Hasta La Vista, Baby!

The breakfast buffet

Well, I'm sad to report that we are back in the US. We ran into some nasty airport delays (one that almost caused Sydne to miss a connecting flight to Raleigh), but everything worked out and we were both able to enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner.

Our last morning at the resort also meant our last trip to the breakfast buffet. I will deeply miss my morning carb and grease overloads, although I'm sure my body will be relieved.

Just as we were leaving, the resort started setting up for Christmas. There were lights and ornaments strung all around, and a beautiful Christmas tree in the lobby. I love the holidays, and although I had the time of my life on this trip, I did miss being with my family on Thanksgiving. I reminded them that I will be spending Christmas and New Years in Maryland this year, so that should suffice! 

Now I just want to take a minute to feature my two favorite (and pretty much my only) purchases that I made in Mexico.

1. Takis Fuego

Having previously tried (and loved) this snack, I came into Mexico looking for these babies. I've actually considered Amazon-ing them, but resisted due to the price. Rumored to cause ulcers in children, these spicy tortilla snacks do not scare me. They resemble small rolled tacos, and the Fuego flavor has an epic hot chili pepper and lime taste that causes your taste buds to just explode. Ok, not really, but I am obsessed (and so are others)! It's funny because I'm not really a chip or Cheeto lover, but there is something different about Takis. I'd say their only negative is that they leave you with red-stained fingers. But the tart, spicy coating makes it so worth it. Anyway, I bought a bunch to take home, and went through them much faster than anticipated. One bag was going to be for my dad, because he likes spicy things just as much as I do. The bag lasted in my house for about 2 days, and then I couldn't stand it any longer and had to eat them. Sorry Dad...it's the thought that counts, right?

My new calavera!

2. Calaveras

Calavera means skull, and in Mexico, skulls are a cultural phenomena used mostly with the celebration of the Day of the Dead. This is a holiday right around Halloween where family and friends remember loved ones who have died. I think this holiday is awesome. Basically, it eliminates the fear and sadness associated with death by making it a celebration, and even a funny one. Colorful skulls and satirical representations of death can be seen all over Mexico.
I got my first calavera in Querétaro, a little skeleton figurine wearing a pink, glittery dress and a feathery hat, and carrying a handbag. I couldn't wait to purchase another in PDC. If it weren't for Sydne, I would've returned with 10 of these things. She thought I was gothic for liking them in the first place, haha. Don't worry, I'll be back to Mexico for more. 

Over the next few days, I'll post a list of my "Top 10 Recommendations when Traveling to PDC." This trip taught me a lot of dos and don'ts for future travels to Mexico. Give me a month or so and then I'll compile my GoPro footage in another post. I hope you enjoyed keeping up with our travels. Follow me as I head to Taipei soon!

Mi casa es su casa Mexico friends,