WORK, TRAVEL & STUFF: 2018
So yeah, I've been M.I.A. this year. I thought I would have had time to keep y'all updated with my travels, but between changing the daytime job and becoming a grandma, 2018 has been hectic.
One day, I'll update the site with more details on all of these travels, but here's a quick look back at 2018 – just so you know I'm alive and still travelling as often as I can to keep sane.
JANUARY: XCARET
All inclusive. Those two words don’t usually appeal to me all that much, as it automatically brings images to mind of rather uncouth folks being herded into buffet restaurants and pushing past you at the bar to fill up their Bubba keg so they can return to spreading out on whatever lounger they got up at 5 am to put their stupid towel on to save their spot.
But, admittedly, when you travel as much as I do, the all-inclusives I usually end up at are at the three-star level. Every now and then, a splurge is in order. Enter...... the Hotel Xcaret Mexico!
A five-star resort, and the first to be opened by Experiencias Xcaret, not only does this hotel have all the luxuries of an upscale all-inclusive resort, but your stay also includes entry to all their parks and tours: Xcaret, Xel-Ha, Xplor, Xplor Fuego, Xichen, Xenotes, Xoximilco and Xenses.
All is good when every patio has a hammock
I actually convinced the hubs to join me on this one
Lots of hidden spots
Perfect view for total relaxation
FEBRUARY: SUTTON
With time off in February, I wanted to try glamping. Sort of camping, but not really.
It’s a nice compromise for those that still want to be outdoors, want to say that they’ve been camping, but want a real bed, a real bathroom with plumbing, and electricity.
I stayed two nights in one these SHAKs in Sutton, and I could’ve stayed a hell of a lot longer!
Read more about my glamping experience here.
These uber cute "SHAKs" in Sutton
Surprisingly spacious inside
The best part - Jacuzzi on the terrace!
Me, myself and I time
MAY: WEDDING R + P
Springtime brings weddings! R & P met ages ago and finally tied the knot on Victoria Day weekend.
Here’s a few shots from their big day. Love, love, love taking these kinds of shots!
The devil is in the details
Close ups
Groomsmen flying high
The happy couple
JUNE: LISBON
So, the last time I went to Portugal – a two-week road trip around the entire country – Lisbon did not leave that much of an impression on me.
This time, however, I loved it! After getting out of the way all those typically touristy sites on the last visit two years ago, this time I thoroughly got to enjoy wandering around and eating and drinking my way throughout lovely Lisbon!
Pasteis de Belem
Wine with a view
Ginjinha
Eating our way through Time Out Market
JULY: BABY SELENA
Can you believe it? I’m a grandma. At first, that word sent me into a mini panic attack – I mean, grandmas are old. They have silver hair, saggy and wrinkly skin, no teeth – kind of like Granny from Tweety & Sylvester back in the day. Was I going to turn into her the minute my grand-baby was born?
But as of July 12, 1:10 pm this teeny-tiny bundle of joy came into this world. And I can safely report that I haven't turned into a silver-haired nana.
My adorable grand baby!
Little Selena
AUGUST: SANTO DOMINGO
For someone that doesn’t like all-inclusive resorts, this is my second one this year. But, in my defense, when the whole family comes along, it’s definitely way more cost-effective to do one of these kinds of vacations.
We actually stayed in the beach area of Juan Dolio and did a day of exploring the first city of the Americas – Santo Domingo.
More beach time
With the family
Roaming the historic centre
OCTOBER: WEDDING J + P
Autumn, another popular time for weddings!
The day started at their new and perfectly decorated townhouse, followed by an uber cute ceremony and reception at Plaza Volare.
It was a full day of activities and food… lots and lots of food, as well as an open bar. The day flew by, as everyone was so happy and lovely to be with. I wish these two all the best in the adventure together.
Rings and things
The bride
Groom and bride
NOVEMBER: MEXICO CITY
4 days in Mexico City? Why the hell not!
Crammed a lot into 4 days, but at the same time it was super chill. Our home was a 5th-floor walk up Airbnb that had the cutest rooftop terrace in the Roma Norte neighbourhood.
We managed to check out the Frida Kalho Museum in Coyoacán, the Teotihuacan pyramids, Chapultepec park, the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco, and even took in a Lucha Libre wrestling match at the Arena Mexico!
Also managed to eat tacos, empanadas, tortas and tamales galore, as well as drink micheladas every chance we got – which, btw, we also learned that alcohol affects you super fast in this high altitude city.
Mexico City!
Tacos Al Pastor
Chapultepec
Teotihuacan
Photos taken | written by JENNIFER MAHON
LIKE THIS? YOU MIGHT WANNA CHECK THESE OUT:
- VENICE: Oh...There's Water Everywhere! (Part 1)
- SOUTHERN FRANCE: A Last-Minute Road Trip With The Girls
- SPAIN ~ OSUNA: Plaza de Toros (Game of Thrones Film Location)
- VENICE: 5 Tips to Have a Fabulous Time & Not Break the Bank
- MOROCCO: A Day in Tantalizing Tangier
- WORK, TRAVEL & STUFF: 2017
