some people, its not too expensive, I will continue to return there for now.  I really enjoy diving with Splash Divers.

Considering returning to Belize, in January 2014.

When I left San Antonio on June 12, 2013 and not having to be back until July 15, more than a month vacation. It sounded like an eternity, but went so fast. Today is the last day, we leave tomorrow at 7am. For our last day, we had lots of plans. We wanted to spend the day on the beach, at one of the ocean side bars, dine on whole fresh snapper (my last chance), and drink to excess.

However, the night before a storm came in. It rained all morning, not exactly beach weather. We just stayed in played lazy. I packed. A relaxing but uneventful day.

Today was cloudy and overcast, not a good day for the water. We found a brochure at the enchanted villa about a jungle massage.  We had a few aches from all the activities, so let’s go.

It was an interesting experience deep in the jungle. The main building was a huge palapa, thatched roof building. the mama san invited us in to listen about the history of the place.   The jungle spa was carved out of the jungle by machete. The mama san had been coming to Belize for many years. She worked with the residents of the Mayan village to bring sustainable tourism. Massage was a traditional art used for healing in the Mayan culture.  Many women in the villages, wanted to live near town so their children could go to school.  The mama san brought massage therapists from many places in the world to train the women.  The land was donated, and with blood, sweat, and tears, the Jungle Spa was created. The women receive 75% of the massage fee, a good wage for Mexico.

There were 5 in our group, to our surprise they could take us all at once. After learning the history, we were given a shot of liquor, anise or liquorish flavor. This is to help with digestion. Then one by one, the Mayan massage therapist that was assigned to us, as well as, how much pressure we like during the massage.  I followed the lady back to another palapa.  There I took of my clothes.  Got on the massage table. She used herb smelling massage oil. I enjoy going for massages. Typically, you are draped with sheets. They only uncover the body part that they are working on. However, modesty aside, I got on my  back on the table. She used a small hand towel, to cover the lower portion.  When I turned on my stomach, “NOTHING” on me.  So there I lay, getting my massage, the smell of herbal smelling oil, listening to jungle noises,  the patter of rain, and in the background the crooning voice of  Julio Iglesias.

Most of the time, we cooked at the house. Sharon, Donnie’s wife, is a really good cook, so was, Gladys, the wife Donnie’s friend. Donnie cooked breakfasts.  Since it was almost the end of the trip, we decided to go to Playa del Carmen, shop around, and splurge on a really nice dinner.  We had steaks, one of the treasures of Mexico.  I quit eating meat 2 yrs ago, especially big pieces of beef, like steaks. It was delicious!! Fell on my stomach like lead. But, Oh, did I enjoy it.

Time is going fast.
Today is a sunny day. We are going for a boat snorkel.
Hope you like the pictures.

My daughter, Kasey, nickname of Kandi. She flew into Cancun, we picked her up. I am looking forward to spending some time with her, going snorkeling, and hanging out together.

The next day we are going back to YAL KU snorkeling.

Today, we decided at the last minute to take a boat out to the reef

at Puerto Morelos. We walked down the beach to catch the boat, it only cost $25.00 US.

Unfortunately I did not have my camera. Too bad it was a sunny day, the reef was shallow, it makes for a really pictures, but you must have your camera.

The next day, we had the boat picked us up at the house. We went for a snorkel at a deep reef. The pictures are not so good since they are taken from flying overhead. It was overcast and the wind was strong.

It is a gorgeous sunny day. Went on a reef dive in Puerto Morelos. It is about a 5 minute boat ride, The boats are small. It is cheaper than Belize, but more self service. In Belize, the first time you get fitted for your BC, weights, then enjoy breakfast they provide, and get on the boat. Here you have to help carry all the gear to the boat, including 8 tanks, and help load on the boat. Then the same when you return. Not complaining, just different. I don’t need to say much, let the pictures speak for themselves.

went to dive a ship wreck. It was sunk on purpose to provide an artificial reef. It is at 80 ft on a sandy bottom. Most of the time, wreck dives are not that interesting, once it is seem, its not such a big deal.  This one was different due to the abundance of fish.

I saw the largest puffer fish I have ever seen.

Today a day trip is planned to visit a town 2 hrs drive inland, away from the coast, and visit a Mayan Ruin.

Everywhere in Mexico, my heart went out to all the stray dogs. These are the mayan dogs.

We went out to eat.