Day 1 - And We're Off!

The TIS crew was up and out early on day one to catch the 6:30am flight from LAX to Cancun. After two flights and a short drive, we arrived at the Excellence Resort just north of Cancun around 5pm central time.

The boys taking care of last minute business while in route to Cancun

Upon our arrival we were greeted with cold wet towels and flutes of champagne…got to love all-inclusive resorts.

First stop, the bar. First tequila shot down the hatch.

After exploring the resort grounds and facilities and meeting up with some of the wedding guests already onsite, we headed to dinner.

Lauren, Matt, Dustin (the groom), Garrett, Greg and Mo

The boys hitting the sand - Garrett, Mo, Tom, Greg and Matt

Strike a pose - Greg does his thinking man impression

Coincidentally, we arrived the day before Mexico's Independence Day. Yep, most people think Cinco de Mayo is the day Mexicans won their freedom, but in reality September 16 is the day Mexico became independent from the Spanish. And you thought this blog was all about traveling, boozing and debauchery…we mix in a little education where we can.

Keeping up with tradition, the independence celebration is held the night before the big day on Sept. 15 - perfect timing by us. The resort hosted a massive feast and entertainment event for all guests. Dinner featured an array of authentic Mexican cuisine – chorizo, carne asada, grilled fish, pollo con salsa verde, shredded pork, rice, beans and a whole plethora of dessert options. The event was held outdoors under the Mexican sky set to mariachi music and theater performances. 

Matt and Courtney Brown enjoying the September 16 Independence celebration

Speaking of mariachi music, in the middle of dinner Greg got the itch to join the band for a quick number. From there it was all downhill… 

Greg joined the mariachi band for a song and energized the crowd

After the delicious feast and a bit of impromptu entertainment, we headed to the resort’s night club, Alegria. Let’s just say the club wasn’t ready for the onslaught that we brought. Literally, there was no bartender so Tom Haugh did the honors and served up beverages for the group, which consisted of about 20-25 people. Matt took to the DJ booth to liven things up. Eventually the staff arrived freeing us up to dance the night away.

Tom behind the bar making things happen

Matt provided some musical entertainment before the real DJ arrived

Matt D. on the wheels of steel

When the club closed we moved the festivities to one of the rooms where an iPod docking station, the mini bar and about 8-10 guests kept the night going. One too many of us jumped into the in-room Jacuzzi causing the water to overflow and flood the room. A cart of towels, a bed spread and part of someone's wardrobe cleaned up the mess.

From top left: Mo, Greg, Ella, Matt and Cameron enjoy the dance floor at Alegria

Eventually things wound down and we cashed in. Strong performance for day one of 15.