tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40431281140749929612024-02-06T21:11:25.906-08:00CibatarianOne nerd's journey through the world of food.Cibatarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085975700051398946noreply@blogger.comBlogger177125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043128114074992961.post-64763882335571795322016-01-24T08:00:00.000-08:002016-01-24T08:00:07.832-08:00Recipe: Bacon SoupDo you know how you're scrolling through facebook and catching up on what friends and family are doing and suddenly the most interesting ads or sponsored facebook posts suddenly appear? Recently this recipe for <a href="http://www.centralmarket.com/recipe/side-dishes-salads/Creamy-White-Bean-and-Dry-Cured-Hickory-Bacon-Soup">Creamy White Bean and Dry Cured Hickory Bacon Soup</a> from Central Market popped up on my feed so I had to try it.<br />
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I'm not going to drive 1.5 hours to the nearest Central Market to buy the ingredients it required. Nor am I ever going to remember to start the recipe the night before. Therefore I made a number of modifications to the recipe that still make it an awesome choice for a cold night in.<br />
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Bacon Soup</h2>
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Ingredients:</h4>
1 - 15 oz can of cannellini, navy, or other white beans, drained and rinsed<br />
1 - 12 oz package of the bacon of your choice, chopped into 1 inch squares<br />
1 shallot, diced<br />
4 large carrots, peeled and chopped to 1/2 inch pieces<br />
1 celery rib, chopped into 1/4 inch pieces<br />
2 tbsp fresh rosemary, coarsely chopped<br />
2 tbsp fresh sage, coarsely chopped<br />
32 oz chicken or vegetable broth or stock<br />
2 bay leaves<br />
3 tbsp (1/2 a 6 oz can) of tomato paste<br />
4 loosely packed cups kale or spinach leaves, stems removed, and chopped into about 1-2 inch pieces<br />
Salt and black pepper to taste<br />
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<b>Instructions:</b></h4>
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<ol>
<li>In a large soup pot or dutch oven cook the bacon over medium heat (10-20 minutes) until the bacon is lightly browned. Do not cook all the way to crispy. Remove the bacon, leaving the drippings, to a paper towel lined plate to drain. </li>
<li>Saute the shallot in the bacon drippings until translucent, about 5 minutes. </li>
<li>Stir in the rosemary and sage and cook 1 minute.</li>
<li>Add the stock or broth, beans, carrots, bay leaves, and celery. Add the tomato paste and mix well to completely incorporate. </li>
<li>Add the bacon and bring the mixture to a boil. </li>
<li>Turn the heat to low and simmer 45 minutes while stirring occasionally. Add the spinach or kale in the last 15 minutes of the simmer (mix the kale as you add it to the soup - it will fit in your pot). </li>
</ol>
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Makes 4 hearty servings.<br />
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<b>Note:</b> You'll have about half a bunch of kale and half a can of tomato paste remaining after you make this recipe, along with most of the bunch of celery. If you purchased your herbs from the store, you'll likely still have a half of each package remaining. I suggest either doubling up the recipe (use a large stock pot) or making the recipe a second time to avoid waste.Cibatarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085975700051398946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043128114074992961.post-4588712138585464382016-01-19T06:58:00.000-08:002016-01-26T11:21:52.647-08:00Update on Cocoamoda<b><u>An update on the update (added 1/26/16)</u>: </b><a href="http://www.cocoamoda.com/">Cocoamoda </a>is still open for business! Please visit them in person or online and purchase their wonderful chocolates!<br />
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An update on Chef Ken: according to their CaringBridge page, Chef Ken's been moved to a long-term care facility in Austin. If you're able, please consider a donation to their <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/cocoamoda">GoFundMe </a>to help cover medical expenses. Or go to the Cocoamoda website and purchase some chocolates to help with business expenses. This is a difficult time for the Wilkinson family, but there's no reason you can't enjoy some delicious chocolate while also helping them out.<br />
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Original Post (from 1/19/16):<br />
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Regular readers of this blog will likely remember <a href="http://www.cocoamoda.com/">Cocoamoda </a>in Calvert being featured on <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/restaurant-impossible/1100-series/chocolate-impossible.html">Restaurant: Impossible</a> in the Spring of 2015. You can find the posts under <a href="http://cibatarian.blogspot.com/search/label/Cocoamoda">this tag</a>.<br />
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Chef Ken Wilkinson had a terrible fall from a ladder last week and is now in the hospital. His injuries are serious. His lovely wife, Jacqueline, has been by his side and periodically updating the restaurant's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/COCOAMODA-83501568002/?fref=ts">facebook page</a> with updates on his condition. She has additionally started a CaringBridge <a href="http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/chefken">blog</a> for additional updates. </div>
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If you feel so compelled, please spare a few prayers for Chef Ken, as well as for his lovely wife and family. There is also a fundraiser at CaringBridge and <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/cocoamoda">GoFundMe</a> to raise money for what must already be substantial medical bills. </div>
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If you are in the Calvert area, there is a Get Well Book at the truffle counter of Cocoamoda for people to sign. The restaurant will remain open during normal business hours for the time being, however the weekend dinners are cancelled. </div>
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Myself and The Lovely Spouse wish Chef Ken a fast and full recovery. We also wish Jacqueline and the rest his family and close friends peace and comfort during this difficult time.<br />
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<b><i>Disclaimer: </i></b>none of this is an endorsement for anything and I don't make a penny off of saying their chocolates are awesome. Chef Ken and Jacqueline are nice people and The Lovely Spouse and I wish them well. </div>
Cibatarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085975700051398946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043128114074992961.post-40825633686932246382016-01-17T08:00:00.000-08:002016-01-17T08:00:12.186-08:00The Palace Cafe in New OrleansOn New Years Day, a group of long-time friends and I had a lovely dinner at the <a href="http://www.palacecafe.com/">Palace Cafe</a> in New Orleans. Located in the Business District on Canal Street, the Palace Cafe is well-known in foodie circles as a go-to place for creole cuisine.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI4VkG2VxTzcQuKEQWrogL2EeMXEwlhHue-M_Z_GUvyfLsYa2bDZAf7tECUzNhwYx7VGEL9LJf5G-8noywwb2ip4yJKG28B6N7FlE8FlEecYLdblhm4E6oVPgC1eVeZxmTIodwtUFvZ1M8/s1600/20160101_174707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI4VkG2VxTzcQuKEQWrogL2EeMXEwlhHue-M_Z_GUvyfLsYa2bDZAf7tECUzNhwYx7VGEL9LJf5G-8noywwb2ip4yJKG28B6N7FlE8FlEecYLdblhm4E6oVPgC1eVeZxmTIodwtUFvZ1M8/s320/20160101_174707.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Large windows allow a view of the kitchen.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWvxXL_rpiiOmyQ36eEbeCd7HoruBFZt0W7Jv5EX2C0zviNTMX6fD8dm3gYgwEMM822n8nAC_Dpjb9JJfbVyDsETNVwdokVBr4C37C1m6IabRc7jRycBVn2vb5jwIoX7ez9o56w__Juu87/s1600/20160101_180113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWvxXL_rpiiOmyQ36eEbeCd7HoruBFZt0W7Jv5EX2C0zviNTMX6fD8dm3gYgwEMM822n8nAC_Dpjb9JJfbVyDsETNVwdokVBr4C37C1m6IabRc7jRycBVn2vb5jwIoX7ez9o56w__Juu87/s320/20160101_180113.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our table was on the second floor with a great view of Canal Street.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcTvARsOrKMsXiGeavd6XSXTMM8ez0SnX43ISbR5FiuDlZEZF1tgJKOFaMiTV5DJh28V4RewZWuHW-UPUT3Q-ZrKiu3DlNw1WS1S22XsE8dezHJFvqCWhFb53Lzf1DEiLq0Ed2Dn4HcuOA/s1600/20160101_183720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcTvARsOrKMsXiGeavd6XSXTMM8ez0SnX43ISbR5FiuDlZEZF1tgJKOFaMiTV5DJh28V4RewZWuHW-UPUT3Q-ZrKiu3DlNw1WS1S22XsE8dezHJFvqCWhFb53Lzf1DEiLq0Ed2Dn4HcuOA/s320/20160101_183720.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cheese plate was absolutely fabulous. From the website menu: "Idiazabal, Saint Agur, triple cream brie, bûcheron goat cheese, pecan fig bread, fig reserve, Granny Smith apple."</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudZTIhkF8aaUWWOLDKXV637fvH94bgkQXB2_7OwORxQ-RDwOwi1A-I46nnDPWxPpvieFeHvjpnzmiD5xeAI85SGPRZ8SOgdEU9fnG07PVtTrBB17oEvSgaoDILhNFZyPOY_FgW7V9Lz22/s1600/20160101_183727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudZTIhkF8aaUWWOLDKXV637fvH94bgkQXB2_7OwORxQ-RDwOwi1A-I46nnDPWxPpvieFeHvjpnzmiD5xeAI85SGPRZ8SOgdEU9fnG07PVtTrBB17oEvSgaoDILhNFZyPOY_FgW7V9Lz22/s320/20160101_183727.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The charcuterie plate was equally fabulous. Called the Petite Campagne on the menu: "Niman Ranch prosciutto, lamb terrine, country pâté, venison salami, duck rillettes." </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFzFjy_bcUfi56Lbel1vmMTOfUUzcguOSAm2D8R7cCnaGSFQztDatb068UnYcl6SzhhYSwYDlvP-4A_Mvm2uFFccRKW30u2uTy7WlJnIaDbPJiFhrqVPmqO4SgFCfA4M4n_q3mEk8Y3AQ/s1600/20160101_190117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFzFjy_bcUfi56Lbel1vmMTOfUUzcguOSAm2D8R7cCnaGSFQztDatb068UnYcl6SzhhYSwYDlvP-4A_Mvm2uFFccRKW30u2uTy7WlJnIaDbPJiFhrqVPmqO4SgFCfA4M4n_q3mEk8Y3AQ/s320/20160101_190117.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got the Andouille Crusted Gulf Coast Fish. Perfectly cooked white fish of the day with a mild, yet flavorful andouille crust.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVdB9ZSYycImP5jonEAxRFpq1axA7Bvog5zhUwZaROIdIvbm5rHAyes6arJZSAt6EmwAx2IyvQLMEkrtI92MNB5ln3wwPzZbp23ElkaRhkD_f8so5J1U1ipm60VyxeemuPbIFsmJUwXxop/s1600/20160101_190239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVdB9ZSYycImP5jonEAxRFpq1axA7Bvog5zhUwZaROIdIvbm5rHAyes6arJZSAt6EmwAx2IyvQLMEkrtI92MNB5ln3wwPzZbp23ElkaRhkD_f8so5J1U1ipm60VyxeemuPbIFsmJUwXxop/s320/20160101_190239.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Lovely Spouse got the Seared Duck with Confit. Again, perfectly cooked and absolutely succulent. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioRPR4PZNBpgAZhoKHiI6uSUSjMA9-wTmTu1jDl8tJUO69yepyGhwot4rThl5fsnZTrKxZDqBTmaHLagbeoqeDbof4BrIfvwtMjSTigyssVPL9rUB9wjGhBt9zQssvpeeCBL6m_td0Ayyk/s1600/20160101_195102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioRPR4PZNBpgAZhoKHiI6uSUSjMA9-wTmTu1jDl8tJUO69yepyGhwot4rThl5fsnZTrKxZDqBTmaHLagbeoqeDbof4BrIfvwtMjSTigyssVPL9rUB9wjGhBt9zQssvpeeCBL6m_td0Ayyk/s320/20160101_195102.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bananas Foster was created by Paul Blange for Brennan's in New Orleans in 1951 and has remained a classic dessert ever since. [<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bananas_Foster">Reference</a>] True to its origins, this one was prepared table side and was absolutely delicious. A lovely way to end a most lovely meal.</td></tr>
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Dinner at the Palace Cafe was priced for an occasional treat or special occasion. New Years with our friends certainly qualified and the meal and incredible service greatly exceeded our expectations.Cibatarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085975700051398946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043128114074992961.post-34235837002532306582016-01-10T13:13:00.003-08:002016-01-15T13:58:09.430-08:00A New Year's Eve in New OrleansI haven't been posting as much lately. My academic work is writing-intensive so it's often difficult to find motivation to write in my off hours. Rest assured, however, I have content to add to this blog and will continue to do so as I find the time.<br />
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The Lovely Spouse and I joined some long-time friends in New Orleans, Louisiana this year. As happens to groups of friends over the years, we have all spread to far-flung corners of the globe with our professional and personal lives. However, this year we decided to meet up someplace awesome for a long weekend of catching up and generally enjoying each other's company. This year that place was New Orleans.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl0i0Qh1SU5_h4KcoVyx-GIyEFoMlDkMENz1hB31EhbvEOmXOuODPxFGkYhln9m0QjlOKRWxoupnYYEImo3d4Yqg92uY6tqyWMqvYvzobvbmXBxL0rIpWQwAxBsi0OEq1Smb-f3riTUyI4/s1600/20160101_123843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl0i0Qh1SU5_h4KcoVyx-GIyEFoMlDkMENz1hB31EhbvEOmXOuODPxFGkYhln9m0QjlOKRWxoupnYYEImo3d4Yqg92uY6tqyWMqvYvzobvbmXBxL0rIpWQwAxBsi0OEq1Smb-f3riTUyI4/s320/20160101_123843.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The weekend was the first cold spell to hit New Orleans of the season so it was chilly and grey the entire time. But as you see, the city, especially the French Quarter, is still lovely.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8m7JorvpHCeZZ3RfmDF0B0FVqFwFrLPd2zMVGQQqBZKe-492a_l2vzrfzYBdmzrVaFO-tnPUs3hR8pYvQWPG2gEtU0SWXhNwLMNkSyDzcM2myfi2HRDm1ah-Hel_YjnWcT-5sz8m3xiFR/s1600/20151230_200301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8m7JorvpHCeZZ3RfmDF0B0FVqFwFrLPd2zMVGQQqBZKe-492a_l2vzrfzYBdmzrVaFO-tnPUs3hR8pYvQWPG2gEtU0SWXhNwLMNkSyDzcM2myfi2HRDm1ah-Hel_YjnWcT-5sz8m3xiFR/s320/20151230_200301.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We managed to find a bar on Bourbon Street, full of Aggies, where we watched the Aggies face off against Louisville for the Music City Bowl. The Aggies did far better than expected given the troubles the team had this year. Gig 'em!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsxdy8ciOSl1T7-ZAG_Lkdj8P6pI1UwchhCcSyQMHcW6XTMoaxnXUDcYoNU300mgtoDcmrhj2ZgeVug2ow108h3gDKqDohY9syjKqP927AFxunhtERMTsScpo2YgZ9Zh9rhYg5NQEL6pwF/s1600/20151230_200650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsxdy8ciOSl1T7-ZAG_Lkdj8P6pI1UwchhCcSyQMHcW6XTMoaxnXUDcYoNU300mgtoDcmrhj2ZgeVug2ow108h3gDKqDohY9syjKqP927AFxunhtERMTsScpo2YgZ9Zh9rhYg5NQEL6pwF/s320/20151230_200650.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, they have Absinthe! Several lovely varieties, albeit not available cheaply. They also had a tasty drink called a Sazerac. I recommend this one for bourbon or whiskey drinkers. [If you don't like whiskey, you'll hate it.]</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1t6vNrC5VEFTVU0wV1jGLrBJuexjfgZ0yDhAOUpWDUwej0wdw1XjmVfRhPUEWgEqg_gG7kBsPJ3V-c_hWhtiKYI25dnDsEcUJ14rsVKydIYrS5QCcoYEELTzjqOrkWCkgq-w5LqvSV9tp/s1600/20151230_232416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1t6vNrC5VEFTVU0wV1jGLrBJuexjfgZ0yDhAOUpWDUwej0wdw1XjmVfRhPUEWgEqg_gG7kBsPJ3V-c_hWhtiKYI25dnDsEcUJ14rsVKydIYrS5QCcoYEELTzjqOrkWCkgq-w5LqvSV9tp/s320/20151230_232416.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We visited Pat O'Brien's. Evidently it is THE place for a Hurricane cocktail in New Orleans. I find them overly sweet so I enjoyed a beer from one of the local breweries: Abita.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsURRvuclcmLNGPcc7SG-rlIJ5HQMSmjiMnHtari5kXsk-aEy5WBmhkMSS4OIRKvxULuiSHW-Ku1ciYikvVIeOnSHj6NZMDTxkSJdlFCoegVCT2ul7jbgSb8Cx0ql4-3-davU-H13jJlCi/s1600/20151230_232405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsURRvuclcmLNGPcc7SG-rlIJ5HQMSmjiMnHtari5kXsk-aEy5WBmhkMSS4OIRKvxULuiSHW-Ku1ciYikvVIeOnSHj6NZMDTxkSJdlFCoegVCT2ul7jbgSb8Cx0ql4-3-davU-H13jJlCi/s320/20151230_232405.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The flaming fountain at Pat O'Brien's is considered a landmark and meeting place. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLBbnmHAGjkC_30PY6YmaQtvm33dKI2P0dh8B3oRAs36ON223hvzLhLr0PdsplbIf-1foCK8lBIWEczgjv3jiR3KT8W6AjIsByQUL0bRBZVetSxOHQ63a_3enQlFoU_Y0YDvgfKD2SjqcR/s1600/20160101_111120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLBbnmHAGjkC_30PY6YmaQtvm33dKI2P0dh8B3oRAs36ON223hvzLhLr0PdsplbIf-1foCK8lBIWEczgjv3jiR3KT8W6AjIsByQUL0bRBZVetSxOHQ63a_3enQlFoU_Y0YDvgfKD2SjqcR/s320/20160101_111120.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We visited <a href="http://www.originalpierremasperos.com/">Pierre Maspero's</a> for brunch. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCx5ghZTgCLYPbhMMjTSWFfLWbRNvfOuDG5uGRlDQ7c4oeKUvrK-ejJqnB9oXmYFRkbf_T24jYj5qkRQYNIQjPdhRB9FT0hpzGWAxIUWIbquU9ECC194FhLxc4tdCqvOHthJh_Z7fzy2m9/s1600/20160101_111113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCx5ghZTgCLYPbhMMjTSWFfLWbRNvfOuDG5uGRlDQ7c4oeKUvrK-ejJqnB9oXmYFRkbf_T24jYj5qkRQYNIQjPdhRB9FT0hpzGWAxIUWIbquU9ECC194FhLxc4tdCqvOHthJh_Z7fzy2m9/s320/20160101_111113.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sugar Bowl was evidently in town at the same time. We saw MANY football fans in town. Evidently OSU fans have a chant that they like to whip out on random occasions. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhrVMTdDCEIzwF154iSUCrWPREviXaMB_R0SdvYdB2mtfelKcdAv6AleH8oTphkUhi3ntxjKBN3Bt3obD8CN7H1Rl6G5390i7TcxAIAHJzNI4YI-PFZdwIq4FqcG3Nl8unRTb6fmFEkm7g/s1600/20160101_104223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhrVMTdDCEIzwF154iSUCrWPREviXaMB_R0SdvYdB2mtfelKcdAv6AleH8oTphkUhi3ntxjKBN3Bt3obD8CN7H1Rl6G5390i7TcxAIAHJzNI4YI-PFZdwIq4FqcG3Nl8unRTb6fmFEkm7g/s320/20160101_104223.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Lovely Spouse enjoyed some eggs with andouille. He said it was delicious.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-jP4GEX_agRUaxE2kf83s88c3cEGRWXbUbDRRxXr4yHSoALKyYq1ntGqfR0hbhJRuQRMARF-lrIAU46nUlYmaP9xvmCOOzOvRFBunu3R3jh27-nNX_BNRGq6iq29b9gTdaIaiwP3mYn8/s1600/20160101_104218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-jP4GEX_agRUaxE2kf83s88c3cEGRWXbUbDRRxXr4yHSoALKyYq1ntGqfR0hbhJRuQRMARF-lrIAU46nUlYmaP9xvmCOOzOvRFBunu3R3jh27-nNX_BNRGq6iq29b9gTdaIaiwP3mYn8/s320/20160101_104218.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I very much enjoyed my Grand Galette. A pan-fried hash brown cake topped with 2 eggs over easy, grilled tomatoes, bacon, parmesan reggiano and toast points. The coffee was surprisingly good. I don't usually enjoy coffee with chicory but it hit the spot at Pierre Maspero's. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZoBQQXLioho8PrVTFwB1glDeCTOCIT0xiHo-M4vvYQel9Zz6b5vMPer8v24qJilV_Y_kNwk4IKCKFvF038rx9_1Zl3ltKM_VvdiBSxrJr9IIHV8g7QEDustGH4aDw6JzFjI8TrgcfJInS/s1600/20160101_112723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZoBQQXLioho8PrVTFwB1glDeCTOCIT0xiHo-M4vvYQel9Zz6b5vMPer8v24qJilV_Y_kNwk4IKCKFvF038rx9_1Zl3ltKM_VvdiBSxrJr9IIHV8g7QEDustGH4aDw6JzFjI8TrgcfJInS/s320/20160101_112723.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We visited <a href="http://voodooneworleans.com/">Marie Laveau's House of Voodoo</a>. Evidently, this is another requirement to any visit to New Orleans. No photography indoors. According to the person who answered numerous calls on the subject while we were there: they don't perform magic or voodoo, they only provide supplies. They also have souvenirs, including coffee mugs,t-shirts, etc. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuLoIQkRkYIjJRa709nNmKqKnuSXE58uerHv65Okc9Dmr4HrOmJnmcKeOfOk1Hke0zfQqMO1UG4aYGsFSMoCednlwxnzfn6ExtRYtlFldp2NQH7SWhinMLpnQAQAg0Ol3fxjEuOgBVCJCY/s1600/20160101_112719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuLoIQkRkYIjJRa709nNmKqKnuSXE58uerHv65Okc9Dmr4HrOmJnmcKeOfOk1Hke0zfQqMO1UG4aYGsFSMoCednlwxnzfn6ExtRYtlFldp2NQH7SWhinMLpnQAQAg0Ol3fxjEuOgBVCJCY/s320/20160101_112719.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_E9inFpQow3ZHTy5Tr4fPVSgQ02xaEB-jEg2pK6o8M52bHhYhLE5DoBT3tZDUm001rmh4c1qP-nz0nAtvEmNZFQb2Wpz2ixM78t5AFrsIQCxkO7ek6DDmkVbNpHkdWc7PvwaKe0XI1AMa/s1600/20160101_100520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_E9inFpQow3ZHTy5Tr4fPVSgQ02xaEB-jEg2pK6o8M52bHhYhLE5DoBT3tZDUm001rmh4c1qP-nz0nAtvEmNZFQb2Wpz2ixM78t5AFrsIQCxkO7ek6DDmkVbNpHkdWc7PvwaKe0XI1AMa/s320/20160101_100520.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We visited the <a href="http://www.stlouiscathedral.org/">St. Louis Cathedral</a>. It's a major landmark and you can't miss it. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjghwQVYKU4upZQuBmq865YTWSsPFPhX4K-N1H4l9Ncgov0CQd1a0FVbGDPAMxEeE0-4OTO-ytDTuHYli0IJkEj6H_TMD-61nWZ1jTzIEkPH2hngb84qnneFW4Dk1qelnBKnlWSE6rs8a9S/s1600/20160101_101029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjghwQVYKU4upZQuBmq865YTWSsPFPhX4K-N1H4l9Ncgov0CQd1a0FVbGDPAMxEeE0-4OTO-ytDTuHYli0IJkEj6H_TMD-61nWZ1jTzIEkPH2hngb84qnneFW4Dk1qelnBKnlWSE6rs8a9S/s320/20160101_101029.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is well worth visiting inside the cathedral. It's quite beautiful. If you go, be respectful and quiet as people are praying in there. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOy3kt5l9pbtwHI6DLwu3MMivvfqPzf88QKC_uGbD0dtUQMN3YTJ1h6n2Sl3Y9NHSKMTgySxslAru44XYLcZYy2XtFT7pyt156795DSnhSEn543dsZLN2TG8RXWI_auUr_2bChfecwdUSg/s1600/20160101_101157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOy3kt5l9pbtwHI6DLwu3MMivvfqPzf88QKC_uGbD0dtUQMN3YTJ1h6n2Sl3Y9NHSKMTgySxslAru44XYLcZYy2XtFT7pyt156795DSnhSEn543dsZLN2TG8RXWI_auUr_2bChfecwdUSg/s320/20160101_101157.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpXF1oWuds7YNLRmoF21fz3r0Qaq5vL9nBz2V8Upq-fzpAyc8CVltQM-33w9cFi2mfiVgmj4TjvHU3ybfGgV6x8PL0dbG_IwW4zvd7wM2nQKBmbTXqZzj_kQevC4Xbzayrrs4nSJsTerv7/s1600/20160101_101346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpXF1oWuds7YNLRmoF21fz3r0Qaq5vL9nBz2V8Upq-fzpAyc8CVltQM-33w9cFi2mfiVgmj4TjvHU3ybfGgV6x8PL0dbG_IwW4zvd7wM2nQKBmbTXqZzj_kQevC4Xbzayrrs4nSJsTerv7/s320/20160101_101346.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The personal Bible of St. Louis. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOOD79sOR5PLADvpRrzAI5d6NIIAgQB86ec3U0hqfRUSJTpvyIGidtonyxHFyYJ5SuascLxeF1ylcwPGitVM6zNKGXBeNbIm1SG_n8t3hR9Xo4VXgwnoXVVOGj4T21T4mQpOwPnh10e0ZC/s1600/20151231_122407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOOD79sOR5PLADvpRrzAI5d6NIIAgQB86ec3U0hqfRUSJTpvyIGidtonyxHFyYJ5SuascLxeF1ylcwPGitVM6zNKGXBeNbIm1SG_n8t3hR9Xo4VXgwnoXVVOGj4T21T4mQpOwPnh10e0ZC/s320/20151231_122407.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The area around Jackson Square reminds me, in some ways, of the areas around the Piazza San Marco in Venice. Similar shops and areas for people-watching.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWwuw2jfbnoQrfGuPnlXK5BEu43H0A_cNlCstJofFQUa5VrP7oquHTGQuxhXgl3L0wJA85ja5TvrvegOojlqNgzzt-GJeKbigFyUZzMZJHQBySlowgf6bfFd27S5H1FwiwRS0EnT1_66Qn/s1600/20151231_161830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWwuw2jfbnoQrfGuPnlXK5BEu43H0A_cNlCstJofFQUa5VrP7oquHTGQuxhXgl3L0wJA85ja5TvrvegOojlqNgzzt-GJeKbigFyUZzMZJHQBySlowgf6bfFd27S5H1FwiwRS0EnT1_66Qn/s320/20151231_161830.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had lunch one day at Pere Antoine's. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgraCgGwbaQsJcSmjZVHSi4hlQZVYkyoP08SAtkZFfqMmL7w8l4beBlqJx-6i1vUUElg2pDbhfThuSmQ96GStK_gnQeEB-bK1WZ1Z8kyWC0M22Y1lDwqkFz4-jcRJwanDoY_xkgBS-B5XDb/s1600/20151231_151652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgraCgGwbaQsJcSmjZVHSi4hlQZVYkyoP08SAtkZFfqMmL7w8l4beBlqJx-6i1vUUElg2pDbhfThuSmQ96GStK_gnQeEB-bK1WZ1Z8kyWC0M22Y1lDwqkFz4-jcRJwanDoY_xkgBS-B5XDb/s320/20151231_151652.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rice and beans were quite tasty. We got there very early and waited for our group at the bar. The bar staff were awesome and extremely personable. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMQqQLfsb0bJCmqeTjwqJCkfT8B2yykfOmSgH5DCILHUUihMxxxr7Dck0Jxe1JXmrDmNA1hfscYayqg1khn42GOoNwExXXXYarpWxAC0yJT7LKjuq5ebpKuTURWdR6At5LenAlsvWQItaw/s1600/20151231_142711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMQqQLfsb0bJCmqeTjwqJCkfT8B2yykfOmSgH5DCILHUUihMxxxr7Dck0Jxe1JXmrDmNA1hfscYayqg1khn42GOoNwExXXXYarpWxAC0yJT7LKjuq5ebpKuTURWdR6At5LenAlsvWQItaw/s320/20151231_142711.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The restaurant is lovely, but, as it took us an hour to get our check AFTER we finished our meal, we likely won't return. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Z1odOJzTwADNEI6lV_SmN8MA56plb_KBFo-enud0QCVka0W9t_XPVf6ERBMh7eryDukcNaewYraKlwY52Lfh1Dgl3YDU0Dryi8dyJqpqQGVwlFHmHn9f00-Xb0lDbwdDmroe8sELdxAN/s1600/20151231_123135-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Z1odOJzTwADNEI6lV_SmN8MA56plb_KBFo-enud0QCVka0W9t_XPVf6ERBMh7eryDukcNaewYraKlwY52Lfh1Dgl3YDU0Dryi8dyJqpqQGVwlFHmHn9f00-Xb0lDbwdDmroe8sELdxAN/s320/20151231_123135-1.jpg" width="261" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mule-drawn surreys leave from the river-side of Jackson Square throughout the day. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS0TNrhLjWVm7u2VaCw7oqVyo6WQ8LFmWvJkJoSeLQRexe1S09yvQkvVgp9PF6_C_qYHrHn_W1wH7RZ5-dgT6J5h4TFHm9gKYOkbqJTqmDcQiHcZ5nQUhP6Qd17p3LhsVMH6XCJPl6UGwA/s1600/20160101_151726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS0TNrhLjWVm7u2VaCw7oqVyo6WQ8LFmWvJkJoSeLQRexe1S09yvQkvVgp9PF6_C_qYHrHn_W1wH7RZ5-dgT6J5h4TFHm9gKYOkbqJTqmDcQiHcZ5nQUhP6Qd17p3LhsVMH6XCJPl6UGwA/s320/20160101_151726.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A local friend of ours took us to his favorite watering hole.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpmWgfabE8dnSQuWfODTahe376xX9ul41W2kX2UuEOQmRJYhyl4rMxuHbfLqXdY6fRqmjPIRtxohQ0rY1S7iG4PxWXdCyiwBA5ANuN7C9V_MRl1gi12S9qT6vB99vcnWwtW8MyYI1Ehl48/s1600/20160101_153718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpmWgfabE8dnSQuWfODTahe376xX9ul41W2kX2UuEOQmRJYhyl4rMxuHbfLqXdY6fRqmjPIRtxohQ0rY1S7iG4PxWXdCyiwBA5ANuN7C9V_MRl1gi12S9qT6vB99vcnWwtW8MyYI1Ehl48/s320/20160101_153718.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nice hole in the wall, off the beaten path place for a few drinks and hanging out with friends. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicWNnRsszmUFhPZR2bQCFDkTPg6nigSXjqVRtIBwlnOTKcDiMofc55Q6D1p7sDzuXixJffkqY4aaERivDTLoc3bbYPjZkL_bjXAYy0HKBeX9e_S3z69uuBjeATkOC-lGWxSy-jfAiktTCH/s1600/20160101_165720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicWNnRsszmUFhPZR2bQCFDkTPg6nigSXjqVRtIBwlnOTKcDiMofc55Q6D1p7sDzuXixJffkqY4aaERivDTLoc3bbYPjZkL_bjXAYy0HKBeX9e_S3z69uuBjeATkOC-lGWxSy-jfAiktTCH/s320/20160101_165720.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An Absinthe, mid-prep. Step 1, pour a few onces of absinthe into the glass. Step 2 put a sugar cube on an absinthe spoon. Step 3 light the sugar on fire then pour a few onces of water over the top. Mix and serve. Absinthe has a black licorice or anise flavor. You want to mix absinthe with water because it has a high alcohol concentration that tastes like burning otherwise. The sugar is to attenuate the bitterness of the herbs in the drink. The fire is for show.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKBK6lxC7SxhnPhlzUoJTcx_lRI3ihKAWem0vDrQyTtzgHgcIjJ21TIgf1p6632s9YQzpRttm49UkqiBKuoEtlSQ4EcY1oZV9QYcn28_s-xe3A00cqhvcMAu1WWRhMxvVPYhecP7QIACsL/s1600/20160101_150252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKBK6lxC7SxhnPhlzUoJTcx_lRI3ihKAWem0vDrQyTtzgHgcIjJ21TIgf1p6632s9YQzpRttm49UkqiBKuoEtlSQ4EcY1oZV9QYcn28_s-xe3A00cqhvcMAu1WWRhMxvVPYhecP7QIACsL/s320/20160101_150252.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had some quick snacks at the French Market. We ate upstairs and had some of the best boiled shrimp of our lives. We didn't have time in our trip, else we'd return to have a full meal here. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joan of Arc stands guard over the Place de France. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpestL6VPMwMTwbegH9UcHE9lKJ7yCJT-xEDL_E5jA44otzNXoX-HwAplsyh5KkCC15LsvNxke94M5YamX_hqhga7opC_55b2k2KcqcTe2VUPJbz_MM548btSARi2ulQ73XESpneyj8z33/s1600/20160101_133031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpestL6VPMwMTwbegH9UcHE9lKJ7yCJT-xEDL_E5jA44otzNXoX-HwAplsyh5KkCC15LsvNxke94M5YamX_hqhga7opC_55b2k2KcqcTe2VUPJbz_MM548btSARi2ulQ73XESpneyj8z33/s320/20160101_133031.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Joan appears to be well-armed, but no match for Sugar Bowl traffic. It was easiest to get around on foot until the game started.</td></tr>
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So where did we eat our dinners? The first was at <a href="http://gwfins.com/">GW Fins</a>. I didn't photograph it for the blog. Was it pricey? Yes. Was it worth it? Absolutely. The Scalibut (halibut poached in lobster broth with scallops) lives up to the hype. Tender, succulent, and indulgent. If they ever post a recipe I'll be the first home cook to try it out. Stand-out appetizers included the pork belly and Firecracker Tuna Tacos. I could easily make a meal of those and be very, very happy. The chicken crackling crusted black drum was also fabulous. At any other restaurant, this would be a star dish. However the Scalibut overshadowed everything with its awesomeness. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4jcCLbbk35ShgAii9_c1DqAeH6fBYQp1mOAWAaOfhVGlYAg56TgOrRFh0wRpRigJOzkaCotQxsZkuDVM4wGL3e0FbYB-zBXdtvUqqvmOvhyphenhyphen2ZXD-7Pjyg6NgRBfdp_rQV66n7mb9qegoq/s1600/20151231_122800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4jcCLbbk35ShgAii9_c1DqAeH6fBYQp1mOAWAaOfhVGlYAg56TgOrRFh0wRpRigJOzkaCotQxsZkuDVM4wGL3e0FbYB-zBXdtvUqqvmOvhyphenhyphen2ZXD-7Pjyg6NgRBfdp_rQV66n7mb9qegoq/s320/20151231_122800.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Did we make it to <a href="http://www.cafedumonde.com/">Cafe du Monde</a>? No. As much as I love anything involving fried dough, I have little tolerance for waiting in line for it.</td></tr>
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We also had an amazing dinner at the Palace Cafe that I did photograph for the blog. It will be the subject for a later post.<br />
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Seeing what New Orleans looked like on New Years Eve I can see how it would be absolutely wild for Mardi Gras. We didn't stick around for the dropping of the Fleur de Lis or the fireworks on the river, but instead had a group celebration at the house where we were staying.<br />
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On the whole, New Orleans was a great place to spend New Years Eve with a group of friends. There's plenty to see and do. My group also included art collectors who did some shopping in some incredible galleries. There are many independent artists and musicians creating some fantastic art out there.Cibatarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085975700051398946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043128114074992961.post-46037080416119597582015-11-30T10:03:00.000-08:002015-11-30T10:03:02.837-08:00What to Do with Thanksgiving Leftovers?Every year The Lovely Spouse and I make WAAAAAAY too much food for just one or 2 meals at Thanksgiving so we have lots and lots of leftovers. At some point you get tired of turkey sandwiches, and not everything freezes well [turkey does, so we recommend freezing it in ziploc freezer bags] so what else is there to do with the leftovers? Use them in other recipes, of course!<br />
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One of our favorites is this one for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/african-peanut-soup-recipe.html">African Peanut Soup</a>. The recipe as written doesn't quite work for leftovers so I made the following alterations:<br />
1. Measure out 1 pound of turkey. Chop the meat into 1/4 inch cubes.<br />
2. Measure out 2 pounds of candied sweet potatoes.<br />
3. I substituted a medium-sized shallot for the onions. This is because I'm sensitive to onions. I also omitted the garlic.<br />
4. Add slightly more cayenne. I added a full teaspoon of cayenne. If your sweet potatoes contain a lot of butter you may need to add more. Adjust according to your own taste.<br />
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Start the recipe the same as originally written - add the oil to the pan with the curry powder. Add the onions (or shallots) and cook until translucent. Next add the stock, tomatoes, and sweet potatoes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. [If your ingredients are still cold from being stored in the fridge this will take longer than expected.]<br />
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Add the coconut milk, turkey, peanut butter (I recommend using chunky, "all natural" peanut butter), salt and pepper to taste, and cayenne. Bring the whole thing to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 20 minutes. Serve with hot sauce on the side.<br />
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In our house this typically makes 4-6 servings. If you have LOTS of leftovers, double the recipe. This is a delicious way to transform your leftovers into something completely different.<br />
<br />Cibatarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085975700051398946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043128114074992961.post-84155256317076869422015-11-25T09:06:00.000-08:002015-11-25T09:06:46.101-08:00Happy Thanksgiving!Wishing you and yours the Happiest of Thanksgivings.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://emmastrend.com/wp-content/uploads/Happy-Thanksgiving-Wallpaper-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://emmastrend.com/wp-content/uploads/Happy-Thanksgiving-Wallpaper-17.jpg" height="250" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://emmastrend.com/wp-content/uploads/Happy-Thanksgiving-Wallpaper-17.jpg">Image source</a>. </td></tr>
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Here are a few of my go-to recipes for Thanksgiving:<br />
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1. <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/good-eats-roast-turkey-recipe.html">Alton Brown's perfectly cooked Traditional Roast Turkey</a>. The recipe is one of Food Network's top downloads for a reason. </div>
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2. <a href="http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/brown-sugar-glazed-carrots/0fb4b05d-76c5-47d7-8bf1-acadd0832454">Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots</a> from Betty Crocker. </div>
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3. <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/candied-sweet-potatoes-apples">Candied Sweet Potatoes and Apples</a>. They make a lovely pair. </div>
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4. T<a href="http://cibatarian.blogspot.com/2012/08/its-all-about-flavor-no-really.html">he Lovely Spouse's awesome Hatch Chile Mashed Potatoes</a>. Spicy, creamy, delicious. </div>
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5. <a href="http://www.nola.com/food/index.ssf/2013/11/mimi_assads_heirloom_apple_pie.html">Mimi Assad's Cardamom Apple Pie</a>. Cardamom and apples are delicious together. Rose water adds a unique flavor for an unforgettably delicious apple pie. If making your own pie crust scares you, there's no shame in a pre-made grocery store one. </div>
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6. <a href="http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/apple-chestnut-stuffing">Apple Chestnut Stuffing.</a> I love the taste of chestnuts, apples, and fresh herbs together. </div>
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7. <a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/green-beans-amandine">Green Bean Amandine</a>. An easy onion-free alternative to the famous green bean casserole. </div>
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8. <a href="http://food52.com/recipes/9262-orange-blossom-cardamom-rice-krispie-treats">Orange Blossom and Cardamom Rice Crispie Treats</a>. I like cardamom in All The Things. </div>
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In case you're wondering what to pair with your turkey and sides, here are a few suggestions. If you don't drink alcohol, I suggest a good, strong non-alcoholic ginger beer, such as the one made by <a href="http://gingerpeople.com/ginger-beverages/ginger-beer.html">The Ginger People</a>. </div>
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<b>Pairing with turkey:</b> Fetzer Gewurztraminer. Super inexpensive (incredible value) and available everywhere. My group of friends and I have been happy with this pairing for a number of years. The wine complements the turkey without overpowering it. It also pairs well with most sides. Do not pair it with desserts. </div>
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<b>Pairing with sides:</b> If you can't get your hands on New Republic Brewing's Windlass Sweet Potato Porter (it is awesome!) another porter or robust, full-bodied ale will fit the bill. If you don't have any good local ones, try Sam Smith's Taddy Porter or Nut Brown Ale. If you're not a beer drinker you might like the 337 cab sav. Inexpensive, jammy, and full-bodied. It will go well with sage and rosemary - the herbs typically used for a Thanksgiving meal. </div>
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<b>Pairing with desserts:</b> this will depend on the dessert. I like porters, stouts, and dark ales with rich chocolate desserts. Amaretto also pairs exceptionally well with chocolate. With apple-based desserts I like ginger beer or <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/hot-apple-cider-with-rum-recipe.html">spiced apple cider</a>. Pecan and pumpkin pie pair well with nut brown ales and New Republic Brewing's Dammit Jim! (the name of the beer has the exclamation point). </div>
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<b>After dinner drinks: </b>I love the Quad Winery Elysium for a dessert muscat. Great lychee flavors and full bodied finish. It's a bit pricey, but worth it for a celebration. If you're in Texas try the Haak Madeira. A surprising find for a Texas winery: full-bodied, complex, and satisfying. For the quality of the madeira, it's very reasonably priced. If you love lemons, limoncello is always a great after dinner drink. If whiskey is your thing, Rio Brazos makes a lovely, complex small batch one called Boxcar. Nice as a sipping drink and lovely in a Manhattan.<br />
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<i>Disclaimer:</i> Nothing in this post constitutes endorsement of any product. These are my opinions and I'm not paid or otherwise compensated to blog or endorse anything. If anyone ever sent me a promotional thing of any sort, I'd declare it as such.</div>
Cibatarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085975700051398946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043128114074992961.post-831485431054608912015-11-15T11:24:00.001-08:002015-11-15T11:25:42.236-08:00Recipe: Madras Beef Chili<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6mXiFImsNzalkszSiSVfnaP3H5xN3IK7BPlfB2r5lH_sFlrjf3-GAkiaeTjF5m8l-eXCj1uN5F0CU_S67I0vLoN7AoRZs9-qbKsSiBPUjNiP1aNkNCdfwx9F-Jm_m5OZcvOpnh_2s_KR/s1600/PB086592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6mXiFImsNzalkszSiSVfnaP3H5xN3IK7BPlfB2r5lH_sFlrjf3-GAkiaeTjF5m8l-eXCj1uN5F0CU_S67I0vLoN7AoRZs9-qbKsSiBPUjNiP1aNkNCdfwx9F-Jm_m5OZcvOpnh_2s_KR/s320/PB086592.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I got invited to participate in a chili cook-off. The top prize was bragging rights among a group of friends. I only made chili once before but have been making curries for a number of years so I wondered about combining the 2. A search of the internet yielded...not much. So I made my own recipe.<br />
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Did I win the chili cook-off? As things turned out, the group of friends had so much fun just hanging out they forgot to judge it. So everyone wins! Or not. It was fun regardless.<br />
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This chili combines the rich flavors of a Madras-style curry with satisfying comfort of a chili. The base recipe below is flavorful without destroying your palate with spice. Add more or less cayenne pepper to control the heat. The chili reheats very well.<br />
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<h2>
Madras Beef Chili</h2>
4 tbsp ground coriander<br />
2 tbsp ground cumin<br />
2 tsp ground turmeric<br />
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper<br />
2 tsp chili powder<br />
4 tsp freshly grated ginger<br />
5 tbsp lemon juice<br />
3 tbsp butter<br />
2 shallots<br />
2 lbs ground beef (80/20)<br />
1 28 oz can diced tomatoes (unflavored)<br />
3 cups beef stock (more or less depending on humidity and moisture content of other ingredients)<br />
2 large white potatoes, peeled, 1 inch dice<br />
4 medium carrots, peeled, 1/2 inch dice<br />
2 tbsp tomato paste<br />
2 tbsp curry powder<br />
1 tbsp smoked paprika<br />
cayenne pepper to taste (start with 1 tsp and work add more as needed)<br />
salt and pepper to taste<br />
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<h2>
Instructions</h2>
<ol>
<li>Combine coriander, cumin, turmeric, pepper, chili, ginger, and lemon juice. It should form a paste. Set aside. </li>
<li>Stirring constantly, heat the butter in a dutch oven or soup pot over medium to high heat. Add the shallots and cook, stirring constantly, until they're translucent. Turn up the heat to high, add the beef and a few pinches of salt, and cook until browned.</li>
<li>Reduce the heat back to medium, add the spice paste from Step 1, mix well, and cook for 1-2 minutes. </li>
<li>Add tomato paste, potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, and stock. Add more of the stock so that the vegetables are covered, if necessary. </li>
<li>Add curry powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper to taste. Mix to combine. </li>
<li>Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to a bare simmer. Simmer 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes thicken the chili. </li>
<li>Serve with bread, rice, corn chips, cheese, and/or Fritos. Serve with hot sauce on the side so that others can add more heat, if necessary.</li>
</ol>
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Servings: 4-6 as a meal.Cibatarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085975700051398946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043128114074992961.post-15224055840951032332015-10-11T16:21:00.000-07:002015-10-11T17:00:49.501-07:00The 2015 Texas Renaissance Festival has Begun! Huzzah!Yep, it's been awhile. I took a break from blogging due to academic duties getting in the way. Published a paper, wrote a grant, grant was funded (meaning it's now time to do the work), hosted an international conference, and all the normal day to day duties of administration, curriculum development, and mentoring research fellows. Blogging took a back seat to it all.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaSzTep8qQXElrlzi8BYYWLi2SlsGKZ0RqOBFumLflcZxvKOAIyTduKl26eJumSmZeo6kc8yc12d224lSQsu_hTITYf9j3QdH3PBiXG0Cc8lGu-Ey12YBM50iQwVKO_rbP7_ypWr5INAMQ/s1600/PA106416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaSzTep8qQXElrlzi8BYYWLi2SlsGKZ0RqOBFumLflcZxvKOAIyTduKl26eJumSmZeo6kc8yc12d224lSQsu_hTITYf9j3QdH3PBiXG0Cc8lGu-Ey12YBM50iQwVKO_rbP7_ypWr5INAMQ/s320/PA106416.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not new for this year, but still my TRF breakfast of choice: a nutella, strawberry, and banana crepe. To find the vendor, when you enter the festival go to the left and walk along the left-most side of shops. You'll find them just before you get to the brewery. Also, the crepe pairs beautifully with the <a href="http://brigadoonbrewery.com/">Brigadoon Brewery</a> Black Plague Imperial Stout. Brewed on-site at the festival. If strong stouts aren't your thing, they have other beers, as well as exceptional craft beer from around Texas.</td></tr>
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I've just now gotten caught up on almost All The Things and have a wee bit o' time to post on some of the things I've seen and done since June. Starting with the beginning of <a href="http://www.texrenfest.com/">Texas Renaissance Festival </a>season! I've <a href="http://cibatarian.blogspot.com/search/label/Texas%20Ren%20Fest">blogged before on the festival</a>. It's a lot of fun. And this year I'm experiencing the ren fest with a playtron group (playtrons are ren fest fans). I'll blog on them only if they're okay with it. As of yet I haven't asked 'em.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMW_K858ROVmr-6Ogu4mREgM3szUbsie87LFUanT-7Owi1-jNe9jhv7jkxbzDzwAiYKJAnAF8ZTunGStlsaCSuWJ372d7YFeq1JBmjuZ0blM3wvIFlZxyUDrJAiLC3jKPxHBli-vYRIxHk/s1600/PA106418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMW_K858ROVmr-6Ogu4mREgM3szUbsie87LFUanT-7Owi1-jNe9jhv7jkxbzDzwAiYKJAnAF8ZTunGStlsaCSuWJ372d7YFeq1JBmjuZ0blM3wvIFlZxyUDrJAiLC3jKPxHBli-vYRIxHk/s320/PA106418.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Belly dancing might seem like a strange thing to have at a Renaissance festival, but it has become a modern tradition due to the inclusiveness of ren fests around the US and around the world to all kinds of artists. </td></tr>
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So what's new at TRF for 2015? The Greek area now has really nice concrete tables and chairs. You might also notice the baklava is now $7, but it's also supersized (sorry the picture didn't turn out). It's 3 times the size of previous years. I prefer mine with pistachios, but the ones at TRF this year were quite delicious.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJCZqUAk0jylejezc4oPdWJYgdscP3YwaXb_4rpAn-cCEAGhMumVcABLpP4aQd8H0yh9tmUMO6yr7icDzUHYlC9DZ7W6LZtbETlxNQILGfwgps41b1y34-4aRkPewKxieD-0j-M-sO8wUW/s1600/PA106420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJCZqUAk0jylejezc4oPdWJYgdscP3YwaXb_4rpAn-cCEAGhMumVcABLpP4aQd8H0yh9tmUMO6yr7icDzUHYlC9DZ7W6LZtbETlxNQILGfwgps41b1y34-4aRkPewKxieD-0j-M-sO8wUW/s320/PA106420.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New tables replace the wooden ones that were rotting.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRIxFQG4cQdmYPIIO9l5lQJf_c16VjSsoqSbXSa3WnBI5MoQqxW7c4n1ZXeze0slFWWV0mxEaIKfWxbU34WkUwzbdyxFbUObSXvl7kfeynG9M8Z4mPsXXs_c1-fyHNKo0XiiLGtpsplr7t/s1600/PA106421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRIxFQG4cQdmYPIIO9l5lQJf_c16VjSsoqSbXSa3WnBI5MoQqxW7c4n1ZXeze0slFWWV0mxEaIKfWxbU34WkUwzbdyxFbUObSXvl7kfeynG9M8Z4mPsXXs_c1-fyHNKo0XiiLGtpsplr7t/s320/PA106421.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New benches. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwDgFd8zhgiH_9L4RNob-DIcUYpdndoIEJPMIgL2u8j0rzcaqgNKOCcDokPaaVys_vZRHfFrRRBJwokdqkTgM19s2wHBJMrnEjDU1Wt0SPNPYqAFCXTbaCrif7ifn0pjSg4h8qN5_D5_gT/s1600/PA106422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwDgFd8zhgiH_9L4RNob-DIcUYpdndoIEJPMIgL2u8j0rzcaqgNKOCcDokPaaVys_vZRHfFrRRBJwokdqkTgM19s2wHBJMrnEjDU1Wt0SPNPYqAFCXTbaCrif7ifn0pjSg4h8qN5_D5_gT/s320/PA106422.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signs! Always helpful things to have. And, yes, the biergarten remains.</td></tr>
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There's a new area for retail that also includes a new pizzeria. This is now the Florence Market and can be found where the mud pit used to be, near the wedding chapels and water gardens.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwiFCFiE43sGo_y_AkIdAWfOL7FiqD7Sysxauiy6A5mAnqhU85FtbGDzcCP0Eswj_YCO1I8aYI8yD0vRTleQcQQtp2cwjASR3lwFDHPLd_yDqU4We64i6jfFkr1Jk2kmV_Ug_D4zuMbvaP/s1600/PA106424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwiFCFiE43sGo_y_AkIdAWfOL7FiqD7Sysxauiy6A5mAnqhU85FtbGDzcCP0Eswj_YCO1I8aYI8yD0vRTleQcQQtp2cwjASR3lwFDHPLd_yDqU4We64i6jfFkr1Jk2kmV_Ug_D4zuMbvaP/s320/PA106424.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Florence Market has tent-like structures. Most of the vendors are artists and craft-persons. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQSI1xrd7F-7UgbL8qENw9yZ710u_BvXzaJe4Gr0RSdhce61n-EnXKw8StkEu3KsnS_nsd80Y8EMbrtccRUD-zo00Eo4D-xzwnC90gPFUYaTyDh5mWShAr3tCmmJm5nFbcwq_dF0kUAPk4/s1600/PA106429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQSI1xrd7F-7UgbL8qENw9yZ710u_BvXzaJe4Gr0RSdhce61n-EnXKw8StkEu3KsnS_nsd80Y8EMbrtccRUD-zo00Eo4D-xzwnC90gPFUYaTyDh5mWShAr3tCmmJm5nFbcwq_dF0kUAPk4/s320/PA106429.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ogres toes.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbIUBYikCZIbC7-4N1Js6zVGn72u4OCEiOiq_CmVdiBSrJ3DFlhRNWrqPeN6mL-hwhybPJN-WVP3lxcjGK_sQnhkdui_CWegI7yWE1at1HxYGoENlblqT1UGnaMlf1o-JA-O3qxMmWH2mz/s1600/PA106430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbIUBYikCZIbC7-4N1Js6zVGn72u4OCEiOiq_CmVdiBSrJ3DFlhRNWrqPeN6mL-hwhybPJN-WVP3lxcjGK_sQnhkdui_CWegI7yWE1at1HxYGoENlblqT1UGnaMlf1o-JA-O3qxMmWH2mz/s320/PA106430.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ask this person about the ogres toes. There's a story involved.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinAoCOOnuoenHijnmS2wCBkxgAQDUlySmCsZGwQsLK7yHuP0rOliWVjtPVqssmVQ0NGKObKVa8yxtkgYTJjudJDuYtMdsncu9tIU0W68GJKZZ4ryRQlsJBuV0F5_oTk4mm3G9138kPr1oh/s1600/PA106433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinAoCOOnuoenHijnmS2wCBkxgAQDUlySmCsZGwQsLK7yHuP0rOliWVjtPVqssmVQ0NGKObKVa8yxtkgYTJjudJDuYtMdsncu9tIU0W68GJKZZ4ryRQlsJBuV0F5_oTk4mm3G9138kPr1oh/s320/PA106433.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new Florentine stage.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiYtikKcNaZ30yPI1m347mh1nhnOtZm8L0YIhoPHOHpVycLzWtcdvZZHE1yPsyie5RwMIQ_J71VtWz1qU2GHleYcWVyVhMrNVN9drI2xNSWxKrSHOW34pQS7D7UAdp2e6Mtfobw7RX6f3Y/s1600/PA106427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiYtikKcNaZ30yPI1m347mh1nhnOtZm8L0YIhoPHOHpVycLzWtcdvZZHE1yPsyie5RwMIQ_J71VtWz1qU2GHleYcWVyVhMrNVN9drI2xNSWxKrSHOW34pQS7D7UAdp2e6Mtfobw7RX6f3Y/s320/PA106427.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With so much amazing food elsewhere in the festival I wasn't in the mood for pizza. But there's a new pizzeria in the Florence Market if you get the hankerin'.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qafSIRTtFSry2syGIK3WgrPZxlK0Ia-Xq_XW_A3dMAIwSQFfoSviKRsifVmUAEutbKSNioO_1c4C2z8ad0zaEsjjj5rSdi3XPok0n_G_Xue3cneBWaPaQ4uFb0hctPpeLQhjHHoDbA6X/s1600/PA106440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qafSIRTtFSry2syGIK3WgrPZxlK0Ia-Xq_XW_A3dMAIwSQFfoSviKRsifVmUAEutbKSNioO_1c4C2z8ad0zaEsjjj5rSdi3XPok0n_G_Xue3cneBWaPaQ4uFb0hctPpeLQhjHHoDbA6X/s320/PA106440.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I noticed a new structure near the Florence Market. They sell magic wands.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj310JpydCLM4yzd9uQeJKY4Jyr48HMRmpOO2fiTZzrrgQ22otzD1xKGASyK80Vr5vhZ406auOrqRhaq08pCDYaWfbBvKizlV_BxhHwSQkUlH8u4m0u5ijguI77Hb9mNpQzCB1jaW-F0Ld5/s1600/PA106441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj310JpydCLM4yzd9uQeJKY4Jyr48HMRmpOO2fiTZzrrgQ22otzD1xKGASyK80Vr5vhZ406auOrqRhaq08pCDYaWfbBvKizlV_BxhHwSQkUlH8u4m0u5ijguI77Hb9mNpQzCB1jaW-F0Ld5/s320/PA106441.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside I was actually surprised at the really nice workmanship. Some of them even have compartments for "inner cores" of "phoenix feathers"and other items. No one tell my niece and nephew about this until after Christmas. :-) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Not new, but awesome every year are the gardens. I suppose you could consider them new because many of the plants are the high-maintenance annual variety. And new planters and arrangements were added for this year. There are quiet spots throughout if you wish to get away from the crowds in a shade-filled area.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghBgQRtnd9MsBbTDbq_usi6UeTPm8B4aJJRtQZhBr75xeHhaJwjezi9_sMeUunudyKCCfMNEHS1JtNBbf7P_4MifGYh9C2zQP5vOzAQCkP-Q7kwFOOwNJyZXmYbLkhGJRZmja-VMWH4axn/s1600/PA106449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghBgQRtnd9MsBbTDbq_usi6UeTPm8B4aJJRtQZhBr75xeHhaJwjezi9_sMeUunudyKCCfMNEHS1JtNBbf7P_4MifGYh9C2zQP5vOzAQCkP-Q7kwFOOwNJyZXmYbLkhGJRZmja-VMWH4axn/s320/PA106449.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An orchid garden. I can't even keep orchids alive in my house. They must have some people with mad gardening skillz on staff.</td></tr>
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Also not new is the Prince of Wales Pub. This is another place to cool off if it's hot out. They have air conditioning.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can get food in addition to drinks at the Prince of Wales Pub, including the prime rib trencher, which is not available anywhere else at the festival. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I tried a new to me beer. This was brewed in Germany and imported. It was alright. Not my favorite hefe or German beer. But it was refreshing.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCkzxW-xi1YBPuSZpGxoecgXZhTeN6-mNfTJZ1naXiTTUhohfaonqE-2K-u1aTEC8St49G_z_qjVhZs1zBFFnlqzFN1JcOTBYZeMOQgiRdIFTn9M9Fn1bKL4BHo1AFrqAGS8mZXSUleAvN/s1600/PA106494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCkzxW-xi1YBPuSZpGxoecgXZhTeN6-mNfTJZ1naXiTTUhohfaonqE-2K-u1aTEC8St49G_z_qjVhZs1zBFFnlqzFN1JcOTBYZeMOQgiRdIFTn9M9Fn1bKL4BHo1AFrqAGS8mZXSUleAvN/s320/PA106494.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No trip to TRF is complete without seeing at least one of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tartanicofficial">Tartanic</a>'s shows. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXLTXnqkoIUQnQKuIGu9aiFy8pgDQMNded7JxPpw7vTzhxLXn7BOsGL_9RxGvIbHMregAdD-lSqE6zbSZBXXQ8lVSzSrnYF4453iblnXNvsaPjMlUbFCEea2_a3gERT_CAm1SLMF0Gv-wd/s1600/PA106506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXLTXnqkoIUQnQKuIGu9aiFy8pgDQMNded7JxPpw7vTzhxLXn7BOsGL_9RxGvIbHMregAdD-lSqE6zbSZBXXQ8lVSzSrnYF4453iblnXNvsaPjMlUbFCEea2_a3gERT_CAm1SLMF0Gv-wd/s320/PA106506.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do not wear wings if you intend on doing a lot of shopping. It's really hard to turn around without smacking people or knocking over displays. However they do look wicked cool.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpUA5KtJnwKZVw9Nxt1cTpKKkduotpVBkpGmFQQIWT23R7gDHlTAFuxAw1pF9Q6oCr2V36SG6r8DIUo-6A9fmo4dM-0Ajyl09Sdk3CAda8TB1IwbPtZRV5gKJlOMyljjNrwsTCe_DjH2Ur/s1600/PA106526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpUA5KtJnwKZVw9Nxt1cTpKKkduotpVBkpGmFQQIWT23R7gDHlTAFuxAw1pF9Q6oCr2V36SG6r8DIUo-6A9fmo4dM-0Ajyl09Sdk3CAda8TB1IwbPtZRV5gKJlOMyljjNrwsTCe_DjH2Ur/s320/PA106526.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most ren fests have an evening Pub Sing. The one at TRF is at the Sea Devil Tavern and is presided over by the pirates. Yaaarrrrrr! Get your drink on and belt out some tunes before the fireworks start.</td></tr>
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The 2015 Texas Renaissance Festival carries on the tradition of a great time out in Todd Mission, Texas. If you go, please check out my <a href="http://cibatarian.blogspot.com/2014/10/the-2014-texas-renaissance-festival.html">previously blogged pointers</a>. Additionally:<br />
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1. Make sure you stay hydrated. That means for every alcoholic beverage you down, drink an entire bottle of water. If you don't want to pay $3.50 a bottle for water, bring a water bottle and fill it up at the drinking fountains outside each restroom.<br />
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2. This year kids 12 and under are admitted free on Sundays. There are many kid-friendly activities, including games and kid-friendly shows. There are also kid-friendly foods like pasta, pizza, fruit juice, etc.<br />
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3. The festival doesn't end until the final 3 booms of the fireworks show. It looks completely different after dark and most of the shops stay open until those final 3 booms.<br />
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4. If you drink, designate a driver and get home safely.Cibatarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085975700051398946noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043128114074992961.post-1231863141039520192015-08-08T13:51:00.000-07:002015-08-08T14:16:45.875-07:00Xel Ha<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho_0iAvgfXKIb6w6s0mg2CCv_WBxqHVOYo_39Y9WQGnfK-l5_4tbtM2BFnZUHyUgeJD5zBR99ypp1QVhjic50pBsGfZEJ6uQWqlapmLidNuf168_5BHaQy6HVvPfiIk_F6G7_LEBAsKpP2/s1600/P4215381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho_0iAvgfXKIb6w6s0mg2CCv_WBxqHVOYo_39Y9WQGnfK-l5_4tbtM2BFnZUHyUgeJD5zBR99ypp1QVhjic50pBsGfZEJ6uQWqlapmLidNuf168_5BHaQy6HVvPfiIk_F6G7_LEBAsKpP2/s320/P4215381.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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One of The Lovely Spouse's favorite activities when we visit <a href="http://cibatarian.blogspot.com/search/label/Mexico">Mexico</a> is to spend a day at <a href="http://www.xelha.com/">Xel Ha</a>. For about $100 US we can arrange a tour through our hotel or travel agent and this includes the meals for the day, towels, lockers, and snorkel gear. When we visited in April 2015 we decided to take the Colectivo and visit on our own. When viewing the pictures below, please bear in mind that the Yucatan was enduring a drought during our visit, so many of the images are far less green than they should be.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJz_HSsTlvGjR3aodr0TNyGR_LsnukWdN53tQjVDgmk_R7MpW6E95VvPM1F_NMll7LnkFIU-gbJlnsCxGl0SS71ImsNWrvsVhg84MZl2cJwUFLEBmebek_9GSz7riZHd4UHHjjmQBtk7Mw/s1600/P4215212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJz_HSsTlvGjR3aodr0TNyGR_LsnukWdN53tQjVDgmk_R7MpW6E95VvPM1F_NMll7LnkFIU-gbJlnsCxGl0SS71ImsNWrvsVhg84MZl2cJwUFLEBmebek_9GSz7riZHd4UHHjjmQBtk7Mw/s320/P4215212.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prices at the door. Prices include food and drinks, towels, lockers, and snorkeling gear.</td></tr>
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Xel Ha is a combination of nature preserve and outdoor water park. It's a place to take a walk in the jungle, see some lovely flora and fauna, and to enjoy zip lines, snorkeling, tubing, and other activities. There are also shower and changing facilities at the park. I prefer to use my own mask and snorkel so I brought those for this trip and borrows fins from the park at no charge. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJp7P_5Ji-nPtw5IlQ1FdOo5E4HNhvfYjRuDNmpRdTXv8DmF_IRTf1H4Rce5snDNU_y9oyLImm8MC1bKhK0vnUXIYFL0ZIwmkRSXkyQqJSren60IzWCUyTPms9mEy9d1-72QZ8e-mUHTAe/s1600/Xel+Ha+Google+Maps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJp7P_5Ji-nPtw5IlQ1FdOo5E4HNhvfYjRuDNmpRdTXv8DmF_IRTf1H4Rce5snDNU_y9oyLImm8MC1bKhK0vnUXIYFL0ZIwmkRSXkyQqJSren60IzWCUyTPms9mEy9d1-72QZ8e-mUHTAe/s400/Xel+Ha+Google+Maps.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a screen capture of Xel Ha from Google Maps. As you can see it's across the street from the Dos Ojos cenote system and opens up to the ocean. Here, fresh and salt water mix resulting in a halocline (gradient between salty water and fresh water) that can be seen in the water.</td></tr>
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If you take the Colectivo from Gran Bahia Principe it will cost 40 pesos and will drop you off on the highway on the side opposite the park. Climb the stairs and cross the highway via the bridge. There is barbed wire fence to discourage people from crossing the highway. The ticket counter is a short walk from the highway and we were able to pay in pesos via credit card. You'll be questioned regarding your sunscreen on the way in. Only reef-safe sunscreens are permitted. If you don't have any, they are available for purchase. I recommend applying it often as my experience has been the reef-safe sunscreens are less effective than others. [For your information, "natural" and "chemical free" do not mean reef-safe. I recommend buying the sunscreen at the park as myself and others have had skin sensitivity issues with the sunscreens listed on the Environmental Working Group's site, in addition to some of the sunscreens on their list containing ingredients (e.g., oils) known to degrade or disrupt corals. If you need more protection from the sun, I recommend wearing a tee shirt, rash guard, or dive skin. On the day we went I wore a tee shirt and shorts over my swimsuit, and used Xel Ha's sunblock. I saw a number of other visitors wearing dive skins.] <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcHBzYStx2KIKz9j-kOYQ5da28M7V4IrjkFOMbYPpSgwbgWfFHlTbqxfbh5HtcFqqJsw-L41UevExOqeXFknp6tuxT9Kg_0xsp0FSdrdcnzehiymSBDFSAxHpOmmb-ij93D3JbrTavh53/s1600/P4215216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcHBzYStx2KIKz9j-kOYQ5da28M7V4IrjkFOMbYPpSgwbgWfFHlTbqxfbh5HtcFqqJsw-L41UevExOqeXFknp6tuxT9Kg_0xsp0FSdrdcnzehiymSBDFSAxHpOmmb-ij93D3JbrTavh53/s320/P4215216.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As you walk into the park you pass a large model of Tulum as it appeared when the ruins were occupied. </td></tr>
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Whenever we visit Xel Ha we start with a walk around the park to take pictures. We then hop in the water and enjoy all the aquatic activities. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKajzpr9sBi_v8YsA9USS1cRvNdFZA5KpJxC9pq1-270E3LmLoQ81z8SNVgMs8ZTh8jjBJqFhQTcQm0e8NX97qnfd00ec1P9VbLuCqC-oDAm0gXt0KWkqUyYErG11wrixPP1g2YWg2XBN/s1600/P4215223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKajzpr9sBi_v8YsA9USS1cRvNdFZA5KpJxC9pq1-270E3LmLoQ81z8SNVgMs8ZTh8jjBJqFhQTcQm0e8NX97qnfd00ec1P9VbLuCqC-oDAm0gXt0KWkqUyYErG11wrixPP1g2YWg2XBN/s320/P4215223.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rocky inlet leading in to Xel Ha. There's an automated lighthouse to warn water traffic. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8Eo8G_TRbRfmfaEJksx3z3UyLlQ5cgtqh8NGY0wHyV6m71iVt-EtZzb8rjM627K0paXiOYerh4HEhq5xdKIQgboAQcpU0xk94vx_wB_VNQ-Q_x9rCA-ra7TXBL7BE9jS4ymVE_yZSe3i/s1600/P4215226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8Eo8G_TRbRfmfaEJksx3z3UyLlQ5cgtqh8NGY0wHyV6m71iVt-EtZzb8rjM627K0paXiOYerh4HEhq5xdKIQgboAQcpU0xk94vx_wB_VNQ-Q_x9rCA-ra7TXBL7BE9jS4ymVE_yZSe3i/s320/P4215226.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The park as a sidewalk leading to a somewhat sandy beach. This is what most of the beaches in the area would look like without human intervention. The rocks are sharp and it would be difficult to walk here without the sidewalk. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-EbzL8c7EU38N3FHZSYMqajv0V7KAwAgMkyHxlPs0K5H6sZ8GWb8uqB4ErZ2na1t6-GfWHiPY7s6o40v-_KQevubfx6Y9JQyNl0oGhnay-wOhmplXPC7-kh9ZExBlIxC86xPQseELymOs/s1600/P4215246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-EbzL8c7EU38N3FHZSYMqajv0V7KAwAgMkyHxlPs0K5H6sZ8GWb8uqB4ErZ2na1t6-GfWHiPY7s6o40v-_KQevubfx6Y9JQyNl0oGhnay-wOhmplXPC7-kh9ZExBlIxC86xPQseELymOs/s320/P4215246.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This year the Yucatan is experiencing a severe "golden tide" of sargassum or seaweed. This little cove is normally my favorite spot for rest and relaxation. At this time it's too stinky from the rotting sargassum.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrJ8iIpughjNSrTvIEZq-dttLNj_gEvl-3tGJSpTSdupESfpioUyrk_couCfW9VYaSsjOEjnI92th5tx-zGqeKnryh1jS7socmK8e5VCv_f7YRkhR8Z2ARlvyDyirIcrfl5d7qv6tshGq/s1600/P4215253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrJ8iIpughjNSrTvIEZq-dttLNj_gEvl-3tGJSpTSdupESfpioUyrk_couCfW9VYaSsjOEjnI92th5tx-zGqeKnryh1jS7socmK8e5VCv_f7YRkhR8Z2ARlvyDyirIcrfl5d7qv6tshGq/s320/P4215253.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Yucatan blue jay.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpaRspD8tON8z9YfqLDM1qe9DjpclHqFRc2m-Dw20aJK4xiCV6Cr8Xf285qPQ2nA7h72Lz5aOZsrmcYQdLkWFrqaJ16TM4XUjBEfbwOMPuBAQryP6h7d6VoDSo-lyKDRoJKHiJ5DiTp9tI/s1600/P4215276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpaRspD8tON8z9YfqLDM1qe9DjpclHqFRc2m-Dw20aJK4xiCV6Cr8Xf285qPQ2nA7h72Lz5aOZsrmcYQdLkWFrqaJ16TM4XUjBEfbwOMPuBAQryP6h7d6VoDSo-lyKDRoJKHiJ5DiTp9tI/s320/P4215276.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helpful and educational signs throughout the park.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMceT8Kk4MkgTI4WOqZwURUjUMDVmFES7K1Ys2YsvdlUw0txVNtKLFupLT8MeMGSsuYg_FwxBOJlAw2IxgPSWC68ExmwPl9VNEfui6T2rl12u-fRtHxsvbiuDcLLTvVjDctKkBGdRri4Df/s1600/P4215289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMceT8Kk4MkgTI4WOqZwURUjUMDVmFES7K1Ys2YsvdlUw0txVNtKLFupLT8MeMGSsuYg_FwxBOJlAw2IxgPSWC68ExmwPl9VNEfui6T2rl12u-fRtHxsvbiuDcLLTvVjDctKkBGdRri4Df/s320/P4215289.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Singing ducks. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSISki1qOkLYC9bLMWZNXP4Q6iAmMGwyMzzwuqzO3h21xQ5t8CB3v1QJl318ezq9jjnld4v5ZHkPDBxMKdjVe8Gzgn1CxuFg8LDAj0aHjr5Udg2Zy5GWNDz6iw4FKB5s_OQHiB_zqHvMMH/s1600/P4215292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSISki1qOkLYC9bLMWZNXP4Q6iAmMGwyMzzwuqzO3h21xQ5t8CB3v1QJl318ezq9jjnld4v5ZHkPDBxMKdjVe8Gzgn1CxuFg8LDAj0aHjr5Udg2Zy5GWNDz6iw4FKB5s_OQHiB_zqHvMMH/s320/P4215292.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's a canopy walkway to give a good view of the jungle. The Yucatan was experiencing a serious drought so things are not as green as they should be.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcnbHj64KLf4L_rjrnzphf255VxqPZbgsFQzfH9fQzRcU397qqnQltv-C2J9QaP0a5UT9u1C0yjPDsgcTvaO45FSXr8iQ0MDc4vivioKblSlDI8kGeY8EJHfdlnpv4p_zTD5kknp6JaFCQ/s1600/P4215278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcnbHj64KLf4L_rjrnzphf255VxqPZbgsFQzfH9fQzRcU397qqnQltv-C2J9QaP0a5UT9u1C0yjPDsgcTvaO45FSXr8iQ0MDc4vivioKblSlDI8kGeY8EJHfdlnpv4p_zTD5kknp6JaFCQ/s320/P4215278.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For an extra fee there's a sky cycle. We didn't do this because it was darned hot and that seems like a lot of effort.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsj_Cof_hEHlGo0dYckpkdU11lAbUYzXEGD2qwQeIkEXmsUj77G3mg2voDtxZfnlRRu7O3079lzVNykiHraGbwvaexhn7N5HGI9yTMx79hjZFr01L50e9S17U4C-CUB0pM3ouUBtZ_lbbT/s1600/P4215298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsj_Cof_hEHlGo0dYckpkdU11lAbUYzXEGD2qwQeIkEXmsUj77G3mg2voDtxZfnlRRu7O3079lzVNykiHraGbwvaexhn7N5HGI9yTMx79hjZFr01L50e9S17U4C-CUB0pM3ouUBtZ_lbbT/s320/P4215298.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's tubing down a natural "lazy river" that starts in a mangrove forest.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjWWD-Q6oaXxJVSv2M2JMXYOVfeiBwxBe3ZHjhnjUczIlDPbWlDJlC6TlYS9wYmyWSL6shYDUhlyDfnoaJkFu9JblYU8YHZnopJ_rFHQlQgoETSLOC1Nw-MU5_ShR4E4NXo1eQWzdF58W/s1600/P4215248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjWWD-Q6oaXxJVSv2M2JMXYOVfeiBwxBe3ZHjhnjUczIlDPbWlDJlC6TlYS9wYmyWSL6shYDUhlyDfnoaJkFu9JblYU8YHZnopJ_rFHQlQgoETSLOC1Nw-MU5_ShR4E4NXo1eQWzdF58W/s320/P4215248.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Life vests are required in most of the aquatic parts of the park. They are available throughout so there's no need to carry one.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj88uzrkxIXcD4293THAF8xz50DbpxWoh2de2wSQCUEY_cb_8cT-Z7fKevkJCwTV44NMwkprRHZSs2H8OWVpKqIjcEcrlRzmGTLR6DbT6yvMnzVl-MndeRj-KmnPtR-L4-vhEClyGb4lsaL/s1600/P4215311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj88uzrkxIXcD4293THAF8xz50DbpxWoh2de2wSQCUEY_cb_8cT-Z7fKevkJCwTV44NMwkprRHZSs2H8OWVpKqIjcEcrlRzmGTLR6DbT6yvMnzVl-MndeRj-KmnPtR-L4-vhEClyGb4lsaL/s320/P4215311.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are several families of the cutest animals on the Yucatan: coatis. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimwus57ffYq0-YqOo2sjKRKBP5HcYSVsuqh3-r5i4a7M5gmWKzaj35PWFRLS3L2I5o8L_VKc2xI2-ToFZLIIUabkUWIhC3y_lj_z6lpTMtfw5I_KAjZzpRHJxQIeuNEOMCaliwIMKkA1xh/s1600/P4215257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimwus57ffYq0-YqOo2sjKRKBP5HcYSVsuqh3-r5i4a7M5gmWKzaj35PWFRLS3L2I5o8L_VKc2xI2-ToFZLIIUabkUWIhC3y_lj_z6lpTMtfw5I_KAjZzpRHJxQIeuNEOMCaliwIMKkA1xh/s320/P4215257.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can't go anywhere in the Yucatan without finding an iguana.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtk9O6VBWothXSGqdbFrXpTq-l34EXYnAewLAbg4U6HU6mscWyU8E83tCz-nToe85dA9rHzk2nhtMCTHNuJ1gRwA-ZQpEvxvaqIpaq8MVZa_mBQJjTov0hPbwyrOFBoLU7UZEpUI3O9QCV/s1600/P4215342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtk9O6VBWothXSGqdbFrXpTq-l34EXYnAewLAbg4U6HU6mscWyU8E83tCz-nToe85dA9rHzk2nhtMCTHNuJ1gRwA-ZQpEvxvaqIpaq8MVZa_mBQJjTov0hPbwyrOFBoLU7UZEpUI3O9QCV/s320/P4215342.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mangroves. These trees are vital to the health of the coasts in the Caribbean and many other tropical locations around the world. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpYYE-U9ctzOjTFbU646HXZLBoxdCzlcQC3okUsnhGsEtKLuFNw4aaNhP2ykTq8DP713IGaXOgOnnTfQ4aytTAKTIMRJsFMfCVqSRbDIho2qN0h7xgDlF2DN7i8Kchvblai5JtpTtZH-Ir/s1600/P4215348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpYYE-U9ctzOjTFbU646HXZLBoxdCzlcQC3okUsnhGsEtKLuFNw4aaNhP2ykTq8DP713IGaXOgOnnTfQ4aytTAKTIMRJsFMfCVqSRbDIho2qN0h7xgDlF2DN7i8Kchvblai5JtpTtZH-Ir/s320/P4215348.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are beautiful scarlet macaws at the park. These were part of a group of 3 that were out to get some enrichment for the day by flying around the park. They're trained to return to a whistle call, but act a lot like cats - who will come when they're darned good and ready.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgynAbvgQxbvcv0ARPz9sZaFzWe-glXfmsDIDWpp8CbEtygcaUosffpgFCydqM3D0xzGhisP0VTEx0KUvzUztRlSR53pXSdGMIKPZWLdofjE5gYR7OZqYKaL5RCGg2Sct4xVAR6M3nOh83C/s1600/P4215351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgynAbvgQxbvcv0ARPz9sZaFzWe-glXfmsDIDWpp8CbEtygcaUosffpgFCydqM3D0xzGhisP0VTEx0KUvzUztRlSR53pXSdGMIKPZWLdofjE5gYR7OZqYKaL5RCGg2Sct4xVAR6M3nOh83C/s320/P4215351.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not shown in this picture, to my left park guests may jump off a cliff into the water below. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOmxI_9p4fLDfJWwwkmahH1WAoI7QewL1wZIZvzAJpw94tJzIa20fVM5wcRRU8pp1IMsJeLEVf5dLPu-xMknViGLFEEl1Y6LFoqwn5AXwt4rQ6nj-DliI9AHaQzVrm1Fd8yML1QZQFAVsL/s1600/P4215352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOmxI_9p4fLDfJWwwkmahH1WAoI7QewL1wZIZvzAJpw94tJzIa20fVM5wcRRU8pp1IMsJeLEVf5dLPu-xMknViGLFEEl1Y6LFoqwn5AXwt4rQ6nj-DliI9AHaQzVrm1Fd8yML1QZQFAVsL/s320/P4215352.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guests may swim, tube, and snorkel the entire park. And they may enjoy the ropes course.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1kUnoFxx4DElimTgvScECKnCxYJtCAPdgpMZL9P1nP0525XFBq4WYpvadZTYf0hfNqWFqKwIdgcpfF-ykezDXtE-FL0-ZxyJRm76-Fo2GMYw18DxobJCdoFShPE4B6SBYqdS7X4qlee1R/s1600/P4215354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1kUnoFxx4DElimTgvScECKnCxYJtCAPdgpMZL9P1nP0525XFBq4WYpvadZTYf0hfNqWFqKwIdgcpfF-ykezDXtE-FL0-ZxyJRm76-Fo2GMYw18DxobJCdoFShPE4B6SBYqdS7X4qlee1R/s320/P4215354.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's like American Ninja Warrior, but not. The Lovely Spouse made it all the way across. Me, not so much. Cargo nets are tougher than they look.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBuN0jfivLpFu8EskPX0WMIiQSDMvA8WJPhjI6p96wO006vPcC8W7Y96od6VRx36qtTCZF2_vab8t2jUOo15yJr_R_Yx3gCQtt9rtj5akVqoYb1KqvgngdkUK8gK-nh_m-NSTmEBE4YVdq/s1600/P4215359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBuN0jfivLpFu8EskPX0WMIiQSDMvA8WJPhjI6p96wO006vPcC8W7Y96od6VRx36qtTCZF2_vab8t2jUOo15yJr_R_Yx3gCQtt9rtj5akVqoYb1KqvgngdkUK8gK-nh_m-NSTmEBE4YVdq/s320/P4215359.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJvnt6Vf3-clGkMZWBubKfoYuManvE8fdpGH5zASou76wO7GYcy8rLQUQOUOycrDW37rVZUAb9gWOpzIUBZFFH5MySieZauyrRHPSlzJ18ts8azA6Ucl8aMEI_CDZLH5kCTLh9oRlay_TY/s1600/P4215360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJvnt6Vf3-clGkMZWBubKfoYuManvE8fdpGH5zASou76wO7GYcy8rLQUQOUOycrDW37rVZUAb9gWOpzIUBZFFH5MySieZauyrRHPSlzJ18ts8azA6Ucl8aMEI_CDZLH5kCTLh9oRlay_TY/s320/P4215360.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hammocks in the shade = a lovely place to relax.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8XtOvvnVILfRNu3s6H9DUQT3hulFouByXqwYpwW7AahfpqPGex7VAByNuMiK_i_yEeODPzJkb2M8TYHtfsxOwCEn4Sjw1BrJKYTmzDdLRS0zJxvbWGVSYfBLzKjOOv-5BNf5plwPvWwvJ/s1600/P4215364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8XtOvvnVILfRNu3s6H9DUQT3hulFouByXqwYpwW7AahfpqPGex7VAByNuMiK_i_yEeODPzJkb2M8TYHtfsxOwCEn4Sjw1BrJKYTmzDdLRS0zJxvbWGVSYfBLzKjOOv-5BNf5plwPvWwvJ/s320/P4215364.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When you jump in the water you'll find all kinds of tropical fish.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDF1T1JZJ7p22kDRLGHzcUdI55_X995a8KGUifXF7ebvcfJ_ei_xNF1lr51zV_WVW5Y7EgOxI0mXG6tbM-Gwcg7sgOOsIrimlVlRkD07HSQ76xt3JDJu_DpPVJM3ush_hx7ZF5XJoc28c/s1600/P4215375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDF1T1JZJ7p22kDRLGHzcUdI55_X995a8KGUifXF7ebvcfJ_ei_xNF1lr51zV_WVW5Y7EgOxI0mXG6tbM-Gwcg7sgOOsIrimlVlRkD07HSQ76xt3JDJu_DpPVJM3ush_hx7ZF5XJoc28c/s320/P4215375.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You'll also find stratification of the water column from a halocline - or gradient of salt and fresh water. Because of the golden bloom there was also a lot of green algae in the water.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW84_00ttIdnwwNuv7zIdICdZjmwbWZzS2g3qYOClDYGCtl8h_C7xzJt6fGCnAL74uC0Vv-2Zl43OtdPdp-JkZq_OJXBXI_qBcq3lKRC2yTkKwgNM67e04Ze34hyphenhyphenkpxWgmsKEL0j4Cshky/s1600/P4215376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW84_00ttIdnwwNuv7zIdICdZjmwbWZzS2g3qYOClDYGCtl8h_C7xzJt6fGCnAL74uC0Vv-2Zl43OtdPdp-JkZq_OJXBXI_qBcq3lKRC2yTkKwgNM67e04Ze34hyphenhyphenkpxWgmsKEL0j4Cshky/s320/P4215376.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This picture is not out of focus. You can see some of the visual effects of the water. The mix of fresh and salt water makes it look like you're looking at everything through oil.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4bEaSM6GPw-iv3fBijAeat9dji5DZu6I0BjihVlATh6-nF2fh6xFTadNzikT5kBYgFNqyJ372O-h9fH9UPxF5AlO1Ms_y1M1bEZhKeG6eX0RAHLQdfcZ8ubYloVVjHIwkE_rtK4j3MIJJ/s1600/P4215382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4bEaSM6GPw-iv3fBijAeat9dji5DZu6I0BjihVlATh6-nF2fh6xFTadNzikT5kBYgFNqyJ372O-h9fH9UPxF5AlO1Ms_y1M1bEZhKeG6eX0RAHLQdfcZ8ubYloVVjHIwkE_rtK4j3MIJJ/s320/P4215382.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zip lines!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_yti4mmSXlHaKzXPUSdf4X784Bpn_XmLrU2tvWnldQX_L1Lw2SdkfIsG2Klw16Csddghrq-9SIFgPjZNwFSqdFfkmcMpOaLpc9TVJGo45m-UNTvDfRErY_WYXrLy66dugeBiFxcKV8oyk/s1600/P4215384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_yti4mmSXlHaKzXPUSdf4X784Bpn_XmLrU2tvWnldQX_L1Lw2SdkfIsG2Klw16Csddghrq-9SIFgPjZNwFSqdFfkmcMpOaLpc9TVJGo45m-UNTvDfRErY_WYXrLy66dugeBiFxcKV8oyk/s320/P4215384.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I mentioned that food and drinks were included. How were they? There are 3 restaurants at Xel Ha. One is an international restaurant, one is a Mexican restaurant, and one is a fast food restaurant. I recommend the Mexican restaurant. [Many apologies for these pictures being out of focus.]</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnaJZKq6Ega0qNprBEwtDHrmMSE0A_aYJeCGQnBtrG-huOtr6o7dxXJ6wKXaBfDqNtrrzeGGkVS10RFNk6CuSyU9NmeWxBsqCPBTAQA_bOUmYFOANwF5pHSOPFUw_2ythfZnIxiSJp_RWL/s1600/P4215361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnaJZKq6Ega0qNprBEwtDHrmMSE0A_aYJeCGQnBtrG-huOtr6o7dxXJ6wKXaBfDqNtrrzeGGkVS10RFNk6CuSyU9NmeWxBsqCPBTAQA_bOUmYFOANwF5pHSOPFUw_2ythfZnIxiSJp_RWL/s320/P4215361.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9DkcbW3mcNgFEd9lrmvfCHVuhs0FdMy9MbwkCC-_egfJv34DZsQcDgp1UXJtZ0h3tyxVCraMfCZ3h0yZlmWdOoqTppuxH7epfbu8ZxK5kehiJ5IGCdGSsVLechGSlCoYvy5DikdeaQdE/s1600/P4215406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9DkcbW3mcNgFEd9lrmvfCHVuhs0FdMy9MbwkCC-_egfJv34DZsQcDgp1UXJtZ0h3tyxVCraMfCZ3h0yZlmWdOoqTppuxH7epfbu8ZxK5kehiJ5IGCdGSsVLechGSlCoYvy5DikdeaQdE/s320/P4215406.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I prefer to eat at least wearing shorts, so we dried off enough for shorts and a towel. Wait for a host or hostess to seat you.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8wfSGesaPt3n3Syz4zcVgvbqsSco6m60v7yJ8k7VBeiJM2kEfj7faj1ijaTZWar-G0zxkhxdN8gYwFqej8-e9UXK2xUn4EbFVB3TDacQTv0rYs3TmaH7U4PFjcPu3iJMMEfrq-oF6qAwh/s1600/P4215397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8wfSGesaPt3n3Syz4zcVgvbqsSco6m60v7yJ8k7VBeiJM2kEfj7faj1ijaTZWar-G0zxkhxdN8gYwFqej8-e9UXK2xUn4EbFVB3TDacQTv0rYs3TmaH7U4PFjcPu3iJMMEfrq-oF6qAwh/s320/P4215397.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmDQ76dL6NgfLq87IAPZWMcQrsdUElpjfsHte0e_Xez6y2SpLlI3ZXA6Uf9OtiM1Ww0CGIqTFNUBGo85G_bfOSo7IeQisuH1PF-nc3WWqNT8ruYnTXTretH9f9DJYwHKmkBLXWZ6oE3748/s1600/P4215398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmDQ76dL6NgfLq87IAPZWMcQrsdUElpjfsHte0e_Xez6y2SpLlI3ZXA6Uf9OtiM1Ww0CGIqTFNUBGo85G_bfOSo7IeQisuH1PF-nc3WWqNT8ruYnTXTretH9f9DJYwHKmkBLXWZ6oE3748/s320/P4215398.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The food is all buffet.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgmfODy-4UZc1lgHF0DNDNu5tB2UgAYbGsELQ3uczQyMFtNs6Yz_W3htQ0kj-7QbvR6mcIgkyi2P83mfXxTMei0rFEYkqWrYn5S_zDXiJfWwKuoFLjAkt6XbdTzzoHxh9-6GpBTPScDso/s1600/P4215399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgmfODy-4UZc1lgHF0DNDNu5tB2UgAYbGsELQ3uczQyMFtNs6Yz_W3htQ0kj-7QbvR6mcIgkyi2P83mfXxTMei0rFEYkqWrYn5S_zDXiJfWwKuoFLjAkt6XbdTzzoHxh9-6GpBTPScDso/s320/P4215399.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A wide variety of food that was often checked for temperature and replaced.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ7v1WZk9JaPJKW8g5VY23TRripsGqCj6x0vUFD4HizcNddWot9TyPmnGJpl0ZEfnvJi-WYHloN8OoPnPYFM2KbbNoNkoH919zJG_vk2taT3Iap2gq3G18CRwbBxqP0sj6JKnpwdxx3qJD/s1600/P4215400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ7v1WZk9JaPJKW8g5VY23TRripsGqCj6x0vUFD4HizcNddWot9TyPmnGJpl0ZEfnvJi-WYHloN8OoPnPYFM2KbbNoNkoH919zJG_vk2taT3Iap2gq3G18CRwbBxqP0sj6JKnpwdxx3qJD/s320/P4215400.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeT6B2QBenhm-8RzY3WU5Qt7Sgxc_mfqEjyrDNPuppkIURJHf4eGjOyEoRoI2QTw1DQ8lbfRKCdExnHkKQ5oyTIi-xSKdQ-cNDsiCZy0d_C9F7BZopiwcnxr2T2TWWWr2iyk3HJzSuKFyd/s1600/P4215401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeT6B2QBenhm-8RzY3WU5Qt7Sgxc_mfqEjyrDNPuppkIURJHf4eGjOyEoRoI2QTw1DQ8lbfRKCdExnHkKQ5oyTIi-xSKdQ-cNDsiCZy0d_C9F7BZopiwcnxr2T2TWWWr2iyk3HJzSuKFyd/s320/P4215401.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A selection of ceviches.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYWUk1396MEgooVcx4cN5UaDqJpeFsh21yAzaKGAXPvLt_u8bte3HQKJfeJ8_O8FiKEn9ppMlNWyeAVzz0kGZyTZ0xICtofMRzISt_qxDPAwkpmZucnoRh2ARwzwbc3dyzX-TSExPAkOti/s1600/P4215402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYWUk1396MEgooVcx4cN5UaDqJpeFsh21yAzaKGAXPvLt_u8bte3HQKJfeJ8_O8FiKEn9ppMlNWyeAVzz0kGZyTZ0xICtofMRzISt_qxDPAwkpmZucnoRh2ARwzwbc3dyzX-TSExPAkOti/s320/P4215402.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Local and regional Mexican dishes.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTXy511UhsbsTNWgBE4Gs1JOdBDzfJ048LG3v7dVxnJB8sZaHo4TuTemiUQg65V5lgoepUxg_JViQ2tHcuVhOO5Ycyk918GQxRslcqed1UfKdm7cxeDw2nFjJo4WuMY2ZIN9FkpP-iz_j7/s1600/P4215403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTXy511UhsbsTNWgBE4Gs1JOdBDzfJ048LG3v7dVxnJB8sZaHo4TuTemiUQg65V5lgoepUxg_JViQ2tHcuVhOO5Ycyk918GQxRslcqed1UfKdm7cxeDw2nFjJo4WuMY2ZIN9FkpP-iz_j7/s320/P4215403.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMooDOBOEIWSJSl4fKGragEX3dTkvZ9kO0bLUhDy2hhbjDAj-z6M6PRrXUCxyov6E9pnr0-eWowbsWK8fsNZ9R_kCoYoCG4uSxWsVP9EsSMKEWE9edMCcnDgVfQmtajPcwOMvfRIwyybWn/s1600/P4215404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMooDOBOEIWSJSl4fKGragEX3dTkvZ9kO0bLUhDy2hhbjDAj-z6M6PRrXUCxyov6E9pnr0-eWowbsWK8fsNZ9R_kCoYoCG4uSxWsVP9EsSMKEWE9edMCcnDgVfQmtajPcwOMvfRIwyybWn/s320/P4215404.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nice sized open air restaurant.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP0w5zKg1R0IeGSJ-LTp0xGBSIM44CLtoSlRafFyFYll0XStNwrHRuH38SxsB96eWDJRbmXx0z648H5xEhYy6czTz5DY4IFlgQihDmgg7NfWR5k0bPin42xT6hlzj7zS2fNKY9TrCms2aC/s1600/P4215405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP0w5zKg1R0IeGSJ-LTp0xGBSIM44CLtoSlRafFyFYll0XStNwrHRuH38SxsB96eWDJRbmXx0z648H5xEhYy6czTz5DY4IFlgQihDmgg7NfWR5k0bPin42xT6hlzj7zS2fNKY9TrCms2aC/s320/P4215405.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our server brought us cervezas and tequilas for our meal. The food, including the mole, was quite good.</td></tr>
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There were other activities available for fees, including <a href="http://www.snuba.com/">snuba</a>, Sea Trek, and the dolphinarium. There was also an on-site spa and an extra fee cenote tour. There was more than enough to do without bothering with those.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sea Trek is like scuba diving without needing to take any lessons or fill any tanks. </td></tr>
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In all Xel Ha is a lovely way to spend a day. There's more than enough to do and see to justify a whole day away from the resort and there's plenty to do for people of all ages and abilities.</div>
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Cibatarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085975700051398946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043128114074992961.post-22992566818956262822015-06-17T07:00:00.000-07:002015-06-24T11:12:29.805-07:00Dinner at Cocoamoda<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS6L-Tix7BoLfX3T6qFZIzVxLd-5XAU1Aynf5Y2oeNHw_yfTG2RPSKB_oZDLjejoMEJ877rsVDjYbvbqsbNX4U-HgTSvZ8ynr_N3B5kZhs93IsW1sR_EpVcHwWlLhsanz2iaS7kCZ3mY91/s1600/P6065813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS6L-Tix7BoLfX3T6qFZIzVxLd-5XAU1Aynf5Y2oeNHw_yfTG2RPSKB_oZDLjejoMEJ877rsVDjYbvbqsbNX4U-HgTSvZ8ynr_N3B5kZhs93IsW1sR_EpVcHwWlLhsanz2iaS7kCZ3mY91/s320/P6065813.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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I have previously blogged on the lovely chocolates at <a href="http://cibatarian.blogspot.com/search/label/Cocoamoda">Cocoamoda</a>, as well as their recent appearance on Restaurant: Impossible. Recently The Lovely Spouse and I went to Cocoamoda to enjoy a lovely dinner there to celebrate our anniversary.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpa5hamFWQwVi5tgl09Gxm57jpcGpcpU6R4sFJWopw5NivopjGBlrOsKTFltzTvPDtEbw8W1BFv04Je-XfSaEGpQaWZ0d0HT0zhJpQMAEjQt8y8CTa9wtr2bWIuv41Gu7ozTfRingK-pJJ/s1600/Menu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpa5hamFWQwVi5tgl09Gxm57jpcGpcpU6R4sFJWopw5NivopjGBlrOsKTFltzTvPDtEbw8W1BFv04Je-XfSaEGpQaWZ0d0HT0zhJpQMAEjQt8y8CTa9wtr2bWIuv41Gu7ozTfRingK-pJJ/s320/Menu.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A screen capture of the menu for the dinner we attended.</td></tr>
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The menu for each weekend dinner is posted to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/COCOAMODA/83501568002">facebook page</a>, along with the price. Seatings are at 7 pm on Fridays and Saturdays and usually feature between 4 and 6 courses. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2H-nUu88J9F8QvxdM8cgz2P_VD-sOeJQq_JRZiWh8SZ0firFVzqQyNpO2eftv14KO9wJ866tlvvgKR-S00903LdnqYagXxiSCuOE7L0yYtDNg6KurIbjwJP-fF4GD3sqnMAzJu5EH_uuZ/s1600/P6065802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2H-nUu88J9F8QvxdM8cgz2P_VD-sOeJQq_JRZiWh8SZ0firFVzqQyNpO2eftv14KO9wJ866tlvvgKR-S00903LdnqYagXxiSCuOE7L0yYtDNg6KurIbjwJP-fF4GD3sqnMAzJu5EH_uuZ/s320/P6065802.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The amuse bouche of spicy shrimp was served with salmon mousse, spicy mayonaisse, and a spiced and candied orange. Absolutely exquisite taste combination. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoNLg5wr124PU5KBYqbk8M1beJTDSDehAFFPfoGCV-dO4fIC8QEsxOlBbdwzwDWYo-umOCFUVfQ0O7nLtYwhEpJvKBnyCyvq9rbWl29hlnALJvM25zh_a_a2ydu7tLxfyM1S5keyvSao-n/s1600/P6065803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoNLg5wr124PU5KBYqbk8M1beJTDSDehAFFPfoGCV-dO4fIC8QEsxOlBbdwzwDWYo-umOCFUVfQ0O7nLtYwhEpJvKBnyCyvq9rbWl29hlnALJvM25zh_a_a2ydu7tLxfyM1S5keyvSao-n/s320/P6065803.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first course was a velvety vichyssoise served in silver bowls. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjD-NcTOI6T2rUfMoZLiWIZjYxHlPP6ZgJO7Z33_RzvZ0GoksWUbZG_Sc-wQBYF8JPHehMfJI7bQQfj71FY4duHwNt0Ty6MU8Af5yYVKKAh34_r3YP-WAPJkIYfzX-cZ36gzNaVOFxs1i5/s1600/P6065806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjD-NcTOI6T2rUfMoZLiWIZjYxHlPP6ZgJO7Z33_RzvZ0GoksWUbZG_Sc-wQBYF8JPHehMfJI7bQQfj71FY4duHwNt0Ty6MU8Af5yYVKKAh34_r3YP-WAPJkIYfzX-cZ36gzNaVOFxs1i5/s320/P6065806.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Second course (photographed upside down) was a quiche of roasted tomatoes and basil served with a gruyere sauce and roasted red pepper reduction. Delightfully made and a wonderful flavor combination. The Lovely Spouse said it's the only quiche he's ever actually liked.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Ly_d3Y3z6NBR95hxaaMQamzGn_5YSf1QHIMMpxqmovV5hgymHhO-UPxR1qtEzJwXc5rxlWEiBHSjUVOCw1_YSWN_AheX2ArYtj_qYbf5X0x6DX35VwOfftsfFTsfcEZT0d9UQV5u2o4l/s1600/P6065807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Ly_d3Y3z6NBR95hxaaMQamzGn_5YSf1QHIMMpxqmovV5hgymHhO-UPxR1qtEzJwXc5rxlWEiBHSjUVOCw1_YSWN_AheX2ArYtj_qYbf5X0x6DX35VwOfftsfFTsfcEZT0d9UQV5u2o4l/s320/P6065807.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Third course was a salad of mixed greens with a warm blackberry ginger dressing. Refreshing and bright.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP136UCWZZqiemcXgbA2Uhyphenhyphen_d2go1BRyeo7TV0eY2KqKgjeefLsd3T30lOD57OyHNSQKumFWkEa3Vy2DCr0xV6KYRmU-86JRjTz6FHSHKxTRUrXjMS6dpR65tJc-TeNF1rGIHk_bJgzROs/s1600/P6065809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP136UCWZZqiemcXgbA2Uhyphenhyphen_d2go1BRyeo7TV0eY2KqKgjeefLsd3T30lOD57OyHNSQKumFWkEa3Vy2DCr0xV6KYRmU-86JRjTz6FHSHKxTRUrXjMS6dpR65tJc-TeNF1rGIHk_bJgzROs/s320/P6065809.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fourth course was thinly sliced beef with a savory sauce served with fresh green beans, mashed potatoes, and thin crouton. Savory and comforting. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj4Oo6Q7zIBqv8eBqCsfWhPIveN67DWj-afjvS2Rnaq_y4naYKa7liwBK4gomuoXSj3gVj5hDqS0mBHB3a5nr2jHNXOQwSgL1J0sFbc_4Zv-ArrN3vVB5ZJvQnWZ0dXbqwrlLrAsLx0hWx/s1600/P6065810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj4Oo6Q7zIBqv8eBqCsfWhPIveN67DWj-afjvS2Rnaq_y4naYKa7liwBK4gomuoXSj3gVj5hDqS0mBHB3a5nr2jHNXOQwSgL1J0sFbc_4Zv-ArrN3vVB5ZJvQnWZ0dXbqwrlLrAsLx0hWx/s320/P6065810.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dessert was a rich, dark chocolate tart served on an intensely vanilla creme anglaise. </td></tr>
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Cocoamoda does not have a license to serve alcohol so, if you wish for alcohol you must bring your own. Based upon the menu on the facebook page we selected a 2012 Coppola Pinot Noir. It's an inexpensive red that plays well with a variety of flavors and paired beautifully with everything served here.<br />
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To finish off our meal we had coffee and tea. The Lovely Spouse enjoyed a beautiful perfectly made cappuccino while I enjoyed a lovely cinnamon black tea. </div>
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I highly recommend Cocoamoda for weekend fine dining with a bit of Chef Ken's unique wit. Dinner is served on Friday and Saturday evenings, and sometimes on Thursdays. Follow them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/COCOAMODA/83501568002">facebook </a>to find out what will be served each weekend and how much they will cost. If you make reservations please make sure to keep your reservation or to call the restaurant with plenty of notice with a cancellation. They make exactly as much as is needed to serve the exact number of diners. If the portions are too large, take-out containers are available. </div>
Cibatarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085975700051398946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043128114074992961.post-78418863105478906032015-06-12T07:00:00.000-07:002015-06-12T07:00:02.436-07:00Happy Birthday New Republic Brewery!New Republic Brewery is 4 years old! Happy Anniversary! Happy Birthday! It's been a great time having them here in College Station. The beers are awesome - even the special runs. And the people are fantastic. Here's to many more years.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24kO6aAgrcvcQwhSOt7UPeGwM6YHs7sPtuOrXDQej1ArznpyErh-tDqsLv24kIeE45sc5B7QQdaovIkRNljhTC48gpcGB4_UieehfBKSjKueAM8GKgc5WUvhDHsxi1ejAmw9hukt2-wAe/s1600/P5025656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24kO6aAgrcvcQwhSOt7UPeGwM6YHs7sPtuOrXDQej1ArznpyErh-tDqsLv24kIeE45sc5B7QQdaovIkRNljhTC48gpcGB4_UieehfBKSjKueAM8GKgc5WUvhDHsxi1ejAmw9hukt2-wAe/s320/P5025656.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nu Teleporter. A Nutella porter. Delicious and extremely difficult to make, from a technical perspective. Nutella has emulsifiers that are not conducive to the brewing process. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW6QvxjYuZKChuz96tkR4ScQDacA8SMyE7qZmFWHHh49aZ0BewNUobJCGiLe4afKtwGuYtM5Ji8Nqnm8fBkBqFc12pbqxeiFet7yDakLENFJwrEyZykwrmGT4jbxtjgPJkGWwRbwwHE1QH/s1600/P5025668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW6QvxjYuZKChuz96tkR4ScQDacA8SMyE7qZmFWHHh49aZ0BewNUobJCGiLe4afKtwGuYtM5Ji8Nqnm8fBkBqFc12pbqxeiFet7yDakLENFJwrEyZykwrmGT4jbxtjgPJkGWwRbwwHE1QH/s320/P5025668.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new taps are fabulous.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-q3PDKdtH4bebwgg8LtE-Wcpdzj3Drcu7m1MFyWdKYBNHBK3jw6ZKxqfSfcm6DxE_B5k8lQNoEDKPgqWpHFF8nY5sJK2CuHeVdzg1WPuwSxLUNo0ThuYFkF1vq0rJk0gvN4OGU7SQXwk/s1600/P5025671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-q3PDKdtH4bebwgg8LtE-Wcpdzj3Drcu7m1MFyWdKYBNHBK3jw6ZKxqfSfcm6DxE_B5k8lQNoEDKPgqWpHFF8nY5sJK2CuHeVdzg1WPuwSxLUNo0ThuYFkF1vq0rJk0gvN4OGU7SQXwk/s320/P5025671.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John and Dean getting their portraits taken.</td></tr>
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<br />Cibatarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085975700051398946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043128114074992961.post-3259990530487717002015-06-09T07:00:00.000-07:002015-06-09T07:00:02.571-07:00Hops and Grain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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No trip to Austin is complete without a visit to a craft brewery. On our most recent trip we stopped by <a href="http://www.hopsandgrain.com/">Hops and Grain</a> for 2 reasons: they were close to where we were visiting, on the south side of town, and they had a patio where we could bring our dogs.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mural says "End MS Forever".</td></tr>
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The tap room is open 7 days a week from 8 am until 10 pm. On Saturdays food trucks pull up to provide food to patrons and visitors. The patio area is dog friendly as long as the dogs are friendly and on leashes. Please check the website for tour days and times. </div>
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Inside the tap room is busy and LOUD, at least it was on Saturday. VERY LOUD! </div>
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There's a selection of beers on tap, including experimental beers only available at the brewery. Purchase a glass for $10 and get 4 drink tickets. This is equivalent to about two 16 oz beers, total. </div>
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The Lovely Spouse and I tried a large variety of their beers and enjoyed them all. Of the experimental beers, the Oolong IPA made with Oolong tea was interesting. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8uASCnmFMLlqpOgqnjUlXcn6c4r_OJ1WuYVO139pFgJnElAFWM5SWG5LmaoVANK-0xDP-Hl6FQ4EF-iIZncMKOYsZNPMfd2pmKbWzc3HGXDsXxnJsT-sVHDQQTUwTEN83LWA_YTvjlPly/s1600/P5305801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8uASCnmFMLlqpOgqnjUlXcn6c4r_OJ1WuYVO139pFgJnElAFWM5SWG5LmaoVANK-0xDP-Hl6FQ4EF-iIZncMKOYsZNPMfd2pmKbWzc3HGXDsXxnJsT-sVHDQQTUwTEN83LWA_YTvjlPly/s320/P5305801.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Austin in 2015 means rain. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I recommend a trip to Hops and Grain when it's either not raining or not crowded inside. Unless you like things loud. They also had dog treats available made from the spent grains from the brewery. Coffee was available for purchase.<br />
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As usual, if you drink, designate a driver and get home safely.Cibatarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085975700051398946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043128114074992961.post-4887626448308365902015-06-06T07:00:00.000-07:002015-06-06T07:00:05.007-07:00McKinney Falls Then and NowAs many of you know, Texas has been getting a lot of rain lately. Just about every day we have a flash flood warning along with a severe thunderstorm and/or tornado warning. The warnings are carried over our mobile phones and mine has gone off nearly every day. Most of the parks local to College Station that have lakes are temporarily closed due to flooding. However we got the idea to travel to McKinney Falls near Austin. We went there last August and we were curious as to how the falls looks different with more water.<br />
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<u><b>McKinney Falls August 2014</b></u><br />
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The Upper Falls<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The upper falls. Not much action.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCk-vVGt_x7B4qHteDTZjE4xfgEQhs3WuDhcVwsw-3llpVZo7efuDOSvPOEIZnuNNQ5L9G1FnxKt-z8qLyIBCPe7S8N7q-6UvCWZVNQS1VGGtm5NExlzBKR6KeD_hP1OAIJP8TyovJxxL0/s1600/P8311248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCk-vVGt_x7B4qHteDTZjE4xfgEQhs3WuDhcVwsw-3llpVZo7efuDOSvPOEIZnuNNQ5L9G1FnxKt-z8qLyIBCPe7S8N7q-6UvCWZVNQS1VGGtm5NExlzBKR6KeD_hP1OAIJP8TyovJxxL0/s320/P8311248.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The upper falls as seen from further down Onion Creek.</td></tr>
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The Lower Falls<br /><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaEl5G4nur1M6NiOPmb2awpSgmAuWrwEfh4ng02ggkW8sXEcPJIGkoAgA3aw-JXAFe8INTTDa-5Q6gS5GjVp2qk7a9D8KAbfPKhN4iudUaZm3ZHGl9AZ6WoR3Ug01LCPHjqID_PGrGvdU_/s1600/P8311275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaEl5G4nur1M6NiOPmb2awpSgmAuWrwEfh4ng02ggkW8sXEcPJIGkoAgA3aw-JXAFe8INTTDa-5Q6gS5GjVp2qk7a9D8KAbfPKhN4iudUaZm3ZHGl9AZ6WoR3Ug01LCPHjqID_PGrGvdU_/s320/P8311275.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visitors could easily cross Onion Creek to the trails and historic sites on the other side. </td></tr>
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<u><b>McKinney Falls May 2015</b></u><br />
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The Upper Falls<br />
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The Lower Falls<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nope. Not crossing that today.</td></tr>
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<br />Cibatarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085975700051398946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043128114074992961.post-31940196692965538972015-06-03T07:00:00.000-07:002015-06-09T14:43:03.573-07:00Dune Buggies and Cenotes in the Riviera Maya<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We were at Gran Bahia Principe for a 10 day trip in April. 9 days out of 10 were red flag days, meaning the currents and conditions on the ocean were too rough for snorkeling or scuba tours. Therefore any excursions we wished to go on would have be something different. I've already covered our <a href="http://cibatarian.blogspot.com/2015/05/ball-courts-vultures-and-pyramid.html">trip to the Coba ruins</a>, but we also went on several other excursions, including this one involving a dune buggy tour of the <a href="http://www.cenotedosojos.com/">Dos Ojos cenote system</a>.<br />
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To make reservations, as well as to meet the group, for this trip, go to the <a href="http://www.scubaquatic.com/english/PlayaDelCarmen/">Scubaquatic</a> facility at the resort, located near the Coba beach behind the watersports facility. Look for the swing chairs and Segway scooters. The cost was 130 USD for 2 people per dune buggy or 80 USD for 1 person per dune buggy. </div>
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We were driven by van to the entrance to the Dos Ojos cenote park, located roughly across the highway from Xel Ha. We signed the necessary forms and were given dust masks. It turns out the dust masks were very, very necessary. As were safety glasses. The tour started with a visit to the Ice Age Museum, where a scientist explained the cenote system and showed us some of the more important finds from the area. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful doors on the museum.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reproductions of the early human skulls found in the cenotes.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very large turtle skeleton found in the cenote. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A woman's skeleton was found in the cenote. Exhibits explain how she was found and the information anthropologists learned from the find.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 2 main cenote systems in this area of the Riviera Maya. Cenotes were an important source of fresh water for the Maya.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The anatomy of a cenote. At different times in history the water levels have been lower and higher.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyLbpVNrVmFAy3Gp5AJmuqMKvA9eRuLxOTgbHanz7z8DLNFwZu9mzgQGnW6im3qe9IWytkuw1ylm36DXrKvFHQMXX5hoiqe41OWkyocPAkAqv1kF2eJ8wJFGq6LXJXOEBDCKay5JQ-a-eg/s1600/P4194988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyLbpVNrVmFAy3Gp5AJmuqMKvA9eRuLxOTgbHanz7z8DLNFwZu9mzgQGnW6im3qe9IWytkuw1ylm36DXrKvFHQMXX5hoiqe41OWkyocPAkAqv1kF2eJ8wJFGq6LXJXOEBDCKay5JQ-a-eg/s320/P4194988.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A scientist explaining some of the finds. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7EHGeP9quVyirDQBG4QNq8im9ObjuRVa0scuDBMz2b0WOxvM2Zqg0Zm3fLz4d7b0pZoN8HA8Oejsr9DP5zbINLGDc38eFGZAvlI7NW0zVeHCcT5k84xzU5xJCm-bswSK5UKa3q5-mhTP/s1600/P4194991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7EHGeP9quVyirDQBG4QNq8im9ObjuRVa0scuDBMz2b0WOxvM2Zqg0Zm3fLz4d7b0pZoN8HA8Oejsr9DP5zbINLGDc38eFGZAvlI7NW0zVeHCcT5k84xzU5xJCm-bswSK5UKa3q5-mhTP/s320/P4194991.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A large relative of the elephant was also found in the cenote. These must have been amazing things for those divers to find.</td></tr>
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On our next trip to the Riviera Maya we will remember to bring donations for this museum. The scientists who study the health of the cenotes rely on tourist dollars at the museum to support their work. If you do this trip and are able to make a donation, please consider doing so. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Lovely Spouse did most of the driving because my glasses were insufficient for keeping out the dusk. Bear this in mind if you do the tour. I recommend bringing wrap around safety glasses. </td></tr>
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Following the trip to the museum, it was time to get in the dune buggies. We started by touring around the trails along the cenote system. A small community lives around the cenotes and gave Scubaquatic permission for the tours, therefore we stuck to the permitted trails for the tour. </div>
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The ride was bumpy. Very bumpy. But incredibly fun. [Sorry, but my videos wouldn't load.] This is how we traveled the distances between the cenotes. Most of the ones we visited were to see the variety in cenotes, but we got the chance to swim in the last one on our visit. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-HIEkSlnvKUPTjpDM05TETaJ8F62UBy9thqZcyiv6knDNdykBaMNljpn6eSgSb7tIOzXuOrsZlyMNQEYLUq3VGV9eGsOJdH7ateKVFgnteebxb2B50OX2os-0cIT_wuToGLivEGfjdD0/s1600/P4195004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-HIEkSlnvKUPTjpDM05TETaJ8F62UBy9thqZcyiv6knDNdykBaMNljpn6eSgSb7tIOzXuOrsZlyMNQEYLUq3VGV9eGsOJdH7ateKVFgnteebxb2B50OX2os-0cIT_wuToGLivEGfjdD0/s320/P4195004.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first cenote on the tour was fully underground.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinPJz-9F47CDUVkrnvwP7C5t7qEplnqwUDRhdAcAPszhpkSOuzN7HXob5Lk-UgEcdll2tz11KzoSSmHmBVRGfAGuCfGb2N8dqblMBVMYIlwlycs4h0EdyPdEJqt3aCCSotEXmROZnZ8XTQ/s1600/P4195006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinPJz-9F47CDUVkrnvwP7C5t7qEplnqwUDRhdAcAPszhpkSOuzN7HXob5Lk-UgEcdll2tz11KzoSSmHmBVRGfAGuCfGb2N8dqblMBVMYIlwlycs4h0EdyPdEJqt3aCCSotEXmROZnZ8XTQ/s320/P4195006.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was quiet and cool inside. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ARCz3eYnu7hIslwSr4-mOpWI6ALdUx-KamZBG9r3HxvvMY7zj3KBZqzlmQf4LfQXd0ZXKOtdymNrwvNpGtpUFdiCo-K5SxqRbgVXiPTTfFWXc7GFebb8_JeFVLIWWPXrCh4BU9HFy75Q/s1600/P4195010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ARCz3eYnu7hIslwSr4-mOpWI6ALdUx-KamZBG9r3HxvvMY7zj3KBZqzlmQf4LfQXd0ZXKOtdymNrwvNpGtpUFdiCo-K5SxqRbgVXiPTTfFWXc7GFebb8_JeFVLIWWPXrCh4BU9HFy75Q/s320/P4195010.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cenote structures are protected by Mexican law so we stuck to specific places to walk.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the second cenote, our guide explained calcium deposition for the formation of the structures within the cenote. The water looks milky because of the calcium in it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The jungle was undergoing a drought, but still held some unusual surprises, including this tree that looks like a giraffe.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The third cenote was being used for swimming by others, including a flashlight tour in the darker portions. It was also populated by Mexican tetras that happily munched on the dead skin of the swimmers.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stunning. The rope is for the flashlight tours. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Gohr2AcndSgnYdq3u0thdyDZhcit3ulGVSvd-SBS8GeGleqzaGor8qHVYCsWK_4f8_TWMccHHepkjhEnjPC_8GOoOHN_c3EOu_t6yH12q-pPmzf1FYGNMupVIUvw8UiDRS3dlPB_kiEg/s1600/P4195072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Gohr2AcndSgnYdq3u0thdyDZhcit3ulGVSvd-SBS8GeGleqzaGor8qHVYCsWK_4f8_TWMccHHepkjhEnjPC_8GOoOHN_c3EOu_t6yH12q-pPmzf1FYGNMupVIUvw8UiDRS3dlPB_kiEg/s320/P4195072.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJ7F6BnuJra7-Nv3JK129t2PXSlQRMplOYqEYEDE4NitKOTNPFhFNeiKGCkuD41nG0e8Y9hNJS5w4y6ZIMiJC37_X-gkdp7cPGFVPM4kPRihnXq8VnbHOTSMFBXf_5dr_KFgVlH8c71ps/s1600/P4195073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJ7F6BnuJra7-Nv3JK129t2PXSlQRMplOYqEYEDE4NitKOTNPFhFNeiKGCkuD41nG0e8Y9hNJS5w4y6ZIMiJC37_X-gkdp7cPGFVPM4kPRihnXq8VnbHOTSMFBXf_5dr_KFgVlH8c71ps/s320/P4195073.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last cenote on the trip was the one we got to swim in. And it was the most spectacular. And it was nice to wash off the dust from the trails.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQFgJSQKQdQrnk7Oi8mBmfzNims7qizpMBbyg2lS6EL_ZSLGyfJWvWL32vjI3ANBHdPKgh_2oaJ7pn36Q5vJ9y6gpWUMfUDBU092s7DY6l3CNVNktDXfIuxgbdZRdhf9_gIikaEs6hzuE/s1600/P4195092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQFgJSQKQdQrnk7Oi8mBmfzNims7qizpMBbyg2lS6EL_ZSLGyfJWvWL32vjI3ANBHdPKgh_2oaJ7pn36Q5vJ9y6gpWUMfUDBU092s7DY6l3CNVNktDXfIuxgbdZRdhf9_gIikaEs6hzuE/s320/P4195092.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can't think of a lovelier swimming hole.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkKK9ib7KhQdedp_0DhDH0IuXLqMSaJK3oMLIZPu489M1tORravf8DpV2pP6dKhXDBRofJO7JvybHS_aDAHeTaG56gi3TYbVhpLpDvw099GPHpsz26jreF0Gqyv8JgInXDnjYpvomKvX09/s1600/P4195123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkKK9ib7KhQdedp_0DhDH0IuXLqMSaJK3oMLIZPu489M1tORravf8DpV2pP6dKhXDBRofJO7JvybHS_aDAHeTaG56gi3TYbVhpLpDvw099GPHpsz26jreF0Gqyv8JgInXDnjYpvomKvX09/s320/P4195123.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Lovely Spouse took this picture. On this trip I learned that he is much better at underwater photography than I am. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6orRw-ZKasEsFtPJrilu-eDyAV7RrdMF2ptyxcDl_Cj7ZcQxLykoZl9RJUN66kab5dnwhZvJj9p_mo0IIuEv4rcGMdFpyyIA_k-7SyiSOd2yNqDeKwaTk6jP6FOPxYdAdQ623Tb7-ebr/s1600/P4195124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6orRw-ZKasEsFtPJrilu-eDyAV7RrdMF2ptyxcDl_Cj7ZcQxLykoZl9RJUN66kab5dnwhZvJj9p_mo0IIuEv4rcGMdFpyyIA_k-7SyiSOd2yNqDeKwaTk6jP6FOPxYdAdQ623Tb7-ebr/s320/P4195124.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How dusty was the trip? This is what my bag, which was clean, looked like at the end of it. </td></tr>
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I highly recommend this excursion for the more adventurous travelers staying at Gran Bahia Principe in the Riviera Maya. The price is extremely reasonable for a half day trip. They pack in a lot of activity for this particular activity. And, what I didn't mention, is they also provided bottled water. The guides were personable and knowledgeable. We will definitely do this again the next time we visit the Riviera Maya. </div>
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Caveats: I do not recommend this trip for anyone who, for any reason, cannot tolerate being on an extremely bumpy ride. This is not a trip for people who get headaches easily, who have health problems, who have any sort of neck or back problems, or who need to be near restrooms at all times. It's extremely dusty, even with dust masks and safety glasses.<br />
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EDIT (06/09/2015): I found out what Nicte Ha (the name of the last cenote) means and it's a lovely story. Here it is copied and pasted with the English translation from <a href="http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nict%C3%A9-Ha_%28leyenda%29">Wikipedia</a>. Enjoy!<br />
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Nicte Ha (Legend)<br />
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The legend of Nicté-Ha is a narrative that explains the mythical origin of an aquatic plant floating leaves and beautiful white flowers of delicate perfume, called Nicté-Ha , flower water (Maya nikte ' , one flower, and has', water), known in Spanish as "water sun" or nymph ( Nimphaea ampla-Salisbury ); and justifies why the birds cardinals sing every morning at the foot of lakes and cenotes where these flowers grow.<br />
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The Legend<br />
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Formerly he lived in Nan Chan Kaan, today Palenque , a prince named ChakTzitzib (Maya chak ts'its'ib , one bird cardinal). His father had decided to marry him to a princess from afar, but he was in love with the beautiful Nicté-Ha, the daughter of the keeper of the Sacred Cenote. Nobody knew that the young people loved and gathered each night in the cenote. Nicté-Ha wore his white blouse; and ChakTzitzib, his red robe. And he sang songs to his beloved.<br />
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One day the High Priest discovered them, and not wanting to be queen Nicté-Ha Nan Chan Kaan, he planned to eliminate. Prince Lullaby sensed the evil intentions of the minister and warned his master. So ChakTzitzib sent to fetch her nanny Nicte-Ha and marry in secret. But the wily priest followed the nana and murdered.<br />
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The prince, seeing that her nanny did not return, went in search of his beloved, who was waiting by the cenote. Seeing her, ChakTzitzib her into his arms. However, the evil priest lurked hidden in the darkness with his bow and shot an arrow poison to the heart of the girl, knocking her to the cenote. The body of Nicté-Ha sank quickly. The prince, unable to contain her grief, cried bitterly and begged the gods to take him with her.<br />
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Seeing her sorrow, Lord of Waters transformed Nicté-Ha on a lily pad beautiful; and the Lord of the Birds ChakTzitzib turned in a dashing red bird. Since then, at sunrise, Cardinal descends to the ponds to sing to his beloved Nicté-Ha. </div>
Cibatarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085975700051398946noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043128114074992961.post-58987906776349632442015-06-01T07:00:00.000-07:002015-06-01T14:00:17.094-07:00A Quick Trip to Playa Del CarmenThis was my third trip to Mexico and the Riviera Maya, and yet I had never actually visited Playa del Carmen. For whatever reason I had this image of Playa being a place for the rich and famous, but had never actually checked it out for myself. So on this trip, The Lovely Spouse and I took the Colectivo from Gran Bahia Principe and spent an afternoon wandering around. The fare was around 35 pesos a person. Quinta Avenida, or Fifth Avenue, is the shopping and tourist district, and just a short walk from the Colectivo stop.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuhEiXqGlEkyGCI__uhhmu7LQXMHFFzHkLmCu5nizdNB_U9pszTgRGfSg01eV646JUphjk-WH0ZyxByIW914d7RqbR3mR82Gt6xc8jNvHvEUZ7dl6dc6HUmOktmeZ_k6VvsYJnhrtI0AvV/s1600/P4154484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuhEiXqGlEkyGCI__uhhmu7LQXMHFFzHkLmCu5nizdNB_U9pszTgRGfSg01eV646JUphjk-WH0ZyxByIW914d7RqbR3mR82Gt6xc8jNvHvEUZ7dl6dc6HUmOktmeZ_k6VvsYJnhrtI0AvV/s320/P4154484.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Porta Maya sculpture.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv0fuJstqvBdxsx4DUFrjTVGMqunBOs7Qe76Q1IOog7PDOoE8Vegx1gqgI2y5wdZCeWLDxXhEcRKd174a9npM-B-GMQhqhg3VRwHbHHpDivG1pp4ii_B__ErGqNm2S3TwSDqYqsw3Ng49X/s1600/P4154478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv0fuJstqvBdxsx4DUFrjTVGMqunBOs7Qe76Q1IOog7PDOoE8Vegx1gqgI2y5wdZCeWLDxXhEcRKd174a9npM-B-GMQhqhg3VRwHbHHpDivG1pp4ii_B__ErGqNm2S3TwSDqYqsw3Ng49X/s320/P4154478.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A 24 hour McD's. Just in case you get the hankering for a Big Mac in the middle of the night.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3sGL81TcRpF7VsDhF_l3CarYiPwMBlQZFQ585WI3559kYWAnfvoq5WL5_rTJzuD1-Oo9suaEkkMOG2Yhzqr5csPMxZjnFoUJtXvzN5SMEfmiHqxheA1_8gp5CUzwDvbvS-kRegv9fcKR4/s1600/P4154487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3sGL81TcRpF7VsDhF_l3CarYiPwMBlQZFQ585WI3559kYWAnfvoq5WL5_rTJzuD1-Oo9suaEkkMOG2Yhzqr5csPMxZjnFoUJtXvzN5SMEfmiHqxheA1_8gp5CUzwDvbvS-kRegv9fcKR4/s320/P4154487.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ferry to Cozumel.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2pxb6jeZVa4OkkWDrcG-uT2q8ofh1c-8QBENbRdZqhw0v82vvr0Rkaz_PD6fzAq83sq7f6mFzc2Vj5LI-cV9F0pvFdYmwnUuynNghnliWfrIUVEy1b1ob0DxwZ8bIGc9aQWuZ4_ahy3Ox/s1600/P4154497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2pxb6jeZVa4OkkWDrcG-uT2q8ofh1c-8QBENbRdZqhw0v82vvr0Rkaz_PD6fzAq83sq7f6mFzc2Vj5LI-cV9F0pvFdYmwnUuynNghnliWfrIUVEy1b1ob0DxwZ8bIGc9aQWuZ4_ahy3Ox/s320/P4154497.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Off in the distance, you can just see Cozumel.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBmj3t5zbMeEV2MGQDWjsNot9TTkEEDn-sbv8BXva0o4VxYoUAYdHhsAk0AKfaqq4-WQ83CE1LEk6XH5IAPFoQfhG5Es1DW244h1uxmt97RpovqRIteCUuaVI-MqBiAIjmm5jhEnWo2QFh/s1600/P4154501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBmj3t5zbMeEV2MGQDWjsNot9TTkEEDn-sbv8BXva0o4VxYoUAYdHhsAk0AKfaqq4-WQ83CE1LEk6XH5IAPFoQfhG5Es1DW244h1uxmt97RpovqRIteCUuaVI-MqBiAIjmm5jhEnWo2QFh/s320/P4154501.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danza_de_los_Voladores">Mayan Pole Flyers</a> perform in the plaza. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj29gF5YRGv88SfTcLaRPolZJFlxMxVtrgIofSB9p6PyWOIFEpuASyg80pkNswA7ikXd72TIkIQUPcf3kcsQIlI1vG963600evy4H7PcNDKjpRVBVgo0tG1-3hLTTkdNvIr2oVI2y2OUk2W/s1600/P4154535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj29gF5YRGv88SfTcLaRPolZJFlxMxVtrgIofSB9p6PyWOIFEpuASyg80pkNswA7ikXd72TIkIQUPcf3kcsQIlI1vG963600evy4H7PcNDKjpRVBVgo0tG1-3hLTTkdNvIr2oVI2y2OUk2W/s320/P4154535.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't get the Senior Frogs hype, but the original one is located here.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starbucks really are everywhere.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful bottles of tequila...outside of our price range.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous Mexican saddles. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's a lovely little Catholic church on the plaza.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A quiet place for contemplation or prayer.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back at the Colectivo stop to head home. </td></tr>
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Playa del Carmen was a nice way to spend an afternoon. I'm told that it gets very busy on rainy days when the options of entertainment are limited. There are, of course, many other things to do in Playa that I never addressed, including a resident Cirque du Soleil show, <a href="https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/joya/default.aspx">Joya</a>, and the mega-nightclub <a href="http://www.cocobongo.com.mx/en">Coco Bongo</a><span id="goog_1575590383"></span><span id="goog_1575590384"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a>.<br />
<br />Cibatarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085975700051398946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043128114074992961.post-84937330461898931742015-05-31T08:26:00.002-07:002015-05-31T08:26:46.380-07:00Gran Bahia Principe: La Gran Tortuga and Ristorante TequilaIn my previous posts regarding our stay at Gran Bahia Principe in the Riviera Maya I covered the <a href="http://cibatarian.blogspot.com/2015/04/grand-bahia-principe-sian-kaan.html">Sian Ka'an section of the resort</a> and the <a href="http://cibatarian.blogspot.com/2015/05/gran-bahia-principe-alux-and-maiko.html">Alux and Maiko restaurants</a>. I have also previously covered our stay at the Coba section of the resort in 2012, including <a href="http://cibatarian.blogspot.com/2012/04/gran-bahia-principe-buffets-and-bars.html">dining at the buffets and drinking at the bars</a>, <a href="http://cibatarian.blogspot.com/2012/04/gran-bahia-principe-le-gourmet.html">dining at Le Gourmet</a>, and <a href="http://cibatarian.blogspot.com/2012/05/gran-bahia-principe-mikado-and-don.html">dining at Don Pablo and Mikado</a>. On this most recent trip we spent a fair amount of our dining time at the buffets, because the food at them is actually quite good and we get a good variety for two people who have very different tastes in food.<br />
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<b>La Gran Tortuga</b></h4>
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La Gran Tortuga is a one of the ala carte restaurants in the Tulum section of the resort and is therefore available to guests staying anywhere in the Gran Bahia Principe resort. Make reservations either at the customer service desk or via the Bahia app upon arrival at the resort.<br />
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The style is Brazilian BBQ and in a style similar to Fogo de Chao they will bring skewers of meat to the table for service. In order to tell the service staff whether or not you wish to have more brought to the table they have cards with green on one side and red on the other. Green means "bring me more" and red means "no more at this time". You can always flip the cards over one way or the other during the course of your meal.<br />
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Just like Fogo de Chao there is also a lovely buffet of appetizers and sides. I'm rather partial to the fried plantains and yucca. If you imbibe they will also bring you a delicious and refreshing <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caipirinha">caipirinha</a> as a welcome drink. You may order more if you like.<br />
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So how was the food? Fantastic. The skewers of meat had some sides that were well done and others that were more medium or more rare. Specify what you want when they come the table. The chicken, beef, and pork were all delicious.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green means "more please", red means "none for now".</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5bJdccbd-LQeHdYHtE_pw-bF-EMni72JYF3moDJvc0G__AUp7KKLDxUCd7YlJ08f2AJnqMUnn9chNdP3IH1Alm1OFnUXDUW3cOllPlBxJbmezL4GGl5D-o5ECqb410azWkROQgcWe9bg/s1600/P4225476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5bJdccbd-LQeHdYHtE_pw-bF-EMni72JYF3moDJvc0G__AUp7KKLDxUCd7YlJ08f2AJnqMUnn9chNdP3IH1Alm1OFnUXDUW3cOllPlBxJbmezL4GGl5D-o5ECqb410azWkROQgcWe9bg/s320/P4225476.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The restaurant is open air, however there was talk about adding air conditioning. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grilled veggies and a variety of sauces, including chimichuri, brought to the table.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6y1iltUdSkTiSXrCBJiHBeudox2p3nRnUgarUKpcGYGaQlupQDs6DcKeiF02-LI8Quf0NeHn0cs41cRccnXGfx6WoDL-sOWSUrr1mLYx3YlkfleicAemKO1vTsLEoSYS-gLz8ZEaeWO3Y/s1600/P4225480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6y1iltUdSkTiSXrCBJiHBeudox2p3nRnUgarUKpcGYGaQlupQDs6DcKeiF02-LI8Quf0NeHn0cs41cRccnXGfx6WoDL-sOWSUrr1mLYx3YlkfleicAemKO1vTsLEoSYS-gLz8ZEaeWO3Y/s320/P4225480.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fantastic table service. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-TatrW64Oiac-rwdHsKKYvSiywdqg_W8VyQMWRkPLIF-2ljOsakNvtA3jqfayH6MPKSNL5BE2RtvjsWNOB1bJXRSoVAQTHM2dHa-WZqk_T0IoSW1PzTVT8RfySgBFIrrxKjysQI7Xan3M/s1600/P4225483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-TatrW64Oiac-rwdHsKKYvSiywdqg_W8VyQMWRkPLIF-2ljOsakNvtA3jqfayH6MPKSNL5BE2RtvjsWNOB1bJXRSoVAQTHM2dHa-WZqk_T0IoSW1PzTVT8RfySgBFIrrxKjysQI7Xan3M/s320/P4225483.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where the magic happens. </td></tr>
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I didn't cover the desserts because we really didn't have room for them. There are desserts, including chocolate truffles, on the buffet. We have always had a lovely experience at La Gran Tortuga and return there every time we visit Gran Bahia Principe.</div>
<h4 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ristorante Tequila</h4>
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I feel like I have to specify Tequila the ala carte restaurant versus tequila the drink. For the purposes of this post I will be talking about the restaurant at the Gran Bahia Principe resort. This one is also located in the Tulum section of the resort and any of the resort guests may dine here. It's one that most travel agents specify as child friendly. I believe this is because of the relaxed atmosphere and buffet featuring a wide variety of dishes that are approachable to a wide variety of palates. Kids are sometimes difficult to please, so variety is a good thing. </div>
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This restaurant is a hybrid sit-down restaurant and buffet. Order your entree and soup from the menu and then go to the buffet for everything else.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi75D5k5SD84NSodhXUxTqDhfoPlHoT3yesQEmUSsOxwdvtF3NoCMiH5JB-25lTWE72Fb5cYXrHXVLzbtD3D8Py-h2HEf8KYwqazvzUvV1xuDJnl9p7nB6LoC0CFlGywD_HlHaNG9vI7biS/s1600/P4164873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi75D5k5SD84NSodhXUxTqDhfoPlHoT3yesQEmUSsOxwdvtF3NoCMiH5JB-25lTWE72Fb5cYXrHXVLzbtD3D8Py-h2HEf8KYwqazvzUvV1xuDJnl9p7nB6LoC0CFlGywD_HlHaNG9vI7biS/s320/P4164873.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This restaurant was open air. There was a wedding reception in there at the time we visited. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpajO39qYqI2WUMM-49N0h4F3xO26zArrGzCOpMuQ-YFH5jiFQ4R9idYaTM7yPD28Zvap87rpqFEGz6S9rJ-U_Q58-F1RdyY2PL-fsMDMXSQcb4kzCR1H9qOZ1MMBrs0K_YWehA89MbOGn/s1600/P4164874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpajO39qYqI2WUMM-49N0h4F3xO26zArrGzCOpMuQ-YFH5jiFQ4R9idYaTM7yPD28Zvap87rpqFEGz6S9rJ-U_Q58-F1RdyY2PL-fsMDMXSQcb4kzCR1H9qOZ1MMBrs0K_YWehA89MbOGn/s320/P4164874.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgz9JjPvoWsS9xXu5SaR7OfPMRk3ixYK6D_PQL-OhtBuinoYwT7D5bCvZ-jjADo4Dl-4_yDpaS8v_z4bPHh7d_8EAtxj5O0lJFoSYPwZWC3kLcbnLY9k29Jukr7rorDSmtU6APRqLX5axA/s1600/P4164883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgz9JjPvoWsS9xXu5SaR7OfPMRk3ixYK6D_PQL-OhtBuinoYwT7D5bCvZ-jjADo4Dl-4_yDpaS8v_z4bPHh7d_8EAtxj5O0lJFoSYPwZWC3kLcbnLY9k29Jukr7rorDSmtU6APRqLX5axA/s320/P4164883.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The buffet included a large variety of Mexican foods, including desserts. Dolce de leche empanadas, anyone?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJX3o1m4od0GY7RWfNpfbymD5GBdhoknhG7QgVxiquMs7mxPc8-1rEje20j6jqZuctQNILcxfEmKb_GUmtJyQSEvC5k9qmKl4LiGCqlra8rJkqxwAKsbno7byLoyBXaIrFVz91r7dcKHn1/s1600/P4164881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJX3o1m4od0GY7RWfNpfbymD5GBdhoknhG7QgVxiquMs7mxPc8-1rEje20j6jqZuctQNILcxfEmKb_GUmtJyQSEvC5k9qmKl4LiGCqlra8rJkqxwAKsbno7byLoyBXaIrFVz91r7dcKHn1/s320/P4164881.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A selection of different ceviches. Ceviche is the local dish in the Riviera Maya. I highly recommend it, especially if you enjoy fish. It's light and refreshing.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjVBNh_ex7yyP52X-bsD0zKE3mtmepHGJwY6WWcOhvjl30YV26QmFnb5U2HhgNBHypeIP0d_eOIN-X1ENEEtKUrrLsMlSCovb-9SHVEEQw_cu5iVBuEonpyLFXVE9mqmez2lN_HgB9b7AW/s1600/P4164877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjVBNh_ex7yyP52X-bsD0zKE3mtmepHGJwY6WWcOhvjl30YV26QmFnb5U2HhgNBHypeIP0d_eOIN-X1ENEEtKUrrLsMlSCovb-9SHVEEQw_cu5iVBuEonpyLFXVE9mqmez2lN_HgB9b7AW/s320/P4164877.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tortilla soup doesn't really photograph well. The lime soup looked the same so I didn't include the photo. Both were quite delicious and a nice start to the meal.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicken Yucatan was a chicken breast stuffed with veggies. I would have preferred more spice in the sauce, but this may be how this particular dish is supposed to taste. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mole (pronounced mole-ay) is the Lovely Spouse's favorite food and the mole at Tequila did not disappoint. It's a rich, savory sauce that, when properly made, takes several days to simmer and prepare. The sauce is made with chocolate, chilis, and a wide variety of other spices. Every Mexican chef has their own version.</td></tr>
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The food was very good for Mexican casual fare. I would definitely go back because it's nice to have Mexican food while in Mexico. However I still wish there was Mexican fine dining at the resort. We get Mexican fine dining in both San Antonio and in Austin and while it's not what people think of when they think of Mexican food, I believe most world travelers would enjoy the experience.<br />
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In case you were wondering, yes, you can get tequila at Tequila. They have a selection available. I personally prefer the sipping tequilas so I usually go for an anejo or extra anejo (those are tequilas that have been aged in wooden barrels). They also had margaritas and other tequila-based drinks.Cibatarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085975700051398946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043128114074992961.post-49681907103093718662015-05-27T10:17:00.000-07:002015-05-29T14:36:51.553-07:00Nutella Stuffed PancakesNormally Buzzfeed videos are entertaining but don't make me drool. Today they posted a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mRajZQdZFo">video </a>showing how to make Nutella stuffed pancakes. Oh Em Gee, this looks delicious.<br />
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<br />Cibatarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085975700051398946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043128114074992961.post-88840766770388329942015-05-23T18:12:00.003-07:002015-08-04T07:00:24.539-07:00Ball Courts, Vultures, and Pyramid Climbing at the Coba Ruins in Mexico<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The <a href="http://cibatarian.blogspot.com/2015/04/grand-bahia-principe-sian-kaan.html">resort</a> where we stay in Mexico is lovely, but it's also great to get out and see the other wonderful sites that Mexico has to offer. The hotel and various travel agents have all kinds of tours and trips available, but this time we thought we'd challenge our comfort zone just a wee tiny bit so we ventured to the ruins of Coba on our own.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where the Colectivo drops you off in downtown Tulum. There's a taxi stand on the right and the ADO bus station on the left.</td></tr>
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We did a bit of research before venturing out and decided to take the Colectivo from the hotel to Tulum and the ADO from Tulum to Coba. First we took the hotel trolley to the Hacienda. We then walked towards the highway to catch the Colectivo we were stopped by a taxi driver offering to take us to Coba himself for around 1400 pesos. That's about $93 with the current peso to dollar exchange rate. We declined then crossed the street to catch the Colectivo in front of the Gran Bahia Principe Sian Ka'an arch.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colectivo (in the shop) and taxis in Tulum.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://everythingplayadelcarmen.com/how-to-take-the-colectivos-to-tulum-or-cancun/">Colectivos</a> are white and red vans that run a route along the main highway between Tulum and Cancun. They only accept pesos and are the cheapest, most consistent form of transportation in the region. The locals use them heavily. To catch a Colectivo, stand or sit at one of the stops (most have small overhangs, like rural bus stops) on the side of the highway going the direction you want to go. The driver will ask where you're going. Sit down and enjoy the ride. Pay the fare when you arrive at your stop and thank the driver for the ride. If you go South from Gran Bahia Principe, be aware the bus goes through Chemuyil, so it will make a slight course off the highway. No worries, because it will resume the course south. <b>Be aware that Colectivo drivers will not accept any currency other than Mexican pesos. </b>[It has been pointed out to me that some Colectivo drivers accept US dollars at a conversion rate of 1 to 10. Right now you'll do far better paying with pesos.]<br />
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For 35 pesos, or about $2.33 US, we traveled to Tulum Puebla. Make sure to get off at the second Tulum Puebla stop. The first stop is on on the outskirts of town. The correct stop will be near the ADO bus station. Unfortunately, when we arrived, we discovered that we missed the ADO bus by about 30 minutes. Had we been able to catch the bus it would have been 66 pesos, or about $4.40 US) to go to Coba. So we got some cash from the ATM at the bus station (best rates we saw in the region) and approached the taxi stand. The rates are posted at the taxi stand, however we negotiated with our driver for a round trip. For the round trip, with him waiting 2 hours for us at the ruins, we paid around 800 peso, or about $53 US. <b>Insider tip:</b> you get better rates with taxis if you pay in pesos versus dollars. They do a 1 to 10 conversion for dollars and right now the exchange rate is about 15 to 1. Pay with pesos.<br />
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It takes about 45 minutes to get to Coba from Tulum. Along the way you get to see much of the every day life of the locals.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance and where the restrooms are located.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coba is a sizeable park. We ended up only see a small portion of it.</td></tr>
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Once we arrived at Coba, admission to the archaeological park was $8 for non-Mexicans. As soon as you enter, you're approached by tour guides offering their services, as well as services for bikes and trolleys to the sites. We had limited time and didn't feel it was enough for a tour guide and wanted to walk. So we did. The walk and sites were lovely.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unlike other archaeological sites in Mexico, Coba has trees and shade.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We found some turkey vultures sunning themselves on one of the small pyramids. This one is the closest to the entrance.</td></tr>
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There are two <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesoamerican_ballgame">Mesoamerican ballcourts</a> at Coba. The first is next to the pyramid shown above, near the entrance. The other is on the way to the large pyramid.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMmRgqTgMeLHBKkb_WB67FJK2GnXPESSW6fMcpbHxKZepJ3SkSThJrfFOwwY8XOcC3ruyScGeS9YyVkYTJuI9b769TiDKTnq4mDPT1Vv73WU2ZNFNcd0wBlFIeLMPcYRc6WiXr_0Aiysci/s1600/P4164773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMmRgqTgMeLHBKkb_WB67FJK2GnXPESSW6fMcpbHxKZepJ3SkSThJrfFOwwY8XOcC3ruyScGeS9YyVkYTJuI9b769TiDKTnq4mDPT1Vv73WU2ZNFNcd0wBlFIeLMPcYRc6WiXr_0Aiysci/s320/P4164773.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Only a small fraction of the site has been excavated. Much of the other ruins look like this.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOxHigauMmSF3bNv3ah-VKkWN9KdJp4FT92xNfeEcM-h-QWSagdTGVjBfwgrAiLJReGtXVMGshG47H-yiUk82biHuTHvK-zKj4Q5TraHjzz5trw38OUv4bRglP_KTzOdyu-Dd7Ti3larV/s1600/P4164776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOxHigauMmSF3bNv3ah-VKkWN9KdJp4FT92xNfeEcM-h-QWSagdTGVjBfwgrAiLJReGtXVMGshG47H-yiUk82biHuTHvK-zKj4Q5TraHjzz5trw38OUv4bRglP_KTzOdyu-Dd7Ti3larV/s320/P4164776.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi95x0HwCgOWpmwbmfnuWoElhCWDA0Sdsk2AwK8Ndl8qII5GsWZTimfltOols74TwFgThYYe0lHmTQqu8Pl2hPvC-RHjZwGfex508vDU4_gbkkB1BSXKryMz4PI2Z4Ta34kqMrnrUZlbfPS/s1600/P4164783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi95x0HwCgOWpmwbmfnuWoElhCWDA0Sdsk2AwK8Ndl8qII5GsWZTimfltOols74TwFgThYYe0lHmTQqu8Pl2hPvC-RHjZwGfex508vDU4_gbkkB1BSXKryMz4PI2Z4Ta34kqMrnrUZlbfPS/s320/P4164783.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5cXQaS2pILEQfScLXH0Qtqn0jgnyoddpTP2gJCB_Jc5LiD5dfMd68fVLzQ7gTb6uRE38wq3oTOXUSB7WAu4cgMaTP7ClTwdzeT2BigOxs1YBtbcHNbaAekBXVvAw5gdSxHx1Prha8oMX3/s1600/P4164785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5cXQaS2pILEQfScLXH0Qtqn0jgnyoddpTP2gJCB_Jc5LiD5dfMd68fVLzQ7gTb6uRE38wq3oTOXUSB7WAu4cgMaTP7ClTwdzeT2BigOxs1YBtbcHNbaAekBXVvAw5gdSxHx1Prha8oMX3/s320/P4164785.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I call this picture "Leg Day". Climbing the pyramid is a serious leg workout.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXru4fu-vqMxKvl7sGvKhA22D-k_H55HfWGTaiA5ej87xoGPxFzSzmiANm3kM3pQfFBXQ7eS5krFba_OhFg3ZQH6rQEfdvugzf406YcstN5CbevM71hR5-5ybCCi9C0C-3UBwVBBgeyIHK/s1600/P4164786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXru4fu-vqMxKvl7sGvKhA22D-k_H55HfWGTaiA5ej87xoGPxFzSzmiANm3kM3pQfFBXQ7eS5krFba_OhFg3ZQH6rQEfdvugzf406YcstN5CbevM71hR5-5ybCCi9C0C-3UBwVBBgeyIHK/s320/P4164786.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMyu1c4ZPNVZFgQUv36thz72TByz_xofhIfbbDem6Dsh1ZdeNG0erbJx-1qlfcpGA94X0dRKodBi5XQtLfCEoAO3iZ5p-TlRoIM9euFTSsU32X4YOv_as9M_md8dXdkzKRgd8Vp0FvgniF/s1600/P4164788+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMyu1c4ZPNVZFgQUv36thz72TByz_xofhIfbbDem6Dsh1ZdeNG0erbJx-1qlfcpGA94X0dRKodBi5XQtLfCEoAO3iZ5p-TlRoIM9euFTSsU32X4YOv_as9M_md8dXdkzKRgd8Vp0FvgniF/s320/P4164788+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing up. The Lovely Spouse counted 120 steps, ranging in height from 8 to 100 inches. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPw5LAyeTUhbt5WpAzvd9UV9me9nFWMlaergIme-fucUAWMt47kclHgW9LDY0U0KbGegu_2HPlJgnMugS8mCIYw7oHbsWe9S63ssGBwLnMZ4On8dbeJc973HJd-Tj4G4x0tNIEfn-8PfAa/s1600/P4164790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPw5LAyeTUhbt5WpAzvd9UV9me9nFWMlaergIme-fucUAWMt47kclHgW9LDY0U0KbGegu_2HPlJgnMugS8mCIYw7oHbsWe9S63ssGBwLnMZ4On8dbeJc973HJd-Tj4G4x0tNIEfn-8PfAa/s320/P4164790.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is called the "Diving God".</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTsyaD_iSfebK1uwimUtZmQAoGK_zSE0gW-nKU69jX4R3edeuuaDh2LrpIctwQeSy-qiBl_C7cHYV6iwaGxNnzuM90XknBru1oBGPMTKNhdcnx8TgHU3OMyNB5ve5XU5NwD3dWfntBLBM3/s1600/P4164796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTsyaD_iSfebK1uwimUtZmQAoGK_zSE0gW-nKU69jX4R3edeuuaDh2LrpIctwQeSy-qiBl_C7cHYV6iwaGxNnzuM90XknBru1oBGPMTKNhdcnx8TgHU3OMyNB5ve5XU5NwD3dWfntBLBM3/s320/P4164796.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCJ8Fv0m80ljWKoxJS1zFu7mAmaROWRHxqbzy2LXjg2WuA1BnB7pK0WJ2XPBJ64yrTTXnRYzzGeWUsgDHRYlrsqL24okB37hv5CJw1ue41YQaRhU3_eGU4OKuiw6Zw42pVmDMR0Dtk-X6/s1600/P4164800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCJ8Fv0m80ljWKoxJS1zFu7mAmaROWRHxqbzy2LXjg2WuA1BnB7pK0WJ2XPBJ64yrTTXnRYzzGeWUsgDHRYlrsqL24okB37hv5CJw1ue41YQaRhU3_eGU4OKuiw6Zw42pVmDMR0Dtk-X6/s320/P4164800.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the top. It appears the the Yucatan is enduring a drought. The jungle doesn't look nearly as green and lush as it should. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwdGDo-gExQkPrAFj1VIhYIjSgNT6V7YajFz61aaFC8oYHJSazhxem4ISj9xob7ROTkQk5EGSbUoYXpxOCTAClEmsDP4GFPbETKOVdS9UWv61PD2FvPl5kBgz_pOdu9OHPobtcy33mkE3g/s1600/P4164803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwdGDo-gExQkPrAFj1VIhYIjSgNT6V7YajFz61aaFC8oYHJSazhxem4ISj9xob7ROTkQk5EGSbUoYXpxOCTAClEmsDP4GFPbETKOVdS9UWv61PD2FvPl5kBgz_pOdu9OHPobtcy33mkE3g/s320/P4164803.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me at the top. I'm very sensitive to sun and thus cover up.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0oiatyIWX6GKARuUsoYi4yY6FkNgKeSKW6f1LkO9d1GcJISEXYsof736QCgHdRWJka6-lAvq9WvE7AbNhjFSQdoGCTId8ql8skp_IziAaZ1e8i_k00AuhsXqzrlJGgy60eN9VTFXIF_oe/s1600/P4164805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0oiatyIWX6GKARuUsoYi4yY6FkNgKeSKW6f1LkO9d1GcJISEXYsof736QCgHdRWJka6-lAvq9WvE7AbNhjFSQdoGCTId8ql8skp_IziAaZ1e8i_k00AuhsXqzrlJGgy60eN9VTFXIF_oe/s320/P4164805.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the center of the photo is the first pyramid, that had the vultures on it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9A-LYLuooDkFtLf27Gbh4hyphenhyphenlfEPOJZzs8Tr6bfEF_yZJg-7HgkBa06C-9q8uRg0YnPOfDfbcr2L0hOBdjfRI4t29w-2xi0n42wWLBXO6JBOeDVku97vLYnk-PFhJ1xOAvsgUG6OUyEjNK/s1600/P4164808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9A-LYLuooDkFtLf27Gbh4hyphenhyphenlfEPOJZzs8Tr6bfEF_yZJg-7HgkBa06C-9q8uRg0YnPOfDfbcr2L0hOBdjfRI4t29w-2xi0n42wWLBXO6JBOeDVku97vLYnk-PFhJ1xOAvsgUG6OUyEjNK/s320/P4164808.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The way down is somewhat scary. The rocks are slick from lots of feet traversing them over the years. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice cold drinks at the base of the pyramid.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mayan limos along the path to the pyramid.</td></tr>
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After climbing the pyramid, we conceded that it was hot and time was limited so we hired "Mayan limo" as the cyclist called it and returned to the park's entrance.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhegEp68znInVw4fFi5_W8OnPlzezLL3x9bAXMyPhdkJ2N9YUEl2bcfKdZYwpTN_GZmGfKuTdUEO6je-C9IzD2bQzUWGOR3ZTKX3O95kFvbMt03o0HEtCksNxUfVjU8DHeyluRVjcA8HsnJ/s1600/P4164819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhegEp68znInVw4fFi5_W8OnPlzezLL3x9bAXMyPhdkJ2N9YUEl2bcfKdZYwpTN_GZmGfKuTdUEO6je-C9IzD2bQzUWGOR3ZTKX3O95kFvbMt03o0HEtCksNxUfVjU8DHeyluRVjcA8HsnJ/s320/P4164819.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lake outside of the archaeological park. </td></tr>
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Then it was time to return to our taxi for the ride back to Tulum, and then the Colectivo back to the resort. In all our excursion took about half a day and was a lot of fun. If you go, look up the ADO times before leaving.Cibatarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085975700051398946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043128114074992961.post-59345972299133312682015-05-16T15:12:00.001-07:002015-05-18T10:37:08.378-07:00Gran Bahia Principe: Alux and Maiko<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alux is located in the middle of the resort and stars in the pictures used for marketing. </td></tr>
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There are a number of benefits to staying at the <a href="http://cibatarian.blogspot.com/2015/04/grand-bahia-principe-sian-kaan.html">Sian Ka'an section of Gran Bahia Principe</a>. Among them are unlimited ala carte dinners (eating at the resort restaurants as opposed to the buffets) and access to two of the nicest restaurants at the resort: Alux and Maiko.<br />
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The first of these two restaurants we tried was Alux, pronounced Al-loosh. The cuisine is fine dining of the type that is commonly found in the US and Europe. We selected an appetizer, soup, and entree. However if you have a larger appetite you may chooser more. Or you may choose to skip a course. It's all good. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An amuse bouche of salmon and goat cheese.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An appetizers salad of tuna tartare with avocado salad.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seared foie gras with a small salad</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A savory mushroom soup.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfectly cooked tuna over peas and carrots. Absolutely divine.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0VbYims59X3NRwyoTGcMdBd5Kq9tgW3nx1uAo7dacc5rXpsod_Ua3IZnW6KOQjPb0QdRFsGeNwLcSLzA52b4Cc-4KXh7MB9p-7v9OMoVd5PdZdI6zAo7-eZqtDlsC-tyhSN4rIzDBYLDr/s1600/P4154635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0VbYims59X3NRwyoTGcMdBd5Kq9tgW3nx1uAo7dacc5rXpsod_Ua3IZnW6KOQjPb0QdRFsGeNwLcSLzA52b4Cc-4KXh7MB9p-7v9OMoVd5PdZdI6zAo7-eZqtDlsC-tyhSN4rIzDBYLDr/s320/P4154635.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hard to tell from the picture but this is a perfectly cooked steak.The Lovely Spouse said it was among the best he's ever had.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A white chocolate cake. It was alright. If you come here for dessert, purchase a bottle of wine to get the special one.</td></tr>
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Everything was absolutely divine. And we found out there's a bit of a secret menu. If you purchase a bottle of wine (costs vary and are extra beyond the cost of your stay - billed to your room and payable at check out) you will be offered a cheese cart for a cheese course and a special dessert that's not on the menu: strawberries en flambe served over ice cream. The special dessert is absolutely delicious and I recommend it if a bottle of wine sounds appetizing to you. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely ambiance located just off from the lobby at Sian Ka'an.</td></tr>
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The other fine dining restaurant at Sian Ka'an is called Maiko. This one serves mixed Asian fusion with fine dining preparation and service. I took my camera with us on 2 separate occasions.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzcFWfLpD_jg-rABmZHX4HWSDA4JlFD4XAX_V9pfdAGxDWJEYO1VnSJE5FyR89Pzb0Tx6S6hq3SNjNQ0P1e81qVdlV_AN4TnDlK9yzf_XZBDlV53YN-Ztmg-V27khEYJN9j7X5ylcwF_r/s1600/P4174887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzcFWfLpD_jg-rABmZHX4HWSDA4JlFD4XAX_V9pfdAGxDWJEYO1VnSJE5FyR89Pzb0Tx6S6hq3SNjNQ0P1e81qVdlV_AN4TnDlK9yzf_XZBDlV53YN-Ztmg-V27khEYJN9j7X5ylcwF_r/s320/P4174887.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDK0ELXExrTjP2_qFq-Hln6kgPgRZszhu5RU-_WVN-fXh5p_iu38uWnquw52MtaOTt7wx3btDfzqiYDUmGoYSXaORJM9jtAYGIVnTIc1SI6zgeev01-ufTBpAjuBrjgPM_9JS1F1rNor7X/s1600/P4174890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDK0ELXExrTjP2_qFq-Hln6kgPgRZszhu5RU-_WVN-fXh5p_iu38uWnquw52MtaOTt7wx3btDfzqiYDUmGoYSXaORJM9jtAYGIVnTIc1SI6zgeev01-ufTBpAjuBrjgPM_9JS1F1rNor7X/s320/P4174890.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amuse bouche #1. A lovely bite of a tempora roll.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibrvJ2TKnxG2lqaXzU1csCQrXbiKdf2eaWBPY8AxVLAwZHULWn0gPx8UsotMC047xCUDkdJnLLdivDrALimv3ryEguwN7DVBPZtU1jQ_6LcYJjJ02H_peXG5kpyozdEGilbeiSIh72IlnD/s1600/P4235626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibrvJ2TKnxG2lqaXzU1csCQrXbiKdf2eaWBPY8AxVLAwZHULWn0gPx8UsotMC047xCUDkdJnLLdivDrALimv3ryEguwN7DVBPZtU1jQ_6LcYJjJ02H_peXG5kpyozdEGilbeiSIh72IlnD/s320/P4235626.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amuse bouche #2. A small bite of tuna sashimi. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXXqlGfKtJLVBv9NWuH2RbeShARWS48pjHrcGPIOpo-hivntNFPmawzX34ypXWQKmJPnYc56_kf6QkiQud3jzrc7avxF_REodMnpAmVl4EE1GcPP25gLoCz0Aa1wXPYVtk_T6OqOhD9kgy/s1600/P4174891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXXqlGfKtJLVBv9NWuH2RbeShARWS48pjHrcGPIOpo-hivntNFPmawzX34ypXWQKmJPnYc56_kf6QkiQud3jzrc7avxF_REodMnpAmVl4EE1GcPP25gLoCz0Aa1wXPYVtk_T6OqOhD9kgy/s320/P4174891.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Appetizer for 2. A nice mix of rolled sushi and tempora.The sauces are a sesame sauce, soy sauce,and a siracha cream sauce. All were delicious. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYHUAkXeiiEo3UQYeFQxYDfOJDBHl-Qrmf-kHmXQ2mpARVtWRiLk_Cj7ch6djm0CEUGAYiI8YK_eRRWPkE-gc5bkB6wXbF8CXcrEqI4_pEl4StcwtaGlsSo04fBZFDSROsdR_Ow5dknCP/s1600/P4235629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYHUAkXeiiEo3UQYeFQxYDfOJDBHl-Qrmf-kHmXQ2mpARVtWRiLk_Cj7ch6djm0CEUGAYiI8YK_eRRWPkE-gc5bkB6wXbF8CXcrEqI4_pEl4StcwtaGlsSo04fBZFDSROsdR_Ow5dknCP/s320/P4235629.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Appetizer of standard nigiri for one. Much better than the sushi I tried at the resort in 2011.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0VLPZfbkdq9BXD1Mh3Xi7lbAhX-XxCvMHqgNkUS1iQdgiTHVi4C4u3LyZeGlyWIXU_q5JBVzZnAewUYnbyvrLBhRblVnueHu7pg7bGougYI1KHLM8-QwZBoQIwOk31te57Fyxe_CwQbX/s1600/P4235633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0VLPZfbkdq9BXD1Mh3Xi7lbAhX-XxCvMHqgNkUS1iQdgiTHVi4C4u3LyZeGlyWIXU_q5JBVzZnAewUYnbyvrLBhRblVnueHu7pg7bGougYI1KHLM8-QwZBoQIwOk31te57Fyxe_CwQbX/s320/P4235633.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fried roll. Good mixture of umami and other flavors.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwWpSZ6kdjl_tcG6d_mhHL6HqOhJNBbswtDel8XyRelD8Gc-JPAwDL23GcyNFPohh_x_b_i7LYp34nXYTSR1fxhbZOJl1HkRbuF-_peNHUp4PDgRLRVSMubIhk3FmlYUQ7CivHMBTwg1B5/s1600/P4235634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwWpSZ6kdjl_tcG6d_mhHL6HqOhJNBbswtDel8XyRelD8Gc-JPAwDL23GcyNFPohh_x_b_i7LYp34nXYTSR1fxhbZOJl1HkRbuF-_peNHUp4PDgRLRVSMubIhk3FmlYUQ7CivHMBTwg1B5/s320/P4235634.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miso soup. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGe3PkpANOxYGt9Y5q5mb901Isv5K9O8qraKlKxcudoXLoLme7EJkL83IReQHpCnmejWpGDbymGFR2C0kvXFBlxPbi_pnmwCbgFoIAAn1uT9WOnC3iDr0FPJIKHyXUuXRWqHEFmX0tS-O4/s1600/P4174896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGe3PkpANOxYGt9Y5q5mb901Isv5K9O8qraKlKxcudoXLoLme7EJkL83IReQHpCnmejWpGDbymGFR2C0kvXFBlxPbi_pnmwCbgFoIAAn1uT9WOnC3iDr0FPJIKHyXUuXRWqHEFmX0tS-O4/s320/P4174896.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The duck served on one night. Fabulous and perfect preparation. The sauce was citrus and rich.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWVlsPHPgn0xD7I3DWoNaUEhTxbaJRuX3e9FGMWw-geB_aCBLJNMK_R1_cp8iQqIaLH3uHWXuraoOv1DJaZ1OYlXJgf7vYrwFGK1usRqB9ZQVtcW0emt6bfimobd4wNMw2Lf92IohU0BK/s1600/P4235639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWVlsPHPgn0xD7I3DWoNaUEhTxbaJRuX3e9FGMWw-geB_aCBLJNMK_R1_cp8iQqIaLH3uHWXuraoOv1DJaZ1OYlXJgf7vYrwFGK1usRqB9ZQVtcW0emt6bfimobd4wNMw2Lf92IohU0BK/s320/P4235639.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The duck on another night. Slightly different presentation. I really like the tempora tree made from noodles.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_NlEjDBL6nmF2E-0APuuIIPztH2rjai5EQgorjfhn_eS3_jMY77Er-pk4ZO_kgQIFw2gXhNOlQBgwg5D9kqkuOphIi1jcvA22AQgAiBaAY9fDqMqlWEllvy0jf-EkIxwqkQCIfBz4C3W6/s1600/P4235636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_NlEjDBL6nmF2E-0APuuIIPztH2rjai5EQgorjfhn_eS3_jMY77Er-pk4ZO_kgQIFw2gXhNOlQBgwg5D9kqkuOphIi1jcvA22AQgAiBaAY9fDqMqlWEllvy0jf-EkIxwqkQCIfBz4C3W6/s320/P4235636.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stuffed chicken only sounds boring. This was had a lovely combination of flavors and veggies.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZFmMijyV3K4RbeRGvC_w8j4lSUxwRZcxLPoombLJFX-obwhibiW5vRcMqnstmxSOz5C4rhckn31uB05tcxxSDeiuImLpxvyiuFdqb6XZvrmTovaeVlNTvuMEIggtnQciQTqM2ab8vOK5/s1600/P4235640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZFmMijyV3K4RbeRGvC_w8j4lSUxwRZcxLPoombLJFX-obwhibiW5vRcMqnstmxSOz5C4rhckn31uB05tcxxSDeiuImLpxvyiuFdqb6XZvrmTovaeVlNTvuMEIggtnQciQTqM2ab8vOK5/s320/P4235640.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fried bananas with coconut ice cream. Delicious on their own, amazing with the chocolate sauce from the other dessert.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdHdBWko4bllMZE91CWc_AprynhtCzt9vouaDpBxPhxmNZaNPOE_aTN9IMSI9IQ7zaJm6sWdwWT1yJKrBKzZChofEKUq7Jdvw5tVA3ideohRWEQ_ANsDWsyoS4W7RJDPVODO7xlGJmjZR/s1600/P4235641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdHdBWko4bllMZE91CWc_AprynhtCzt9vouaDpBxPhxmNZaNPOE_aTN9IMSI9IQ7zaJm6sWdwWT1yJKrBKzZChofEKUq7Jdvw5tVA3ideohRWEQ_ANsDWsyoS4W7RJDPVODO7xlGJmjZR/s320/P4235641.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tempora fried ice cream. I actually used the sauce on the bananas above and it was divine.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_jS3Y_GLG7nCogGtCk6GxR8JYuD_OZ0ePd9M4ltijSikNZFaSQ4F46yZXtPRXUY8hdZtFB8fG6SH6AQ17VIq0bHZICkpxeVigoxzp_zufZfmVq1N80eOfpchVGwVdTlEFhRj_eAkui3Y/s1600/P4174900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_jS3Y_GLG7nCogGtCk6GxR8JYuD_OZ0ePd9M4ltijSikNZFaSQ4F46yZXtPRXUY8hdZtFB8fG6SH6AQ17VIq0bHZICkpxeVigoxzp_zufZfmVq1N80eOfpchVGwVdTlEFhRj_eAkui3Y/s320/P4174900.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lychee sorbet with tapioca pudding. I love lychees so this was a wonderful dessert for me.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1dNNrc1NsPKW3Y9Y9t0-tib9mK9fQMufud6bTPhzrhiePihOvt0nN1X0QbhpF5weM8c7DuJuMObC-cCmtVjoiupaZUYht4WvifqFnhzI_2hi7RkVFy47qFTDgZyOnAb6hsTKX9RQiHFs/s1600/P4174902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1dNNrc1NsPKW3Y9Y9t0-tib9mK9fQMufud6bTPhzrhiePihOvt0nN1X0QbhpF5weM8c7DuJuMObC-cCmtVjoiupaZUYht4WvifqFnhzI_2hi7RkVFy47qFTDgZyOnAb6hsTKX9RQiHFs/s320/P4174902.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The special dessert if you purchase a bottle of wine. This was coconut ice cream served with the liquor of The Lovely Spouse's choice. In this case Bailey's Irish Cream. Topped with toasted coconut and a chocolate triangle. Delicious.</td></tr>
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If you stay at Gran Bahia Principe at either the Sian Ka'an or Akumal sections (both Don Pablo Collection), I recommend dining at Alux and Mikado. The food was fantastic and the service was wonderful. Booking was easy with the Bahia app, with reservations made after we arrived. </div>
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Disclaimer: none of the above represents or should be interpreted as endorsement of Gran Bahia Principe or the Pinero Group. We had a lovely time on our vacation and I'm just writing about it. We receive no compensation for this blog.<br />
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Cibatarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085975700051398946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043128114074992961.post-59908265574668663182015-04-27T07:00:00.000-07:002015-04-27T07:00:01.861-07:00Grand Bahia Principe Sian Ka'an<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdy4AffdPG3sphB2mcX6kvxnB9QrKL4IaVHUYuQfEvlYuyU2f2tdKC7-4wpoFi8PNhqMMV2KugBTBvEL9ZB4ioQKG-zFX5ZAuZ2FVMOv6_GcIkhtrVQ_Uhmasb-lWpxHUjYGgxhCvdMioz/s1600/P4205174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdy4AffdPG3sphB2mcX6kvxnB9QrKL4IaVHUYuQfEvlYuyU2f2tdKC7-4wpoFi8PNhqMMV2KugBTBvEL9ZB4ioQKG-zFX5ZAuZ2FVMOv6_GcIkhtrVQ_Uhmasb-lWpxHUjYGgxhCvdMioz/s1600/P4205174.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This resort literally has miles of beaches. If you don't like the first one you see, walk until you find one you like. [Right now there is a huge problem of seaweed on the beaches of the Caribbean. At this resort, employees removed the seaweed in the mornings.]</td></tr>
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The Lovely Spouse and I just returned from our annual vacation. Given it's been 2 years since our last one, this was a special treat. We returned to a resort we <a href="http://cibatarian.blogspot.com/2012/04/gran-bahia-principe-buffets-and-bars.html">previously visited</a>, Grand Bahia Principe in the Mayan Riviera just south of Akumal, but stayed at a different section. We previously stayed in the Coba and Tulum sections and decided to stay in the Sian Ka'an section this time around. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-8PjKz7RplO9kS3LnsjSlVg9vvtJu1Q6X8K70tX9QL1Apq_6wCJ00Pz6OFI_KQpgosNq-pG5m5Inmd6Q8EX1mZURJ48CCfp-SyewgkpBQdiqvz2rgbxEAaXZR_jf7yzlM6K3FB-M_o6hN/s1600/P4134370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-8PjKz7RplO9kS3LnsjSlVg9vvtJu1Q6X8K70tX9QL1Apq_6wCJ00Pz6OFI_KQpgosNq-pG5m5Inmd6Q8EX1mZURJ48CCfp-SyewgkpBQdiqvz2rgbxEAaXZR_jf7yzlM6K3FB-M_o6hN/s1600/P4134370.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sian Ka'an lobby at night. The open air design catches every breeze through the jungle.</td></tr>
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Grand Bahia Principe in the Riviera Maya is a very large resort with 4 sections: Akumal, Coba, Tulum, and Sian Ka'an. Akumal and Tulum are on the beach. Coba is on the beach side of the highway but a little ways from the beach, and Sian Ka'an is across the highway from the beach in the jungle. We chose Sian Ka'an for this trip because it is 18+ years of age and above and includes a number of upgrades, including access to all the resorts and restaurants, and a few additional amenities. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC1A9iByeK6Q_dtDQ2FecWgJsjjMAmtynFZobUhPqFH28qCQ8Rjg71HB8kRET8q3RUh_kXrLwg9jW1rtD7THexM6xWIfDG4cgPk0kBOjP2bFbbbjAAYqm9o0JN5bOASEODcBQsyYpasuHa/s1600/P4205180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC1A9iByeK6Q_dtDQ2FecWgJsjjMAmtynFZobUhPqFH28qCQ8Rjg71HB8kRET8q3RUh_kXrLwg9jW1rtD7THexM6xWIfDG4cgPk0kBOjP2bFbbbjAAYqm9o0JN5bOASEODcBQsyYpasuHa/s1600/P4205180.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This section of the beach had rocks, but was very quiet.</td></tr>
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Just as with previous visits, the service was outstanding. Typically a vacation at this property includes all you can eat and drink and the ability to book dinners at the ala carte restaurants, instead of eating at the buffets (open during specific hours) or snack bars (open 24 hours). Staying at Sian Ka'an means being able to book as many ala carte dinners as you want. We downloaded an app recommended by Grand Bahia Principe when we booked our stay and were able to easily request our room (before the trip) and ala cartes (after arrival). <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_LDHW8gwL0MzkucuqQNw2Llju8ArIV0bv4fSdHXKhB7iUrVdMzAkrRQq232lpZ8-gOYT6qkaoxatIsXubPvi7M3TxrTwEQjA62PKjgjaQzQWELkJRLPN47TkhcNEmJYnn3wrkWOvgcYsU/s1600/P4144407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_LDHW8gwL0MzkucuqQNw2Llju8ArIV0bv4fSdHXKhB7iUrVdMzAkrRQq232lpZ8-gOYT6qkaoxatIsXubPvi7M3TxrTwEQjA62PKjgjaQzQWELkJRLPN47TkhcNEmJYnn3wrkWOvgcYsU/s1600/P4144407.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lap swimming pool at the Tao Wellness Center. The gym, with cardio and weight lifting equipment, is on the right. There's a yoga and meditation studio to the left. There's also another pool to the left. The Lovely Spouse and I did work out while we were there. :-) </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguakV-dszL6VkpyVETEEF0y9ybi40e6pdfGXuChFSeV_3_IhRoCmaIT2i_wFdJWraOUtUd9dLLWcvKY3unhqm2M0vfTmYRqZH5-3wMPoA1pAoaalWxOSO6L2AHa4ebV8BHPQG64FIg2dRo/s1600/P4144413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguakV-dszL6VkpyVETEEF0y9ybi40e6pdfGXuChFSeV_3_IhRoCmaIT2i_wFdJWraOUtUd9dLLWcvKY3unhqm2M0vfTmYRqZH5-3wMPoA1pAoaalWxOSO6L2AHa4ebV8BHPQG64FIg2dRo/s1600/P4144413.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's a cenote on the property next to Tao. In the upper right corner of the picture you can see one of the holes from the golf course. Miss the hole and - plink! - right into the cenote.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdYvvE3VhDcrH3u8cq_kT3TUs43gtX_9jbOPBNmPFjkjAW6FvTJ4Uslf1lefETDbaoAoGy4xx9GOgpHEs9mPz_2WIXZnj_PwASEFlroIMqaV4oDs6r7TnimDyV9oIwZuBlfzPKx1NR7Y6W/s1600/P4164859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdYvvE3VhDcrH3u8cq_kT3TUs43gtX_9jbOPBNmPFjkjAW6FvTJ4Uslf1lefETDbaoAoGy4xx9GOgpHEs9mPz_2WIXZnj_PwASEFlroIMqaV4oDs6r7TnimDyV9oIwZuBlfzPKx1NR7Y6W/s1600/P4164859.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mariachis at the Sian Ka'an pool. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA85P6E7oLySb_IEw4uGPYvE-EEK1vzQ4DIb4uYnRiNXNdKWJo9dl7sf5XfUqATsZ8GslhtN_7lSs5MA6rA8cKc0byiZJqkrLJSoHVnrKqK_Njpcn4NPD3eZrzHIFKlxl76hsw5pYtMHNY/s1600/P4205133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA85P6E7oLySb_IEw4uGPYvE-EEK1vzQ4DIb4uYnRiNXNdKWJo9dl7sf5XfUqATsZ8GslhtN_7lSs5MA6rA8cKc0byiZJqkrLJSoHVnrKqK_Njpcn4NPD3eZrzHIFKlxl76hsw5pYtMHNY/s1600/P4205133.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The musicians for the Mayan show. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhg-d2UGQgnljbavSkP0vtpR3-HNvRUA5G5i1efhVu0sKcZvFyws8gs4NFxsG65Z5Ja8XFPzMSRQlo5loo7nJuQ4yQLlqudrp1E7lzliUCHYuc_w0-509D5DRC7Ja5u0c1iXcW5ZlH26hT/s1600/P4205149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhg-d2UGQgnljbavSkP0vtpR3-HNvRUA5G5i1efhVu0sKcZvFyws8gs4NFxsG65Z5Ja8XFPzMSRQlo5loo7nJuQ4yQLlqudrp1E7lzliUCHYuc_w0-509D5DRC7Ja5u0c1iXcW5ZlH26hT/s1600/P4205149.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the Mayan dancers. Much of the staff at the resort is from the local area of Quintana Roo and many of them speak Mayan as their first language.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9BhTrsft24u1O7Xe4VmaMdW69mQ1F6Imjmk4ZzJKLbugoaNDxHmhAVB3neBHy7mNWkUNIqTp4UlVoAnSfQJPQFWkFUgfjHccyRjGcOgEZgO4ycAepw_G40QUvT4phCt0uMrPAzQpZpMHz/s1600/P4205166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9BhTrsft24u1O7Xe4VmaMdW69mQ1F6Imjmk4ZzJKLbugoaNDxHmhAVB3neBHy7mNWkUNIqTp4UlVoAnSfQJPQFWkFUgfjHccyRjGcOgEZgO4ycAepw_G40QUvT4phCt0uMrPAzQpZpMHz/s1600/P4205166.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For obvious reasons, this is called the swing bar. If you are staying in the Akumal or Sian Ka'an sections, there is palapa service for drinks. They will bring drinks directly to you at your lounger on the beach.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSBVkiSxx5cNSaluogXZ-2e9ACRWsHSu3vSoMBZzUR2UyB-3LPna3JWV0sQTqkhdC_n_svjPAz4MycBuBBrJe9hl7XTNHQ9MGDuwgKR1FEh85M0DwtkaqpcA6-xTFS21KS-FYKjENT8K4i/s1600/P4225456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSBVkiSxx5cNSaluogXZ-2e9ACRWsHSu3vSoMBZzUR2UyB-3LPna3JWV0sQTqkhdC_n_svjPAz4MycBuBBrJe9hl7XTNHQ9MGDuwgKR1FEh85M0DwtkaqpcA6-xTFS21KS-FYKjENT8K4i/s1600/P4225456.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had a friendly archery match with some of the other guests. I tied for first. </td></tr>
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During the day there were a number of activities throughout the resort. There were fitness classes, and Sian Ka'an guests had access to the Tao Wellness Center in the jungle. There were also shows at the pools and on the beach. I haven't mention golf, because I don't play, but the course is, from what I've heard, very challenging. And of course lots and lots of bars. Evidently I don't drink nearly as much as many other that were there, but I found 2 favorite drinks. The Coco Banana is pretty much a banana smoothie. It was delicious with the addition of rum. My other favorite drink was called an Iceberg. This was one half frozen margarita and one half cerveza on draft. It was great because it made the margarita much less sweet and carbonated.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeTjxSgYYgqaVOlo4X7kWbJ95kbXaCZWePfQRbz8jjVVt4IcQm6xsU0dvlbSWSHvUmh4iCpNukpaKHGdX6p_ofrPW2gRdCOjtJPhyphenhyphencUBNLxjelzuLqZYWmkdW8JBdBGgv5AZp53dpAEyzc/s1600/P4154596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeTjxSgYYgqaVOlo4X7kWbJ95kbXaCZWePfQRbz8jjVVt4IcQm6xsU0dvlbSWSHvUmh4iCpNukpaKHGdX6p_ofrPW2gRdCOjtJPhyphenhyphencUBNLxjelzuLqZYWmkdW8JBdBGgv5AZp53dpAEyzc/s1600/P4154596.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hacienda Dona Isabel is where the Thursday fiesta and lots of shopping are located.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsBSCi8V36slCdh3s-kqSh0VCfXXGV1KFv1RKWyZUddaL4mUbN-KKwyVrXjP29OpkYC-vBDVyyFiSVMW2WwOhCChK3IhSQliF57p35e1iImgS2OEibdrDMTv6XDj7OX_cOBWgvSq7tB3ir/s1600/P4154605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsBSCi8V36slCdh3s-kqSh0VCfXXGV1KFv1RKWyZUddaL4mUbN-KKwyVrXjP29OpkYC-vBDVyyFiSVMW2WwOhCChK3IhSQliF57p35e1iImgS2OEibdrDMTv6XDj7OX_cOBWgvSq7tB3ir/s1600/P4154605.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAFvkqzPnfBwc3eSpHYOgRVbKXuUcAbjYwKr2RA0L2X5OUCm5DQAzADGNC-6JkgB7PowRdRhI_kxP_NBilY3LTvtbEeZOCe9zP2Fjs34fEfoHUA4GtR01mQ-rzZZr1mgJnu2UCQmWeTil1/s1600/P4184953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAFvkqzPnfBwc3eSpHYOgRVbKXuUcAbjYwKr2RA0L2X5OUCm5DQAzADGNC-6JkgB7PowRdRhI_kxP_NBilY3LTvtbEeZOCe9zP2Fjs34fEfoHUA4GtR01mQ-rzZZr1mgJnu2UCQmWeTil1/s1600/P4184953.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's also shopping at the Akumal Premier lobby.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhazH_uIZt0bbXzMEDLRE1ihnuiw11JaPEyxjRSaNE3MLUyx_hvCLE1bzx9VTPhzT9tK-hcbQ2xnYXGuStgN0ldIFgQ4PWIFCIXxCckFNAntl4yYndT379cVy7DEFVLDfYS8qAI_TCbgZBY/s1600/P4225412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhazH_uIZt0bbXzMEDLRE1ihnuiw11JaPEyxjRSaNE3MLUyx_hvCLE1bzx9VTPhzT9tK-hcbQ2xnYXGuStgN0ldIFgQ4PWIFCIXxCckFNAntl4yYndT379cVy7DEFVLDfYS8qAI_TCbgZBY/s1600/P4225412.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you want some beer other than the Dos XX the resort serves, go to the Corona bar in the Hacienda (extra cost). There's an added bonus that they show hockey games and other sporting events on their large projection TV.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCq11nKJ4Y8iAwmfQOFxf8LWKboj9mvrov3GcaA02U6D26sMAj7zr_TdLWwDg_hFq8KmGg0LeVbWG86ypu3COvGkU97hy3mWkj7uOgzTQoWO_2CyGLXjfqSOfXqcNbDCk9Toi8yyNWwEu/s1600/P4235642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCq11nKJ4Y8iAwmfQOFxf8LWKboj9mvrov3GcaA02U6D26sMAj7zr_TdLWwDg_hFq8KmGg0LeVbWG86ypu3COvGkU97hy3mWkj7uOgzTQoWO_2CyGLXjfqSOfXqcNbDCk9Toi8yyNWwEu/s1600/P4235642.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmJh72fzPt5KgUdLPSiKShxzb9zwWuDCMHnDqB4AgWXLlBJx7GrlIdHha_d-apN0qO9O7fPoluQ0z7Tkgwh6l2ehBevWSy5xV_VfXfKI5kpsGLX6sWZ-ThHmoZEy8yhD9CHsMxNnN7RAem/s1600/P4235644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmJh72fzPt5KgUdLPSiKShxzb9zwWuDCMHnDqB4AgWXLlBJx7GrlIdHha_d-apN0qO9O7fPoluQ0z7Tkgwh6l2ehBevWSy5xV_VfXfKI5kpsGLX6sWZ-ThHmoZEy8yhD9CHsMxNnN7RAem/s1600/P4235644.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous Mexican artwork. I wanted to take them all home.</td></tr>
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There was also a lot of shopping available at the resort. I had to watch my budget in a few places because they had some awesome artwork.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlBk5wkJQKjdDgGd0-42biB-4stdy_pONyBzCVeX7uCxqdTod5oy_oH0uQPDLz81lBuBvhltuKAcCFWr_lSFiZyGD8XFL_sSXE5d35FM33sR8g3Y_1yRG6pnxzWtyWB3oBdvUQXJxfJx1o/s1600/P4205205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlBk5wkJQKjdDgGd0-42biB-4stdy_pONyBzCVeX7uCxqdTod5oy_oH0uQPDLz81lBuBvhltuKAcCFWr_lSFiZyGD8XFL_sSXE5d35FM33sR8g3Y_1yRG6pnxzWtyWB3oBdvUQXJxfJx1o/s1600/P4205205.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't usually see men performing Spanish web, but this was really awesome to see during the Beatles tribute show.</td></tr>
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There was plenty of entertainment each night. We gravitated towards the dance and circus shows. There were also shows for people with kids at the sections. And our lobby had nightly singing and dancing. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWzUfPJT3iazAsEQsvyOzfsjpxyB4UYmyHQnLSHInUAhhdNAHNfoikEVdPw90r9drw7qdLXHBv2vz_GClLXydI7MMxbMKPHVi0kL2l3FE2lrpgw437sIZxCPMSXKWFq5TnSzJL31X4DAzA/s1600/P4184956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWzUfPJT3iazAsEQsvyOzfsjpxyB4UYmyHQnLSHInUAhhdNAHNfoikEVdPw90r9drw7qdLXHBv2vz_GClLXydI7MMxbMKPHVi0kL2l3FE2lrpgw437sIZxCPMSXKWFq5TnSzJL31X4DAzA/s1600/P4184956.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We also enjoyed making new friends from around the world and hanging out at the Akumal Premier lobby. </td></tr>
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We also did a number of excursions, which I'll cover in additional posts. I'll also cover the ala carte meals we had. So how was the food at the buffets? Just as good as I remember.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5PQZ84whzsO6cFpmRxe0KJosnxwW6Hwumu5dDvM_Iiqq-mQpcIIeW3ogjceDR2YK0T0k_wnjW0uy_bpyd3VI-Eq954nEL4v8ed0SZl5fYQtwBiU3-IcUyIWMNmHgrNgNqthxX1evmnG9Q/s1600/P4144428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5PQZ84whzsO6cFpmRxe0KJosnxwW6Hwumu5dDvM_Iiqq-mQpcIIeW3ogjceDR2YK0T0k_wnjW0uy_bpyd3VI-Eq954nEL4v8ed0SZl5fYQtwBiU3-IcUyIWMNmHgrNgNqthxX1evmnG9Q/s1600/P4144428.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fideo with seafood.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisnCPRffeIr03jDtQRHJteCNivaRXaHVdnn9TFPQvYozc5Nau1hp2-7lnxfCBGMscyWmg9YZus7zXqRaI_OY3oBEPkT1iDtdvNrd4qeBzZfe7lDHnnFQYcABNQ3HClzcptQmrhvFsluT2B/s1600/P4144430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisnCPRffeIr03jDtQRHJteCNivaRXaHVdnn9TFPQvYozc5Nau1hp2-7lnxfCBGMscyWmg9YZus7zXqRaI_OY3oBEPkT1iDtdvNrd4qeBzZfe7lDHnnFQYcABNQ3HClzcptQmrhvFsluT2B/s1600/P4144430.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cute little appetizer salads.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A variety of amuse bouche.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fun sugar sculpture on the dessert bar.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sushi was much better than I remember from previous visits.</td></tr>
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One night there was also a chocolate buffet in the Sian Ka'an lobby.<br />
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I didn't take pictures of the breakfast buffet, but there were all the standard items you expect for breakfast as well as a smoothie bar where you could get every kind of smoothie imaginable.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the fish seen while snorkeling at the resort.</td></tr>
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As The Lovely Spouse likes to say: if you're hungry, bored, or sober at this resort, and don't want to be, it's probably your fault. We'll definitely be back. There are other resorts in the region, but this truly gives us the most value for the money and bang for the buck. Other posts will follow discussing our excursions and the ala carte restaurants.<br />
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If you go, here are a few insider tips:<br />
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1. Remember the resort is located just south of Akumal, or about 2 hours south of Cancun (the closest recommended airport). You will have to arrange ground transportation when you book the hotel.<br />
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2. The majority of electrical plugs are the US standard 3 prong in the Sian Ka'an section. Some of the older sections still use the standard 2 prong plugs for Mexico. Be prepared for both and bring a power strip so that you can charge all your electronic devices.<br />
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3. Learn some Spanish. It's not required and most of the staff knows enough English to help guests out with just about everything. But learn a few words so that you can be friends. Hola, Buenos Dias, Adios, Muchas Gracias, etc. My Spanish is about grade school level and I got along just fine on and off the resort. I carried a phrase book to retrieve the missing pieces of my vocabulary. Be aware that if someone shouts "Cuidado!" or "Alto!" at you they're saying "Careful!" or "Stop!".<br />
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4. Tipping is not required but is encouraged. We saw many, many people not tipping and it was fine. We also saw many people tipping in both pesos and US dollars. Tipping, as in the US, helps establish a more personal relationship with a server. You can choose not to and will still get the same great level of service. <br />
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5. The Akumal Premier lobby is part of the Coba resort and all guests have access to it. It is also the best place to get a unique shot called a Mexican Guiness. It's made with amaretto and a host of other ingredients. When consumed as a shot it tastes a bit like a Guiness.<br />
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6. It's a very large resort, however the trolleys and golf carts are there to help you get around. Drivers pull the trolleys up to the lobbies and announce their destinations. If you don't hear them or aren't clear if they're going to where you want to go ask "Adonde va?" or say the name of your destination. They'll let you know. <br />
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7. The vast majority of guests are not from the U.S. And this is pretty darned cool. Make new friends and learn about other parts of the world.<br />
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8. If you develop an illness or a minor injury, there is a medical clinic and a pharmacy located in the Hacienda on property.<br />
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9. If you are mobility impaired, the hotel will work with you for transport around the resort. We saw a large variety of accommodations for a number of different challenges. When booking the resort please call to make sure arrangements will be possible.<br />
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10. Wifi is free at Sian Ka'an. You get 1 hour of free wifi in the lobbies of the other sections per day. The wifi improved from our previous visits.<br />
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Disclaimer: none of the above implies any sort of endorsement for Grand Bahia Principe or the Pinero Group of hotels. We had a good time and are sharing our experience via this blog.Cibatarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085975700051398946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043128114074992961.post-31094934622298410792015-04-25T15:33:00.002-07:002015-04-25T15:33:52.641-07:00Food Fight!The first ever Aggieland Food Fight was recently held at New Republic Brewery and it was awesome for everyone who participated.<br />
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The winners were...Lew's BBQ and Big Daddy Z's! The others defaulted on the bragging rights by not bothering to show up. However Lew's and Big Daddy Z's showed up ready for the fight and it was a very good thing for those of us who showed up ready for the eating. And for New Republic Brewery's beer, Perrine Winery's wine, and Rio Brazos' whiskey.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lew's menu featuring the not-so-secret ingredient: ginger.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Daddy Z's menu.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delicious smoked wings. Lew's should consider adding this to the regular menu.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tuna ceviche from Big Daddy Z's. Actually quite delicious.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Truffle fries with a Big Kahuna bowl in the background. These are both on Big Daddy Z's regular menu.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwhI2MChP2CDJlFzpYObhZRT7mtYT4BJwEtHW-KZIwG8Cs7Ku08JJt1rdDuKYPkA97RAFVrI6OQCvWO1pKp_K_-0IV4JFfZ7UytZKz_APj4UX7hVHuRfurGEHd7KTeDKNTNlTvL1Q_GW4V/s1600/20150411_153224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwhI2MChP2CDJlFzpYObhZRT7mtYT4BJwEtHW-KZIwG8Cs7Ku08JJt1rdDuKYPkA97RAFVrI6OQCvWO1pKp_K_-0IV4JFfZ7UytZKz_APj4UX7hVHuRfurGEHd7KTeDKNTNlTvL1Q_GW4V/s1600/20150411_153224.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everyone having a blast at the brewery.</td></tr>
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In all, I hope this becomes a regular thing, but, you know, with the other food trucks actually showing up. In spite of all of this happening on the same day as Chilifest, everyone had a great time.Cibatarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085975700051398946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043128114074992961.post-40106305964806134562015-04-07T09:43:00.003-07:002015-04-07T09:52:55.650-07:00Food Fight! Coming this Saturday to AggielandThis isn't really a post, it's an announcement of something awesome coming to College Station this weekend. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://campnakomis.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/food-fight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://campnakomis.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/food-fight.jpg" height="227" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://campnakomis.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/food-fight.jpg">Image source</a>.</td></tr>
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The Bryan/College Station area food trucks are having a food fight at <a href="http://www.newrepublicbrewing.com/">New Republic Brewer</a>y on Saturday, April 11 from noon to 4 pm. They each have to make $5 dishes featuring the theme ingredient: ginger. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/images/articles/265990-ginger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/images/articles/265990-ginger.jpg" height="224" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/images/articles/265990-ginger.jpg">Image source</a>.</td></tr>
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The following food trucks will be participating:<br />
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.bigdaddyzs.com/">Big Daddy Z's</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bbqlew.com/Lews_BBQ/Welcome.html">Lew's BBQ</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cheftai.com/">Chef Tai's Mobile Bistro</a></li>
<li><a href="http://ronincooking.com/">Ronin Cooking</a></li>
<li><a href="http://cibatarian.blogspot.com/2014/11/sugba-and-new-republic-brewery-revisited.html">Sugba</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/mickeys.sliders">Mickey's Sliders</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Wafology">Wafology </a>may or may not be there</li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://www.perrinewinery.com/">Perrine Winery</a> and <a href="http://www.boxcarwhiskey.com/">Rio Brazos Distillery</a> are not food trucks, but will also be there.<br />
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I would expect to find crowds so get there early and be patient. Don't forget your umbrella! <a href="http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=30.566999,-96.283699&sp=KTXCOLLE30">Wunderground </a>is calling for rain. No surprise there, given how wet this Spring has been.<br />
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For more information, like and follow <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Aggielandfoodfight?fref=nf">Aggieland Food Fight</a> on facebook or follow <a href="https://twitter.com/AgFoodFight">them </a>on twitter.<br />
<br />Cibatarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085975700051398946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043128114074992961.post-82539856135749631052015-04-04T07:00:00.000-07:002015-06-19T13:53:07.212-07:00Cocoamoda PicturesNow that Chocolate: Impossible has aired I can finally post my picts of the renovations at Cocoamoda. I was there the day after the shoot wrapped to check on Ken and Jackie and have been holding on to these because everyone else involved had to abide by an NDA. For the record, they <a href="https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10152922274293003&id=83501568002">announced </a>today they'll be serving lunch Thursday through Sunday. You can find the before pictures with my <a href="http://cibatarian.blogspot.com/2013/05/cocoamoda-chocolates.html">first post on the chocolatier</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikPKp0fWPNVeZmZ3Z46NABlb9UGqlG-iyJhwxpPUeJtr44aB0MDXGQcC6YoaRWyL58otke1gp0az0PB6aeury5DddWzXGu27uISLjGXQCRiOzGKnVbz1h2n-XUqD4b-KRk5y1DSOs93qnA/s1600/20150131_155948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikPKp0fWPNVeZmZ3Z46NABlb9UGqlG-iyJhwxpPUeJtr44aB0MDXGQcC6YoaRWyL58otke1gp0az0PB6aeury5DddWzXGu27uISLjGXQCRiOzGKnVbz1h2n-XUqD4b-KRk5y1DSOs93qnA/s1600/20150131_155948.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I couldn't just pick one....</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfu5I3KzKtbxdp8d8rDub0a9b1Ag6ZY2gyh6ZvWT4HxckVeBM3XfaM5-cNopZegeOoJHd4SgZsT95O_TsBeG77yvZXlJlsQxjXRjy_62saLSc32cJBNeQYg96hGOb1yDnSLCoA2N5w5rt/s1600/20150131_163205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfu5I3KzKtbxdp8d8rDub0a9b1Ag6ZY2gyh6ZvWT4HxckVeBM3XfaM5-cNopZegeOoJHd4SgZsT95O_TsBeG77yvZXlJlsQxjXRjy_62saLSc32cJBNeQYg96hGOb1yDnSLCoA2N5w5rt/s1600/20150131_163205.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The event space with about a gazillion LED candles.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLxFd3z4n5AiLapq91_H5ZPsCDDeAr_t5BXxK_vgonrfH52qGCtrARXPHuun_SNnR_qK_ced9ThcP8JK6ozg-CeXeZqq5tX257dmb2dwAyXXO3wLqxCN8IKI9nU8R1P0wHbzS2w3_8gKFH/s1600/20150131_163224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLxFd3z4n5AiLapq91_H5ZPsCDDeAr_t5BXxK_vgonrfH52qGCtrARXPHuun_SNnR_qK_ced9ThcP8JK6ozg-CeXeZqq5tX257dmb2dwAyXXO3wLqxCN8IKI9nU8R1P0wHbzS2w3_8gKFH/s1600/20150131_163224.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I kind of love the fireplace. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtVKDClsrgrtVeoMEmbHyvsrH1XeKO6GJm58eubr6VVLp_vWFAHtaAIGvLRdtaJ9n5_wlaxYCHYB9eqBcHCr9NeiLaTG-59CdUNV6NifdRYB9haZEQa78LibRAiTGK2EcFhY9lBXhcp9db/s1600/20150131_163315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtVKDClsrgrtVeoMEmbHyvsrH1XeKO6GJm58eubr6VVLp_vWFAHtaAIGvLRdtaJ9n5_wlaxYCHYB9eqBcHCr9NeiLaTG-59CdUNV6NifdRYB9haZEQa78LibRAiTGK2EcFhY9lBXhcp9db/s1600/20150131_163315.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This particular designer has a thing for opaque mirrors. The event space has a bar now, which it needed.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizo1ysqIUSBl8ovbkn8cSPav89l6hbkqcZerub8l7PhJEvthAJ2-Jo0T_0pbSaBm2f1TYUWGhUnwHjoiP3jm-zRS82hCcRpmTRFusZEBcvjS2lVbfKTQEgULg6Che2_yoXbB7_Sn2tjDGx/s1600/20150131_164020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizo1ysqIUSBl8ovbkn8cSPav89l6hbkqcZerub8l7PhJEvthAJ2-Jo0T_0pbSaBm2f1TYUWGhUnwHjoiP3jm-zRS82hCcRpmTRFusZEBcvjS2lVbfKTQEgULg6Che2_yoXbB7_Sn2tjDGx/s1600/20150131_164020.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The event space is one of the prettiest storefronts in Calvert.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Eh7k3PvkSumx9qJgym5NvFUuawL6jPKBQcngrk5N0TQ-NyJRThSX9DP1GQ3PZGBXUasgMctNmYc5YE05YGXrRpCx_Tk-ciKDu2SIx_OHXJqyGkq530v6WxAX-bfPdweHd5E8IA1eUCAI/s1600/20150131_164208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Eh7k3PvkSumx9qJgym5NvFUuawL6jPKBQcngrk5N0TQ-NyJRThSX9DP1GQ3PZGBXUasgMctNmYc5YE05YGXrRpCx_Tk-ciKDu2SIx_OHXJqyGkq530v6WxAX-bfPdweHd5E8IA1eUCAI/s1600/20150131_164208.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cocoamoda has a distinctive storefront.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvG3naR8vjFrC8UD2wlr72F6dN-x6JiC1rHIqNvqecd6ldtPPA4ncyNrWYvMOVrFasy73K-FmLHEUFJIqtSqVwlVgJiJEUSOlBdTHGNmJ9B1CNUsSoSXMF90wnD26WASxCw_8_U1vcUufz/s1600/20150131_165241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvG3naR8vjFrC8UD2wlr72F6dN-x6JiC1rHIqNvqecd6ldtPPA4ncyNrWYvMOVrFasy73K-FmLHEUFJIqtSqVwlVgJiJEUSOlBdTHGNmJ9B1CNUsSoSXMF90wnD26WASxCw_8_U1vcUufz/s1600/20150131_165241.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At first covering the bookshelves seemed weird. Now it seems like something less to dust. And, again, an opaque mirror.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR4RDS3YcdYUAPouYB0XB42fJCs_cosTP5pqPxhASyHSF4M945qgm_wAbj5v1glp5edm9cx11GF68HlvCGwJC5M4I9543ngRTsc4cybYLqcZTbJXslvgOb6iPiqxcihlYG4rf7qmqMwwGm/s1600/20150131_165302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR4RDS3YcdYUAPouYB0XB42fJCs_cosTP5pqPxhASyHSF4M945qgm_wAbj5v1glp5edm9cx11GF68HlvCGwJC5M4I9543ngRTsc4cybYLqcZTbJXslvgOb6iPiqxcihlYG4rf7qmqMwwGm/s1600/20150131_165302.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chocolate is the main event.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDqvBV3gwsTYHHJFLIUDuVTl7jGbnR2764iEk15W51rcT5fRa1tNj-n93llgzJ-Ssmvnf94XxSi0ePN9kV1fqvexnmfc9NA2wIPtJGKFU0Jm2RFnOCfRG2xJzpT7YaLD5XCzGG9s9I1xuz/s1600/20150131_165746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDqvBV3gwsTYHHJFLIUDuVTl7jGbnR2764iEk15W51rcT5fRa1tNj-n93llgzJ-Ssmvnf94XxSi0ePN9kV1fqvexnmfc9NA2wIPtJGKFU0Jm2RFnOCfRG2xJzpT7YaLD5XCzGG9s9I1xuz/s1600/20150131_165746.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chef Ken and Julie behind the counter. </td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I encourage all readers who visit Calvert to also visit the other shops in town. Cowboy Up has unique apparel and things like the "Good Sh**" spice mixtures. There are also antique stores, art galleries, and artist spaces. Not to mention other places to eat and drink. Make a day trip out of it and visit them all. </div>
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Answers to frequently asked questions:</div>
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1. Yes, you can have their chocolates shipped to your door. Go to their <a href="http://www.cocoamoda.com/">website </a>and order them. The chocolates are typically $3-4 each at the store. Expect to pay additional shipping costs.</div>
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2. They now have lunch available (soup and sandwich of the day) on a first-come, first-serve basis Thursday through Sunday at the chocolate boutique.<br />
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3. Their dinners are awesome. The menu changes weekly and is posted to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/COCOAMODA/83501568002?fref=nf">facebook</a>. Call to make reservations. Bring your own beverage. Coffee, tea, sipping chocolate, and water are available. Don't be a no-show as they make exactly as much as is needed for the people who make reservations.<br />
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4. ALL of the chocolates are delicious. My personal favorites are the key lime and milk and honey. <br />
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5. Yes, they cater special events and weddings. Talk with Chef Ken regarding the details.<br />
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EDIT (06/19/2015): We had a <a href="http://cibatarian.blogspot.com/2015/06/dinner-at-cocomoda.html">lovely dinner</a> at Cocoamoda and highly recommend them for fine dining.Cibatarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085975700051398946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043128114074992961.post-2361480089395415842015-04-02T10:34:00.001-07:002015-04-02T10:50:27.666-07:00Grand Presentation for Junk Food<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This isn't really a post, it's a link to something awesome on the internet. </div>
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<a href="https://instagram.com/chefjacqueslamerde/">Chef Jacques LaMerde</a> (very likely a pseudonym, given the name means Jack the Sh**) has an Instagram so awesome I almost want to subscribe to Instagram. Almost. Using tweezers, liquid nitrogen, and (likely) professional chef know-how he (or she?) spectacularly plates and photographs American junk food. The results are fantastic. Don't forget to read the hilarious commentary.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIOIfGsVXMlB0rUmoaTsdZ6u6XZMpN_-0dE28aYWspQb6Rno-cMFEoaHE88kBODZuvXSYspmaliEgnaIlPmol8CWpT2DhaHDbVsAQMJt3pwQ9Omyd2RSv0XfGUflVhs9sO1gTA5M37-FU/s1600/Capture2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIOIfGsVXMlB0rUmoaTsdZ6u6XZMpN_-0dE28aYWspQb6Rno-cMFEoaHE88kBODZuvXSYspmaliEgnaIlPmol8CWpT2DhaHDbVsAQMJt3pwQ9Omyd2RSv0XfGUflVhs9sO1gTA5M37-FU/s1600/Capture2.JPG" height="238" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The most beautiful Hot Pocket I've ever seen. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQNDARdcLm2lNQU6O0df38Emq5lohhnkN5Tevp0Wp6586eJy9TdHzPyJylMLTMQt7uvqRIduMYy9O1R6ZQMA9QQkKFRWM9DwLrz7oYK5iVNv79njM1RnRAYbdvFCyc5BBUr-e2Knkiag5I/s1600/Capture1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQNDARdcLm2lNQU6O0df38Emq5lohhnkN5Tevp0Wp6586eJy9TdHzPyJylMLTMQt7uvqRIduMYy9O1R6ZQMA9QQkKFRWM9DwLrz7oYK5iVNv79njM1RnRAYbdvFCyc5BBUr-e2Knkiag5I/s1600/Capture1.JPG" height="240" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A screen capture of one creation involving Dunkin Munchkins and Oreo birthday cake soil. </td></tr>
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Go <a href="https://instagram.com/chefjacqueslamerde/">here</a> to check out the fun for yourself.<br />
<br />Cibatarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085975700051398946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043128114074992961.post-11201873042362741732015-03-29T07:00:00.000-07:002015-06-19T13:53:47.515-07:00Reminder! Restaurant: Impossible at Cocoamoda Airs on April 1!This isn't really a post. It's a reminder.<br />
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Watch <a href="http://cibatarian.blogspot.com/2013/05/cocoamoda-chocolates.html">Cocoamoda </a>on <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/restaurant-impossible/1100-series/chocolate-impossible.html">Restaurant: Impossible</a> on April 1, 2015. Check your local listings for Food Network channel and time. I won't live blog it because I'm terrible at live blogging. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA3ZBt-FUh_WDxDEx8k7NZgbpiqWsisLiWxYry-Sv6XJL1WDQEtxPm5hsWhMqJSSRpiHaBZIPchKS_QGFoNnw_ACR5hlDrwuCUc0gxekseL03epROHLYixYwumSAyB9mTs2XSnfwzvGHP3/s1600/10903811_10152513590877133_7273209414895439176_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA3ZBt-FUh_WDxDEx8k7NZgbpiqWsisLiWxYry-Sv6XJL1WDQEtxPm5hsWhMqJSSRpiHaBZIPchKS_QGFoNnw_ACR5hlDrwuCUc0gxekseL03epROHLYixYwumSAyB9mTs2XSnfwzvGHP3/s1600/10903811_10152513590877133_7273209414895439176_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beautiful variety of decadent chocolates at Cocoamoda.</td></tr>
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What I do know, is that regardless of how the TV folks edit and portray the folks at <a href="http://cibatarian.blogspot.com/2015/01/restaurant-impossible-link-roundup.html">Cocoamoda</a>, they (Ken, Jackie, and Julie) are all awesome people who pour their hearts and souls into running the business and producing a quality product. We should all make the trip to Calvert to congratulate them on a job well done and to purchase their wonderful chocolates. For an extra treat, follow them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/COCOAMODA/83501568002">facebook </a>to find out about their weekend fine dining. The menu changes weekly.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-7pKc9-SBowjQzKYzo66FZSw6RMt6yV5FEVY-CN7jJ6UbI3foAIEMJU43JhsCZunfZ6IGHqEAsvh0p8u7c7I7sEoxEHZ0p0D6s6HmeTDVrvY_07d-w_TUzkfnwNep2bqLbzvfSS4eHvB/s1600/10848593_10152513662232133_2887136120707869273_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-7pKc9-SBowjQzKYzo66FZSw6RMt6yV5FEVY-CN7jJ6UbI3foAIEMJU43JhsCZunfZ6IGHqEAsvh0p8u7c7I7sEoxEHZ0p0D6s6HmeTDVrvY_07d-w_TUzkfnwNep2bqLbzvfSS4eHvB/s1600/10848593_10152513662232133_2887136120707869273_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delicious, rich sipping chocolate. Only available at Cocoamoda.</td></tr>
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Follow Cocoamoda on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/COCOAMODA/83501568002?ref=br_tf">facebook </a>and <a href="https://twitter.com/cocoamoda">twitter</a>. If you're not able to make the trip to Calvert, order their awesome chocolates on their <a href="http://www.cocoamoda.com/">webpage </a>and have them delivered to your door.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/O-X1ZQ1mEVE/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/O-X1ZQ1mEVE?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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Edit (06/19/2015): We had a <a href="http://cibatarian.blogspot.com/2015/06/dinner-at-cocomoda.html">lovely dinner</a> at Cocoamoda and highly recommend them. </div>
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Cibatarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17085975700051398946noreply@blogger.com1