Back from my vacation in MEXICO- now I need a vacation from my vacation!

OMG....What an experience. I just got back yesterday. Originally we were suppose to come back on Wed...but, pretty much we were trying to get out of mexico on saturday. Make a long story short we were staying at Playa De Carmen/Riveria Maya which is located right behind Cozumel. The eye of the hurricane was suppose to come directly our way Since the hurricane missed about three islands it was suppose to orgininally hit, by sat. night it had reached an ultimate category 5 ....all I have to say was .....BAD...I have never been more terrified in my life. It came down to a 4, but it was still bad. We got to a hotel Sun. morning which was horrible in Cancun. That night we had beds against the windows. I felt like we were in a movie.
We were also hanging out w/ another couple from Texas the day after the hurricane. That was entertaining- we almost got stuck in a tiny elevator because the hotel decided to fix what was destroyed from the hurricane. The place was soooooo unsafe.

From other tourists I've spoken to..they all have said that the area of Playa De Carmen was destryoed. Cancun was hit, but not as bad because all the destruction was done to Cozumel and Playa. The workers of the resorts we terrified. A storm of the magnitude had only come once and that was many, many, many, many, many years ago. The resort where I was staying was drop dead georgeous and amazing, They had everything you could ever want- I swear. The moment we got there there were all ready seving us tequila, cocktails and we had not even checked in. Dancing, eating...it was paradise...we won this mexican lottery that the resort was holding also. It's so sad that we had to go through this.

Let me tell you- people were crying all over the place...OMG. The thing that pissed me and my FI off was the fact that out of all the people that were left o the resort- we were all from the USA....Most of the Europeans were gone. It was definitely a scary, but in an odd way fun experience because we don't see things like this in NY. Just as a cautionary word on leaving the US- make sure you know your area and your resources- get the right #'s, bring a phone that works, check the weather...duhhh and DON'T FORGET A FLASHLIGHT/ A MINI FAN THAT RUNS ON BATTERIES.
Be prepared-you never know!

Danielles parents came back last night too. I wonder if you were on their flight. Anyway, they stayed at the Adventura Palace in the riviera Maya, and supposedly it was hit pretty hard. Her dad said that the two restaurants that were on the beach were destroyed. The resort took everyone to the moon palace resort in cancun, and my father in law was telling me that they got an ocean view room. They got to see the storm hit....He said it was a pretty scary experience. They got to Mexico last tuesday and were supposed to come home today. They wanted to stay a few days more but the travel agent said they would have to pay for the extra days if they wanted to stay. I dont think that is so fair....What a waste of money and a vacation.

Anyway Danielle and I are supposed to be going to the Grand Xcaret in the Riviera Maya in 3 weeks. Danielle called today and as of right now they are closed, but the woman she spoke to said it would be updated on friday, and she would need to call back. SO we will see what happens. If we find out it is still closed, then we will have to take things from there.

Thank god you are back and you are ok. When it comes down to it, thats all that really matters

Scott

WOW! that's some tale you have to tell! I am glad that you're back and safe!

thanks for the tips too!

Thank God you are back safe!


But I am so utterly sad. Our HM hotel is in Playa and I can nly imagine the damage done. The poor employees - what will they do now? I can't believe Playa was destroyed...so sad!

Thankfully you made it home safe and sound! My family is supposed to be going in 3 weeks just like you Scott, but I'm not sure where they're staying.
We just came back from Padre Island a few weeks ago but our original plans were to be there this past week.

I'm so glad you made it back safe and sound....my cousin is supposed to be married in Riviera Maya in a few weeks...I wonder if she'll have to postpone

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Posted by Danielle&Scott

Danielles parents came back last night too. I wonder if you were on their flight. Anyway, they stayed at the Adventura Palace in the riviera Maya, and supposedly it was hit pretty hard. Her dad said that the two restaurants that were on the beach were destroyed. The resort took everyone to the moon palace resort in cancun, and my father in law was telling me that they got an ocean view room. They got to see the storm hit....He said it was a pretty scary experience. They got to Mexico last tuesday and were supposed to come home today. They wanted to stay a few days more but the travel agent said they would have to pay for the extra days if they wanted to stay. I dont think that is so fair....What a waste of money and a vacation.

Anyway Danielle and I are supposed to be going to the Grand Xcaret in the Riviera Maya in 3 weeks. Danielle called today and as of right now they are closed, but the woman she spoke to said it would be updated on friday, and she would need to call back. SO we will see what happens. If we find out it is still closed, then we will have to take things from there.

Thank god you are back and you are ok. When it comes down to it, thats all that really matters

Scott

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Hey Scott,
I was on Flight 1674- the plane left at 3:10. The resort me and my FI stayed at was El Clud Mandarin- it was beautiful- but not prepared for the hurricane what so ever. They still had people left the day we were leaving. There shelter was going to be the resturant which was the furthest away from the beach- but not that far at all. They were trying desperately to get people out.

That could of been the flight. Did it land at 7:55pm? Did you take american Air lines?
Scott

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Posted by Danielle&Scott

That could of been the flight. Did it land at 7:55pm? Did you take american Air lines?
Scott

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Yup...that's the same flight. AA 1674- Customs at JFK took forever. I found out today that the resort we stayed is estimated to open up around 8/31 the earliest. I still can't believe it.

Yeah I saw the pictures my father in law took of moon palace. They originally stayed at Adventura palace but they were moved to moon for the storm....Adventura got a lot of damage, and moon didnt have that much. I believe moon palace is open now.
Scott

omg, what a story. I'm glad that you are safe but sad for that area. it holds a very special place in my heart.

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Posted by jantany26

omg, what a story. I'm glad that you are safe but sad for that area. it holds a very special place in my heart.

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I fell in love w/ Playa- the people and the location was unbelievable.