Some of the highlights of the trip included:
My first visit to Ikea! We went down to Dallas a little early last Saturday and took the time to stop at the store. And by "stop in" I mean spend at least two hours there. My mind was totally blown when I walked in, and I wanted to buy everything!! Sadly (or maybe luckily), most of the bigger furniture items wouldn't fit in my little car, but we still managed to take home quite a haul including a lamp, end table (for $8!!!), kitchen gadgets, a cute vase, closet organizer, and more.
The Riu Emerald Bay resort. The weather in Mazatlan was amazing (85 and sunny every single day), and our resort was gorgeous. We stayed at the all-inclusive Riu Emerald Bay. The facilities were very well-kept, and all of the workers were extremely nice. Every single room at this resort has a full ocean-front view, and the restaurants, bars, five pools, and beach are just steps away. And, for the times you didn't want to leave your room, there was a fully stocked mini-fridge and a liquor dispenser!
Shopping. There were tons of vendors that set up on the beach near our hotel, and I loved shopping and practicing my bartering skills in Spanish. Jay and I both got some fun knock-off sunglasses that we wouldn't have to worry about losing on the trip, and I got this cute swimsuit cover-up.
The beach! The beach in Mazatlan was really nice and clean. The waves were fairly calm, and we got in the ocean on several occasions. Our resort was on the end of a long stretch of beach, so we went on a long run one morning and several walks throughout the week.
The food. The food wasn't bad, but almost all of the restaurants were buffet-style. Although they had a really wide variety, I still got pretty tired of it by the end. It seemed like every night was the same foods prepared in slightly different ways. Even the "specialty" restaurants felt like more of the same. I did a decent job of eating healthy, but it was still nothing like my diet at home. It is impossible when you have no control over the food quality or how it is prepared. And something Jay ate didn't agree with his stomach so well, and he was a little sick on our last night.
The entertainment. The Riu didn't have as many organized activities as at other resorts we've stayed in. I played bingo a couple times and one night Jay and I participated in a beach volleyball game, but for the most part the entertainment activities weren't very well planned. We wished we had brought our own frisbee or more books to read for the times we spent at the pool or beach. The shows at night, however, weren't half-bad!
The travel. After the three hour drive to Dallas, we still had a really long flight to Mazatlan. We had to change planes in Mexico City, both times with a long layover. It was just too much travel for a four-night trip. Next time, we will either be sure to fly out of OKC, or at least get a direct flight if we do fly out of Dallas.
Overall, it was a really good trip. I am already starting to think about when we can go back again! We'd love to go with a group of friends or family next time.
As fun as it is to travel, there is no place like home. I will be glad to get back to my normal routine again! Adios!
No comments:
Post a Comment
I appreciate your comments and questions! Thanks for stopping by!