Journal;"Ivan the Terrible is how Mr. & Mrs. Hoch describe the hurricane that held them captive for 24 suspenseful hours this past week on their trip to Cancun, Mexico. Landing on the beautiful Yucatan Peninsula on Sept, 9, along with their nine-year-old granddaughter, Amanda, they were impressed with the pristine, pale blue ocean water quietly lapping the shore and the cream-colored, powdery sand of the beaches nearby the Marriott Casamagna Hotel where they were staying. Little did they know this calm, peaceful setting was soon to change. Following three exciting days being hosted at numerous activities, they found themselves locked down for the final day of their trip due to the onslaught of Ivan. "Originally the eye of the storm was heading toward Cancun, but we were grateful that it shifted to a more northerly direction," say the Hochs. "Nevertheless, we could not believe the magnitude of the 15 or 20 foot waves or the fierceness of the wind and rain when the edges of the hurricane hit. "We were told by the Marriott Hotel manager that plans had been in place to evacuate all hotel guests at 7 a.m. on the 13th, but instead, beds were set up in the ballroom, which was the innermost and safest part of the huge property. We were instructed to bring all deck furniture into our room, secure all widows tightly, and close the heavy drapes. We were also told not to venture out of the hotel until further notice. The airport was closed down, and for 24 hours all we could hear and see was the magnitude of the storm circling about us. We watched as hotel employees feverishly nailed boards over the windows, and the hotel shops were not only closed, but we observed all merchandise and office computers quickly being moved to higher levels for safe keeping. Fortunately, makeshift buffets were set up so that there was enough food for all of the guests, and old movies were shown in the ballroom to help pass the hours. We saw "Finding Nemo" for the first time, and our granddaughter, who had viewed it before, enjoyed seeing it once again. The movie was probably a fitting one with its colorful underwater theme, since we were all hoping we would not wind up swimming around trying to find Nemo ourselves. A bellhop told us jokingly, "Don't worry even if you do see a shark or two swimming along the marble floors of the lobby." Kidded our granddaughter that Ivan should be called a "Him-icane" since it carried a male name. The Hochs said that fortunately the violent storm did abate enough the morning of the 14th for them to catch their scheduled flight home, However, they could hardly believe the massive numbers of people when they arrived at the airport. The Hochs say that, in spite of the fact that they missed the final day of their activities, they heartily recommend Cancun for a vacation spot. They add, "We especially liked visiting an ancient Mayan Village located deep in the Yucatan jungle and seeing the archeological ruins at Coba, primitive Mayan villages where people live without internet, TV, electricity, and even running water." Surprisingly, however, the natives do earn money by taking digital photos of the tourists and printing them, using solar power. Cancun's beaches are phenomenal, and there are endless water activities, such as Aquaworld's wave runners, Garrafon Park's sea trek, zip line, and scuba fun. Garrafon is located on the ILA de Mujares (Island of Women) and is reached by a high-speed boat ride from Cancun. In spite of Ivan's threat, which gratefully proved to create no major devastation for the area, the Hochs found Cancun a place that has matured into a great vacation spot for the entire family...Best, of course, not to go there during the Caribbean's hurricane season."
I wonder if these poor People were giving a free return trip paid for by the Mayor of Cancun, Because they gave a great re-view of their trip their and told people its a wonderful place to take your family to play..But just don't go when their in bad weather times..LOL
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