Now Sapphire, Rivera Maya

 The Now Sapphire was a resort we visited in late November. The weather was cooler the whole week, but the sunshine on the beach or pool warmed a body nicely. The entire place was beautiful and restful with fountains and reflecting pools that ran along many walkways and buildings.

 More water. On this trip I was recovering from a torn up knee and so I spent much time lounging. Everyone at this place was very nice and efficient. Our room was pleasant and we had a balcony overlooking the grounds and with an ocean view which I am afraid I took for granted and spent little time on. Knowing I would need to elevate my knee and use a lot of ice, I packed a soft sided lunch bag cooler and ziploc bags. The Spanish word for ice is "hielo, por favor"

 And the view from our room...

Brendon's Dream...

Sleeping on the Great Wall of China

TRAVEL STORIES — BY BRENDON ON 09/04/2011 12:05 PM

"No matter how big or small, every one has a travel dream. That dream can range from sampling every brewery in your home state or climbing a local mountain to running with the bulls in Pamplona, joining the mile high club (the new Airbus does not count), getting wasted at the Rio Carnival or being romanced on the Eiffel tower. One of my most compelling travel dreams has been to sleep on the Great Wall of China.

The first time I walked the Great Wall was at Simatai a few years ago during China’s Spring festival with a tour group from a Beijing youth hostel. While admiring the view from an ancient gate house after a several hour walk on the wall, I was struck by the idea of just how cool it would be to sleep on the wall. From that moment on I’ve been slightly obsessed with the dream of sleeping on the wall."

Read more here:

 http://chinatravelgo.com/sleeping-on-the-great-wall-of-china/

 Brandon tells how he planned the trip right down to his equipment and bus/train plans and what section of the wall he chose. Other blog posts on the Great Wall that are really informative.  Have fun!