We are just back from a little winter getaway to Cayo Coco Cuba.
We stayed at the Melia Jardines del Rey resort. It was very busy, very new (parts still under construction) with excellent food, first class entertainment and fantastic beaches.
This is the only place in the world that I’ve been where we could walk for about a 800 meters out in the water and it would still only be up to our waist. The water was crystal clear and warm. If it was calm enough you could just stand still and see the fish swimming all around you.
Mojito anyone?
The massive buffets, restaurants and overwhelming food choices were turning me into a second and third helping piggy. I especially loved the papaya. I think I had it every meal. That is the good/bad thing about all inclusive resorts. One tends to overindulge.
Yes Michael Jackson was also there. They had a Michael Jackson tribute show and it was BRILLIANT! Seriously blew me away. Robert too…and he had seen the real Michael Jackson live in concert.
There were loads of hawks everywhere. They weren’t afraid of anyone. We also saw Turkey vultures. I didn’t put up the photo because they have been repeatedly dipped in the ugly bucket.
I read 5 books… Big Little Lies (which I loved!) very well written, suspenseful with surprising twists and turns, Girl on a Train (…ho-hum) and the trilogy My Body His which is erotic fiction which was better than I thought it would be.
I was attacked by an alien on our last day. I was getting ready to pack up our water shoes which had been sitting out on the balcony drying. I placed them in a plastic bag and brought them in the room. When I went to tie the bag shut I peeked inside and there was an alien face calmly staring back at me with massive bulbous yellow eyes.
I. Freaked. Out.
I jumped straight out of my skin and ran to the other side of the room, yelling and hyperventilating. I had no idea what it was.
Robert said I put on a good show.
I don’t know why I panicked like a 5 year old. I think it took me back to the time when my brother brought home a friend’s snake and then proceeded to chase me around the house with it. When I locked myself in the bathroom he then slid it under the door. The snake was slithering up towards the toilet. I was petrified. I was standing on top of the toilet. No, not the toilet seat, I was perched precariously balancing on the top of the water tank, screaming blue murder. I think I was 17 at the time and my brother would have been 20. Thanks for damaging me for life big brother.
Now looking at the frog he looks quite harmless doesn’t he?
It was a wonderful vacation and a welcome break from winter.
I’ve spent the few last days adjusting to the 60 degree difference in temperatures.
No that isn’t a typo.
It was 30 C there and now it is -30 C with the wind here today.
Getting back home is depressing enough but then our garage door broke, (perfect for the extra cold snap we’re having) my credit card was compromised and someone partied away $7500 on my credit card in Vegas with it apparently while we were away, and Zoë became very ill and had to have emergency surgery for stones blocking her urethra. $5000 later…we have our baby back home and our cursing ourselves for not having pet medical insurance.
Argh!
The last time we went to Cuba was 12 years ago and lots has changed, for the better. Cuban’s quality of life has increased dramatically. I saw no malnourished horses, I felt safe and they seemed better organized and more efficient. The Cuban people were always very welcoming and that has only increased.
Cayo Coco where we stayed isn’t authentic Cuba as it is only resorts. No Cubans actually live there. If you are looking for more culture and everyday Cuba head to Varadero and take some day trips to visit Havana and Matanzas like we did our first trip.
If you are interested in going I would suggest heading out before the US embargo is completely lifted which will probably happen in the next year or so. They are predicting over 2 million Americans will flood their resorts once that happens. It will be much busier and substantially more expensive.
Why did we choose to go to an all inclusive resort? Simple. It is the most relaxing and we are always on budget.
Have you been to Cuba? When you travel do you like going to all inclusive resorts? Or do you prefer to organize on your own?
PS…if you liked this post you might want to check out my posts about France, Antigua and my recent trip to NYC.
Gorgeous! The place, and you, and Robert. I actually have a little crush on frogs, they make me smile. We had one that hung out in our outdoor shower back at the cottage, and I was sad when he moved on.
Americans will son be going to Cuba more freely (although not yet just for vacationing). Hooray for progress. xox
PS Am looking for erotic fiction for upcoming weekend, why not?
Reading about sex all day does make for a rather hot vacation ; )
hahaha…you two look so happy in your photographs…I guess it wasn’t just sand, sun and sea…
{wink , wink}
Gorgeous photos! Love that one of you in your O’Neill top, you look so hot! Frogs are cute. I found a lizard in bed during my holiday, I squealed at first (thinking it was a spider) but I do love a reptile.
Funnily enough a well-travelled mate called round yesterday and was talking about Cuba being his favourite destination and that he wanted to return before the Americans moved in and modernised the lot.
I’d love to hang out in Havana, drink rum in a dingy little local bar, stay in a wonderfully dilapidated guest house and travel around in a beat-up vintage car.
Resorts and all-inclusive hotels aren’t my thing but I can totally understand the appeal.
Hope darling little Zoe is better soon and that karma bites that robbing b*stard on the bum.
Don’t envy you that weather at all! xxxx
I think you’d love Havana Vix! Lots of quirky places to discover and the people are fantastic.
Chris and I have not had a honeymoon yet, and since the mebargo lifted, we really want to go to Cuba. I actually wrote my senior thesis on Cuba and Che Guevara, and have had a love of Cuba for years! These pics make me want to go even more!! I’m glad you had fun! Sorry about all the other stuff, though. What a thing to come home to!
I think you’d love it! Make sure if you’re interested in the history to visit Havana.
I love all the long dresses you have as well.. so awesome. I always trip on them so not so good for me to wear.. hah hah… what a great vacation.. hope you can survive the cold back at home now 🙁
The water depth sounds relaxing! We have that here at our local beach, but you can’t see your toes, or anything else for that matter, and it’s freakin’ freezing, LOL. I’ve never been to Cuba, but I’ve been to a few Club Meds in the Caribbean and Bahamas. Now that we love going to Maui, we’ve dropped the all inclusive, but as far as a no-worry holiday, they can’t be beat!
So sorry to hear that Zoe had a crystal blockage! Cats can get that too. Hope she’s all recovered now and helping to keep you warm…Yikes….30 degree difference…Yikes….30 below….I will not whine about our rain!
I’m calling Zoe Frankenpug. She has about 20 staples in her belly.
Loved reading this–we have a warm weather destination vacation coming up next week! Although not as exotic as your trip (and the kiddos will be with), I’m still looking forward to getting out of frigid Minnesota for a week. 🙂
It will be a wonderful escape from this crazy cold winter! Have loads of fun : )
What a wonderful little honeymoon you had! You look so happy and relaxed on all the photos. I read one Russian blogger’s travel posts about visiting Cuba – towns, architecture, local life… it was fascinating and unreal, in some ways reminded living in the USSR, back in time…
Sorry to hear about Zoe and credit card and hope everything is back to normal for you guys!
LOL Yeah it was our 24 year honeymoon ; P
Zoe is recovering enough to start begging for food again…so that is a good sign that things are getting back to normal around here.
I have always wanted to visit Cuba since hearing Ricky Ricardo sing about it on I Love Lucy. I will be one of the Americans who heads south.
I would have liked to witnessed the show you put on after discovering the creature. Sorry your return wasn’t welcoming.
I think it was quite hilarious.
I think the best thing about Cuba was the people. They are wonderful.
Gorgeous! This totally makes me want to go on a tropical vacation! I can’t believe you read 5 books! I’ve been working on finishing one book for the past 4 months. lol.
http://www.kaciesklosetblog.com/
The only time I read is when I go on vacation. Specifically to a resort where daily our only goals is to trek to the beach, find some shade and then read for hours on end with small breaks for swims, meals and drinks. I am a pretty fast reader though.
That look like a wonderful holiday, Suzanne, even if you did terrify that poor little frog!
Sorry to hear about Zoe being poorly, hope she is on the mend. And ugh to the credit card fraud too.
Brrr, no signs of Spring yet where you are, it sounds chilly! xxx
Looks like you had a great vacation! My husband’s been a few times. I suppose I could go now on my French passport, if I’d a mind too, before the Americans hit in droves. I get you on the all inclusive. We like cruises for that same reason. Although, I suppose cruises are not really all inclusive as you end up paying for excursions and the like.
We’ve done a cruise before and for that very reason didn’t like it. We also found it hard to see much during the days we were in port as we were often too rushed.
Even though they don’t turn out to be all inclusive, we still like them. We’ve been on four, all in Europe. It gives you a chance to see places you wouldn’t otherwise. Ours have been long, too, so I didn’t feel rushed and the ship board entertainment was awesome! We’ve only done the Celebrity line, I’m sure it’s not that way on all of them.
Alien!! *jumping on chair* I like all-inclusive resorts. It takes me a while, however, to stop reaching for my wallet at the end of meals. While you’re probably right that our new relation to Cuba will increase prices, it will almost certainly improve the lives of Cubans who have suffered for too long.
I would like to visit Cuba one day. Your pictures are lovely and you and your husband look like you had a wonderful, relaxing time. So sorry you came back to so much turmoil! Hope the credit card situation gets sorted out and that Zoe is feeling better.
THANKS FOR SHARING, SUZANNE! LOOKS AMAZING – DID YOU GO STRAIGHT FROM CA BOTH TIMES? I WENT LAST YEAR WITH MY FATHER AND BROTHER FOR THE FIRST TIME AND ON A SPECIAL VISA BECAUSE MY PARENTS ARE BOTH CUBAN, BORN IN HAVANA AND LIVING IN THE US SINCE THE 60’S. AMAZING TO SEE. THANKS AGAIN AND SORRY FOR THE CAPS LOCK. : )
Canada has always supported Cuba and was never part of the US led embargo, so as a Canadian there was never a problem.
So cool that your parents are from Cuba! Do you speak Spanish?
PS thought you were yelling at me there for a bit ; ) …
This sounds like a wonderful vacation. I would’ve scream like a mad woman too if I saw that frog anywhere near me. Thank you so much for sharing these photos.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Don’t you get any weird insects in California? You must have when the weather is nice all year round.
I am sure there are tons of weird insects in CA, as long as I don’t see them I am happy. Growing up in Hawaii, we have flying roaches! I never got used to them and still scream when I see them (I do that for lizards too).
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Hope to see you Thursday for TBT Fashion link up.
OMG!!! That is straight out of a horror movie! I would FLIP-OUT! Yikes. Thank heavens I’ve never seen them in Hawaii. I think that would turn me off for life. I hope I don’t have nightmares now LOL.
Perfect vacation, minus the frog! The beach looked so inviting, almost like a pool!
You are right, it was a like a pool…but infinitely better : )
High suzanne, i visit your blog looking for a sewing blog on 40 + and to my surprise when i begin to read your vacation to cayo coco , I’m cuban . And my surprise incresased meanwhile i continue reading about cuba and the people all your words made feel very happy andproud of my people and been cuban. Scuse my english and thans a lot.
How wonderful you stopped by Magaly!
When we first visited Cuba 12 years ago what stayed in my mind was the overwhelming generosity and warmth of the Cuban people and their love for life. I found that again this time around…even more.
If you are looking for a sewing blog 40+ try my friend Sue…over at A Colourful Canvas
http://acolourfulcanvas.blogspot.ca
She is a brilliant seamstress and always trying new things.
I adore this fun fact post and your photos. The little, big frog who scared you- was a great shot!
Love all of the images, to you strolling the beach and the shot of the owl!
I would love to go to Cuba soon. It is on my list…
Thanks for sharing this, I loved every minute!
XX, Elle
http://mydailycostume.com/
You look super hot in that second photo. Just sayin’. 😀 Also, is that a Michael Jackson impersonator or… I can’t tell. It’s weird, though. It’s weird. Hehe. Haha aww. That frog is the cutest! _<
– Anna
http://www.melodicthriftychic.com
Gah.. my comment got cut off! The rest should say: I’m glad you had a good trip and I’m sorry that you came back to that bit of craziness. No one wants to go on a relaxing trip and return only to be steeped in chaos. Then I used an ascii face and everything went to hell. Heh. <3
– Anna
http://www.melodicthriftychic.com
This is a lovely post. I really enjoyed it. Bad, bad brother of yours.
And ai would have been screaming my head off as well, when I had stared into those eyes. Just basic fear which is in all humans.
Glad you enjoyed it and I can understand you are a bit of a piggy with all that lovely food. No fear yet… the photo of you in bathing suit proves you still look bloody good.
Greetje
Seems like a fun trip, overall though.
I’ve been looking forward to this post! You scared me for a minute there. I thought you were going conspiracy theory on me and were really convinced there was an alien in your suitcase. lol
I love the idea of all-inclusive resorts if a region’s amenities are really spread out and you’re uncomfortable and overwhelmed by the idea of exploring on your own. An all-inclusive has everything you need right there. I suppose a cruise is similar in a lot of ways; you’re just missing the culture of the region, which is unfortunate considering that’s the best part of traveling. I remember being devastated on our first cruise that the “art auction” was of famous artists and prints you could buy at JoAnn Fabrics. I expected authentic Bahamian art. I was ready to spend! I was pissed off when it was all Thomas Kinkade. lol
Looks like a wonderful winter getaway! It’s great to hear that your experience of Cuba was even better all these years later.
<3 Liz
http://www.withwonderandwhimsy.com