Tulum, Mexcio

Dave and I took a couples trip to Tulum, Mexico with the Chandlers and Lecomtes. It was a blast.
Here are some of the highlights of our trip:

Our last day - group shot.

Our tour guide took us to swim in a cenote (underground, fresh water cave) that was totally amazing. We descended a steep, 40 stepped circular stairway into the cavern. It was kind of creepy! The water was crystal clear and this amazing blue-green color (from the unique minerals in the water). The boys brought their snorkeling gear and were able to see two human skeletons the guide pointed out. I guess before there was a man-made entrance, the only opening was a small, 4 foot hole a couple hundred feet from the water. If you were unlucky enough to fall in, there was no getting out.

Our guide took us to his Mayan mother-in-law for an authentic meal. It was incredible to see how a different culture lives even in our modern world. The meal was prepared in a Mayan cooking hut over a wood stove. There was a chicken/turkey coop in the back and fruit trees all around.

We were able to go to several villages and hand out candy to the children. Most of the kids don't go to school here and have very little in terms of food and clothing. Had we known, we would have brought supplies to hand out with the candy. If we go again in the future, I'm sure several bags will be filled with soap, clothing, school supplies and other hygiene items they are in need of.

Iguanas are everywhere at the Tulum ruins.
You've got to be careful because they can BITE!

Stef and I at a Mayan open air market. We got a bunch of different fruit to try and some ingredients to make fresh guacamole. So good!!!!!

Tulum ruins in the background.

Stacy, Stef and I on the deck of the house we rented in the Sian Ka'an bio-reserve near Tulum, Mexico. The house we totally "off-grid" with a windmill and solar panels for power and water collected into cisterns. Behind us is the Caribbean Ocean and on the opposite side is a fresh-water lake with crocodiles and many cool birds. We had a great time laying out and soaking in the much loved sunshine and swimming in the pool at the house.