Donde Nuestros Corezones Viven

We really just can't get enough! I cannot tell you how many times I heard "Aren't you scared about getting shot?!" or "What about all the violence and kidnappings?!" Well if this is what it's like being captive, sign me up, my friend!

In all seriousness I am going to take a soapbox moment on behalf of the Orcutts (that's us!) and the country of Mexico. First - a few facts about Mexico (http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/35749.htm):

• 64% of their GDP comes from "services" which means tourism. Their culture thrives on providing beautiful places for you and me to vacation and relax
• Think about it - if we are not traveling there, they are out of a job and what do they do when they need a job?? They turn to last-ditch efforts to make money (i.e. drug sales) or they risk their lives to find a place where they can express their entrepreneurial efforts (i.e. illegal immigration)
• Mexico has over 4,000 miles of coastal land (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geography_of_Mexico). That is the MOST in the world and also means thousands of amazing views and beaches waiting to be discovered by you and me

I liked this quote from state.gov: "A strong partnership with Mexico is critical to combating terrorism and controlling the flow of illicit drugs into the United States. In recent years, cooperation on counter-narcotics and Mexico's own initiatives in fighting drug trafficking have been unprecedented." This means they are being proactive in combating the illegal activity, which will take time. In the interim, avoid the damn border towns where most of the violence is occurring - DON'T buy drugs and maybe steer clear of hanging out with government officials for the next year or so. Amigos - just go to the beach! Like this guy...see Europeans have no problems taking advantage of the white sand and crystal blue waters...

Now that you have endured my rants, please enjoy some pretty awesome photos. Our trip started in a great little hotel (www.hotelsecreto) on a tiny island just north of Cancun, called Isla Mujeres. The private beach, pool, comfy bed on a private patio and quiet sounds of the waves was a prefect way to start the vacation! Look at Mikey- in heaven :)

Next stop was Cancun and honestly, if you don't want to get your hair braided and don't need to dance on tables I would probably just skip it all together. Unless of course you just want to bring your party pants like the guy above. Some of the resorts are great for families and meeting new people. In fact, if your a swinger I have a great hotel to recommend to you :)

So, on to our favorite destination of the trip: Tulum, Mexico! First, the terrain is beautiful- very green with tropical plants everywhere. The sand is very fine and white and never gets hot! Here is the view of our fun hotel from the beach: http://www.mezzanine.com.mx/

We ran into these two lovebirds...aren't they cute?!

Look closely...there were several crabby guys that just popped up and chilled with us every day. It was their world and we were just living in it for a few days.

We visited a cenote, which is essentially a series of fresh water pools located in the jungle and housed in several caves. It was a little creepy snorkeling in such a dark space but the water was nice a cool and once you got used the quiet and stillness it was actually quite peaceful.
Tulum is well known for having some of the best kept, oldest Mayan Ruins in the world. In the first century A.D. a tribe of about 900 people settled here. Can you blame them for choosing this location?!!

We are forever impressed by the amazing hospitality and relaxed nature of this culture. Gracia, Mexico, por un otra vacaciona perfecto! Hasta proxima!