Day 4 - Lessons Learned in Mexico

There were lots of lessons learned in our four days in Mexico and since most of Sunday (day 4) was spent recuperating in the pool after the wedding, we figured we'd take the opportunity to recap a few key lessons:

Lesson 1 - The best way to recoup after a rambunctious wedding party is to take full advantage of the all-inclusive food and drinks while floating around the pool.

Beverages and floating, the best way to recoup

The newly weds enjoying some post-wedding pool time

A little fun around the pool...it was an adults-only resort

Did I get all the sand off?  Ahh, I think you missed a spot!

Lesson 2 - If you go sailing make sure someone in the group knows how to sail

Tom and Mo mess with the jib and set sail

We slowly realized that we had no idea what we were doing

What side is port and what side is starboard? 

Lesson 3 - If you don't abide by lesson 3 then at least sail close to the shore

Matt pulling the catamaran to shore since no one knew how to sail

Lesson 4 - All-inclusive does not include the destruction of glass coffee tables

Lesson 5 - Urinals in Mexico are a solid 8-10 inches higher than anywhere else in the world

Lesson 6 - Needle fish are appropriately named

Lesson 7 - Four people max in the jacuzzi tubs

Lesson 8 - When using bubble bath soap, a little dab will do ya

Krista, Erik, Bre and Mo pushed the limits of both the jacuzzi capacity and the bubble bath allotment

Lesson 9 - Philadelphia Eagles fans travel well...even to Mexico

The boys enjoying the Sunday Night Eagles v. Falcons football game...a strong 6-8 additional Eagles fans joined

Lesson 10 - When the resort staff say karaoke will last one hour they mean ONE HOUR!

Greg doing his traditional vacation karaoke but despite multiple pleas, they cut us off

Lesson 11 (Spanish lesson) - Surf and Turf in Spanish is Mar y tierra

Lesson 12 - If you happen to celebrate your birthday in Mexico, ask Erik Weigand to coordinate it and you'll get a private dinner with a set menu, balloons, streamers and a cake

Our private birthday accommodations 

Matt enjoying the birthday decor

Day 3 - The Wedding

Day three was 'la dia mas importante' – the most important day (this blog is now permitted to feature random Spanish now that we’ve been in a Spanish-speaking country for more than three days).

The morning was mellow and included some time by the pool.  Fortunately, the weather was bright and sunny and it didn’t look to be changing anytime soon…or so we thought.

In the early afternoon the groomsmen, which includes four of the five TIS members, migrated to the groom's room to primp for the big show.  We convened in a suite to chill, sip on some beverages and discuss Dustin’s last few hours of freedom.  We proceeded to get dressed and take the traditional ‘groomsmen getting ready’ photos.  Around 4:30pm we headed down to the ceremony site.  On the walk down we quickly began to realize that long-sleeve collared shirts and long light grey cotton pants didn’t mesh well with 90 degrees and humid.  We began to sweat in areas we didn’t even know had sweat pores like our knees and shins.

Tom, Garrett, Mo, Greg and Matt...The Groomsmen

Who knew you could sweat from your knees and shins!

After the last of the guests had arrived, we finally reached go time.  The sky was clear, the sun was getting ready to set and there was a light breeze…perfect conditions.  

Dustin and his mom Cindy walking down the aisle

Garrett strolling down the aisle...

The beautiful couple saying their vows...

You may kiss the bride...

Mr. & Mrs. Dustin Avol

The beautiful ceremony lasted about 15-20 minutes.  Shortly after the “I Dos” while the guests proceeded to the cocktail reception, the clouds rolled in and the rain began to come down.  Although the flash storm lasted all of 10 minutes and came after the wedding ceremony, it still claimed a few casualties including having to re-position the outdoor wedding reception.  Like in theater, the show must go on so the hotel staff moved the ‘outside reception’ indoors.  It was a seamless adjustment and the guests enjoyed some extra cocktail reception time, which didn't seem to bother anyone.

Dustin, Hannah and Mo cracking open a bottle of RALLY VINO! 

The TIS crew poses with the wedding reception Mariachi band

In the end, the party went on...and on and on and on!  You couldn’t have hand selected a more lively, fun loving, energetic bunch.  From the families to the friends to the wedding party, the entire group was bouncing off the walls from the time we walked in to the time they kicked us out.  The quote that sums it up came early in the night when the DJ said, “This crowd is pumped and I’ve only been playing the dinner music.  This place could erupt when the dance music kicks in.”  And it did!  We danced the entire time only stopping for three top notch wedding speeches from the Father of the Bride Keith Schnell, the Maid of Honor Kate Schnell (the bride’s sister), and the Best Man and TIS’ own Matt D.

The groom and his jesters

Table 2 brought the ruckus

Mo and Garrett, members of table 2, doing their impression of going No. 2 

Laura and Mo broke out some props

Jump up, jump up and get down! - Sarah, Laura, Lauren and Stacie set the tone for a  off-the-wall wedding reception

Despite the warm and humid conditions, the flash flood and the wedding rearrangements, Dustin and Hannah’s wedding went off without a hitch in our minds.  It was a beautiful wedding for an absolutely beautiful couple.   A huge thank you to the Schnell and Avol family for including us and allowing us to be a part of such a special celebration.

Now, we have Sunday to recoup and then on Monday it's off to Puerto Rico.

Day 2 - Sun, Sand, Rehearsals and A Bit of MJ

After a rambunctious first night, day two started a bit sluggish.  Since it was our first full day we decided to spend a majority of our time in the sun, sand and water...plus, we needed to work on our tans for the wedding.

Greg and Tom walking about the Excellence grounds

The gang hit the pool early

You could reserve a little beach hut on the sand

Matt, Tom and Greg grabbed a late breaky while the rest of the crew participated in aqua aerobics, one of many of the resort’s daily activities.  High on our activity list for the weekend are Latin Dance lessons and rifle shooting.

Tom, Greg and Matt dined at The Lobster above the pool

The gang stretches for Aqua Aerobics

Tim, Garrett and Mo throwing blows during Aqua Aerobics

Ring around the rosies...

After the morning exercise, we bounced back and forth from the beach to the pool bringing a lively group wherever we went.  Eventually, we settled into a portion of the lazy river where a few friendly staff obliged us with fruity shots, endless Coronas and a small selection of appetizers.

Lauren and Matt showing off the latest in eye wear and hat fashion

The gang

In the evening we had the wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.  Fingers crossed the perfect weather holds up because the setting at the rehearsal was gorgeous – white sand, turquoise water and pinkish, bluish sunset sky. 

The bridesmaids

The groomsmen preparing for a free kick

The bride and groom

The wedding party

The Avol clan at the rehearsal dinner - Happy 60th Birthday Ed!

If the all-inclusive drinking and eating everything and anything you want didn’t sell you on the Excellence resort than perhaps the special edition Michael Jackson tribute show would.  Yep, the resort puts on a 45-minute fully choreographed dance show featuring top hits from Michael Jackson’s catalog.  The dance sequences were bridged by stimulating videos of the King of Pop’s best moments, quotes and inspiring tributes.  As you can imagine, this was a big hit with our group.

Michael Jackson tribute concert was a big hit with resort guests

There’s only one place to go after getting MJ’s beats into your system and that’s straight back to the resort’s dance club, Alegria!  Tom returned to his role as bartender this time bringing props for added entertainment.

Tom, Dustin and Mike enjoying some stogies

The group enjoying another night at Alegira

Matt, Angry Mo and Greg

You can stand under my umbrella, ella, ella, ella!

With some careful negotiations with resort security and management, we received the green light for a late night game of beer pong.  Ella and Cameron took on Greg and Matt while Tom, Erik, Krista and a few friends from the club looked on.  After a hard fought battle the match ended in a draw and we celebrated with a group swim.

Matt, Cameron and Ella preparing for the beer pong showdown

Day three is the big wedding day so stay tuned... 

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.

Travel In Sandals Traveler Profile: Lauren H. Brown

Here is a look at the travel experiences, likes, dislikes, habits and traditions of the first-ever female Travel In Sandals member, LAUREN H. BROWN:

1. What do you look forward to most when visiting a country or city?

Immersing myself in the culture and lifestyle.

2. What is something you always travel with?

iPod, a good book, and my camera.

3. Do you have a routine or tradition that you always do when you travel?

Try to take a “vacation” within a vacation. For example, when we went to Egypt in 2010 there was so much to see in two, short weeks.  We had to wake up at the crack of dawn everyday, so towards the end of the trip we went to Sharm el Sheikh to relax and do nothing for a few days.

4. If you hosted a Travel Channel show, what would the premise be?

I would want it to be about luxury travel, so The Travel Channel would pay for me to explore the most fabulous locations, stay at trendy hotels, eat delicious meals, and experience absolutely decadent spas!

5. What is a pet peeve of yours committed by other travelers?

Wearing banana hammocks.

6. How many continents have you been to?

Five – North America, South America, Asia, Europe, Africa.

7. What do you splurge on when you travel? What is a must have?
Definitely food and some good souveniers.

8. What is the one thing you look forward to most when you get home?

My dog Nooch, my own bed and pillow, and my phone.

9. What is your dream travel destination?

I would really like to go on a European wine tasting trip focusing on wine regions in Italy, France, and Spain. I am dying to see southern Italy – the Amalfi Coast, especially Capri.

10. What is your favorite travel location you’ve been to and why?

So far, Egypt has been the most spectacular because I have wanted to go there since I picked up a book about King Tutankhamun when I was 10 years old. Anyone close to me knows I’ve been obsessed with Egypt my entire life.

11. What are you most looking forward to on the trip?

Dustin and Hannah’s wedding in Playa Mujeres, Mexico.

Travel In Sandals Traveler Profile: Garrett Brown

Since we have a couple new members of the Travel In Sandals crew, we figured we need to properly introduce them.  To do so, the newbies each answered a set of travel-related questions inquiring about travel experiences, likes, dislikes, habits, traditions and more.

Here is a look at GARRETT BROWN:

1. What do you look forward to most when visiting a country or city?

I love that first time venturing out to explore right after checking into the hotel.  It’s always cool to see everything for the first time and get a feel for what a new country or city is like. 

2. What is something you always travel with?

My laptop (I have trouble disconnecting), lots of books (I read fast) and hand sanitizer (airplanes are gross).  I also have a comfortable pair of jeans that I wear on almost every plane ride.

3. Do you have a routine or tradition that you always do when you travel?

Not on purpose, but when Lauren (wife) and I go somewhere new it seems like we always wander off and get lost at least once.  It usually leads to a good discovery, or at the very least it eventually gives you bearings for getting around later.

4. If you hosted a Travel Channel show, what would the premise be?

I’d do something that focuses on things “Off the Beaten Path.” It’s fun to look past the touristy stuff and really get a feel for what it’s like to live somewhere new, but that’s not always easy to do on a relatively quick vacation.  My own show could give me a great excuse to have a local’s experience everywhere I go.

5. What is a pet peeve of yours committed by other travelers?

Lack of preparation going through airport security.  We all know the drill - let’s get the laptops out and the shoes and belts off and get through, people!

6. How many continents have you been to?

Five.  Haven’t made it to Australia or Antarctica yet, but we’ll get there.

7. What do you splurge on when you travel? What is a must have?

On recent trips we have tried not to skimp on meals at all.  You never know when you’ll get back to a certain place, so I like to make sure I’m eating the best food the city I’m in has to offer.

8. What is the one thing you look forward to most when you get home?

Seeing my dog, Nooch!

9. What is your dream travel destination?  

I think Machu Picchu in Peru is at the top of my list right now, but an extended stay in China or Japan wouldn’t be far behind.

10. What is your favorite travel location you’ve been to and why?

I like different places for different reasons, but if I have to pick I’ll give Barcelona a slight edge over Rio de Janeiro.  Barca is just a great city with lots to see and do, great food, great people… can’t wait to get back there.

11. Is there a specific souvenir you for on a trip?

Lauren and I don't collect specific souvenirs like some people do, but we like to bring home something unique from each trip to put in our house and remind us of where we've been.  For example, we have some Buddha heads from Thailand, a carved Tahitian weapon from Bora Bora, some canopic jar replicas from Egypt, a statue from Brazil, and so on.  Who knows what will make its way home with us this time?

HERE WE GO AGAIN...

It's been a healthy layoff...18 months to be exact. Last time we spoke, we were returning from an epic trip down under. So much has happened since the last time we connected...Spain won the World Cup for the first time, we killed Osama Bin Laden, Brett Favre finally retired and most importantly, Jersey Shore became a staple in our lives. It's great to be back sharing our travel experiences and debaucherous adventures with you; we hope you'll enjoy it this time around as much as you did last time...I know we'll enjoy traveling in our sandals just as much.

Now onto the important stuff, where are we going and who is taking part. This season is taking us to three different countries - Mexico, Puerto Rico (U.S.) and the Dominican Republic. The cast features some of your favorite characters such as Greg to the Altman, Do You Know Mo Morales and Matt D. in the Place to Be. New for the 2011 trip are Garrett Jamin Brown and for the first time in Travel In Sandals history, a female traveler, Lauren Brown (Garrett's wife).

Our trip to the caribbean is for a special occasion, well at least part of it is. The first five days of the trip will be spent in MEXICO for a very close friend's wedding...WHOOP, WHOOP!! Dustin Avol is marrying Hannah Schnell on Saturday, Sept. 17 at the Excellence Resort in Playa Mujeres, which is about 40 minutes north of Cancun. They're expecting about 40-50 guests at the all-inclusive resort so the big beach bash is where we'll be kicking things off. Pretty stylish way to start of a caribbean jaunt, can't wait!!

After celebrating the nuptials, we'll be off to explore the island of PUERTO RICO, which will include stops in San Juan, Vieques island and the El Yunque rain forest, the only rain forest in the U.S. territories.

After five days in PR, we island hop over to LA REPUBLICA DE DOMINICANA (Dominican Republic), where we'll spend five days visiting the capital city of Santo Domingo and the arts and crafts town of Cabarete.

So, that's the 2011 Travel In Sandals trip in a nut shell - lots of sand and sun, just the way we like it! Sounds pretty simple, now we just need to add some color to it. Below is the day by day breakdown so you can follow along on your score card at home.

Like in trips past, we'll post plenty of photos of our excursions, reviews of our favorite feasts and hopefully, if we can figure out the futuristic technology, supply you with some video footage.

Also like before, we love hearing your feedback and comments so post away. And of course, if you have recommendations on places to see, eat, drink and explore, let us know.

We look forward to bringing you along on the next couple of weeks of fun, adventure and hopefully a little trouble.

- 2011 Travel In Sandals crew


PS - Here's the traditional LOUIS VUITTON COMMERCIAL we post at the beginning of each trip...still love how it flips the travel switch and provokes questions of journeys and life and big picture thinking..."A journey shows us not only the world, but how we fit in it"...so deep!


2011 Travel In Sandals Day-by-Day Itinerary

· Sept 15 – LA to Playa Mujeres, Mexico

· Sept 15-19 – Excellence Resort in Playa Mujeres

· Sept 19 – Playa Mujeres, Mexico to Puerto Rico

· Sept 20-21 – Vieques Island (just off of Puerto Rico)

· Sept 22-25 – San Juan, PR (three nights)

· Sept 25 – San Juan to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

· Sept 25-29 – Santo Domingo, DR

· Sept 27 – Cabarete, Dominican Republic

· Sept 29 – Santo Domingo to LA