Re: Our Daiquiri vacation -- in short (for now)

[Shine]

Well first let me begin by saying it WASN'T everything I expected it to be ... unfortunately. Not because of the resort, it has not changed in 4 months. It was the kids (boys, 8 10 and 13 years old) ...   :(   that's the bad.
 
 On the family excursions we did do, it was wonderful. We did lots of snorkelling too. I'll try to get at least some pics up today in my folder.
 
 Weather was phenomenal, only 4 of the 14 days were red-flagged.
 
 Communications with staff was definitely "stunted" for lack of a better word.
 
 Jeff and I were ready to come home after 10 days, although we agreed that attitude could have been different had it been just him and I, we were just exhausted from our extended parental duties.
 
 But enough of that whining, as the pics will show, there WAS more good than bad, honestly.
 
 Our highlight? we both parasailed on our last day there !!
 
 THERE, I posted some pics ... in no particular order (haven't figured that out yet). Lots more, just no time right now.

[bellagio]

Shine:
 
 Sorry to hear that your holiday was somewhat spoilt by the kids.   Now I know why so many of you Canucks leave them at home whilst vacationing.
 
 One small question I would like to ask.   Do you think, in retrospect, that going back to the same resort just 3 months after being there before may have been a mistake?
 
 I ask this because I so enjoyed the PP I would jump at the chance of returning but I wonder if it will be anywhere near as good the second time around, particularly if it is so close to my last visit.

[Shine]

Good point, Mr. B ... that definitely played into the equation I would say. But, we chose to go back there because of the kids, when we were there in January we liked it for its atmosphere for the children and lots to do ... and there was, our children just decided NOT to utilize it all.

[flopnfly]

Shine,
 
 Sorry to hear that your vacation wasn't everything you were hoping for.  I know you were excited about going back.  
 
 I can totally relate to the kid in the room thing.  Mine are older but they still travel all that way and sit in the room.  I don't get it.
 
 It sounds like you had a good time though despite a few challenges.
 
 Heather

[mojitomiss_cuba]

Shine, too bad about the boys ... not really what you envisioned I'm sure   :(  
 
 Mine had better NOT think she is spending the vacation in the room, cuz that ain't gonna happen...
 She's pretty big on watersports, so I think I'll be okay that way.. my bigger concern with her is her extremely fussy eating habits  :roll:  
 
 You mentioned you posted some pics...haven't looked yet. Have to check it out because the ID is on my short list for the Cayos as well

[Shine]

Although I've added pics here, I have albums on webshots, so I've updated with more pics there if you're interested.
 
 http://community.webshots.com/user/pblacoe

[Kimber19]

Shine,
 Very nice pics indeed. The parasailing ones are awesome! Not sure if I could stomach that or not.  
 
 I have to say it's pretty hard to imagine those three good looking young lads, (the older one - your hubby is handsome too - didn't want him to feel left out)could misbehave!  I however, know how you feel and I only have one - 15.
 Kim

[flopnfly]

Great photo's Shine,
 
 The beach looks amazing, how far out do you have to go before it gets deeper?

[Shine]

Beach goes shallow forever it seems ... only time we went out far was on the peddle boats, past the dark section (weeds) then its a sandbar again and its about shoulder deep then ... didn't venture deeper than that.

[GefM]

Shine, many thanks for posting your pics!  How did you enjoy the parasailing?  Awesome! ...right?  

[mojitomiss_cuba]

Shine, your pics of the daiquiri are awesome. I am definitely keeping this one in mind for a future trip to Cuba... was leaning more to geoff's favourite resort (SCG), but the ID looks ideal for a "family" vacation
 Thanks for sharing them

[Bulldog]

GREAT pictures Shine...  <img border="0" alt="[goodwork]" title="" src="graemlins/goodwork.gif" />

[Shine]

Parasailing WAS awesome ... took us to our last day to do it though, didn't think hubby would either (he's afraid of heights) ... but sure enough when I was coming down, I saw him awaiting me with the gear on ready to go   ;)  BTW Gef, its your pics of the aerial of IB that I love !!
 
 We did check out the SCG while there this time (as we had to wait for them to be done lunch before we could parasail) ... and I must say I'm impressed, very ... the only thing I didn't like about it was the beach, the chairs seemed to go for miles in one long stretch, I couldn't imagine being that far away from a bar. IB was definitely best for family, but should we decide to go back to CG alone, we thought about checking it out ... would seem weird though to go somewhere besides the IB, but who knows ... off this topic though I think should we decide to go to Cuba again this year, we'll probably check out another part of the island ... variety you know

[sunluvr]

Hey Shine!
 
 It's just so hard to believe...they're soooo cute!  LOL   Live n learn, as they say...and learn I have (sad to say it's due to your unfortunate experience) I think we'll hold off taking my step dtrs. on a trip for a cpl more years.   :D  )

[GefM]

I'm glad you liked my pics Shine.  I'm even more glad for you and Hubby that you got up the nerve to do it!   <img border="0" alt="[clap]" title="" src="graemlins/clap.gif" />   Heights really don't bother me so it was a natural thing to do.
 
 BTW...About the SCG, it's the way the loungers are set that we like.  I don't like the setup at IB where it's row upon row with someone right beside/behind/infront of you.  But that's me.