Our trip home was long but uneventful. The sun had just gone down as we made our descent into LA. People think I’m crazy but I love LA and think it’s a beautiful city to land in after dark. For people who hate Los Angeles the thing I think they miss is that LA is not one city: it’s hundreds of cities with their own communities and history.
Thumbs up for 105 Airport Parking; they were very convenient. We were gone so long it was nice to have a coupon from their site. More convenient would have been to use their valet service so we’ll remember that next time.
Thanksgiving at Bahia Principe Akumal
Thanksgiving is not a major holiday in Mexico. To celebrate we went to Yal Qu Lagoon. On the way there we saw some of hurricane Wilma’s damage to Akumal. The villas all looked fine from the street but piles of rubble, mattresses, and kitchen sinks suggested a different story.
So far, this trip the cocktails have left much to be desired. As far as I’m concerned, Bloody Marys should not be half Margarita mix. Margaritas shouldn’t either, they should be Tequila, Cointreau, and fresh Lime juice on the rocks as the gods intended.
Today I grew serious in my pursuit of a decent cocktail. At the largest, most complete looking bar I could find I asked for a Mojito in order to appreciate the Cuban Rum. I can’t imagine why, but they have no fresh mint so a Mojito is not in the cards. I asked for alternatives and the very helpful bartender suggested a Caipirinha, which is basically a Mojito sans mint (say it like “macarena”). Very refreshing. Cutting to the happy ending, I haven’t found a bartender here who can’t make an ass-kicking Caipirinha. Give the bartender 10 or 20 pesos as it’s some work to chop and muddle the lime.
Now that I’m home and can research this properly a Caipirinha, strictly speaking, should be made from Cachaca but the rum works admirably.