JW Marriott- Cancun, Mexico

        So a "last minute" vacation put me in Cancun, Mexico staying @ the JW Marriott. (By "Last Minute" I mean booked 4 days prior to my arrival!!!) The weather was 82 degrees and a bit cloudy, which beats staying in NY just as the forecast called for a "Wintery Mix". 

        Just before the plane touched down I could see from my seat the Control Tower wrapped in a picture of a Corona bottle, I knew my Vacation had officially begun. Exiting the Airport in cancun was an interesting experience in that 15-20 people were trying to phisically pull us towards a counter where they attempt to sell you on a myriad of "Tours". After stating I wasn't interested approx. 10X I finally found my way outside.

         I found my way to a car service booked through the hotel and met another couple from the NY area. We traveled to the hotel and I expected as with most arrival encounters I would not see this couple much during my stay as I would be out and about in the world of Cancun. Turns out I ran into this couple 2 days later and every day after and we had a blast. Along with them I met two women that were staying in the JW, one that has been staying the same 2-weeks since '86 and her friend that she invited for the first week. Turns out that when you are a regular such as she was you receive a "Towel Animal" in your room every evening which I must admit I may have been a little bit jealous about!! Everyday we all enjoyed the services of the JW including the Pool, Beach, Restaurants and my favorite- Club 91 (which I will get back to).

        I thought about taking a trip to Chitzen-Itza but when I learned that it was a 2 1/2 hour drive each way = an all day outing... I decided it sounded alot like work. As I was on Vacation I didn't feel 5 hours traveling in a car was going to help me to relax. So I hit up the pool and the Ocean each day with a bit of time at the Gym mixed in for good measure.   

        Back to Club 91 (As promised)- The hotel offers a service that offers breakfast, lunch, dinner & drinks. Each day there was fresh fruits and juices, eggs, meats, cheeses, breads, etc. And that was just for breakfast. For lunch there was salads, sandwiches, fruits, meats, cheeses and desserts. Each night there was dinner presented by local restaurants such as The Japenese presentation of Mikado with Sushi chef making rolls and sashimi to order. The Argentinian steakhouse- La Capilla that showcased NY Stripsteak, Prosciutto wrapped greenbeans, fresh mozzarella & Tomato. The Sedona Grill selections consisted of coffee rubbed filet mignon, salmon, penne with cream sauce, and the list goes on and on. Each of these dinners were accompanied by incredibly delicious works of art including strawberry mouse, apple tarts, creme brulee, and a vast array of others. For each meal there was a coffee, cappacino, esspresso and hot chocolate machine. everyone of us had beyond our fill of cappachino's! Everytime you entered the Club you were greeted by one of the wonderful staff- Roxanna, Korinna, Martha, and Marcia. These ladies also tended the bar and provided libations of all kinds- Don Julio Tequila, Chardonney, Malbec, Several types of scotch, beers, vodkas, etc. The only drink that wasn't available in the Club was a Mojito due to a lack of mint- until the couple I had met on the drive from the airport "aquired" some from the swim-up pool bar earlier in the day!!!!

        By the time I finished soaking up the sun, eating the food, using the Gym & Spa, having drinks and just flat out relaxing I realized I should take some pics. So a few morning's I woke up and was on the beach by 5am waiting for the sun to rise and a few evening's I waited across the street to catch the sun set. I even peeled myself off the beach chair a few times during the day to take some shot around the hotel. Next time I find myself in Cancun I will venture out to shoot some of the local scenery and historic districts..... if I can get out of the ocean long enough to do it that is!!!!! I may not have taken away from this trip the usual filled memory cards from photographing all there was to be seen but I did take away new friendships that will be filled with lots of great memories!!!!!!

                                                      eat. drink. and enjoy life's art.

Went by Main Street today to deliver donations of clothing, towels, etc to Finest Fitness and saw a similar scene to that observed by many all over the tri-state area. The Gas lines were held in check by law enforcement, this being the fine men and women of the SCPD. The people waiting for hours to receive the maximum alotment of $40 in gas were waiting as patiently as possible and sharing stories of hardships each other had endored. With the Nor'easter looming, we will hope the situation improve's and all of our neighbors remain safe. Stay safe. Help each other. And remember that this is our home.... which makes us all family.

Starting at 7:30am- 3,466 People from all walks of life, such as-Students, Police Officers, Business People, Flight Attendants and unemployed male and female’s ranging in ages from 18-72 years old began at the sound of cannon fire. These competitor's started by swimming 1.2 miles in the Savannah River then Biking 56 miles through the hills of Georgia and South Carolina and finishing by running 13.1 miles through Downtown Augusta.

They came from places such as the USA, Brazil, Canada, Great Britain, China, Spain, Mexico, Columbia, Costa Rica, and the Netherlands. From Amateurs to Pro’s, they gathered and in there designated groups entered the water awaiting the sound to release them on their way from start to finish.

I came to see, support and even photograph a competitor that bears no physical resemblance to my wife even though they are indisputably brother and sister. A man that has overcome significant personal trials and tribulations to find himself here ready to persevere regardless of what hardships have paved his way to this moment.  Ray Gogarty is a Police Officer, a father, a son, a brother and a friend that has trained long and hard. He hoped to A- Finish the event and B- If he finished it, to do it under 6 hours. Ray not only completed his first Half Ironman, but completed it in 5 hours 42 Minutes. His family was in attendance and felt an overwhelming sense of pride in him. All of the athletes that did compete that day for whatever reasons did so with exceptional courage, as was scene thru my lense. Good Job to all and Congratulations to Ray J. Gogarty... Coming soon-2013 Kentucky-Full Ironman!!!!!!!

To enjoy all photo's from this event please click on the following Link- http://www.flickr.com/photos/88645768@N04/