Back to Switzerland

Before starting this flight I joined the Aegean Miles & Bonus loyalty program being the easiest one to gain status. And yes, the flights to Mexico were just enough to gain Star Silver.

United does admit silver status by gaining you premier access. This includes a separate line to drop the bags and faster boarding. But also you preferred to move to the front row seats. And after asking at check-in for a better seat I was directly moved to premium economy. This was perfect for this 3.30h flight.

The flight passed quite well. On the first flight one of the cabin members was somewhat unfriendly and we came in somewhat late in Cleveland. But the airport is quit relaxed and formalities were completed within minutes. So it was no problem to reach my connection.

On the second flight I was highly impressed by the professionalism of the only crew member. The last flight was with Air Canada. The plane was quiet new and the entertainment system is definitely up to standard. What a pity that the flight was only 7 hours. The trip was finished with a train ride back to Zurich.

To conclude Cancun was big fun, the beaches are gorgeous and the food great. I would definitely come back!

Spring Break Party – Part 2

Finally MTV is in town!

So prices at the Oasis almost doubled and the lines were long. But you might think this is a once in a lifetime experience.

Well, the place was definitely crowded. And there were a lot of spring breakers around. And this time the beach party really rocked. As they recorded for MTV of course many cameras flew around. And from time to time the show was stopped to take a second shot of a scene. But beside of that MTV delivered a really good show. On the Turns we had Afro Jack and a bunch of other artists rocked the scene.

So we paid the money the first day to join the party on a full scale. Of course it is nice to have an open bar and as much food as you need. Anyway, on the second day we joined from the beach. We brought some rum, beer and chips and had a quite good time parting with the people crowding the beach. And when MTV staff passed the even gifted us some sunglasses.

So all in all a quiet funny party day!

The Tourist Tour Thing

No vacation would be complete without a full scale tour. So we booked two days of being cramped into a bus with 50 other people and a somewhat funny guide.

Our first tour was for the Xplor Park. We took the evening tour named fire which was a good decision. While during the day tour thousands of people gather into the park we had to share it on this Tuesday with around 100. You can swim or paddle a cave which is impressive or you use the zip lines and swing over the park. But the funniest thing in our view was the off-road car you can drive. We might drove somewhat fast but fortunately we didn’t break the car.

The second tour was for Xel-Ha. This is a worth seeing ecologic park for swimming and snorkelling. We used it as a relaxing day and spent the whole day with hanging in the water, at the bar or eating. As always drinks and food were included.

Road Trip Maya Style

Sunday and Monday we had a rental car letting us discover the touristy Maya stuff in the region.
We got up early so we could profit from the various sites around. But Europcar failed big time. The local agency did not receive our booking and so they had no car. 3 hours later we finally got wheels and we were off for Playa de Carmen. This village is quite European style vacation and made a good lunch stop. Just next to Playa de Carmen is the Blue Cynote where we had a good swim.
We continued to Cobá where we learned that we just came in late so no admission and we had to watch the ruins from the view tower. Thank you Europcar! So we continued our trip to Punta Laguna. This is a nice lake side natural park whit a great sunset. But beside of that not much is going on. So we had the apes and ants shown by a very young guide and then we went back to Cancun.
The next day we took the 300 km to Chichén Itzá. Probably the most impressive Maya sight on the peninsula. But before reaching it we stopped at the Dzitnup Cynote. It was cool and fun to swim in this impressive cave under the surface.
We eventually reached Chichén Itzá around 2pm giving us some 3 hours to explore the place. This was just enough to walk the whole park but not much more. The most impressive of course is the pyramide at the center which claims to be one of the new 7 wonders. But the massive Cynote is also not too bad.
On the way back we took some photos on the main square of Valladolid and came right back to Cancun to party at Dady’O.

Spring Break Party – Part 1

Flying to Cancun in March might be connected with a spring break part. Well, our trip definitely is. But if you have the impression that Cancun is completely overcrowded by American students partying on the street you’re definitely wrong. As mentioned before spring break is mainly reduced to one hotel which is the Grand Oasis Cancun.
So on Wednesday morning we took our towels and made our way to the resort. As the sales desk opened late we had to wait a little until we finally got in. For the 50 US$ you get a decent breakfast, good lunch, bar snacks and all you can drink. And of course you can join the party at the beach.
Things were starting slowly and the folks didn’t show up much before lunch. But the pool area made a good base for drinks and relaxing. In the afternoon the program started at the beach. First a DJ and some girls were warming the crowed and then the obligatory wet T-Shirt contest started. I think a girl from New Jersey won but not sure what the price was. Anyway, party was going on until dawn and then we headed back to our hotel.
The evening we spent at Fat Tuesday which is not recommendable at all. You pay an open bar but will not be served if until you tip every drink. So we went home early and came back for the City (yes, it’s a club name) the next night. The tickets we got in pre sale for 50 US$ making it a good deal. The club did not fill up before midnight but then it was rocking and popping! It does not have as many shows as the Coco Bongo but the crowed made it a great party. Again folks got drunk around 3am making it becoming uncomfortable.
Another highlight on that day was Hooters. We visited the one at la isla (little Venice) shopping mall as it has a great terrace.
Next week we want to be back at the Oasis for the MTV-U spring break party. Stay tuned for Part 2!

Coco Bongo Club Cart

Tuesday we took a bus down to the south of the Zona and started walking. We eventually reached the Oasis Hotel where the Spring Break thing is going on. There we learned that we can join the party for 50-75 USD depending if an event is going on. For the money you get admission to the property and profit from the all inclusive offer (food and drink) the hotel has from 9am to 6pm.
On the entrance we further found a little criminal employed by the hotel who wanted to bring us to the beach for 25$ each. But as the beach is free in Mexico we decided to use the public access next to the Marriott Hotel one property up the road.
After a few hours of enjoying the white sands and crystal clear see and with a decent first sun burn we continued our walk through the luxury mall, had 4pm lunch with a perfect view and ended in La Isla shoping mall.
And then the evening started. We had tickets for the Coco Bongo. And whatever you may have read abtut Cancun's finest may be true. The place is amazing and puts almost all of the nightlife experience I ever had into shame. The club was full with a well mixed crowed, had an open bar and more than 20 shows. The 5 hours we were there seemed to pass as it was a second. We left at 3.30am as most girls were gone at that time, most of the guys really drunk and the open bar not open anymore.
Back at the hotel we enjoyed 6 hours of sleep before heading to isla mujeres. Our absolute highlight: You can rent a golf cart there. And for all the fans of Jack Ass out there: Yes, it is fun! Going through the narrow streets in the northern town is just the start of it. The fun really starts when you run full speed over the bumps or when getting to the mud area near the light house on the south west. Of course there were also some nice sights on the island and we had decent lunch on the sea side.

Welcome to Cancun

As I came in late I went straight to bed. So my first real day in Cancun was Sunday. You would think that business might be low on that day. But it’s not. So I had the chance to get settled and to gain a first overview of the destination.
As in every tourist destination you can select from an amazing amount of tours, excursions and entertainment staff. But the best thing in Cancun is free. You can use any beach you want as those are public by law. But it’s sometimes hard to get to the beach as there are very few alleys between the hotels.
On Monday I made my way to the city of Cancun. But as the town is artificial and somewhat young there is not much to see. It is mainly shopping. It is not a bad place to stay but not the typical beach destination. So I tick it off from my list but will keep it in mind for some shopping on a rainy day.
In the evening Alex finally arrived to Cancun and we had dinner in the entertainment district. But as he was jet lagged the party was reduced to some beers and we decided to start our exploring of the destination a day later.
Our residence is the Celuisma Imperial Laguna on the northern part of the Zone Hotelera. The hotel came on a barging but has some draw-backs. Most annoying is that description is not in line with the real offer. There is no safe deposit box and no WiFi in the room. And ebookers does not take any responsibility for that making it a very bad travel agency when things go wrong. But staff is friendly and after two days the shower worked properly. Breakfast is limited but OK and the pool is nice. Further I have to admit that the hotel is very small and is not having any animation so it is somewhat quiet.

Let’s get to Mexico

Yes! I made it to Cancun! And it is gorgeous. But to get here was not an easy thing.
My trips started Friday evening with a train trip to Geneva after a long last day of work. But before that things had to be settled which took me not to leave Zurich before 10pm. The train ride was smooth and the check in to Accor’s newest property along the rue de Berne was decent.
Next morning after a quick ride to the airport and I made my check in. At the gate I figured out that I didn’t receive the baggage tag for my checked suitcase. Anyway, the lady at the desk was happy to give me the number. A wise move as you will read later.
The Flight to New York was nothing special. Food was decent and service attentive. After my positive experience with AA last autumn I flew Continental this time and I have to admit that I start to like the US carriers.
In New York we came in late so United automatically confirmed me on another flight. Anyway, I made the original one on time just to figure out that it will be delayed for 30 minutes. This made a late arrival in Houston and when I checked the web up in the air I saw United rebooked me to a flight one hour later. But again I made the original flight and as my seat reservation was busted United gave me a free upgrade to premium economy :)
Finally arriving in Cancun I found out that my luggage didn’t make it. Surprisingly it didn’t make the connection in New York. So I filled a report and received a so called “environmentally friendly” emergency kit. Well the only thing on this kit was the main packing. All the rest is the usual plastic. My suitcase finally arrived at 2am. Thanks for the free hotel delivery of the 20kg!