winniewoo AKA Fluffy Bunny of Terror

My cousin and his family are being stationed in the Netherlands. Both my cousin and his wife have been through language courses for Dutch for the move. I cannot yet hope to visit a place so far away, but I know that if I could… They would welcome me with open arms.

I had the opportunity to recently be present at his pinning ceremony at the Air Force Memorial for his promostion to Colonel in the Airforce. This is special since promotion during these present times is extremely hard to come by. I was so very, very proud of him. I listened to a Colonel span Michael’s career in the Airforce, with all the distinguished grad status from the different programs and the high esteem that his superiors and coworkers through his career held him in and the trust they put in him… It was truly humbling.

I hope that I can visit them during their stay in the Netherlands. They have always made me feel like family.

That is special.

My cousin and her husband live there. He builds boats… Yachts, catamarans, etc. (http://www.walworthyachtdesigns.com/) She is an Assistant Professsor of Biology at The University of The Virgin Islands. Both are WICKED smart. They make me think more. That’s a good thing for everyone. And both are the very best caliber of people. I only hope to be as tolerant, passionate, considerate, logical and brilliant. They keep asking me to visit and I am pretty sure I am not worthy of it.

They are building a house and it will be off the grid. Go green!!!! I am so proud of them.

I’ve been to Playa del Carmen twice and would go back in a heartbeat!

It’s only 45 minutes by bus from the airport and the ADO busline runs you only about7-8 bucks. It will take you to the bus station directly on La Quinta, or Fifth Avenue. Most of Fifth is pedestrian only and it’s very easy to walk to where you’ll be staying, but you can also grab a cheap cab. There are tons of VERY reasonably priced hotels everywhere.

I like Hotel Posada Freud http://www.posadafreud.com/ right on Fifth Ave. There is a little tiny bar right downstairs. The beach is 1 and 1/2 blocks away. There is a little coffee shop right across the Avenue.

Playa (As it’s called) has beautiful powder white beaches, a wonderful mix of people from all over the world, and still has lots of charm. There is a selection of restaurants ranging from Mexican to German, Italian, Thai and more. My favs were El Oasis http://www.playa.info/playa-deals-73.html and Babes Noodles and bar http://www.playa.info/playa-deals-18.html.

There is much to do,if you are inclined to be up and about off the beach chaise… There’s cenotes to snorkel and swim in. There’s Snorkeling at Yal Ku lagoon in Akumal (15 minutes away from Playa) http://www.sunnytripreports.com/playa/featured/yalku.shtml

You can take a trip to Chichen Itza http://www.mysteriousplaces.com/mayan/TourEntrance.html to see the ruins, or travel to Tulum to see the ruins by the beach. http://www.locogringo.com/past_spotlights/aug2002.html

Here are some links on the area for more information:

http://www.mexperience.com/guide/beaches/playadelcarmen.htm

http://www.rivieramaya-today.com/news_reviews.htm

http://playamaniac.com/~playaman/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl

http://www.playa.info/playa-del-carmen-info-trip-planning-menu.html