VISITING VANCOUVER

Inviting Vancouver Makes Sightseeing Easy

By Bobbie Green

In January 2008 Travel Weekly Magazine acknowledged Vancouver as the top Canadian destination for 2007, in 2006 Conde`Nast Traveler named Vancouver “Best City in the Americas.” This versatile Canadian city is soon to be home to the 2010 Olympic and Paralympics winter games, welcomes visitors with its beauty and its user friendly airport. Vancouver International airport houses a full-service drugstore, walk-in dental centre, and medical clinic and laboratory services. There is a nursery and several play areas for children and of course the standards, wireless for laptops and a health club. There is a full service hotel at the airport. It would be wonderful for travelers if all major airports had these facilities.

The area of Vancouver was first claimed by Spain in the 1500’s The Colony of Vancouver was chartered in 1849 and soon became part of British Columbia. Present day Vancouver is a beautiful city with many attractions for its many visitors. The city is bustling with activity now getting ready for the winter Olympics by building on to their rapid transit system including a line running from Vancouver airport to the Olympic Village. All this activity did not impede my short visit in any way,

One could stay busy for at least 6 days sight seeing around the city. Most visitors are not there that long. I would recommend visitors take the hop-on-hop-off Big Bus for an overview of the city. After taking the full 90-minute tour and hearing the narration one can stay aboard and ride to the area of your interest, get off and explore and board a later bus back. This is an affordable way to see the city sights. Ask your hotel concierge or the visitor’s center for a schedule and stop locations. Their vehicles are either a double decked bus or half in and half open air bus. I call it the fun bus.

Vancouver also has a hop-on-hop-off Trolley which does include some stops that differ from the bus.

One of my fun stops was at Stanley Park where I explored the Vancouver Aquarium. It was very nicely laid out with a Tropic Zone, Amazon Rainforest, Strait of Georgia exhibits and everyone’s favorite a giant pacific octopus. They have an outdoor snack area sitting between two of three pools one of arctic beluga white whales and the Otter and seals. It is amusing to be there at feeding time, there are many optimal places to view the feeding of the dolphins, otters, seals and whales. The short walk from the bus stop to the aquarium is of course beautiful since you are inside Stanley Park with numerous varieties of vegetation and the famous rose garden when in blooming season.

Everyone wants off to see Gas Town, the historic part of the city with the famous steam clock. “Gassy Jack” Deighton showed up at this site with a Indian wife, mother-in-law and barrel of whisky in 1867. He told the working men from the near-by wood mill he had whisky but no place to sell it from. It is said in 24 hours the men built him a saloon and the settlement that grew from that became know as Gas Town because John Deighton liked to talk he was known as “Gassy Jack.” Visitor’s like stroll along the streets checking out the character restaurants and designer boutiques.

I made a quick trip through Yaletown, an old redbrick warehouse district that has been transformed into a very trendy, inviting atmosphere with some of the city’s best restaurants and is definitely the in place to be for nightlife. I had dinner at a popular casual dinning steak house called Hamilton Street Grill.

Its owner and chef Neil Wyles is a amiable fellow who loves being a chef and owning the restaurant, where he can create dishes and interact with his guest. My food was cooked to perfection and the locals are steady customers. Many of the shops and restaurants are sitting on the original loading docks for the trains and the streets are at different heights. Contemporary high-rise condos surround the area and yet the original train roundhouse is still in place with Engine 374 still sitting there for all to see.

Vancouver enjoys the mildest weather in Canada and its waterfront area is stunning. The down town area is a good place to stay, there is much to see, easy walking to sights or transportation. One can walk to the waterfront from the business section of town.

Whether you are planning to attend the Olympics, embark on a cruise ship or just want to have the pleasure of a fun city to visit without leaving the continent, versatile Vancouver will fill the bill

IF YOU GO

Tourism Vancouver

604-631-2873

www.tourismvancouver.com

www.vancouver2010.com –Olympics

Big Bus

1-877-299-0701

www.bigbus.ca

Vancouver Trolley Co

604-801-5515

Vancouvertrolley.com

St George Executive Shuttle

888-394-8002

Angels Camp a noteworthy stop in Gold Country

By Bobbie Green

In the late 1840’s the discovery of gold in the Sierra Nevada foothills area of California brought on a rush of gold seekers, the miners established many new towns. These historical little towns are testimony to American development and make informative and fun get-a-ways and vacations.

Angels Camp, one of the Gold Rush town founded in 1849, is located in Calaveras County along Hwy 49. In the towns hey day there were about 4, ooo miners. Today its population is around 3,000. The entire town is honeycombed with miles of mine tunnels. Tourist can visit the past at the Angels Camp Museum featuring carriages, wagons and gold mining equipment, and Main Street is still functioning within original buildings. However unlike Columbia, this town is not all historic, this is the place visiting golfers and wine enthusiast can get their fix.

Calaveras County is home to many vineyards, especially around the little town of Murphys. Only a short drive from Angeles Camp on Hwy 4, visitors can enjoy the quaint little town that is known for wine tasting from the local vineyards.

Visitors park their cars and walking up and down the main street will find 12 wineries spread in between the boutique shops and best of all the tasting is free and served by a friendly host.

I recommend the good food, and a unique menu found at the Murphys Historic Hotel Restaurant.

From the town of Murphys there is a sign saying Ironstone Vineyards, this is one vineyard visitors do not want to miss. Only a few minutes by car this family owned winery has achieved a level of fame not only for their wines but also for the beautiful culture & arts milieu they have created on their grounds.

The Visitors center has a 36 foot long tasting bar and an enormous stone fire place 42 feet high 13 feet deep and 16 feet wide. Visitors are given a free tour of the winery and grounds, do not miss it. The tour includes the Amphitheatre and lakeside park with multitudes of seasonal flowers. They have a 1927, 15 rank pipe organ in the Alhambra Theatre which is played for guests on the tour.

This winery is phenomenal. The small museum houses local Native American art and, books etc. and the largest specimen of crystalline gold in the world. It was found in near-by Tuolumne County in 1992. Crystalline gold is the rarest form of gold and a rare treat to see. This 1150 acre winery estate is home to many special events, concerts, weddings, car shows and such.

Also in this area there are two caverns to visit, Moaning Cavern offers visitors a chance to repel 165 feet down into the cave or take a guided walking tour. Mercer Caverns is a subterranean wonderland with unusual crystalline formations, stalactites and stalagmites. There are many stairs, but they are graduated.

Angeles Camp is the perfect location for your stay while visiting these sites.

Greenhorn Creek Vacation Cottages proved to be the perfect place for us.

These rentals sit on the 18-hole, par 72 tree lined Greenhorn Creek Golf Course. The stay includes all the amenities like pool, fitness center etc. for guest to enjoy. This Trent Jones redesigned golf course was built around three historical sites, the Rock Wall and Well on #4, the Chinese Oven on #5 and the Tree Well on #17.

A dedication and monument on the #1 hole honors the firemen lost on 9/11. The Andy Fredrick’s Memorial Golf Tournament is held here each year.

I found Greenhorn Creek to be very inviting and I especially liked the French Onion Soup served in the Camps Restaurant.

Angel Camp is home to the annual “Calaveras County Fair and Jumping Frog Jubilee” the third week May. This event is attended by 4000 frogs and 50,000 people during the 5 day event.

Gold Country is still beckoning to fulfill visitor’s dreams, be it a hole-in- one or a fun filled day at the winery or finding a gold nugget.

IF YOU GO

Calaveras Visitors Bureau

800-225-3764

info@gocalaveras.com

Greenhorn Creek Resort

209-729-8159

www.greenhorncreekvacationcottages.com

Ironstone Vineyards

209-728-1251

www.ironstonevineyars.com

Mount Carmel Junction, Utah Center for Near-by Attractions

By Bobbie Green

Mount Carmel Junction is proving to be the perfect base location for near-by attractions. Located 12 miles from the east entrance to Zion National Park and from the west and I-15 one drives through the beautiful park to reach the less crowded Mount Carmel Junction and begin your fun get-a-way.

Coming from I-15 Hwy 9 goes through the quaint little town of Springdale, the western gateway to Zion National Park where one may want to stop and shop in the many gift and art shops. I can recommend Oscars Deli for lunch. However they were so busy I could not find out why their huge delicious hamburgers were called Bill’s Burgers instead of Oscar Burgers. Majestic View Lodge offers very nice luxury rooms all with balconies and they have an on-site brewery in the basement. The Zion Canyon Brewing Company offering Springdale brewed beer, as well as a North American Wildlife Museum located just off the lobby featuring 3000 square feet of displays delighting kids and cameras. Admission is free.

Best Western Zion Inn is a great place to stay with kids. Their property behind the Motel has paths down to the Virgin River and a small pond.

Along the trail there are volley ball and basket ball courts.

The shuttle service in town is free stopping at most all of the hotels and restaurants. They also take you into the park and run daily from 5:30AM to 11:00pm. The shuttle running through Zion drops off and picks up at all major sites and trailheads. If you are not stopping to hike I recommend taking the shuttle for the 90 minute tour after 5PM. There are less people on the bus and the setting sun does wonderful special effects off the mountain cliffs.

The Tanner Amphitheater seating 2000 people sits amid the stunning cliffs of Zion National Park in Springdale. As part of Dixie State College they present a Summer Concert Series held each Saturday evening. Schedule is on their website and tickets can be purchased at the gate or Flanigan’s Inn in Springdale. The Zion Canyon Giant Screen Theatre is located at the entrance to the park featuring “Treasure of the Gods” and it is a defiantly not to be missed, thrill and learning experience for all ages. Each evening at 8:00 the 6 story high by 80 foot wide screen theatre shows a Hollywood film. Truly one can’t beat that in your home theater.

On the way to or from Mount Carmel Hwy 9 passes by Zion Mountain Resort where one can stop and watch the buffalo grazing, there is a small restaurant there with all buffalo meat choices on the menu.

Mount Carmel Junction sits at an elevation of 5200 feet, at the junction of scenic Hwy 9 and Hwy 89. This little town is easily overlooked by tourist; many drive right through to Zion, Lake Powel, Moab, etc. without realizing what this little gem, Mount Carmel Junction, has to offer the tourist. Besides being the eastern gateway to Zion National Park it is conveniently located to many other tourist attractions, only 17 miles from Kanab, 59 miles from great fishing in Panguitch Lake, only 12 miles from the Pink Coral Sand Dunes, 60 miles to Bryce, and 9 miles to the Grand Staircase. There are unlimited activities and attractions one can see and do from Mount Carmel Junction including the attractions in Zion National Park.

The history of Mount Carmel Junction goes back as far as Zion Park itself. The very first settlers were the prehistoric Virgin Anasazi who camped along the Virgin River. Then in 1919 a congressional bill was signed designating Zion National Park.

In 1923 the eastern entrance road to the park was being considered. About that time the tenacious Jack Morrison an ex army engineer came along and began quietly observing the building of the 1.1 mile long Zion tunnel through 2,000 foot thick sandstone and making his own engineering recordings. Jack drove his Model-T up and down the mountain doing his surveying dragging a cedar tree stump tied to the back for control, on the downhill runs, when he decided he knew the course the new road would have to take he promptly homesteaded the rough land covered with gullies and quicksand. Jack had married a feisty hard working girl he met in Soldier Summit Utah, Fern Hanson. Together they worked building small strategic dams to stop flooding and produce land fill. The golf course built in 1966 sits on the land fill. All together they had four children. But two drowned at a young age in the flood prone Virgin River. Fern built a lean-to and began selling her home made pies to the road travelers. Then a gas station with pies and in 1940 the original Thunderbird restaurant. Though the years they added land to their acreage and in order to retain their full share of Utah water rights they built a golf course. Jack died in 1961 and Fern continued on with their visions. The first set of motel rooms were completed in 1969. They were designed by a handpicked student of Frank Lloyd Wright. These unique rooms sit right on the golf course. Later she would add 38 additional rooms. By now Fern’s delicious Pies were famous and advertised as Jack had done. “Home of the ho– made pies.” Of course ho did not have the same meaning then as now. Fern died at age 90 in 1998. Fern and Jacks traditions have been kept alive and the Best Western Thunderbird Lodge, RV Park and Golf Course are still family owned and operated by Fern’s Grandchildren. The same yummy ho- made pies are being sold, including strawberry-rhubarb, the laid back atmosphere and friendliness of owner and staff are still present. This is evidenced by the in room guest directory. It not only gives explicit property information but goes on to list all the near by attraction with hiking or AVT trail information written by someone who has been there, done that. Zion trails, Bryce trails. They even have a 5 day stay itinerary laid out in detail. East Zion is home to the incredible winding tunnels of Red Cave where scenes from Zion’s Treasurer of the Gods were filmed and other slot canyons like Peek-a-Boo and Red Hollow. Owner Ed has maps for those interested in local canyon trails, just ask for them. He knows the area and is willing to share his knowledge with his guests. If you own a jeep or off road vehicle bring it.

Today the Thunderbird Lodge restaurant has a varied menu and the beautiful modern southwestern style building is built around the old original building Jack and Fern first built. They have quite a large gift shop, but if you are looking for turquoise the Trading Post across the street has an extensive selection of Hopi, Zuni and Navajo jewelry.

For the golfer this is the place. Mount Carmel Junction stays under 100 degrees all summer. This 9-hole par 3 and 4 course delivers un-crowded heat relief for desert dwellers. The higher elevation allows for cooler mornings and evenings. Great golf packages are offered by the hotel, they also offer group packages for 10 or more. The course is surrounded by the mountains and wildlife is frequently seen in the evenings. The well kept but laid-back course puts one in mind of the old Beaver Dam Course we all enjoyed. Golf prices, they make you an offer you just can’t refuse. See prices below. If you have an RV there is even a better deal. The Lodge also has a small RV park with full hook-ups but there is no restroom or bath house. Golfing is free to RV’ers

Just 4 miles up Hwy 89 from Mount Carmel Junction is the town of Mount Carmel with a population of 200. There one can see the old stone church that was part of the area history, the wood school and church that the children from Orderville attended by way of covered wagon burnt down in 1919 and a stone building replaced it. It is the only public building left standing in Mount Carmel.

Mount Carmel was also the summer home and studio of renowned artist Maynard Dixon, who painted modern compositions of the American West. Tours are open April 1, through October 31 at the Bingham Gallery on Hwy 89.

The Pink Coral Sand Dunes sound hot but they sit at an elevation of 6000 feet and only 12 miles from Mount Carmel Junction. Off- road enthusiasts love this play area. This State park is open year round and has 22 RV sites and modern restrooms.

Hwy 9 offers tourist many interesting stops. In the town of Virgin one cannot miss seeing Fort Zion sitting boldly on the Highway with its old town façade. It is worth a stop. Inside is a huge trading post/gift shop featuring authentic Indian jewelry. The owner operator makes her own sweet rolls and homemade ice cream, with flavors like cactus pear and huckleberry. Outside is a small petting zoo, all ages seemed to be having fun at the zoo and taking pictures with the old style buildings with the gorgeous vista background. They are open during the summer season only.

Visitors to the area like to stop at the ghost town of Grafton. The turn off is in Rockville and Grafton is about 4 miles down the road. Grafton was one of the first towns settled in the area by the Mormons but they kept getting flooded out so most of them moved to Rockville. Visitors can see the old Cemetery and some of the homes and church left standing there.

With the lower elevation in Mount Carmel Junction one can enjoy golf year round. Zion Park offers breathtaking winter scenery as well as summer.

IF YOU GO

Zion National Park

Campground into

877-444-6777

www.recreation.gov

Fee $25.00 per vehicle

Individual $12.00

Free to Interagency senior pass holders

And Interagency Annual Pass holders

Tanner Amphitheater

435-652-7994

www.dixie.edu/tanner

Ticket $10.00 Youth $5.00

Majestic View Lodge

Springdale

866-772-0665

www.MajesticViewLodge.com

Summer price range

$139.00 standard to $249.00 for Suites

Best Western Zion Inn

Springdale

800-934-7275

www.zionparkinn.com

Summer Price Range

$105.00 -$119

Best Western Thunderbird Inn

Mount Carmel Junction

888-848-6358

www.zionnational-park.com

Summer price range

$92.00-$102.00

Golf

Golf Package $ 130.00 per night & 18 holes of golf with cart

AARP package $109.00 per night 9 holes of golf with cart.

RV’s Golf free $15.00 per night- no pull through sites

Golf Course Utah PGA rated

9-holes $10.00, Cart $5.00 per person

18- $18.00 Cart $5.00 per person

16 and under $12.00- 18-holes

Club rental $5.00

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

Campground Reservations

800-322-3770

$14.00 per site

Kane County Tourist office

435-644- 5033

A pleasant getaway suitable for the whole family is a trip to see Nevada history.  This small town that once held the attention of the world, Virginia City, famous for its mother load of gold and maker of dreams come true now draws attention for its ability to relay the past to future generations.

Take the scenic route on 341 into Virginia City and plan to spend a full day, even overnight if your time allows. There is plenty of history here to explore.

The streets are paved, but the buildings are original. Boardwalks are still handling the pedestrian traffic. This wild city that once consisted of mostly saloons, gambling hall and bordellos similarly attracted the known gunfighters and gamblers of their day.  One can stand at either end of C Street looking up or down and feel the presence of these rough and bigger than life characters and the gunfights that have taken place there.

Many of the saloons are now used for other needs such as souvenir or clothing stores, etc. However originals bars, wall hangings and cabinets are still there. The town has taken care to leave everything as original as they could. I think every magnificent chandelier that was ever used this town, where everyone grew rich, is still on display. It is an amazing sight to see.  There are rows of lights in all colors and designs in every saloon, restaurant and store, newspaper office, bookstore and even in the Chamber of commerce, which is now housed inside an old saloon. The old mining town was naturally built on a mountain making your sloping sight seeing strolls a little arduous, if venturing off C Street. Do take the trolley tour for a wider view and interesting information about the town.

Across the Valley you can see the Silver Terrace Cemeteries. You may drive over in your own car. Much of the past is engraved on the tombstones of these famous graveyards.

Virginia City is home to only 900 friendly residents. The Comstock mine is no longer producing silver and gold. Tourism is now their business. There are many fun places to eat and hotel accommodations. The town will host numerous events in 2006. Virginia City is a great place to visit some of our wild and wooly history.

Travel along the coastal Viking Route among the Shetlands and Orkney Islands and the coast of Scotland and you will take a journey back to the Stone Age. There much ancient history of mankind to explore here. Visitors to this area are amazed to see there is so much more than golf courses in Scotland. The entire area is an archaeologist dream.

The first hint of the world you are about to explore is the terrain. You will see green rolling hills dotted with ancient burial mounds, and miles and miles of beautiful stone fences, but very few trees. .It does take awhile for one to notice the trees are missing. They say long ago there were trees, but it is hard to imagine looking at the surface today. Stones however are a different story. Even after the miles of stone fences, and houses and brocks built centuries ago the terrain is still laden with small rock and stones. After experiencing a day of their gale force winds, I realize nature has provided the area with life sustaining material stone, wood would not do.

Sailing down the coast in a small ship allowed us the freedom to tour the smaller island and port cities where the larger ships cannot maneuver. The ship being a perfect, less hassled way to get to the harder to reach destinations and less frequently visited places. Many of the sites we visited are older than the famous Stonehenge Circle in England, but very similar in structure, such as the Callandish standing stones at Stornoway on the Lewis Island in the Western Isles. Here there is Roman graffiti left on the stones that can be seen and read by all.

The Carloway Broch is also on the island although only one half of it is left standing, it is enough to be one of the best examples left see how they were built and used. The broch is atop a hill; even with the ample pathway some will not be able climb to it. Wear a sturdy shoe. Not a place for sandals.

Kirkwall is an experience. The castle/palace sitting in the mist of town was built for the earl, Patrick Steward. The great thing about the castle is the fact it is just sitting there as is, or was. No one has refurbished it or furnished it. You may walk the halls, feel the large indentations in the steps, wore down by the Seward family. See and feel the enormous size of the kitchen .you can easily imagine the long tables filled with hungry worriers. You can see how each of the stones are fitted together. You can walk the stairway to the large receiving room with the many fireplaces. Walk through the bedrooms, and see even the latrine area. As you get to the third floor you notice there is no roof. According to our guide they sold it. After the castle was abandon someone bought the roof stones. Further outside the town, Neolithic Maes Howe, built 5000 year ago, is standing well preserved for us enter and stand surrounded by the presence of ancient man. One can read the 12th century Viking Crusaders graffiti on the walls of stone. One can also see how cleverly the use of sunlight was projected through the entryway.

Before the pyramids in Egypt were built man was living in Skara Brae on the mainland of the Orkney Islands. This stone-age village is said to be the best-preserved in all of northern Europe. Absolutely fascinating original details in tack, beds, dressers and storage spaces, all made of stone. It is easy to imagine Fred Flintstone in one of the houses. This whole enormous site sits on a rise just above the ocean. The site was exposed during a storm in 1850. It is still being excavated today.

Besides the many mysterious ancients sites of man to explore in this area of the world, the sights of nature are also interesting. If you are lucky enough to be aboard a smaller ship as we were, with zodiacs you can go over to Muckle Flugea. Here you will find a lighthouse and fulfillment of a bird watchers dream, with many birds of different & rare varieties. On the islands you will see the rare breed of the ancient sheep and of course the famous Highland bulls. There are flocks of sheep everywhere, grazing on the rolling green hills. Anyone wishes to see and archeological dig will find this is the place to be. There are numerous digs going on at any giving time.

This article has only touched on a few of the sites left here from the past. The opportunity to visit the many burial sites, ancient stone brocks and houses, and villages are abundant in these islands. They are waiting to be visited by the adventurous and inquisitive that would like to journey back to the Stone Age.

I took this journey aboard the “Clipper Adventurer” a wonderful small ship line that can be booked through Clipper ships or Intrav. They take very good care of their passengers while providing amazing adventures most seniors can enjoy.

Ouray, Colorado’s High County

When the air tempter goes up in the west, vacationers head up to the high country to cool down. The town of Silverton Colorado is a well-known favorite of many. Do not by pass going on to Ouray, just 25 miles up the Million Dollar highway from Silverton also know as highway 550. Ouray, named after the Ute Indian Chief, is a fun town everyone old and young will enjoy. Although known as the American Alps, and a winter wonderland. I found much more to acquaint myself with than just the beautiful mountain scenery during the non-winter months.

Autumn would be the perfect time to enjoy the short trip to Box Canyon Park, just a few blocks from the edge of town. Cool for walking the ½ mile roundtrip on the high bridge trail, this puts you above the falls, and offers a great panoramic view. The climb may be too steep for some with respiratory problem. The shorter trail down to the powerful waterfalls is a must do, until you get to the end of the trail, the power of the waterfall cannot not be appreciated.

Another not to miss subject in Ouray is the Museum. Dubbed “Best Little Museum in the West” There is something of interest for all ages in that amazingly well put together little showplace that used to be the town hospital. The most realistic, almost shocking hospital surgery room is found here, along with a dentist office featuring the outdated and painful looking dentist tools of the time. There are three floors filled with nostalgia, the cellar is a replica of a mineshaft.

Strolling the hilly streets is a favorite pastime of tourist. Shopping in the boutique type art stores, and watching the artisans perform their craft is another. Along the sidewalk are many benches useful for sitting to eat your ice cream cone, as many do.

Approximately 10 minutes drive from Ouray you will find the Bachelor-Syracuse Mine Tour. Privately owned and operated you will experience a unique ride on an original ore train 3,350 feet into the original silver and gold mine. Your guide is normally an ex-miner who formerly worked in this mine. While there you can enjoy an outdoors breakfast or lunch.

Area streams are rich in Placer Gold. Gold panning instructions are offered and you may keep what you pan. Another plus the mine sits above the city of Ouray and the view is beautiful and opposite of the view from Box Canyon.

Last but not least is Ouray’s Hot Springs and Fitness Center. Open all year, cost for adults $8.00 seniors 65+ $6.00 Child 6 and under $3.00. Huge natural hot springs pools for all to enjoy.

Restaurants and motels are plentiful in Ouray, so are visitors so I recommend making hotel reservations ahead. The Best Western Twin Peaks, 970- 325-4477 is in walking distance to everything. For campers Ouray KOA is close in 970-325-4736. All the campgrounds are seasonal May through September.

The Mexican Mayan Riviera

by Ron Kapon

The Mexican Mayan Riviera- what a public relation dream of a name. One might think of the French or Italian Riviera, but here it is all about the beach, sun and water. Let’s get the geography lesson out of the way; Quintana Roo is a state in Southeastern Mexico on the eastern part of the Yucatan Peninsula with a population of 1,135,000 million. The Caribbean Sea is to the east and the nation of Belize is to the south. If the name Quintana Roo is not familiar, look at some of the cities contained within the state; Cancun, Playa del Carmen and the island of Cozumel. Plus there are the Mayan Ruins at Tulum, Ichpaatan, Xcaret and world famous Chichen Itza. In the late 1960’s the Mexican government built the city of Cancun from a small fishing village to attract more American tourists to the area. Recent figures showed over 4 million visitors. On October 23rd 2005 a Category 5 hurricane named Wilma made landfall on the island of Cozumel. It sat stationery over the area for several days with winds as high as 125 MPH. For five days in May of 2007 I traveled to Cancun & Playa del Carmen to see how the area has responded. Most of the hotels were remodeled and reopened within a year and new construction was everywhere. The hotel zone in Cancun (28,000 rooms- the largest number in Mexico) has condos and resorts on every inch of space facing the Caribbean, plus over 2,000 stores. On the island side is Laguna Nichupte with marinas, restaurants, shopping malls, two golf courses (there are 8 in the Cancun area, plus 5 more under construction) and a few islands. There is only one road so you can’t get lost. Southbound heads to the airport which is the 2nd busiest in Mexico, after Mexico City (Continental, Delta, American, Jet Blue, ATA, US Airway, Northwest and Aero Mexico all fly from New York City). The Hotel Zone spans approximately 16 miles. Northbound heads to downtown. The “Party Zone” is half-way between the Hotel Zone & downtown and it is filled with nightclubs and discos. You can opt for a taxi from your hotel but the buses cost only 55 cents & seem to run every minute. There are several smaller flea markets and large shopping malls within a mile of the Hotel Zone but everyone seems to carry the same things with similar prices. I couldn’t find a single thing to buy. After all, how many t-shirts or sombreros can one wear? Visualize the condos & hotels of Miami Beach or San Juan. Picture perfect weather, but consider skipping the peak of the hurricane season which is September into November. You can book tours to Mayan ruins, golf, swimming with dolphins, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing etc through Best Day Tours. They picked me up at the airport, took me to my hotel, and brought me to Aqua World where I spent an hour on the Yellow Submarine (viewing coral and fish underwater) along Palancar Reef, the 2nd largest coral reef in the world. They also drove me to my hotel in Playa del Carmen in less than an hour; arranged a tour there and returned me to the Cancun airport for my flight home. I found them very reliable and as an aside the company is owned by the same people who own the Real Resorts where I stayed. Fernando Garcia Zalvidea started Best Day Tours in 1984 and in 1989 bought an old hotel that started his empire. I stayed at The Royal in Cancun that opened in February 2007 & The Royal in Playa del Carmen that opened October 2005. Both are super deluxe, all suite, all adult and all inclusive. The Royal properties do not accept children under 16 while the Gran Caribe & Gran Porto allows children of any age. I noticed that half The Royal guests seem to be honeymooners or young couples while the other half are in my category of senior citizen. My Royal Junior Suite, like 80% of the 285 The Royal in Cancun rooms, faced the Caribbean and had a double Jacuzzi tub. The Royal in Playa del Carmen has 459 junior suites and this time I faced the pool area. The rum, vodka, tequila soft drinks and snacks in the mini-bar are included. Three gourmet meals with vintage house wines and all services charges and taxes are included. I used the fitness center, sauna, Jacuzzis and steam room in the Spa which also is part of the all-inclusive as are theme nights, live shows and non-motorized water sports. If you want a Mayan inspired spa treatment or wines from their 127 selection wine & champagne list there is an extra charge. Also in the 5 Star categories are his Gran Caribe Real in Cancun & the Gran Porto Real in Playa. After Hurricane Wilma Fernando used part of his next door Grand Caribe Real land to build an all new The Royal in Cancun. The Gran property in Playa is across the street. There is also a 4 Star Real Playa property nearby. I did eat in one restaurant on the Gran Caribe property which is not part of the all-inclusive and that is called Salute. The first Salute opened in Mexico City 5 years ago and it opened in Cancun in December 2006. You must try their Mango Margarita; the food is also fabuloso. I had a choice of restaurants at the Royal where I could partake of my three meals; Japanese, French-Mexican, coffee shop, poolside restaurant or a 24 hour lounge with a pool table, table tennis, snacks, several TV’s and a selection of drinks. Depending on season, my Royal Junior Suite rack rate would be between $240 and $350 per person, all inclusive. There are all sorts of incentive pricing available. Less than an hour south of Cancun and I found the Mexican Mayan Riviera. Playa (del Carmen) was established by Europeans from Germany, Switzerland and especially Italy. The lifestyle is slower with beaches, surf, coral reefs, scuba, jet skiing, windsurfing and a pedestrian street named Fifth Avenue (Quinta Avenida) with a mixture of shops, bars & restaurants. With a population of 60,000 there are fewer large hotels and the atmosphere is definitely more laid back. The island of Cozumel can be reached from the ferry dock in Playa in less than 45 minutes. That same 45 minutes will take you to Talum & Coha which reflect the Mayan period of 1200-1520AD. They draw over 2 million visitors a year (the most visited of Mexico’s archaeological sites) after having been rediscovered in 1842 by archeologists. Hurricane Emily hit Playa in July 2005 and while doing considerable damage did not destroy the whole city, as in Cancun. I spent an afternoon and evening at Xcaret which was about 15 minutes from my hotel. For $60 one gets an all day pass or it is $43 if you only want to see the two hour evening extravaganza (the history of Mexico with over 200 performers). I spent 3 hours walking through Mayan Village, along the jungle trail, through wildlife, underground rivers, through an Aquarium and several other shows. If you want to go snorkeling, scuba diving, or swim with dolphins that will cost you extra. Although both cities are different, my recommendation is to visit both and decide which style you prefer. For More information- www.cancun.info www.bestday.com www.realresorts.com.mx www.aquaworld.com.mx www.grupobgm.com.mx www.playadelcarmen.com www.xcaret.com.mx