Back from Cancun

Back to real life, alas. Cancun is never a place I would have chosen to go, having the impression that it is basically like a U.S. beach on steroids. It is. However, Stephan was determined to go somewhere warm in January, and he found such a great deal that even I couldn't resist. Yes, it did involve sitting through a timeshare presentation, which we survived. I'd never been to Mexico before and am happy to say I do feel like I got a glimpse into a region of the country and its culture in spite of the best efforts of Cancun (TGI Friday's, McDonalds, Starbucks, etc.) to make you feel like you haven't left the U.S.Both of us were getting over the crud so didn't do anything that involved being fully submerged in water, like snorkeling or jumping into the cenote (sinkholes to underground rivers that are native to the Yucatan). However, we had a splendid time. I really want to go back to the area, but this time I'd stay somewhere a little more out of the way than Cancun and see more ruins and natural areas.Highlights of the trip included:* The Mayan-Toltec ruins at Chichen Itza. Probably the most impressive ancient ruins in North America, and I can't imagine why I haven't been there sooner, or why I hadn't heard much about it before. There's no excuse not to go there, especially since there are so many flights to Cancun and it is only a 3 hour trip away by car or tour bus. What wonderful fodder for the imagination!* A Temazcal, a Mayan sweat lodge ritual in which we participated, complete with incense, chants, the whole experience.* Lying on the beach under an umbrella, drinking yummy drinks, and reading a good book. I'm not normally much of a lie-on-the-beach kind of person, but I have to say, it's a wonderful activity when you're craving some sunshine and are not at your 100% physical best.* Great food and drinks, including a Thai meal in a thatched roof palapa right out over the lagoon, and local specialties including a tangy pork dish that was heavenly. Xtabentun, a honey and anise liqueur, is now my favorite before bedtime drink to soothe an irritated throat, and I hope I can find it in Indianapolis.Next time, I want to stay further out and visit the ruins at Tulum and some of the bird and wildlife areas and get in some snorkeling. That and go back to Chichen Itza and stay at the hotel next to it where you can get in early and possibly access some places not on the usual tour. Yes, it was that good.