Title Chosen: World of Friendship! October 2017 Girls Getaway: Aloha to the Poly/ MCO Hyatt p33-4

[natebenma]

No! It was cool! I was like "How'd she do that? Hidden trap door?" So cool.

You'll probably see that trick a lot. I'm no one-trick-pony.

Well... good... and bad... But I'm guessing mostly good?

The trip was mostly good. Fortunately, the effects of the food poisoning only lasted one day and even more fortunately, didn't interfere with our trip to Chichen Itza the following day.

Saw your post on fb. I'd love to see that, but have no real interest in vacationing in the area.

More Mexico for us, then!

Mark and I have travelled a lot in the Caribbean, which we love, but Mexico is much easier and less costly. The beaches at this particular resort are amazing- over a mile long, with calm areas for swimming, other areas with lots of wave actions and decent snorkeling.

Smart. DW had that with some of MILs accounts. Made things hugely more simple when she passed.

It will be a relief to have Mark overseeing the finances. His parents had 3 separate checking accounts- the plan is to consolidate that.

Scatalogical? Well, poop. If I'd know you were gonna use big words, I woulda brought my dictionary. But now I feel like I don't have a pot to p!ss in.

I don't have any good chamber pot jokes. I do like to tell the kids in our classes that the youngest one in the family was the one responsible to empty them each morning.

Are you shoe you wood?

I love sole food.

I'd be okay with that too.

The party they sat next to us didn't bother me at all. Especially since I was at the other end of the table.

I did. It's why I probably won't go back. I like good pizza. That was merely passable.

That's too bad.

If I'm forced to go back (DISmeet there or something) then I'll probably try it.

Well, if the pizza didn't impress you, maybe you should try the shoe.




I'll message the comic to you, if I can find it.

 

[pkondz]

You'll probably see that trick a lot. I'm no one-trick-pony.

This is good intel...

The trip was mostly good. Fortunately, the effects of the food poisoning only lasted one day and even more fortunately, didn't interfere with our trip to Chichen Itza the following day.

Good!

More Mexico for us, then!

Mark and I have travelled a lot in the Caribbean, which we love, but Mexico is much easier and less costly. The beaches at this particular resort are amazing- over a mile long, with calm areas for swimming, other areas with lots of wave actions and decent snorkeling.

Must say that sounds pretty darned nice!

I don't have any good chamber pot jokes. I do like to tell the kids in our classes that the youngest one in the family was the one responsible to empty them each morning.

I love sole food.

I've never had it. It's aboot time I do.

Well, if the pizza didn't impress you, maybe you should try the shoe.

Can't. I made a heel out of myself and they kicked me out.

I'll message the comic to you, if I can find it.

You did! Thanks!

 

[Wood Nymph]

Our daughter saw Chitza Itzna two summers ago and really enjoyed it. It was a long ride from their resort but she said it was worth it.

 

[natebenma]

This is good intel...

You should see me all tricked out!

Good!

We are so relieved the stomach issues only kept Ben out of commission for one day. The following day was our all-day private tour to Chichen Itza (complete with 50% deposit already paid)

I understand the concerns people have with traveling to Mexico. We have always felt safe in the area we are in. Although we learned after getting back that during the time of our trip there was an explosion aboard one of the ferries used by tourists between Cozumel and Playa Del Carmen (both cruise stops). And an unexploded device was found Thursday of this week!

I was disappointed that I didn't have a chamberpot joke for you, and then I remembered the good ole interwebs:

Two nuns were driving alone out in the boonies.

They ran out of gas. Fortunately they could walk to a gas station not far away, where they asked to purchase a can of gasoline.

"I'm sorry, sister," said the attendant, "but all I have for you to carry it in is an old chamberpot."

The nuns agreed that this would be fine. They returned to the car.

As they were pouring the gasoline into the tank, a man drove by, stopped his car, and said, "Oh sister, if only I had your faith."

I've never had it. It's aboot time I do.

I hear the chicken-fried tounge is delicious.

Can't. I made a heel out of myself and they kicked me out.

I would help you out but my feet are tied.

You did! Thanks!

​

 

[natebenma]

Well I’m finally all caught up with you again! Loved your AK day especially the lion King photos. I love that show. We also went to the stage show in London which was entirely different but equally amazing and very expensive but worth every penny for me
The cow stool joke made me laugh and I had no idea that birds could poop but not pee. Just goes to show that the Dis can teach me some new stuff every time I read lol
Love that you got some solo time. Very important for your sanity ( in my case at least)to get to chill on your own a little when traveling with a large group. Those pizzas look delicious and everyone looks so happy. Great company and decent food = fabulous evening

I wonder what does happen the chocolate creations when they’re done showing them?
Great day from start to finish

I love the songs from the Lion King and in fact, I'm sure I have mentioned that my favorite Disney song is from the show: Be Prepared!

We saw the Lion King stage show many many moons ago in Boston. Ben was probably 2 or 3 and slept in Mark's arms during the second act.

My aim to entertain AND teach (some useless drivel)

I like my solo time because I don't feel like I am cramping anyone's style.

Can't remember- have you been to Via Napoli?

Now I need to find out what happens to the chocolate creations when F&W is over!

Yes, this was a successful day and as Jack Palance says in City Slickers "Day ain't over yet!"

Our daughter saw Chitza Itzna two summers ago and really enjoyed it. It was a long ride from their resort but she said it was worth it.

We have toured the other ruins in the area, Tulum a couple of times and Coba, which visitors can still climb. We have wanted to go to Chichen Itza for a long time, but the distance dissuaded us. Our tour worked out really well. It was just the 3 of us, our driver and our guide. They had plenty of snacks and drinks for us along the way and before we arrived, the guide gave us a presentation with background about Mayan culture and what we would be seeing. Then, on the way back to the resort, we stopped for a buffet lunch with traditional Mexican foods, we dipped into a cenote (water-filled cavern) and visited a quaint Colonial town.

A most awesome tour!

 

[natebenma]

Pick A Pearl, Any Pearl


Our friend ~Ninja has a sweet EPCOT tradition- on every trip she goes to the gift shop in Japan and does the pick-a-pearl activity. She has collected a number of pearls that she will use as part of her future daughter-in-law’s wedding gifts.

During this year’s visit, she thought it would be a nice thank you gift if we each did a pick-a-pearl to give to Nannette to thank her for hosting us during our girls’ getaway. She could start a tradition of getting pearls for her dear granddaughter on future trips.

This was the second time I did the pick-a-pearl at Disney- during my 30th wedding anniversary trip with Mark, I got a pearl that I set in this necklace. One of my favorite pieces of jewelry.

Scoping out the tank

That one looks UGLY enough

I’ll take it!

What-choo lookin’ at Willis?

The woman who does the ceremony cracks me up. She has to be so excited about each and every pearl discovered. She goes through a dramatic sizing ritual using the board with the progressively bigger holes. “Oh, so big” “So pretty!”

My favorite, though, was when a blue pearl was discovered. “Oh, very rare! Only one in 100 pearls have a blue pearl”

In the time we were there watching 6 groups, I think 3 blue pearls, including Janet’s were found. We cracked up every time she said how rare it was.


This was incredibly fun to do and Nannette really appreciated the thank you and future tradition.


We all split up after this. I think Nannette and Janet called it a night and went back to the resort. Not sure what ~Ninja did (Hollywood Studios?). Bet you can guess how I ended my evening.


Next Up: A Different Perspective

 

[pkondz]

You should see me all tricked out!

The pool noodle makes it work.

We are so relieved the stomach issues only kept Ben out of commission for one day. The following day was our all-day private tour to Chichen Itza (complete with 50% deposit already paid)

Phew! Close one!!

I understand the concerns people have with traveling to Mexico. We have always felt safe in the area we are in. Although we learned after getting back that during the time of our trip there was an explosion aboard one of the ferries used by tourists between Cozumel and Playa Del Carmen (both cruise stops). And an unexploded device was found Thursday of this week!

So... then yes. You understand my concerns!

I was disappointed that I didn't have a chamberpot joke for you, and then I remembered the good ole interwebs:

Two nuns were driving alone out in the boonies.

They ran out of gas. Fortunately they could walk to a gas station not far away, where they asked to purchase a can of gasoline.

"I'm sorry, sister," said the attendant, "but all I have for you to carry it in is an old chamberpot."

The nuns agreed that this would be fine. They returned to the car.

As they were pouring the gasoline into the tank, a man drove by, stopped his car, and said, "Oh sister, if only I had your faith."

I hear the chicken-fried tounge is delicious.

Not a fan. I prefer candy shoelaces.



Sorry... that was laced with sarcasm.

I would help you out but my feet are tied.

Well, as Goofy would say "Galosh!"
You seem to really like shoes, so I got you a photo of a pair.

 

[pkondz]

Our friend ~Ninja has a sweet EPCOT tradition- on every trip she goes to the gift shop in Japan and does the pick-a-pearl activity. She has collected a number of pearls that she will use as part of her future daughter-in-law’s wedding gifts.

That's really nice!

During this year’s visit, she thought it would be a nice thank you gift if we each did a pick-a-pearl to give to Nannette to thank her for hosting us during our girls’ getaway. She could start a tradition of getting pearls for her dear granddaughter on future trips.

I got a pearl that I set in this necklace

Um... which necklace?

The woman who does the ceremony cracks me up. She has to be so excited about each and every pearl discovered. She goes through a dramatic sizing ritual using the board with the progressively bigger holes. “Oh, so big” “So pretty!”

<inner voice> "Oh my God. When is my next break? My cheeks are killing me! I came all the way from Japan... for this? Oh, yes. Your pearl is wonderful.... someone please kill me."

My favorite, though, was when a blue pearl was discovered. “Oh, very rare! Only one in 100 pearls have a blue pearl”

Oh?

In the time we were there watching 6 groups, I think 3 blue pearls, including Janet’s were found. We cracked up every time she said how rare it was.

Oh!

I did this for the DDs in Hawaii. I knew it wasn't a great deal, but that's beside the point. I did resist their sales pitch to mount it and buy really cheap jewellery at inflated prices. Kay got a black pearl which I thought was pretty cool.

 

[natebenma]

Um... which necklace?

OOPS!!!

Guess it is not just me doing a disappearing act. My jewelry does too.

Thanks for the heads up!

 

[pkondz]

OOPS!!!

Guess it is not just me doing a disappearing act. My jewelry does too.

Thanks for the heads up!

That's really pretty!

 

[natebenma]

That's really pretty!

Thanks! I think we got it on ebay, for around $35. There were similar ones for $10, I assume from inferior materials.

 

[MeghanEmily]

Oh what a fun tradition! You got some nice pearls. We tried this for the first time last summer and got a kick out of how enthusiastic the woman was about the whole process.

 

[Wood Nymph]

We’ve never watched the pearl show. If it wasn’t for your trip report I wouldn’t have known about it. We will have to check it out sometime.

 

[amazingact21]

Glad you had a relaxing vacation in Mexico (with the exception of the food poisoning, of course)!

That was very sweet of you guys to pick pearls for Nannette; that sounds like a personal and beautiful gift to give to friend. I’ve never done this nor even been inside to watch the process, but now that I’ve read your experience both on this trip and during your 30th anniversary one I think I need to check it out. Especially if the poor CMs are as overly enthusiastic as it sounds. Some jobs at Disney are easier than others...

 

[annie170]

How nice you were able to get away to Mexico! A relaxing vacation is always welcome. Chichen Itza is on my bucket list. I've only been to Tulum back in 2004 while vacationing in Cancun.

Out of curiosity, does Ben get a winter break? February is a great time to take a trip like that.

I have a friend who has a similar tradition with the pick a pearls for her granddaughter. I think it's lovely and wish I would have started something like that, but I have three daughters and two granddaughters. I try to be very fair with everyone when it comes to gifts, so I just can't see buying that many pearls.

That ceremony always sounds like such an experience. The "rare" three blue pearls story is really funny!

I'll take a guess that you spent the evening taking photos around Epcot.

 

[natebenma]

The pool noodle makes it work.

Not just for floating anymore.

Phew! Close one!!

Ben was really a trooper! He even joked after a few days about the tuna that poisoned him.

So... then yes. You understand my concerns!

I do. But I'm still not at the point that I will avoid the area in the future.

Glad that "you're in" on the joke about the chamberpot.

Not a fan. I prefer candy shoelaces.

Justifiably.

Well, as Goofy would say "Galosh!"
You seem to really like shoes, so I got you a photo of a pair.

 

[natebenma]

<inner voice> "Oh my God. When is my next break? My cheeks are killing me! I came all the way from Japan... for this? Oh, yes. Your pearl is wonderful.... someone please kill me."

So true! That kind of enthusiasm is dangerous.

I did this for the DDs in Hawaii. I knew it wasn't a great deal, but that's beside the point. I did resist their sales pitch to mount it and buy really cheap jewellery at inflated prices. Kay got a black pearl which I thought was pretty cool.

I bet a black pearl really IS rare.

 

[natebenma]

Oh what a fun tradition! You got some nice pearls. We tried this for the first time last summer and got a kick out of how enthusiastic the woman was about the whole process.

I never spent much time in the Japanese gift shop, so I hadn't really seen the ceremony too many times until we did it with ~Ninjamom on a previous trip. I can't believe how enthusiastic the woman is. I wonder how long her shift is.

We’ve never watched the pearl show. If it wasn’t for your trip report I wouldn’t have known about it. We will have to check it out sometime.

It is fun to watch, and even more fun to participate in.

Glad you had a relaxing vacation in Mexico (with the exception of the food poisoning, of course)!

That was very sweet of you guys to pick pearls for Nannette; that sounds like a personal and beautiful gift to give to friend. I’ve never done this nor even been inside to watch the process, but now that I’ve read your experience both on this trip and during your 30th anniversary one I think I need to check it out. Especially if the poor CMs are as overly enthusiastic as it sounds. Some jobs at Disney are easier than others...

We had a great trip to Mexico. Probably my most relaxing trip ever- Mark commented to me yesterday that he couldn't believe how chill I was. I was definitely not in drill sergeant mode, like I usually am.

It is worth it to observe a show or two (free to watch, after all). The mistress of ceremonies is incredibly fun to see. I'm glad that Nannette liked the gift idea, especially since it kind of locks her into doing this activity on future trips!

How nice you were able to get away to Mexico! A relaxing vacation is always welcome. Chichen Itza is on my bucket list. I've only been to Tulum back in 2004 while vacationing in Cancun.

Out of curiosity, does Ben get a winter break? February is a great time to take a trip like that.

I have a friend who has a similar tradition with the pick a pearls for her granddaughter. I think it's lovely and wish I would have started something like that, but I have three daughters and two granddaughters. I try to be very fair with everyone when it comes to gifts, so I just can't see buying that many pearls.

That ceremony always sounds like such an experience. The "rare" three blue pearls story is really funny!

I'll take a guess that you spent the evening taking photos around Epcot.

After a succession of go-go-go trips (Alaskan Cruise, Disney Cruise, Girls' Getaway Disney trip), it was nice to have a relaxing trip where the only scheduled activity was our all day tour to Chichen Itza. We have gone to Tulum a few times- twice with the boys. I enjoy that excursion as well, especially since it is only about 30 minutes from the resort where we stay, and we use the local transportation ($3 per person, each way) to get there. Several years ago we went to the ruins at Coba, which are about halfway between Tulum and Chichen Itza. You are still able to climb the main structure, which is the second highest pyramid in the Yucatan. We did. It was scary!!!

Yes, we went during Ben's February break. He also has one in April. We will probably be going to DC to look at some of the schools he will be applying to in the fall. GULP!

Nate has a break, apparently next week! We had lunch with him yesterday. Then he mentioned that I need to pick him up on Friday. I had totally forgotten about his vacation. There goes my mother of the year award this year!

I have boys- no girlfriends that I am aware of- so I have not started a pearl tradition in my family.

We cracked up at all of the blue pearls that were discovered! And that we were told how rare they are every time she found one.

 

[missangelalexis]

Glad you had a nice time in Mexico!

Pick a Pearl is so fun- nice that you all picked one out as a thank you gift!

 

[rteetz]

Pick a Pearl seems like a lot of fun! Nobody in my family has ever done it before.