Wedding in Paradise

Hi Paula! Nice to hear from you! Everything was awesome and we are sad that we had to come home! Thanks for ALL your help and quick responses to our emails and for assisting with my group booking. Everyone was happy with everything and had a fantastic time! The weather was perfect the whole time we were there-just rained on the day that we left!After communicating back and forth with the wonderful wedding co-ordinator at the hotel, she had advised us on the Saturday- the day before leaving-via email, about the construction of the beach. She sent us actual pictures of the beach being closed and the huge Cat trucks beginning the re-building of the beach and explained to us what was happening and what to expect. Word traveled around very quickly to most of my group and after reading many news articles on the net about the re-construction of the beach along Playa, we knew that it was real and that we werent going to have a beach for the first few days. The wedding co-ordinator was so good with providing other options for us that in the end...turned out beautifully.

We arrived at the Wpg airport exactly 3 hours prior to flight time and surprisingly, there was a long long line up-which moved pretty swiftly. We were not able to sit together as a group on the plane going to Cancun- we were in fact all spread thru-out. No big deal though as I think most of us wanted a little shut-eye on the plane. The Signature signs were very easy to see at the airport in Cancun and as busy as that airport was, we all managed to get on the bus quite quickly. The rep on the bus to the hotel was very funny and informative.

Upon arrival to the Hotel, we did receive our welcome cocktail as outlined, as well as welcome gift in rooms. Some of us, including myself, didnt receive bathrobes in the room-not a huge deal as they were quick to bring some in for us a couple days later when we needed them. My husband and I received our fruit basket in the room, but no bottle of wine as indicated- but really we didnt mind as there was plenty of excitement around the hotel to be worried about that. Our friends all put money together and upgraded us to the presidential suite on our last night. It was a huge beautiful, fully loaded room that overlooked the amazing ocean! Something I wish I would have had on the day of our wedding, as myself and bridesmaids could have gotten ready there together. I had some friends that upgraded to the Junior Ocean View suites and they loved it! for $50 a night more, it would be nice for a romantic get-away! Our Signature room was just great for us, as we like to keep it simple and of course hardly spent time in the room.

The hotel and staff was wonderful. Because the beach was under construction, the hotel had a sign posted in the lobby that welcomed you to visit the other Iberostar resort(s), with free shuttle and use of their facilities and of course access to the beach! Our very nice and informative Signature rep at the hotel also mentioned that if anyone was not happy at the Iberostar Tucan (because of beach) then they were willing to move you to the Iberostar Paraiso/Playa...... at no charge. No one in our group left but it was nice to have that option. The Signature rep at the Hotel, Elaine was so accomodating to all of us and very personable too! It was nice to hear about the excursions and all the exclusive perks by booking with Signature-(getting your money back for cancelations)

The hotel was amazing and would recommend it to anyone of all ages and lifestyles. Our group was very diverse in age, lifestyles and personalties that I found it very satisfying that Everyone had a good time. The Tucan was not too big of a hotel nor not too small-just perfect. We visited the other Iberostar grand hotel(s) and got to experience the larger hotels on a much bigger scale, and we all liked that the Tucan was just the right size- as we always saw people in our group and it didnt take long to walk to the beach or pool or lobby etc. The night shows were amazing and the Star Friends entertainment group, just fantastic. The Staff at the hotel seemed very humble and appreciative of the guests and always remembered you, which was nice. The beach did open up on the last day that we were there, so we did get to swim one last time in the gorgeous turqoise water and new, bigger beach! The seven days that we were there, were so action packed, we wish we could have stayed longer. Even though the beach was not accessible at our resort, we still had plenty to do- like go to the other resort, excursions, shopping in Playa Del Carmen! It was awesome!

We are back now in Winnipeg, married and planning for the next event. We have another couple who came with us on the trip and ironically both caught the garter/bouquet, and are now wanting to plan their wedding in Mexico, and at the same resort! We can' t wait to go back and enjoy the new beach and of course explore more of the area. Thank you so so much for your help in planning our safe and successful trip.

Live from Whistler

Hope all is well at home.
We are at Day 7 of the Olympic Games and I have been really enjoying my time here. I have heard bits and pieces of negative press, but really for most of us here (volunteers, workers, spectators) it has been pretty great. There are challenging moments, but the people here are very enthusiastic and excited and we are all enjoying our Olympic experience. The crowds have been great and our athletes are doing really well. We should be proud, no matter what the finish or the colour of the medal!
Things here is Whistler are really wonderful. After a few days of rain which made things very interesting for events and volunteers and spectators, we are now having sunny days and this has not only allowed the alpine sports to finally run, but it has also brought out a whole bunch of people which is awesome. There are many beautiful people here so it has been great to sit back, when there are moments to do that, and watch what is going on. There is a huge representation of Australian citizens here in Whistler. They work here, and live here....as one of them put it they are "living the dream". Every once in a while you will spot a group of athletes strolling about and they are kind and willing to take pictures and sign autographs. There are tonnes of boarders and skiiers out here and they take up a lot of space on the bus. And, ski equipment does smell as bad as hockey equipment. It's terrible!
Aside from the people watching and sightseeing and shopping, I have had the opportunity to take in a few of the free shows...don't ask me who the bands were as I don't know but they were good. I also saw the fire and ice show (boarders jumping through flaming rings) which was pretty good until the crowd starting lobbing snowballs as the band, only temporarily stopping the show. The place is definately busy with the hip and happening beautful people.
I have been busy the last few days with work at the Sliding Centre - Luge - crazy, just crazy. These women go at incredible speeds - and olympic dreams are had and lost on tenths of seconds. It is just crazy. I have been very fortunate to be in the company of these great athletes and I tell ya....these people are amazing. They have these perfect fit bodies and most of them are actually just very, very nice people!
It has all been a very "sick" experience. The word "sick" is one you hear often around here....along with gnarly....yes...they say gnarly out here. Sick actually means something good or awesome, so if I come home and start saying this is sick or that show was really sick....you will have to understand and help me to overcome this trend!
I am back at the Sliding centre again today and tomorrow, for the Skeleton event. That should also be crazy. I can't wait. The days have been a little long, we spend lots of time waiting for the athletes to do their thing whatever that might be, but it is just so incredible to be here. I will also get a chance to go to Biathlon....that will be cool.
I had a day off yesterday so I decided to do the Peak to Peak Gondola. It is a gondola ride that goes between the Whistler and Blackcomb mountain peaks. It is very high and apparently the world's longest, highest, continuous and unsupported (free) span of a lift of it's kind. For those who like stats....it is 4.4 km long. The highest point is 436 metres or 1427 feet and the length of unsupported span is 3 km or 1.88 miles. It was incredible. The day was sunny and clear so I got to see forever. The views were spectacular and apparently those in Pemberton can see this gondola. I am not certain how far away Pemberton is from Whistler so I can't tell you more than that.
I have been trying to walk around where ever I can. I need to get rid of my "winter coat" and get ready for a half marathon that I carelessly decided I should do in May...what was I thinking? The hills around here have provided a great workout for me and in all honesty, this along with the fresh mountain air has been really great. Whistler is the place that you want to be to hike, cycle, ski, snow board, or just sit back and relax!
That is pretty much it for now. I am hoping to get into Vancouver in the next few days as I would like to experience that culture before my time winds down here. It will depend on the schedule. So, until whenever, take care and cheer really loud for Canada. We have lots of athletes here that are doing their best and relying on our support!

Spanish Travels

One of our clients has been sharing their daily adventures via email from their tour around Spain. Below is an excerpt of their time in Barcelona. Check back often as their tours continue....


What beats a rainy day in Barcelona? A warm sunny day in Barcelona. We venture out early. First stop a coffee shop with a too many pastry choices- and too many pounds if we choose them all. Early in our exploration we come across the Palau De La Musica Catalana. It is the most ornately decorated theatre I have ever seen.

We tried to get in for a quick view; however our options were pay for a tour or buy a ticket for a concert. We chose to see Tomatito, a Spanish flamenco guitarist. Tickets in our pockets, we navigated the narrow streets and shops in search of anything interesting. Who am I kidding? It was all interesting. Of the many ancient buildings and gothic churches, one of my favourites was the Santa Maria Del Mar, built in the 1400s by residents as a place to pray for the safe return of ships and sailors. The shores of the Mediterranean were then a few meters from its door and are now over a kilometre away. Times change.