Thursday, November 1, 2012

Cancun, Mexico


Cancun is a world-renowned and tropical paradise that remains one of the world’s top tourist destinations.  If you’re looking for a place with fantastic weather, pumping nightlife, shopping galore, and some of the coolest activities in and out of the water, then Cancun is the place to come.  Boredom is something not possible in Cancun, this place has everything under the sun.  Whether it’s a family vacation at an all-inclusive like the RIU Cancun, destination wedding, romantic getaway, or spring break, Cancun has it all.

Home to one of the world’s largest barrier reef, Cancun is an ideal place for scuba diving and snorkeling.  For those who are not into water activities, you will find golfing or fishing areas.  For the shopaholic, you will shop till you drop, as you will find shops galore.  For the party animal, Cancun is notorious for their nightlife, this place is rocking with tons of bars and night clubs for every night owl.  As far as accommodation, Cancun runs the gamut.  It has everything from luxurious villas to all-inclusive resorts, to budget hotels, many accommodation options.  You’ll be able to find accommodations in Cancun that meets your budget and your needs.

My main purpose to come to Cancun was I had to see Chichen Itza.  I love history and have always been fascinated by the Maya Civilization.  My day tour to Chichen Itza was the highlight of my trip.  It was amazing seeing the ancient Maya ruins.  A tour through Chichen Itza is a trip back in time and a learning journey on most of the Maya history .  Remember they predicted the end of world, December 21, 2012, the end times prophecy, doomsday.  If you love history, please do not miss this place, even if you don’t love history, you will be fascinated by the Maya Civilization.  I found it mind boggling.

Okay, history in a nut-shell on the Maya Civilization.  I am so fascinated by this place that I want to give a brief history lesson.  Chichen Itza was once one of the most powerful cities of the Maya.  The history of Chichen Itza is mysterious, and written records are scarce. Most sources agree that from approximately AD 250 to AD 900, Chichen Itza existed mainly as a ceremonial center for the Maya.  Civilization weakened, and the Maya abandoned their religious centers and the rural land around them, between 900 AD and 1000 AD.  The Maya civilization stopped making monuments, why, no one seems to know for sure.  What we do know for certain is the Maya civilization was one of the most advance and sophisticated cultures in the Western Hemisphere.  The Maya are famed for their impressive knowledge of mathematics and astronomy, which were essential to their religious rituals.  When you visit you will see why I find it mind boggling, they were so ahead of time.  They are also known for the practice of human sacrifice, which was a means of appeasing and nourishing the gods.

It can take a whole day to see the extensive ruins of Chichen Itza, which occupy about 2.5 square miles.  At the entrance is a large, modern visitors' center that includes a museum, a restaurant, bathrooms, and a bookstore.  Here you can hire a licensed guide who speak Spanish or English.  A guide is not necessary, especially if you have a map or guidebook, but he or she can really give you all the details and interesting stories about the ruins that you might otherwise miss.  I hired a guide and I recommend it because there is so much fascinating history, you do not want to miss out.  It really makes it come alive hearing all the information and stories by hiring a knowledgeable guide.  The Mayan Civilization is fascinating, so do hire a guide.

Let me share with you a suggestion while visiting Cancun.  If you are looking for a quiet and peaceful holiday, then come to Isla Mujeres Island, it is a great way to escape away from all the noise and crowds.  This island is about 9 miles offshore.  This is where I stayed and I was so glad I did.  You have to take the ferry over to the island, so if you come make sure you reach the ferries by 11 pm, which is the last ferry over in the evening, but do check timings because schedules change.  I got out of the airport too late and I had to stay at another hotel till the next morning when I could take the first ferry over.

I love Isla Mujeres Island, quaint and quiet and away from all the noise and nightlife in Cancun.   It is a nice place to shop and pick up some nice handcrafted gifts.  I prefer a relaxing vacation, so Isla Mujeres worked great for me.  Unless you love the nightlife and clubbing, the real party animal, then I would suggest staying in Cancun's main strip.  Another option, you can always take the ferry back and forth, regardless of where you stay so you can visit both.  There are a few locations for ferry boarding every 20 to 30 minutes. Then again, if your planning to party all night then best not to book a hotel on the island as you will miss the last ferry over at 11 pm. I would recommend at least a visit to this lovely island.  Till next time, it’s 5’oclock somewhere.


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