Chichen Iza - Mayan Ruins in a REAL jungle

Before we hit the beach we went inland to Chichen Iza. Rich had been before, but I hadn't - it was amazing. All the way in was this big jungly forest, and I actually scared myself opening the car door - the jungle was so noisy in the dark! Alaska isn't nearly that noisy :)


I can't believe how close you can get to the carvings. I guess you used to be able to go inside all the temples just two years ago, but they've closed them all off now to preserve them.

I got your tounge!
The sacred cenote, used for sacrificing virgins and warriors, and ball court losers for centuries.

Richard is so handsome :)

It's got him! It's got him! Help! Help!

The observatory, called the Conch, because the staircase is whorled like the inside of a Conch Shell.

Diving - Akumal

You can tell it's Shannon because my mask is PINK!
Coral here is amazing! These pictures are less 'clear' due to heavy rains the day before, which washed right through the limestone coast of Mexico and brought a lot of sediment down into the ocean.
A french angelfish

Mexico 2006 - Xpu-ha

Rich and I travelled to Mexico this winter on our 'real' honeymoon. We stayed in Xpu-ha and went diving in the beautiful coral reefs surrounding Akumal and Cozumel.

This whole area is called the Mayan Riveria, and it's easy to see why. Sadly though, more and more of the shoreline is taken up with large all-inclusive monster resorts. We stayed at Villa del Caribe http://www.xpuhahotel.com/ - owned by the very cool Leon, which is a small simple place with lots of good food and a great beach.



Happy 29th Birthday to ME! Cabana Boy...err...Rich... uno mas Pina Colada por favor!

What a large and strange bug. Rich freaked out when it flew away, he thought it was going to 'get' him!

Me and my sexy friend Mr. Pineapple Head
The view from my hammock
My hammock...honestly does it get any better than this?