Hello everyone! We are so, so excited to see you soon on the warm and sandy beaches of Playa del Carmen. Just wanted to check in and give you some final details and a tentative schedule of events. We will try to send a final version of the schedule of events by Wednesday. Some housekeeping:

- We’d love to hear from you when you are arrive and departing

- We arrive on Thursday, May 27 and depart on Thursday, June 3. To contact us: You can dial our room or leave a message for us at The Royal Playa del Carmen (we don’t know the room # yet)

- J would like to organize a diving or snorkel trip on Saturday the 29th, please let us know if you are interested (say snorkel or scuba)

- We are working on a day trip to the Mayan ruins at Tulum (an hour south) on Sunday the 30th. Please also let us know if you are interested in that. The cost may be $30-$70 depending on what kind of tour we end up getting. Of course we are pushing for the inexpensive option!

- Weather forecast: high 80’s, some showers expected

- This article about tipping is worth a read. I have heard this from several people that have been there before: www.allinclusivetraveltips.com/2008/01/tipping-at-all-inclusive-resorts.html

- You probably know not to drink the water, unless it is bottled or boiled, outside of the hotel. Also recommended not to eat raw fruit or veggies unless you wash them yourself with bottled or boiled water. :(

What to bring:

- Here is a starter list. Yellow = essential item. The rest can be bought there in a pinch. http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0BwV0BQzCGENpYzAwZjljNmUtMWUwOC00NTVkLWI5ZWMtMmUzNDQyNjEzNTU1&hl=en (the link is safe, I made it myself)

- American cash in low denominations (lots of $1’s for tipping, $5’s and $20’s for purchases). Keep it safe in a money belt, and I believe the hotel has in room safes once you arrive.

o “Every place accepts dollars, or you can exchange them for pesos at the hotel, airport or any exchange house or bank during your stay”

o “You can pay for most things in dollars, but you can get better deals in pesos”

Don’t worry about:
- Hairdryers (hotel will have)
- Snorkel gear (hotel has and/or you can rent), unless you are an unusual size or really serious about the sport


Tentative Wedding Weekend Schedule of Events
- All events are optional

Saturday, May 29, 2010
- Optional Scuba or Snorkel trip – early morning
- Dinner at the Gran Porto Real, ____ 7pm
- Out on the town: walk to the Blue Parrot for fire-show, dancing and drinks (www.blueparrot.com/fireshow/)

Sunday, May 30, 2010
- Breakfast at The Royal Playa del Carmen, __ TBD_ 10am
- Trip to Tulum and Cenote: bus departs from __ TBD__ at 11:30am
- Dinner the Gran Porto Real, __ TBD___ 8pm


Monday, May 31, 2010
- Relax on the beach

- Wedding, on the beach in front of The Royal Playa del Carmen, 4pm. Check in at the front desk. Please wear light colored clothing

- Reception immediately following, on the Gazebo Terrace overlooking the beach at The Royal Playa del Carmen

Tuesday, June 1, 2010
- Breakfast at the Gran Porto Real, __ TBD____ 10am
- ?
- Dinner at The Royal Playa del Carmen, ___TBD___ 7pm


Love to you all, and we’ll try to send a last email soon. Lisa