So much has been happening that there has been not much time to report what has been happening.

Cancun beach recovery program seems just around the corner. Plans are to start in Cancun on October 3 or 4. They waited so long, many of the beaches have recovered naturally but extra sand on the beach will be great and still needed in front of some hotels. In preparation for the work, the Gran Caribe Real is removing its artificial breakwaters that it put in over a year ago to help save the foundations of the hotel and create a small beach.

Occupancy is the lowest ever not counting post-hurricane and swine flu times…around 38% in Cancun and lower in the Riviera Maya. Lots of deals are available at both hotels and with the airlines.

This coming week is Mexican Independence Day–officially the 16th but the “Grito” (cry–as in cry of freedom) is traditionally held in the “zócalo” (main square) of every city, town and village at 10 p.m. on the 15th where, after reading off a litany of the names of the heroes of freedom the cry of “¡Viva México!” is chanted 3 times and then the fireworks go off. The 16th is the holiday usually celebrated with a parade.

I will be looking for a place in Chicago(!) to celebrate the Grito as I arrive there on the 15th for a conference and return on the 18th to Cancun. Will have to make a stop at a book store and a Teavana store to stock up. Staying at the Westin by the JH building on the Miracle Mile. Love Chicago!

Still not much rain here in the Canun area although Mexico City with its acute water table problem and water shortage has been inundated. Things are going well at the ranch with radishes, zucchini, nopales and even a melon or two being harvested along with all sorts of chile peppers, cilantro, corn and chaya. Had some tamales made with chaya last night.  Well, that’s all for now. Off to work a bit, have breakfast and maybe go to the ranch today or tomorrow. Mainly just resting as work has been fun but grueling for the last couple of weeks.

After returning next weekend will probably spend 3 days at the Hacienda Tres Ríos Resort to see the World Travel Awards presentation being hosted there and catch some sounds from the past with the Village People and KC and the Sunshine Band that will be performing there. Looking forward to that and a little rest at the hotel.