Champ

Champ is not really a beach kind of guy, but he knows that a relaxing beach holiday can be just what the doctor ordered. Getting up at 4:30 am for an early flight to Cancun (via Houston) is not, however, just what the doctor ordered. Champ does not enjoy getting up early, and he was reminded of how much he is not a fan of non-direct flights during his over two hour layover. That said, he was at least able to escape the teeming Texas airport crowds by ducking into the Continental lounge, where he noshed on some breakfast treats and read the paper.


The latter turned out to be a slightly disturbing experience when he came across the Belief section of The Houston Chronicle. At that point he really just believed it was time to get to Mexico.

After a long day of flights and the rather unpleasant arrivals section at the Cancun airport, Champ was happy to finally arrive at Le Méridien Cancun Resort and Spa. He loved the hotel – his room was big and comfy and the service was fabulous. It was also not overly beachy and, most important of all, it was free of spring breakers. After a brief rest he explored the hotel pool and beach area, and then headed out to see what was in the neighborhood. Champ was glad to be far away from the main Cancun mayhem, but at the same time close to two nice malls (what would a trip be without shopping?).


The closest, Luxury Avenue/KuKulcan Plaza, has a wide array of shops, and is apparently also a Safety Zone (Champ guesses this designation is about as effective as America’s Drug Free Zones).


The second, the amusing Plaza La Isla, is on the Nichupte Lagoon and was designed to have a Venetian feel. Champ wandered around La Isla, avoiding its American chains (as hard as it is to resist Hooters), opting instead to indulge at his favorite Mexican frozen yogurt chain, Nutrisa and peruse the clothing at the Spanish chain, Massimo Dutti (patronizing chains is much more acceptable if they are foreign).


Champ eventually made his back to the hotel to enjoy some wine and room service on his balcony overlooking the ocean (dinner including his favorite cake, tres leches, although he wasn’t too impressed that it was surrounded by Hershey’s syrup).


Being on holiday is just so hard.