Hola Mexico

A vacation with zero driving, free entertainment shows, gourmet food and desserts on demand, babysitters, kids entertainment and exploration of new countries. How is that possible? Well, that's what we thought too until we cruised! A fun break from routine.

While we were busy exploring different states in USA, we realized that we were ignoring the amazing travel features presented in our own backyard in South Florida. With several cruises on various cruise liners offered from Miami, we finally decided to do our first CRUISE. If you want 5 star treatment vacation with exploration of new countries, then you must hop aboard on this relaxing and energizing vacation.

We took Carnival Cruise Line which is the world’s largest cruise line company. We went end of April on a 4 day cruise to Key west and Cozumel Mexico. We were debating between ocean view and balcony, but finally booked a balcony room. It was a great decision and we intend to go on balcony staterooms for all future cruises (and hopefully one day graduate on to suites!). The sheer joy of sitting on a cruise balcony in the middle of the night listening to the ocean waves as the ship makes it's way through the ocean is something to be really experienced.

Cruising is Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy - You go to the port, park your car, hand over your luggage that reach your room before you do, check in and get your tickets and enter the ship. Once you are in, the food and fun starts right away.  

What we did that we loved:
1.       Balcony – I cannot imagine our first cruise experience without a balcony. The view, sunrise, sunsets, the views at nights and mornings, the refreshing wind blowing on your face, breakfast and snacks in the privacy of your balcony.

2.       We traveled with family – We were lucky to travel with mom. It was a great family vacation. After a full day of activities, while mom and toddler slept peacefully at night, we would slip out to do the fun night activities on board like their entertainment programs, comedy club, dancing, piano bar, lido, entertainment, casinos and mid-night snacks. 

3.       Requested Indian food for dinner - The chef was from India and he made dinner that we would look forward to every night. Had delicious Indian food for dinner and the other guests at our table always seemed to salivate at the sight and smell of our food.

4.  Car Parking - We parked our car at the port and that way when we got off the ship, we had the car right there and could drive back home. This saves a lot of time and energy when you are travelling with a toddler. 

Relaxing fun vacation

Places we saw:

1. Key West - We woke up to see sunrise from our balcony. We were docked at Key West. A free trolley was there to take us to Mallory square and back. We have been to the Keys before but it was the first time with the kid and mom. Evenings are when Key West really comes alive with various sights and sounds but it is a fun place to spend an afternoon too

2. Cozumel - We did not book any excursion from the cruise line. We took a cab from the Playa del Carmen port and drove a very short distance to Chankanaab Park. This gave us flexibility to explore at our own pace. I recommend this park. It had replicas of the Mayan ruins, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, manatee show for kids, dolphin feeding, restaurant with fresh and tasty guacamole. We had time to go to the downtown area. Instead we decided to enjoy the small shops and pubs dotting the port area and enjoy the fun atmosphere. We then dropped mom and kid back to the room and went back to the port to spend an extra hour before our awesome last night dinner on the ship. Next time in Cozumel, we will go do the city tour.

Before we cruised, one of my friend who travels a lot (a lot.. like a LOT), told me that cruising was not his kind of vacation. I became a bit apprehensive thinking that cruising is suited more for retirees and the non-adventurous. However, I must say that cruising is a real fun experience at all ages. I am glad....... really GLAD .......... that my family loved the cruise experience and cannot wait to go on our next cruise and visit new countries. 

Wonderful and relaxing family vacation to Key West and Cozumel, Mexico!!! This was our first, but definitely not our last cruise! Happy Cruising!

Hot Yoga / Bikram Yoga

I have wanted to try Bikram Yoga (also known as hot yoga) class ever since 2 of my friends who are avid fans have raved about how they felt after the class. They said they became flexible, ate right, felt energized, toned themselves and felt great. I was curious to find out why anyone would like to be in a hot room with other sweaty people doing 26 yoga postures (and 2 breathing exercise) for 90 minutes and I repeat, its all done in a 105 degree Fahrenheit room where you sweat copiously.

So one Saturday afternoon, with a LivingSocial unlimited monthly pass that my hubby got me for Mother’s Day; I said what the heck and went for my first class all excited and anxious. I am usually very excited about trying out new things in life. My friend with whom I went was that avid fan I mentioned earlier, so her excitement added to mine. And lo and behold! Here I am typing this after my first 4 classes in last 5 days.

I feel incurably addicted.

http://www.bikramyogadelraybeach.com/

My experience
After I read what a beginner should read about hotyoga, I drank lots of water throughout the day, wore capri yoga pant and tank top, and took my yoga mat, one bath towel, one small towel, water and lots of excitement. I had to keep my stomach empty before the class; so ate 2-3 hours before the class. On the first day, my yoga instructor, who was a hot guy (u know due to the heated room!) with a British accent told us not to leave the room till the class was over and I didn’t want to disappoint himJ!!!! I entered the hot room for my first class, laid down my yoga mat and covered it with my towel and just like the experts in the class, I went into savasana (corpse pose) trying to relax and take in the heat. I started sweating immediately; however I was somehow not overwhelmed with the heat. As my instructor walked in, we all stood up. He guided us with every posture and gave us directions constantly. I didn’t let the heat stop me from doing all the postures/asanas. Mantra is to be focused on the asana (posture) and listen to the constant guidance that your instructor provides. I never once felt like leaving the room. I took the posture to the limit where I was comfortable without getting intimidated by the other "flexible like playdough" students who were in front of me. After the first 90 minutes, I was sweating profusely (the heat does that to you) and somehow felt great. Went home, took a cold bath, ate a light dinner and I felt sore in my neck and legs. I felt really tired and sleepy and slept like a baby. I had a slight headache after the class and next day morning, however it did not persist. My legs were surprisingly very sore for 3 days. I call this the good soreness or the workout effect soreness... That means I worked out my muscles, and that felt good, so I went for 3 continuous days and took a day break and went today for my 4^th class. I learnt new things from all my different yoga instructors and I liked them all. I was excited everyday about my class and felt great afterwards. Any form of exercise makes me feel good and I am glad that hotyoga had the same effect on me

I am glad I tried Hot Yoga and I hope that I will continue in future. I will also try morning class to see if I feel sleepy at work or feel energized...  

I would love to hear from all those who try out Bikram Yoga and your experiences with Hotyoga. 

P.S - Since I wrote this article, in the last 17 days I have attended 13 classes. I went for 2 morning classes (6AM) and was not sleepy at work. Another friend of mine joined hotyoga class and though she found the first class as an impossible and daunting task, she went for her second class in 24 hours and is now hooked as well. Thank you A - my hubby for the unlimited monthly pass and Thank you N and R for being zealous believers of Bikram yoga and thank you all for reading

For all those who are thinking of trying Hotyoga... beware its addictive!! :)

So long till I try something again...Be happy and spread happinezzzz...