March 16, 2010  

8:15 am   Good morning!  And it is a good morning.  We are waiting to board the plane and all is well.  The children have had their breakfast and are feeling mellow.  Some are playing UNO, and some are chatting.  We will let you know when we arrive so expect the next post around 8:00pm. 

3:30 pm  We have arrived safe and sound and now we are in line for customs.  Maybe we will be able to write more later, but if not we will be sure to post again tomorrow.  We just wanted you to know that all is well. 

7:00pm  We have arrived safely in Mexico City and are on a plane to Cancun.  We have snacked, sipped, napped and watched a movie.  In the words of Rebecca, "This is the best first trip ever!" so we think we are heading for a great time. 

March 17, 2009

9:00 am  Good morning!  We landed safely last night , then drove about 40 minutes to the resort.  It is magnificent and has so many things for the kids to do.  However, we hit our first bump as we checked in.  Our rooms were scattered all over.  After much negotiation we now have two groups of rooms in different areas but close together.  Our rooms are in the elite building and much bigger than they would have been.  We will never come home.  Our kids are so wonderful that we have decided to let each group make a plan for one of the days.  We are off to breakfast, then we will sit for a pow-wow to determine the day's plan.  After that we will go back to our rooms to change into our swim suits.  Let the fun begin!

3:00 pm  Well - we hit our second bump.  All morning it rained on and off and it was chilly and too uncomfortable to be outside.  It really tested the creativity of the staff as they tried to find activites that didn't involve the pool or the beach.  They had to find indoor games or find different locations to make things more interesting.  Now the sun is out and the kids are out exploring the Resort.  (Did we mention that it is magnificent?)

Ethan is the GPS of the group.  He seems to have a good internal compass and he has assumed the job of leading the group about.  The newcomers, Ali, Imani, and Rebecca have all settled into the structure of the trip.  It is so amazing how well they work together with the oldtimers who are making great role models. 

It won't be long until dinner - and this group is always ready to eat!  We will post more tomorrow morning.

March 18, 2010

8:30 am  No time this morning . . . off for one of our tours and we can't be late.  The important news is that we are safe and happy.  We won't be able to post again until tomorrow morning so stay tuned. 

March 19, 2010

9:20 am  We made it on time for our tour to Tulum and the Mayan ruins yesterday.  The group was immersed in history, and the children were remarkable.  Nick V. was "shining" as he asked a lot of great questions.   We learned who the Mayans were and what contributions they brought to the world. 

We were all taken aback by the breath-taking view of the ocean from the ruins, the strong blue of the ocean contrasting spectacularly with the beautiful white beach.  The contrast was so beautiful that it left everyone speechless. 

Following Tulum we toured a natural wonder park - Xel-ha.  It was an amazing place with lots of walking.  Jonah and Nick proved to be great "big brothers" to the group  as we traveled down a peaceful and quiet river in individual or double inner tubes through the park.  The boys are easy to work with, incredibly responsible, and are a lot of fun.  We marveled at all of the natural beauty surrounding us including a colorful array of fish, manatee, and dolphins.  Paul P. impressed us all with his insight as he made his periodic ponderous comments, while Andrew Andrew O. kept Maari intrigued and laughing with his humor.  The park experience was absolutley smashing!  We ate lunch at the park before we returned to the resort. 

In the evening, after dinner, the group attended an entertaining theatre show full of dance,  singing, and magic.  We went to bed exhausted but happy. 

March 22, 2010

10:00 am  It was a nice weekend with lots of sunshine.  The children are becoming tanned and are having a wonderful time.  Ethan has a beautiful tan and looks healthy.  He and the others were playing on the beach and then as the game evolved they all went into the water. They were having so much fun that they attracted a crowd.

Yesterday, we caught a bus and went into town up and down their 5th Avenue, and had a smashing time.  Karen is adept at finding friends and is able to maintain them.  She asks people to sit with her and is always in the mix. Zachary has been bitten by the "love bug".  He always has children eager to be around him.  Love Bug? What fun!

This morning we leave for another tour.  We'll tell you all about it tomorrow. 

March 23, 2010

10:30 am  We enjoyed a magnificient experience on our Monday tour.  We traveled into the jungle by van and then took three exhilarating zip lines across the jungle.  The children had to muster up all of their bravery to jump off mountain cliffs with only tree-tops in view.  Afterwards, we visited Mayan underground lakes and rivers deep down in the belly of a cave.  While we were there we experienced a purification ceremony by a Mayan Holyman.  Further down into the cave, the kids had a chance to take a dip into the cool clear waters.  Later, we enjoyed a delicious simple Mayan lunch in the jungle.  You would be proud of our children.  Alaina is taking part in all of the activities and is never at a loss for company.  She seems to mingle well in all groups. 

When we  went to the town over the weekend, we enjoyed the stores on the main thoroughfare and also the delicious, dark Mexican chocolate so much that  today we plan to go back.  The students want to get braids and "tattoos".

Before dinner each night, the students gather on a terrace under the stars and trees, order drinks and play creative group games.  Fellow tourists are regularly commenting about how wonderful the kids behave and interact with each other. 

2:30 pm  This morning we had a delicious Italian breakfast and then had dance lessons by the pool.  Later, we played soccer with other students who are here at the resort.  Tarun is absolutley incredible at the ocean soccer that we play and is good at frisbies.  He has been nicknamed, "King of Monkey in the Middle". 

For lunch we are going to the snackbar for hotdogs and hamburgers and then we are heading back to "Fifth Avenue".

March 24, 2010

10:00 am  Yesterday was another glorious day.  We went to the pool where there was dancing and music and the children had a blast.  After the pool, we went to the Brazzilian Snck Bar and had lunch.  Next we went into town and shopped for souvenirs.  At one point Ben & Jerry's was giving out free ice-cream cones to the public.  There was a line and the children joined it expecting to get free ice-cream.  However, it took so long and we had to catch the bus.  The children, without complaint, got off the line and walked back the twenty minutes to catch the bus.  They were wonderful. 

The staff is incredible.  Rehanna walks around carrying tons of bags.  Gretchen can be seen carrying a gigiantic bag of sunscreen lotion, and everything else under the sun.  Aisha is non-stop with the children.  Camille is impeccable, and Joe is a true leader.  We are fortunate to have them with us. 

Last night was smashing.  We all got dressed up and went to the Steak House.  As usual, the children were amazing.  We couldn't believe how many of them were able to eat these big hefty steaks.  Rebecca cleaned up her plate and Nick was in heaven.  We saw a show after dinner and didn't get to bed until 11:00 pm and - may I say - no one was tired. 

Today is our last day and one of the things that we have to do is to pack up in order to be ready for tomorrow's trip back to New York.  See you soon.