Second Hand Report

We're iin Cuba now and only have limited internet access - paying for it 15 mins at a time, so don't thin I'll have any time to catch up on your blogs. I don't even have much time to post on my own - I also couldn't get on to Blogger most of the time when we were in Cancun (with free wifi access!! Anyway just so you don't all feel neglected I've pasted a copy of the last email I sent to friends and family which will just keep you up to date on what's happening. Sorry no pictures though - it would just be too hard (and expensive!!). Hope everyone is well - catch you all soon. Love Z xx

Hi Folks, Well week 3 of the trip is over – so on the downward slope – buggar!! – but still lots to come. We had a lovely time with Reid, Christy and the boys – we’re known to them as Papa Bear and Granny Annie – so it was lovely for Craig when we pulled up at their house and this little boy came hurtling towards him with his arms out, excitedly shouting Papa Bear at the top of his voice. Our time with them involved : Lots of grandparent time with Ryde (3 this month) and Cord (10 months) – who are not at all shy and full of fun and energy Visit to a local winery – where the owner is a former nuclear physicist from the “Lab” who we reckon is now well into his 80’s but a fascinating character with lots of stories to tell Go see and climb into the ancient cliff dwellers homes at Bandolier National Monument Visit the Los Alamos Science Museum which tells the story and history of the Los Alamos National Lab (which is where both Reid and Christy work) Some lovely outings to local Mexican restaurants A trip from Santa Fe to Lamy on an old train (old 1900 carriages / diesel engine). This was particularly good fun as Ryde is absolutely IN to trains so his enjoyment and excitement were fantastic to see. A soak in Reid and Christy’s hot tub under the New Mexican stars – a wonderful sensation Since we had an early flight on the Saturday morning, we all drove to Albuquerque on the Friday – taking the mountain route which showed us some completely different aspects of New Mexico. We stayed at the Holiday Inn in Albuquerque which has a two story waterslide and we’re sure that in the space of an hour Ryde must have been up and down the slide at least 100 times! Papa Bear managed it a few times too! So on Saturday it was on to Mexico and the wonderful town of Cancun. Our hotel was booked for room only but on arrival we were told that we could upgrade to an all inclusive for $59 US each a day. This means that we get all our food – both buffet and a la carte meals, all drinks – and this includes beer, wine, and cocktails and also internet access and one room service meal everyday as well as anything from the mini bar. So needless to say we upgraded – especially knowing how much we had been spending on meals and drinks up to now in our travels. So I’m actually sitting in the Lobby Bar (where I have to go to get wireless access) writing this as I sip on an “Electric Lemonade”. Don’t actually know what’s in it but it tastes real good and is a beautiful fluorescent yellow in colour What we have noticed though is that all the alcohol is weak – think they must dilute everything. Probably not a bad idea from both hotel and customers’ point of view!! It’s a beautiful resort – and our room is a two storey condo style – marble stairs leading down into a eating, sitting area with a little balcony looking out on the Gulf of Mexico. Up to the left on entering is a mezzanine bedroom and the bathroom is on the entry level. So all in all rather swish! So no sightseeing to speak of on this leg – just been chilling out – had a walk around yesterday and checked out a couple of shopping centres and today we took a cab into Ciudad Cancun on the mainland as I had unfortunately lost the little bit of paper which was my Tourist Entry Card for Cuba and needed to visit the Air Mexicana office. Had initially had a bit of a panic about this then emailed Mark at our travel agents and he did a bit of quick research and replied that I could sort it out here in Cancun. Turns out I can just renew it at the airport tomorrow as we’re leaving. So the rest of today will involve some more reclining by and dipping into the pool and then more eating and drinking. Darn good job we’ve only 3 days here or we’d be the size of a house! Just heard today about Hurricane Felix but it looks like we’re in the clear from him! Met a young Scottish couple at breakfast this morning (they old us about Felix) – turns out they’re from Kincardine (for the non Scottish recipients – I lived in Kincardine which is only a small town for 3 years prior to migrating to Australia – I had both boys while living there) – he owns the fish and chip shop there!! It’s that small world again! Anyway we’re off to Havana tomorrow – oh the busy life of a traveler!! OK time to pick up my second Electric Lemonade. Hope everyone is well