Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Thankful for...Cancun

by Donna MacMeans

Thanksgiving is a great time to count one's blessings and I can tell you, one of the top items on my list (after health, love and success of family, of course) is ...thank you Cancun!


(Those toes are mine, BTW). This year my husband and I went to Cancun, Mexico to celebrate our 37th anniversary. While the vacation started slow, I think you'll agree it transformed into something out of a romance novel.


When we arrived, it was cold and windy - too cool to comfortably lay out on the beautiful white sand beach, and definitely too cold for the shorts and sleeveless tops in my suitcase. The picture to the left was taken from the balcony of our room, on the day of our anniversary. It's raining hence the lack of people.

My husband and I decided the day would best spent at the spa. We soaked in a jacuzzi with champagne (sorry - no pictures *g*)
and had a couples massage. When we returned to the room, we found the bed decorated to honor the day, and a bouquet of roses and daisies.
Cool, huh? So we went to dinner at an Italian dinner on the resort.
My husband ordered something called Mayan coffee which combines a lot of alcohol, a bit of orange and a little coffee. The waiter put a flame to the alcohol and then poured the concoction from a silver server to a silver server creating an arc of blue flame and fire that flowed like a waterfall until it's combined with the coffee. Amazing. Wish I had thought to take pictures, but I was quite frankly stunned by the process.

Afterward, we went to the disco for a Chippendale show. Much to my shock and amazement, I was pulled from the audience by a hunky Mexican desperado to join him up on stage. My husband took photos with my cell phone. They're a little blurred because he was laughing so hard. That's me in blue. Not the most flattering of photos - but I'm laughing hard as well.


Yes, I'm upon his shoulders. Yes, I ended up flat on the floor. (Aah...the things one must do in the name of research *g*)

The next day, the sun came out and so did everyone in the resort. Now I have to let you in on a secret. It's my secret fantasy to someday discover someone unrelated to me
reading my book at a
beach or at an airport. With the popularity of Kindles, Kobos, and Nooks - this is becoming an increasingly difficult
task. However, I did find two individuals at the resort who had read one of my books before coming to the resort. Even though a couple of weeks have passed since we were in Mexico, I'm still floating on a high from that.

Later in the afternoon, we were invited by some friends to join four couples on a cruise on the resort yacht, "Temptation." Our very own private first mate/cabana boy served drinks and lunch while we were on board. The ladies lounged on the front deck of the yacht as it raced across the Caribbean Sea. I felt like a millionaire (which I most definately am not *g*) - I think we all did. The bathing beauties above are the ladies on board.

As the weather forecast here is for snow flurries on Thanksgiving day, I wanted to leave you with a photo of the populated beach. This was our first foray to Mexico. It won't be our last.

So how about you? Tell me about a memorable vacation or anniversary. Have you been to Mexico? Any other cities/resorts that you could recommend? Any thoughts about being part of the Chippendale show? Any special blessings for which you're grateful that you'd like to share? While cleaning the house in prep for Thanksgiving guests, I discovered a conference tote bag filled with bookmarks and promo material. Now, I've noticed that all candies and pens were removed (grin), but I can replace some of that. If you're interested in receiving a bag of author promo material, let me know and I'll select one person from the comments to receive the goodies.

77 comments:

Deanna said...

Ah chooky-poo, welcome to Sydney!

Deanna said...

Donna, that sounds like a wonderful anniversary vacation. Sadly, even though having been with my darling boy for 13 years we still have not had a honeymoon. Our vacation this year got cancelled 'cos he got a new job and really who can blame him? In today's climate? It's better to be able to pay the mortgage, right? I'm not complaining AT ALL. We've had a lot of travel in our many years together, and we've lived in so many different countries because of work that I've lost count of how many. Still, a vacation one of these days might be nice. :-)

Donna MacMeans said...

Gee Daz - You were right on the money! The GR is grateful to spend some time in your part of the world. It's surely warmer than here.

For a long time, we couldn't afford to travel outside of the state. When we first married we had $60 between us. Now $60 was worth more then, but not all that much (grin). So I can relate. We didn't take a honeymoon either - but we've made up for that many times over in more recent years. I'm certain you will too.

So if you were to take a vacation...where would you go?

Fedora said...

How gorgeous, Donna! We have been to Cancun, thanks for my husband's hard work. It was lovely to visit, but on the other hand, it was a delight to come home ;) It was our first vacation away from the kids, and even getting on the plane by ourselves was a REAL treat! Time to read magazines! Eating just for me! Taking a nap! Whee! ;)

Congrats on the GR, Deanna! He's definitely a world traveler, that one! ;)

Anna Campbell said...

Hey, Deanna, he's BAAAAACK!!!!

Donna, congratulations on your anniversary. And what a way to celebrate in style. I loved your travelers tale! And what a lot of lovely serendipitous things happened to you while you were away. How utterly cool that you discovered a couple of your fans too. Laughed at the Chippendale pics! You look like you were born for that, hon!

Deanna said...

Donna, there's a standing promise (as yet unfulfilled) of a holiday including Prague, Budapest and Vienna, but I'd also add to that Rome and London, well, most of England really. We shall see when the trip happens, eh? ;-)

Helen said...

Well done Deanna it is a lovely day here in Sydney have fun with him

Donna

Congrats on the anniversary and what a fantastic holiday love all the pictures and I would have loved to have been on that yacht getting waited on.
I have not travelled much at all and have not been to Mexico but I have been on a cruise and I gotta say that was the best holiday we have had laying in a deck chair reading a great romance novel while the waiters got me cocktails to drink we had so much fun.
We stopped at Vannuatu, Noumea, Laman Bay,Lifou and Mystery Island such beautiful places to visit.

I have been to see The Chippendales many many years ago and I did end up on stage they asked for someone with a pair of panty hose in their hands to come up on stage LOL I had taken mine off earlier and they were in my handbag LOL so I won a prize of a penis dummy (soother) but I gotta say I would have prefered to dance with them like you did.

Have Fun
Helen

SiNn said...

mymost memerable vacation was me and my better half at home while our kids were gone with their granma for a week was awesoem wa sjust us and peace and quiet

the goal is to go to ireland sometime soon in our life the two of us and have an awesome time together but no one cnabeat being home with just u and the perosn you love

would loveee to go to mexico too some day


im a author promo junky would love a chance to win

mortalsinn@yahoo,com

Unknown said...

Well done Deanna

I had a surprise 35th anniversary .... DH gave me 2 hours to pack.... wouldn't tell me where we were going until we got to the airport and then I found out we were off to New Zealand for a long weekend..... we met the bestman from our wedding there who we hadn't seen for about 30 years.... my DH had organised all this without me knowing

I also went to the Chippendales with Helen... it was a girls night out.... I don't mind winning promo material

Donna MacMeans said...

fichen - I know what you mean. We never took vacations when the kids were small...until one year I won a free weekend at a Hyatt hotel - any Hyatt hotel. We decided to pack up the kids and drop them off at my mother's in Cincinnati. Then we went downtown and had an adult weekend. Heavenly just to be in a hotel without kids underfoot. After that, we tried to get away together at least for a weekend every year. We weren't always successful, but the times we managed were fabulous.

Fingers crossed that more opportunities to escape will present themselves. I honestly think we are better parents for the brief respite.

Donna MacMeans said...

LOL Anna - I told the poor guy that I was afraid I'd break his back if he tried to lift me up.

Afterwards a number of people approached me and said that I did great and put on a good show. Not exactly sure what that meant (grin). We were sitting in the front row around the stage. They announced that those were considered the "hot seats" but I figured there were a lot of younger, thinner candidates to choose from. I really think I was chosen for the comedic value of it all.

Jane said...

Congrats on the GR, Daz.

Hi Donna,
Looks like everyone had a fabulous time in Cancun. I haven't been to Cancun, but a couple of the cruises I've been on stopped at Cozumel. Cruises are definitely fun and there's actually a lot that you can do. I've heard Mazatlan is beautiful and hope to go someday.

Donna MacMeans said...

Daz - Those are all places I want to go. I'd especially like to go back to London and now that I know Anna Sugden...well it's even another reason to go back. Just have to convince my husband that it's worth the long flight.

Donna MacMeans said...

Hi Helen -

Not sure you can call what I did dancing. LOL. He, on the other hand, definately had the moves.

I've been on a cruise once and in many aspects, this was similar. I do love being waited on hand and foot. I've developed a new love of mojitoes. I'd had them before but quite as tasty as the ones in Cancun. Guess I'll have to try my hand at mixing some.

Love the sound of Mystery Island. There was an island across the way from Cancun that translated to "Isle of Women". We didn't get to explore that, but I'd like to - such from the name. Guess that's like choosing a book for it's title. (grin).

Kim in Baltimore said...

Aloha, Donna! Glad you enjoyed your Cancun vacation ... but fly just a little more west next time as Paradise awaits you!

My most memorable vacation was with hubby when we returned to Scotland (no kids) in 2007 and hunted for crumbling castles. The highlands were just breathtaking.

I saw the Chippendales in Aachen, Germany with other military spouses. Same moves in a different language.

I am grateful for living in freedom. And Hawaii Five O.

Donna MacMeans said...

SINn - Amazing what a few hours of peace and quiet can do! Yes, I'd love to go to Ireland as well. Are you Irish? My grandparents came over from County Cork and I'd love to go there - maybe find a relative or two. Someday...

Donna MacMeans said...

Barb -

Kudos to your husband! That's so cool that he arranged everything without you knowing - and arranging for the best man to be there as well!

My husband set this vacation up. He was so sure it was a mistake when we arrived to the cool temps, but things turned around.

You and Helen went to the Chippendales together! That must have been a hoot. See you ladies could have double-teamed the dancer. I would have loved to have seen that.

Donna MacMeans said...

Jane -

Our one and only cruise stopped at Cozumel years ago for a few hours. I remember we did a submarine ride to see the barrier reef. Amazing to see the turtles and fish and coral.

I know this shows my ignorance, but I had no idea that Cancun and Cozumel were so close! Now I know. I've heard alot about Los Cabos so we may go there some day. Must admit I like these warm climates when it's on the nippy side here in the states.

Donna MacMeans said...

Hi Kim!

I would love to go back to Hawaii. My two younger sisters are heading to Oahu December 1st. I'll be thinking of you when I put them on the plane.

LOL on the German Chippendale dancers. Some things defy translation!

Yes, we are blessed to live in freedom. And we owe a great deal of gratitude to the armed services that keep it that way.

hrdwrkdmom aka Dianna said...

Unfortunately I have not traveled so much but I have seen the Chippendales and ended up on stage...my daughter and her friend decided mom needed a night out so there we were. Like you Donna I warned him he could do serious damage if he tried to pick me up. My daughter was going nuts taking pics and Wooot! Go mom!
I have been married three times, the first honeymoon was Maryland to meet my in-laws, the second was Nags Head beach where I ended up looking like a lobster (I don't do sun), and the third I went squirrel hunting and did my best to cook in a camper. Hmmmm, can we say not a good track record? LOL the squirrel was good though.

Anna Sugden said...

Congrats on your anniversary, Donna. What an awesome trip. Why am I not surprised that you were up on stage with the Chippendales?!

Went to Mexico a few years ago - stayed in Playa del Carmen, before it was developed and had an awesome time going to Tulum and Chichen Itza.

Our special anniversary trip is next year - for our 10th, we're going to Australia! I'm planning to hit the RW Australia conference in Melbourne too, before doing some travelling. Naturally, we'll be seeing dearest Aussie Banditas Anna and Christine. Can't wait!

And if there is one thing I'm thankful for it is that I met my lovely hubby.

Oh, and that I finalled in that GH in 2006 to be part of this awesome group (including you BB's in that!)

Anna Sugden said...

Oooh Donna - you're welcome any time! What can we do to convince your hubby?!

Donna MacMeans said...

LOL Dianna - See...we have so much in common!

Had to laugh at the unusual honeymoons. Squirrel hunting? The things we put up with for love... at least temporarily.

Donna MacMeans said...

Anna...I don't know. That Australian anniversary sounds awfully good...it might just compete with returning to London...

I've already informed my husband that if I ever hit any kind of list, I intend to celebrate with a trip alone or with him to Australia for their conference. How's that for advance planning? (Just a reminder that my next release is August 2011 - so if you want to see me down under, you know what to do *g*).

catslady said...

It sounds so wonderful. I remember taking a cruise years ago and thought it was the best vacation because you didn't have to move around your suitcases for one things lol. Of course after hearing about that last cruise disaster, I'm not so sure lol. The other memorable vacation that was very special was when I met my husband of one year on R&R - he was in VietNam. I flew for the first time by myself (had flown once before) from PA and was also meeting my father-in-law for the first time who was stationed there (I know). Other than thinking I was flying into the wrong airport thanks to the guy sitting next to me, it was glorious. We spent the first few days on our own and then stayed with his father for a few days. We saw a wedding on a beach - how romantic. Only bad part was have to say goodbye. I stayed one more day and got a horrible sunburn and had to fly home really miserable but it was definitely worth it.

Trish Milburn said...

LOL! Donna, I don't think I can comment because I'm laughing at those dancing desperado photos! What a hoot. I can so see you doing this. :)

Glad you had a wonderful vacation.

Hellie Sinclair said...

Happy Anniversary!! And OMG, that Chippendale's thing is hilarious! (And sexy! Up on his shoulders? Holy crap!)

I'm more of a cruise girl. All inclusive. The rocking of the boat. Lots of food and entertainment. I remember one of the stops on the cruise ship was Cancun and it was lovely, but my favorite stop was: Grand Cayman. I still feverishly dream of returning there for another vacation. *LOL* All that rum. All that beautiful water. *sighs*

Minna said...

Congrats on your anniversary!
Memorable vacation? Definitely my both trips to Canada. I visited Vancover and Toronto and quite a few tourist traps in both cities.

Of course I have to recommend Helsinki, too.

Due South - The Mountie Song Revisited
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQkql4dHniE

Sir Douglas Quintet - Meet Me In Stockholm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBfz5f7_xXk

jo robertson said...

What a darling post, Donna. Happy, happy anniversary and welcome home!

I think the Chippendale event is the cutest thing ever and I admire your chutzpa! I'm sure, however, that YOU made HIM look good!

Beach vacations are the best. I love to visit Hawaii, not only for the lovely beaches and beautiful scenery, but because Boyd can get in his addiction while there -- golf, of course!

runner10 said...

Love the pics. You look like you were having a fabulous time. I haven't been to Cancun.
I went to Key West earlier this year. It was great. I would love to go back.
Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Terri Osburn said...

Wow, I'm actually speechless. And that doesn't happen very often. LOL! Sounds like you had an amazing time. But the Chippendale thing is what has me floored. (And you too! lol) I'd NEVER have the guts to do something like that. You must have the coolest husband ever. :)

The only trip close to this for me was when my HS band took a Caribbean cruise. I was only 16 so would have much more fun on the same trip today, but it was my first time going anywhere, never mind out of the country.

All sorts of crazy things happen during that week, most of which I'll never forget. But it all happened to my friends. I'm thinking for my 40th birthday (next year!) I need to take a cruise. This time, as a grown up. *g*

Put me in the drawing for the swag!

Donna MacMeans said...

Catslady - Vietnam? That's a heck of a long way from Pennsylvania! Yeah - love how they handle the luggage on a cruise...especially love it after having gone through the great "stand-in-line" experience of an international flight coming in to Philadelphia airport. Do you realize that even if you're catching another flight to say...Ohio...you still have to collect your luggage from the baggage claim and then slep it through customs, recheck it domestically, then stand in line for another round of ID check and scanning. Surely there has to be a better and faster way!

Donna MacMeans said...

MsHellion - This was an all inclusive resort as well. They had five restaurants, two pools, many bars (and cabana boys) and of course, the ocean - all without the rocking of the boat.

When you were in the Cayman Islands, did you do the glass bottom boat thing in Georgetown? They show you the wrecks of masted ships that are still in the harbor - not that's it's all that picturesque now. Most of the wrecks are bleached out or covered by sand - but there's still a romance about it.

Yeah - up on his shoulders - freaked me out! I could handle the lap dance and did the spanking thing - but can't say that I felt all that steady up there. Let's face it. I haven't the body of a cheerleader (grin).

Donna MacMeans said...

Minna - I was surprised by all the Canadians in Cancun. You go to Canada - they go to Mexico. We're all in search of a little southern comfort.

Donna MacMeans said...

Minna - I was surprised by all the Canadians in Cancun. You go to Canada - they go to Mexico. We're all in search of a little southern comfort.

Donna MacMeans said...

Terri - I think my husband was as shocked as I was. Glad he thought though to grab my phone (had he grabbed the camera, we could have had video).

You definately should go on a cruise now that you're old enough to take full advantage (grin). Although that stranded cruise ship occurred while we were in Cancun. Glad we were firmly on the ground when that showed on the news.

Christie Kelley said...

Sounds like you had a wonderful time, Donna!! I did go to Cancun once with a friend from work. We did a long weekend just us girls. It was so relaxing.

My favorite vacation was the trip with my husband to Italy. That was our 25th anniversary gift to each other.

Book Chatter Cath said...

Congrats on 37 years!!! I'm only at 15 years
As yet we have not had a decent vacation, just the odd childless weekend at home, which can sometimes feel like a holiday:):)
I absolutely love the chippendale photo's...how much fun was that!!!!!!
I'm always up for freebies too so please enter me in:):)
Cath
cbcowley@gmail.com

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Oh Donna! What a fabulous anniversary vacation!

I have to tell you, I'm still laughing at the dancefloor pictures! I think that will keep a smile on my face all day and night!

Donna MacMeans said...

Runner10 - We went to Key West in September. We were in Florida anyway for a wedding so we thought we'd check the place out...and accidentally ended up in a topless bar! We were just looking for a place to dance. No other women were in the place and I thought it odd that a woman of my age would solicit so much interest from the men at the bar. In hind sight, I'm surprised they didn't run for the door! We weren't comfortable there and so left...which is when we noticed the sign about clothing optional. (grin) That's a crazy place - Key West. (Though it's one of the rooster's favorite spots.)

Donna MacMeans said...

Cath - Those odd childless weekends can be life savers. It's funny how you sometimes need those reminders that you were lovers before you became parents...and when the kids are gone, you get to be lovers again.

Congrats on the 15 years. That's an accomplishment as well.

Donna MacMeans said...

Trish, Christie & Suz - wish you could have been there! It was truly a hoot and a half. Do you think we can get some Chippendale dancers for the lair? I mean they could teach the gladiators a thing or two - maybe something about non-combative gyrations...

Donna MacMeans said...

Jo - Hey welcome home to you as well! I keep hearing stories of snowfall and long delays out West. It's still sunny and clear here in Ohio -- but not nearly as warm as in Cancun.

Not sure chutzpa had much to do with it. Shock, maybe. Hey - do you think that pole-dancing class I took in Las Vegas was some sort of foreshadowing?

Helen said...

Anna

Whoo Hoo you are coming to Australia next year this is great news and I should be at the RWA conference in Melbourne as well.I do so hope we get to catch up this is fantastic news

Have Fun
Helen

Helen said...

Donna

I would never miss one of your books love your stories I do hope you make that list I would love to see you here in Australia.

There is also The Australian Romance Readers Convention in March 2011 being held at Bondi we would love to see you all there Anna Campbell is one of the key note speakers. Fingers crossed to see you here

Have Fun
Helen

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Donna: I mean they could teach the gladiators a thing or two - maybe something about non-combative gyrations...

I don't know. Those gladiators are pretty protective, you have met Demetrius, right? They see us doing those kinds of gyrations with the dancers and I think we would have an old fashioned Roman bloodbath on our hands!

jo robertson said...

Donna said, "do you think that pole-dancing class I took in Las Vegas was some sort of foreshadowing?"

Definitely! He probably saw the reflection of the pole in your eyes!

Beth Andrews said...

Donna, what a fabulous trip! I loved hearing about it and thanks for sharing the great photos *g*

Today I'm thankful to have my son home (for the first time since he went away to college 3 months ago) and I'm espcially thankful to all the servicemen and women and their families for the sacrifices they make. I know many of them go much longer without seeing their loved ones.

Janie Mason said...

Donna, I love the pictures. Especially the one of the dancer spread across your chest. Where exactly was his package in relation to your face? Mercy, I'm fanning myself just thinking about it. Good thing Rick isn't the jealous type.
Glad you had a fabulous time. 37 years is definitely something to celebrate.

Minna said...

Minna - I was surprised by all the Canadians in Cancun. You go to Canada - they go to Mexico. We're all in search of a little southern comfort.

Hah! Few days ago I saw a rerun of Lonely Planet show,where Ian Wright went waay up north in Canada to Yellowknife among some other places -there was some winter fastival- and he got to do something I've wanted to do for years: he hacked a computer to smithereens with big a hammer.

Donna MacMeans said...

Helen - I would love to see La Campbell deliver her keynote address. Alas, as my next release comes out AFTER the conference, it's unlikely I'll be there in 2011. However - never fear - I'm sure Anna will be both recognized and honored as a keynote in future years. Fingers crossed I can come then.

Donna MacMeans said...

Suz - good point. I suppose the dancer dressed as a policeman would be no threat (grin).

Donna MacMeans said...

Jo - LOL. Yeah - there may have been a reflection of a pole...or some sort of hard shaft...in my eyes.

Donna MacMeans said...

Beth -

OMGosh - I forgot he's been gone for the past three months. What a wonderful homecoming Thanksgiving you'll have with the family all together again. Don't be surprised by how much he's matured in the short time away. I bet he really, really appreciates all his Mom does for him - now that he's had some time managing on his own.

Donna MacMeans said...

Janie - You know...I can't even think to answer that question...I don't remember (VBG!) Seriously, I was so flabbergasted by what was going on, I don't remember much about the dancer at all...except he had really white teeth and he managed to rip his pants off in one quick movement. (Do you think that was what the velcro inventor had in mind so many years ago?)

Rick was laughing too hard to be jealous (grin). I was sort of hoping the sexy female dancer would pick on him, but no such luck.

Donna MacMeans said...

Minna -

LOL - that is something of a fantasy...though I must admit that I'm not as inclined to take a hammer to my computer since the invention of laptops. Something just happened to software or something that made it less confusing and redundent. Every now and then I could curse a blue streak at the thing - but no so much now as maybe twenty years ago.

Judy F said...

OMG those pictures are priceless. I don't mind watching those type of shows but from a safe distance. I embarrases very easily and don't like being the center of attention.

Looks like you had a great time.

Donna MacMeans said...

Judy -

My guess is that all eyes were on the hunky half-naked dancer and not the older fully-dressed woman (grin). However, that said, I found myself in the middle of embarrassing situation so often - it's a part of the playing field with which I'm very familiar.

Thanks for coming by!

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

SUPER CONGRATS on your 37 years, Donna!

I'm still ROFL over those Chippendale pictures. I'm never seen the actual Chippendales, but have been to a local "amateur" night. The best friend of my good friend's son was performing and we all went to see him. My friend was hauled up on stage and wound up pulling some guy's tights off with her teeth. Never laughed so hard in my life!

I've never been to the east coast of Mexico, only the west. My fave place on the west coast is Puerto Vallarta.

I've been on many memorable trips, but our first trip to Europe (we went to France, Monte Carlo and Italy all by train) was definitely one of the best.

AC

catslady said...

Oh, I'm sorry - I forgot to say the R&R was in Hawaii. Still far enough from PA but not as bad as Viet Nam. I knew it so forgot you guys didn't roflmao.

traveler said...

Sounds wonderful. For our 40th this past year we went to Italy for 10 days. Romantic, yes, and much more.

Donna MacMeans said...

Hi AC!

We have some friends who have a place in Puerto Vallarta. They go there every winter and have invited us to visit, but we've not gone yet. I'd hate to impose...but escaping a cold Ohio winter for a week might not be so bad.

There were four dancers in this Chippendale routine. Two men, two women. I noticed that the first man (my guy) and the first woman both selected older members from the audience. The last two selected young (and eager) audience members but then blindfolded them and played tricks on them. One guy got ice cubes down his crotch. Have to say that if I was going to be picked, at least I wasn't blindfolded. I wouldn't have liked that.

petite said...

It sounds like so much fun.Love those photos. My husband once surprised me with a wonderful trip to a mountain hideaway. An old mining town, a glitzy town and lots to see and do. Very historic and interesting.

Donna MacMeans said...

Catslady - LOL Well Hawaii is much nicer than (I suppose) Vietnam. I've never been to Vietnam, but I have been to Hawaii. It would definately be a romantic place for R&R. Next time you go you'll have to meet Kim in Hawaii. Romance fans stick together!

Donna MacMeans said...

traveler - Italy (sigh). I would love to go to Italy and for 10 days, no less. That's the problem with only going for a week. Given the time changes, it takes so much time to get there and get back - a week doesn't leave much time to really experience anything. Ten days is much better.

Kim said she saw Chippendale dancers in Germany. I imagine Italian Chippendale dancers would be really hot!

We're coming up on our 40th in a few years...maybe I'll have to suggest Italy as a destination.

Donna MacMeans said...

petite - I love "historic and interesting!" Can you say plotting ideas? LOL. A mountain retreat sounds lovely. Heck - anything with "retreat" in the name sounds good about now.

Becky Barker said...

Great pics, Donna. I'm so sorry I wasn't there to share the fun. LOL! Maybe next time I can stowaway:-)

Big hugs, Becky
www.BeckyBarker.com

Nancy said...

Donna, what a wonderful vacation!

We honeymooned in San Francisco, which was great. The weather was beautiful the entire time. We had only a few days, though, and I'd love for us to go back again.

Daz, congrats on the bird.

Louisa Cornell said...

Good on you, Daz! He was missing the warmth of Oz!

Donna, Happy Anniversary and what a great trip!

The Chippendale photos are FABULOUS!! There has to be a way to hire them for a Bandita and Buddies party at a Nationals one year! Everyone who wants to see the Banditas partner the Chippendales for a dance a thon, raise your hand!!

I actually haven't see the Chippendales, but I did see an all-male review in Paris that almost gave me a heart attack! I gave it five Hot Dayums !! AND a Hallelujah!!

My three trips to Nationals have all been memorable! San Francisco was the most amazing. Got to meet the Banditas for the first time and it was my first visit to San Francisco which is truly lovely city!

I really want to make it to London and then Belgium in 2015 for the bicentennial of Waterloo!! Now THAT would be a dream vacation!

Donna MacMeans said...

LOL Becky - Next time we'll put YOU in the front row of the Chippendales (like we could hold you back *g*)

Donna MacMeans said...

Nancy - See I wouldn't have guessed you were a newlywed...or did you mean your honeymoon to San Francisco other than the 2008 National convention (grin). San Fran is a beautiful city -so much history. Did you know I wrote a book placed in San Francisco? Yes, one that will never see the light of day (grin). Should RWA return to San Fran, I'll be there in a heartbeat.

Donna MacMeans said...

Louisa - SF wasn't the first time you connected with the bandits, was it? Somehow I thought we'd connected long before.

That Paris male review sounds HOT. I'll have to put that on my "must-see-list." I'd love to see Belgium as well. That must-see-list keeps growing...and growing...and growing...

Hey Louisa - will we see you in NYC? Are you entering the GH this year? I'll be cheering for you!

Louisa Cornell said...

Yep, San Fran was the first time I hooked up with the Banditas in person! With the blog I think it feels like we have all known each other forever.

I REALLY want to make NY !! We'll see. Going to start saving up for it after Christmas. I see a lot of hot dogs and beans in my future. LOL

Agent left it up to me so yep, I bit the bullet and entered the GH this year !

Donna MacMeans said...

Good Luck! I'll be cheering when they call your name in NYC!

Donna MacMeans said...

Looks like I'm running out of time so (drum roll)the winner of the packet of promo material from a bundle of authors is...petite.

So petite - if you're interested in receiving this - please go to my website at www.DonnaMacMeans.com and send me your contact information and I'll get it in the mail.

Thanks everyone for helping me celebrate my anniversary!

Elysa said...

Wow! You do know how to VACATION!

Shantilla said...

Donna - Great blog! I was able to relive the Cancun adventure :)