As my plane started its decent into Cancun airport I could finally see the devastation from Hurricane Wilma. Nothing was green - the leaves were all gone and the once lush jungle was brown and twisted.

It was not easy getting to Cancun - my flights had been canceled and others were changed but I was determined to make the trip. I breezed through customs and immigrations, rented a car and headed south to Akumal. Along the way things started to look better - the jungle was thicker and I noticed the colors seemed brighter.

My first stop was to check in at the reception desk located right at the arch - I was delighted to see that the smiling faces had not changed. Two hurricanes could not discourage these wonderful people - and throughout my visit I noticed that if anything, it made them truly more welcoming; something I had thought was impossible.

I unpacked and took a stroll around - everywhere there were people pitching in working overtime to get the place ready for visitors. The streets were full of people clearing debris, buildings were full of workers repairing the palapa roofs, and fishermen were painting their boats that were still on the beach. Within days Akumal looked like new. Lol-ha restaurant was the first to open and shortly the other places followed suit - turtle bay cafe, Cueva de Pescador, La Lunita, Que Onda - each one posted a sign letting everyone know they were back in business. Last but not least, and just in time for a wedding, Buena Vida opened its doors for business. Akumal was back - now if only the vacationers would return.

For me it was one of the best trips. I have visited the area over 20 times since 1998, but this time I felt like I had it all to myself! I basked in the hospitality and reveled in the extra time I had to visit with friends. My two weeks flew by, and before I knew it it was time to head home. Akumal was back on its feet, better than ever with a new found appreciation for nature and humans alike. My last morning I was up at sunrise, walking along the beach when I noticed the birds had even started to return. Ahhh there is nothing quite like the sound of the water lapping on shore, the tropical birds singing and a bright sunrise over Akumal Bay.

Lydia Pontius


	P.O. Box 13326, El Paso, Texas 79913
	In the U.S:	1-800-351-1622	Canada:	1-800-343-1440
	Telephone:	1-915-584-3552	Fax:	1-915-581-6709
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