Sidewalk Hot Dog Grilling

I finally found my cheap airfare for our November trip to Isla Mujeres on Tuesday, so we're now starting to plan a sidetrip into the Yucatan during that month. Craig's latest obsession is scuba diving. He took a discovery class at a local outfitter here in Phoenix and can't wait to get started on his open water dive certification. He's now convinced to wait until Isla since diving in the blue Caribe has to be better than diving in a dirty lake here in Arizona. His first thought for a sidetrip was hopping a shuttle to Chetumal so he could catch a ferry to Ambergris Caye, but I think there's enough to see in Belize on an entirely separate trip.

A few weeks ago when I was browsing a book I gave Craig for Christmas back in 2004, I noticed a chapter on Izamal. The light bulb went on. I remember a friend telling me about a daytrip and how amazing the yellow city was. Craig wants to see Chichen Itza and Valladolid again, so we can spend a night in Valladolid and then head on to Izamal. Click on this link for a YouTube video.

Shortly after Izamal popped onto my radar, I noticed Yucatan Living also featuring a story and video (another link!) about the same destination! We might add in one more ruin or a visit to the Gulf coast on the way back to Isla. I'm not sure if the flamingos are in residence in late November/early December?

And finally, an explanation for the sidewalk hot dog grilling title! Craig's out doing yard work at the crack of dawn this morning. The heat of the Phoenix summer is finally getting to us. Good thing it's late August! Yesterday we met friends for a late lunch and emerged from the restaurant at 4 p.m. We're not normally out on asphalt that time of day. My first thought was you could definitely grill your hot dog on the parking lot pavement! We've been under an extreme heat warning this past week. The temps are under 115, but I think the warning must have to do with the combination of monsoon humidity coupled with the higher temps. Overnight low's aren't dipping below 90, so I'm skipping my bike ride this morning in favor of a swim in the pool!

I finally booked our oceanfront studio on Anna Maria Island for the end of September, so that's something to look forward to in three weeks or so. Yes, Florida will be a different kind of warm with humidity mixed in, but I can't wait to hear those waves lapping at the shore again! As far as I know, there's no seaglass in that area, but I'm hearing tales of a beach with shark's teeth and a lot of shells!

Can't wait to get back to the beach!