Oh, Mexico

First of all, I have to say a HUGE thank you to my friend, neighbor, and apparent blog-reader, Lindsey!  She left an adorable UGA cheerleading uniform on my front steps while we were on vacation, and it was SUCH a fun surprise to come home to!  Thanks to you, Lindsey, I no longer have to craft a uniform out of garbage bags and tissue paper.

Is this not adorable? And if you think there won't be a gazillion pictures of AG in this uniform, then you would be wrong.

It's hard to write about our trip to Mexico without wanting to drop everything and move there immediately.  Because it's an amazing place.  Well, except for the drug cartels. 

Fortunately, we didn't see any of those. (Although I did ask John maybe 100 times if we were going to get kidnapped or something.  While checking the State Dept website.  And reading the Mexico travel warning about 27 times.  I'm sure this was adorable, and not at all annoying.)

Thanks to a job with some sweet perks, John and I got to go to Playa del Carmen for 6 days, ALL EXPENSES PAID.  Excuse me, WHAT?!   Yes, you read that correctly.  Some company actually makes it's employees go to a gorgeous, 5-star, all-inclusive resort for WORK.  There is actually a guy (sadly, not John) whose job it is to scout locations for company retreats.  Which means, he gets to travel to these ridiculous, exotic locales, let's say it together, shall we? For WORK. 

Not that I'm jealous or anything. 

We left for Mexico on Wednesday morning, and arrived at the Grand Velas Riveria Maya early that afternoon.  When I tell you that it's probably the closest thing to heaven on earth that I've experienced, I am not exaggerating.  Here are a few things that made it great:

• Did I mention all-inclusive?  Did you know that means that you can eat EVERYTHING in the mini-bar, every. single. day? 

I mean, I'm only assuming, because it's not like I would actually do that.  (Okay, I would totally do that.  And did.  Every day.  And if you think I didn't stuff the entire mini-bar into my purse on the day we left, then you clearly have never read this blog). 

• We had a personal butler named, Orion.  I'm not even sure what buttling entails, or why we would need a butler.  But he was awesome.  One night, we asked him about this particular restaurant on the property that's supposed to be the "signature" restaurant.  He told us that the food was, and I quote:  "weird, but delicious."  Like, I said.  Awesome.

(Here we are at the "weird but delicious" restaurant.  And he was totally right.  I almost never knew what I was putting in my mouth, but it was delicious.)

• Also, did you know that all-inclusive means you can order room service once an hour, if you so desire?  Few things are as fun for me as eating in bed while watching tv.  Just ask John, who on our second date, saw a half-eaten donut sitting on my nightstand.  And almost threw up in his mouth.  Because, apparently guys think there's something unattractive about eating donuts in bed.  Go figure.

• Pina coladas by the pool.  Apparently I like to enjoy treats while lounging. 

(Apparently I also like to take unfortunate pictures of myself and post them on my blog)

• Dolphin Discovery!  Although, it really should've been called "Discover Sherri Flashing" or something like that, because during the part where we ride the dolphins?  Well, let's just say that my bikini bottoms didn't stand up to the task.  And a big, sarcastic, thank you to the dolphin who dropped me off right in FRONT of the crowd we came with.  Awesome.  Thanks, Flipper.  (No pictures of that.  This isn't that kind of blog, people.)
• A security escort to go running around the property.  Well, this wasn't one of the best parts...it was actually kind of awkward, but it DID make me feel like the president or something.
• These fabulous boots that we (okay, John) bargained down from $575 (dollars NOT pesos) to $75!! 

John had to have a little pep talk with me before we went shopping, because this is usually what happens when we're in a negotiating situation like this: 

John:  Sir, how much are these boots?

Sherri:  I LOVE THESE!!!!

Store Owner:  $575

John:  Hahahaha, no really.  How much?  We'll give you $50.

Store Owner:  $250

Sherri:  Please don't walk away, please don't walk away.  Oops, did I say that outloud?

Fortunately, I kept my mouth shut, and John got us a great deal.  Well, got me a great deal.  'Cause if I catch him wearing my lady boots, we'll have a real problem.

(Also, I think I may have a serious boot addiction.)

Anyway, I could go on and on, but I won't because, I am a thousand percent positive that this is really only interesting to me. But I will say, GO THERE IMMEDIATELY, if you are looking for a vacation spot. 

And take me with you.