Cancun — Patti Part Two

This trip to Cancun definitely exemplified my goal this year to eat, drink and be merry. I vacationed at my first all-inclusive resort for my niece Carrie’s wedding to Ryan, and it was a wonderful fun event. They chose Silversands Secret Resort just outside of Cancun, and it was a very nice place. There were drinks, food and activities nonstop day and night. It’s also adults only so outside of the bands and music playing really pretty peaceful. The resort sits right on the beach and they do a good job of working hard to keep the seaweed off the beach that comes in with the tide every day - so it’s nice to sit on a lounge chair and read, walk along the beach or even swim in the ocean.

The resort has a huge amount of swimming pools - they are everywhere so plenty of places to hang out and be pampered. The staff comes by constantly and asks if they can get you anything - food or drink. All the pools have bars and you can get anything you want. They also cook lots of different foods right at the pool, so if you don’t feel like going into one of the restaurants you can just go fill a plate with lots of great choices like grilled chicken, hamburgers, paella, grilled veggies, chips and guacamole etc.

I didn’t have an ocean view but I also didn’t spend much time in my room so the view of the pool I had was just fine with me.

We saw some very cool animals and birds, including a lizard family that took up residence in the same spot every day.

This “lil” guy was actually at least 2 feet long!!!

As I mentioned there was something going on all the time in terms of entertainment or activities. On Saturday when we were hanging out at the pool there was a falconry activity so I went over to take a picture of my brother Dave doing it. And the next thing I knew I was wearing the glove and had a huge falcon soaring for my extended arm!! I’m really afraid of birds - any size - but I faced my fear and here is the proof!

Saturday night was the wedding and it was right on the beach at sunset - a beautiful setting and gorgeous night.

Sister-in-law Pat with sons Kyle and Cameron. Brother Phil with the beautiful bride Carrie.

Wedding on the beach, cocktails in the Barracuda Bar and lovely wedding reception completed a great event.

The Brate family in attendance - so great to spend the time together!

The resort had 7 different restaurants to choose from for dinner every night. Mexican, Italian, French, Asian, Mediterranean and 2 seafood spots, so something to fit every taste. We tried the Italian, Asian and Mediterranean and I think the Mediterranean was my favorite. It had the most amazing dessert which I enjoyed so much I forgot to take a picture of it!! It was Tartufo which I think is actually Italian but the countries are close so maybe they share it. Yumm!!

They also had a theater that had entertainment every night. We checked it out one night and they had a Mariachi band and Mexican dancers amongst other entertainers. A comedian was going to perform later so that was kind of fun.

On Sunday Ryan’s parents chartered a catamaran for whoever wanted to go out and snorkel. My whole family went and had a great time - so relaxing. First snorkeling and then a stop on another island to shop and get a bite to eat if you wanted.

Dave and Dee, Phil and Pat, Pat 1 and Pat 2.

Isla Mujeres which translates to the Women’s Island.

Such a fun and relaxing time. Thanks for planning a great wedding Carrie at the perfect time of year to go where it’s warm! Congratulations and best wishes to you and Ryan!

“You don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.”

Desmond Tutu