My Mexican Experience 2009

After a very early start followed by a 7 hour (approx) delay caused by the overnight closure of Birmingham airport, we eventually left Manchester Airport in the rain and snow, to arrive in Mexico in the dark, tired and hungry, but it was warm!
After a few days enforced rest (due to my daughter (Anna) not being able to dive for the first few days) we set off to Cozumel looking forward to my first dive. My son (Chris) had already done 5 dives by this time, and my husband (Graham) 2, so I was feeling a bit jealous.
The dive was fantastic - spectacular scenery, swim-throughs, deep gulleys, coloured corals, different fish and a huge crab amongst other things. For those who love Egypt, the vis probably wasn't as good and the fish not quite as plentiful and colourful, but for me the topography (how about that for a good word - even with jet lag!) was really dramatic and the dive really enjoyable. I managed to climb back on the boat fully kitted up and sorted my kit ready for the next dive, eager and ready to go.
10 minutes later I was on 100% oxygen (what girl wouldn't be when the dive guide stripped to his waist!) but this was unfortunately because for some unknown reason I had sufered from AGE - I guess it catches up with us all at some point, however this was an Arterial Gas Embollism; I had the signs and syptoms of a stroke down my left side - struggled to speak slurring my words, couldn't move my arm or grip with my hand and couldn't weight bear on my left leg. After guzzling a full tank of oxygen I was feling much better, but the decision was made to take me to the Hyperbaric Chamber on Cozumel. Luckily I was able to be transferred to the one in Playa Del Carmen where we were staying - shame my escort was a little old bloke (even smaller than Little Rob) who couldn't speak English. I did get to spend 5 hours alone with another fit dive centre staff member in the Recompression Chamber, although the fact I had to be attached to 100% oxygen for the majority of the time spoilt things a bit!!!
The staff at the Clinic looked after me very well, although my second stay in the chamber was with a nurse who spoke very little English - good job it was only for 135mins that time.
One thing that really helped me cope with the experience was that I had done the Hard Hat Diving day in York last November. If you haven't done it and get the chance I would recommend it. It's a good fun day, and you never know the experience may come in handy when you least expect it.
Anyway two days later the doctor was happy that my body was functioning equally on both sides and so discharged me, telling me not to: drink alcohol or drinks containing caffeine, have massages or hot showers, or eat spicy or oily foods. At least it was only for 72 hours - well we were in Mexico where the Tequilla, Sandos and Pina Coladas beckoned, and Mark was laying down challenges for eating chillies and Habanero sauce in the Mexican restaurant. However I can't dive for 4 months, and only then after tests.
Andrea sorted out a horse riding session for 14 of us, which was beautiful along a secluded beach away from civilisation, and then into the outskirts of the jungle where we saw a big bird of prey. Entertainment was provided by Mark, who was given the smallest horse, and Diane who had us all in stitches as she had never been on a horse before.
Di arranged a catamaran trip for 19 of us, which was a huge success. Little Rob and Mad Mullins took the dance floor by storm and Chris did a spectacular 'dive' from a vast height when riding the spinnaker sail.
Despite a few days of cloudy skies and rain (it was still warmer than an English summer) it was a very enjoyable holiday and one that I was not quite ready to come home from.
Thanks Andrea for all your hard work organising and arranging everything once again. It is appreciated - here's to the next one (money permitting!)

All sounds abit scary to me Joy. Glad you are ok and hopefully there will be no long term affects.

Take care.

Joy I think that you should go into writing books! You have missed your vocation in life! Keep us updated on what the doctors say this end as we need to get you back into the water.... Already thinking of where we should go next for a weeks break somewhere in the summer. Cape Verdi, Spain, Cyprus, Egypt (again) have all been mentioned as a possibility. Will probably also do another long haul end of year / beginning of next as this one went so well and you have more time in 2 weeks to really chill.... Still fancy Thailand or maybe the Carribean - will have to see what good deals we can get.

I thought that the diving was on par with Egypt and although I didnt see them (but others did) they spotted Eagle rays, Bull sharks and sea horses... typical that they saw them on the days that I decided not to dive... The Cenotes were an experience to behold and one of the worlds top 10 places to dive but I am not sure that I like to dive in enclosed caverns with limited exit points! Fantastic experince and scenery looking at the stalactites, stalagmites and columns - probably won't ever see anything like it again! Tara even got Señor Gonads to do it which was a real bonus!

So, if you have any preferences where to go next let me know..

Frogmella - still very jet laged and got the post holiday blues.....