Before the sun even awoke, Jeff and Andrea dove into a box of chocolate-covered donuts. They were on their way to the airport and occasional glances back-and-forth confirmed that they faced a day filled with excitement.

The young baggage clerk shook her head. "I've never seen a birth abstract like this," she said and marched off to find her supervisor. Jeff and Andrea exchanged a look again. The excitement had turned to anxiety. A few palpitations later, however, they were launched over the gray Boston sky.

"I'll teach you backgammon," she teased and Jeff fumbled his way through the game all the way to Texas. The Dallas/Fort Worth airport was immense. The young lovers slip-slided all the way down the long moving sidewalks until reaching a Chili's restaurant. They took a seat until they remembered they'd be eating Mexican food for five whole days. With some half-hearted excuse to the waiter, they abandoned their table and decided on one last taste of home. Two #1 value meals later, the gluttony began. Within minutes, they felt ill.

On the flight over the long horn state, they cuddled beneath red musty blankets. Four hours later, they wiped their eyes above the Yucatan Peninsula. Amidst the barren wasteland, one landing strip beckoned them in. They fastened their seat belts.

"Hot and muggy," Andrea noted, as they filed off to customs with their luggage and signed into the strange-looking country. The officer, reviewing their paperwork, commented, "You're a writer?"

"Yeah," replied Jeff, "a writer."

An army dressed in bright orange shirts suddenly emerged. They were employees of Olympus Tours and they quickly escorted the excited pair into an air-conditioned van. Andrea and Jeff shared their first bottle of Mexican beer, while the dark-skinned driver took the 45-minute trip in less than 30. Jeff grilled him on local hot spots and sights to see, while Andrea took in the miles of giant billboards and thatched-roofed shantytowns. Amidst the filth and poverty, the driver steered a hard left into Playa Del Carmen. He opened the door for the young couple. The massive hacienda was a palace.

Eric, the unusually tall bellboy, greeted them and shouldered their heavy bags. "Hola," he said. The smile never left his face and he switched to English, "Welcome!" Jeff and Andrea beamed with the feeling of adventure, then proceeded to the front desk. Fifteen long minutes later, they checked in: One lock box key, 2 room keys, 2 towel cards and they were on their way. Eric joyfully escorted them to their oceanfront room. As he opened the door, he quickly stepped aside, happy to reveal the full view of heaven!

A polished-tile foyer led to an exquisite bathroom, with all the amenities, off to the right. Straight ahead and one step down, however, the octagon room opened up with beveled 12-foot ceilings of soft terracotta. The colors of magenta, mustard and teal were splashed everywhere; covering everything that was functionally new enough to provide luxury, but appeared old enough to possess character. This eclectic rainbow accented the walls, furniture and bedspread. A king-sized bed, located right in the middle of the floor, finished off the lush playground. Jeff took one look at it, grinned at Andrea, and then escorted Eric to the door.

With his tip in hand, Eric walked away whistling. Jeff chuckled and stepped out on the small private terrace. Two green Adirondack chairs, and a concrete and glass rounded table, faced several feet of manicured lawn and a mile of white sandy Caribbean beach. As Andrea searched the bags for something, he took in their incredible view. A thong-bottom woman, wearing no top, strutted past. She was smiling and Jeff couldn't help but return it. And why not? The stranger just confirmed it. They really were right smack in the middle of heaven!

The couple quickly unpacked and jumped into the enormous stone shower. Jeff had never seen anything like it. They needed to take one step down until the echoes of their laughter returned to them. There was probably enough room for a decent racquetball game. Instead, they chose to make love - crazy and free.

Eager to explore the hotel, they were required to spend a few moments at the hospitality desk with Karen, a woman who had the voice of a bad used car salesman. Once all were in attendance, Ms. Hospitality gave her spiel, or warnings, on local tours and the area surrounding the hotel. People were antsy and their heavy sighs hurried her along.

Before they should have, Jeff and Andrea slipped away toward the pool. He ordered a beer. She decided to start with rum punch. The quick buzz would prove to be the first of many.

A gigantic hut claimed the center of the pool area, with a friendly bar beneath its nostalgic thatched roof. A quaint little bridge divided two bathwater pools. Cocktail waitresses and bartenders ran around like ferrets, committed to pleasing their guests. Lounge chairs and palm trees completed the fantasy-like perimeter. Within its glorious center, however, Jeff and Andrea finished their drinks, then ordered banana-strawberry Daiquiris. Everyone was drinking them.

Jeff surveyed the area, pondering the beauty of it all when his eyes caught her. She was lovely, her incredible eyes sparkling in the sun. He swallowed hard, realizing he was truly blessed. Andrea was everything he ever dreamed for. He grabbed her hand and pulled her into his strong embrace. Like children, they giggled and spun in circles to the rhythm of modern Mexican music.

Andrea sighed, "I've dreamed all my life that I'd be this happy."

Jeff squealed with joy inside. He kissed her and asked, "Maybe it's more about living in each moment without restraint?" He grinned. "You know… no regrets. Like a child who laughs heartily when he sees someone he really loves? To live each moment to the fullest…"

As if it were scripted, Andrea added with a shrug, "…and that string of moments eventually becomes your entire life, so make each one count, right?"

They hugged until they became one and then tackled the beach, plunging into the warm water before them. The deep azure blue and coral rock bottom were kind to the eyes, but tough on the feet. With drinks in hand, they quickly jumped into a paddleboat built for two where they got to get an ocean-view of their ocean-view room.

After dragging the tiny vessel back on the beach, they returned to their room, dressed for dinner and walked hand-in-hand to one of the restaurants in the hotel. It was called Albatross.

The meal was not the Mexican food found at home, but they fed their hunger. The stroll back to the room was taken on a lit concrete walkway that was bleached just hours before. The soothing sound of surf and the rhythm of the tide's ebb filled the warm night with music. After a long kiss, they headed back to the room where Andrea confirmed the rumors of Mexico. She got sick. As they say… don't drink the water!

DAY 2: Ahhh, the wondrous breakfast buffet, and a flower from a short pudgy Mexican to Jeff's pretty lady friend. Jeff teased her all the way down the powder-sugar beach. After a quick dip, they waited in the foyer for the big purple bus to arrive and transport them over to Los Bonito Ranchero.

The class was probably too brief, but everyone was anxious to hit the dusty trail. Horseback riding on the beach, with their rented steeds Mickey Mouse and Electric Shock, proved beyond amazing. It was dream-like. Andrea's horse Mouse alternated between urinating and bucking, making Jeff hold his side in laughter. Once they reached the cove, the saddles came off. They coaxed their horses into the ocean for a brief swim. It seemed too good to be true until they realized that the brown floating logs were not candy bars. Jeff's laughter continued.

Amidst many, they felt wonderfully alone on the beach. That is, until the tour guide yelled for everyone to saddle up. One beer and a half a can of Pringles later, they rode back for a rushed buffet lunch. While the other tourists changed, Jeff and Andrea took an unauthorized dip in the cowboys' pool. Refreshed, they stopped at the souvenir shack and fibbed to a man who probably still has their unpurchased blanket wrapped and ready to go. One photo and many bites later, they marched down an avenue of gnat-infested flowers and boarded the bus heading home.

Home, at the hotel, they made sweet passionate love. Both satisfied, they leisurely showered and dressed. Arm-in-arm, they were off to Maria Margueritas.

Jose was their assigned waiter and they couldn't have asked for better. He took their cocktail order, then left them to enjoy the graceful fingers of a winking pianist. Jeff looked across the table and saw his lover's eyes sparkle in the candlelight. She was radiant, dressed in black, her hair teased and face tanned. In one single moment in time, he realized again and again how much he loved her. Andrea melted his heart and he had to choke back the tears because of it. She was so gorgeous. But more than that, she was with him and she loved him. He could see it in her eyes. They'd each finally found "The One!"

Comfortably numb, they strolled back to the room, changed into bathing suits and headed out to the moonlit beach. As they snuggled on borrowed lounge chairs, Mexican security startled them with a roaming flashlight. They each jumped. The Mexican smiled and nodded his wishes for a pleasant night. The surf was so soothing, so relaxing, that it had knocked them out. Before they nodded off again, however, they decided to go to bed. They made love and fell asleep in each other's arms. It was paradise!

DAY 3: Andrea woke Jeff gently, playfully. "Come on," she whispered, "let's watch the sunrise?" While the rational world slept, Jeff wiped the dreams from his eyes, took his soul mate's hand and walked out to the surf's edge. While they spoke in whispers, two Mexican workers, under the cover of darkness, took a break from raking piles of seaweed. And they waited for the sun to appear. Other tourists began to emerge with the same idea, but it was too cloudy. The sun was not going to peek over the horizon. Perhaps as a consolation prize, tiny pairs of sand pipers ran frantically along the beach, chasing after each other. The sight made them think. So, rather than go back to the room, they walked the length of the beach. Hand-in-hand, they strolled all the way to the pier; all the way to the famous 5th Avenue.

5th Avenue was desolate, though it didn't take a wild imagination to picture its ridiculous bustle. Businesses were lined along both sides, one after the next, hosting its fair share of restaurants and souvenir shops. The occasional travel agency stuck out like a sore thumb. Jeff and Andrea looked at each other and shrugged. Barefooted natives swept the street clean, while stray dogs nearing death patrolled for scraps. At several street corners, heavy-set women sliced fresh fruit with sharp daggers, preparing for the busy day ahead. The young couple smiled and nodded their greetings. The natives weren't quite in the mood yet. Jeff couldn't tell if they were being shunned because of the aggravating swarms of fruit flies, or the mutual understanding that currency would not be exchanged for several hours yet.

Upon their return to the hotel, they ordered in room service for breakfast. The scrambled eggs were perfect. After putting out the tray, they started for the pool. The only rain they'd see, however, began to shower down. They re-routed and proceeded to the beauty parlor where Andrea got her hair braided and a lesson on Spanish gossip. Jeff loved the look and kissed her. The rain still fell gently. It was a perfect time to go shopping.

The experience was incredible. Mexico had no set price for anything. So, Jeff and Andrea bartered, haggled and negotiated a price for everything. Hand-knitted blankets, wood-carved toys, silver jewelry - it didn't matter. Half the fun of shopping was the heated debates. Jeff and Andrea walked out of many shops before they were coaxed back in for a more favorable deal. It was all an act, and the young couple dominated the stage. By the end of 5th Avenue, however, several of the more desperate salesmen turned up the pressure by grabbing and yelling. To Jeff's amusement, one nearly caught a slap from Andrea. She was tired and sweaty and completely shopped out.

At the conclusion of the frantic shopping spree, with bags in hand, they stopped at Senor Frog's. Jeff took a group photo with several young busboys, horsing around. Three "Yards" later and saturated with alcohol, they staggered off to purchase bracelets from a local who was quite talented. As the sun set, they walked down the beach, backtracking the same route they'd taken in the morning. While the older natives relaxed in the sand and their young frolicked in the water, Andrea and Jeff watched with absolute awe as the sun set on their tropical world. Though hypnotizing, it was also quite clear: To the natives, it as just another dusk. To Andrea and Jeff, however, it was like stealing a peek into heaven.

Back at the hotel, they made love, then opted to experience Maria Margueritas once again. Filet mignons and lobster tails had them holding their sides in the pains caused by overindulgence. Feeling sick, and deservedly so, they chose to stay in bed, watch TV and make it an early night. As Andrea nodded off, Jeff kissed her. He stroked her hair and whispered. "I Love You." He never meant anything more in his life.

DAY 4: It was an early wake up. They started off to the pier, but discovered they were too early. Shrugging it off, they spent the time shopping for children's jewelry.

From the big hut, they finally departed for Cozumel on the Ferry. Barefoot and happy, they boarded, excited for the day ahead. En-route, the flying fish escorted them and the acrobatics were spectacular. They changed boats and motored out to the reefs, each tourist getting suited along the way. Frightened to death, Jeff crept out to the platform and took the first step. Andrea grabbed his hand and smiled gently. There was nothing to worry about. They swam together for two hours and it was magical; the fish, the underwater cameraman, the entire world beneath them. In what seemed like three blinks of an eye, they were instructed to get back on the boat. Amongst the grumbling, they were taken to Playa Sol where they attacked yet another buffet. Surrendering to the heat, they braved a walk across the scalding sand where they unknowingly stole a float and laughed when the woman caught them. There were other couples who also cooled down by wading in the water. Russ and Diane were an older pair from NY; Rob and Julie, the younger couple from Iowa. And there they were, right in the middle - Jeff and Andrea.

Once back on the boat, they motored out to San Miguel. "A moped rental for two hours at full price," Jeff complained, "No way!" Instead, they walked, talked and shopped - angry over the exchange of cracked onyx book ends, and a stone dolphin that cost much more than it should have. And they laughed. Even when the Carlos and Charlies bouncer announced, "No shirt, no service," they laughed. It was too hot anyway. They passed on the experience and instead, ventured down a side street into a shop where, one hour later, they emerged with two trash bags filled with souvenirs. Broke and tired, they wisely decided to go back to Playa del Carmen.

On the Ferry ride back, they watched commercials in Spanish. Jeff laughed. Andrea, however, was unusually quiet. As they disembarked the boat, stepping clear of the growing stampede, Jeff asked Andrea about the ankle bracelet she'd been admiring before the trip. She shook her head. There was something wrong again! "I feel sick," she announced and he could tell by her face that it was her stomach. The damn Buffet! With her head down, she literally marched down the beach back toward the hotel, seemingly angry to the people who could see her face. And he, struggling behind her, tried to catch up with all the treasures in the trash bags. Those approaching took notice of her sour face and his comical struggle, and shot him looks of both humor and sympathy. Obviously, everyone assumed they'd fought. It certainly felt like it.

They finally made it back to the room that felt as much like home as home. Andrea scurried off to the bathroom and got sick again. Jeff decided on room service. Early to bed. Early to sleep. They spooned.

DAY 5: After indulging in another breakfast buffet, Andrea engaged in a heated argument about the early pick up. She lost. Afraid to miss out on anything, they hurried to the beach and lay out. Covered in sweat, they went to the pool and lay out. Exhausted from doing nothing, they went to lunch, but were required to sit up.

As they packed the bags, each tried to savor the trip, taking in all their surrounding for the last time. The idea was to brand every detail into their memories for eternity. What a magical trip!

The ride back to the Cancun airport was completed in record time. Jeff and Andrea ate lunch with a talkative couple on their way back to Georgia. At the terminal, the contrast of boredom forced them to finish their Mexican pilgrimage with ice cream.

Asleep, they landed back in Dallas. Two phone calls later, Aunt Anne's pretzel would be enough to last them back to the east coast. They flew through, over and around some unexpected storm, snuggling the whole bumpy trip.

"Did you get married?" Billy asked, beaming over his brother's return. Jeff and Andrea looked at each other and laughed. It was going to be the question everyone would be asking. "No, not yet," Jeff replied, "She hasn't asked me yet!" They laughed, and then shared a quiet ride home. At 3AM, they flopped into a strange bed called their own. With one quick kiss, Andrea was out cold.

Jeff sat up and held his love. What an incredible vacation, he thought, the best ever! For sure, reality would arrive in the morning with alarm clocks, time cards and the hum of the rat race. Still, he had to smile. For five indescribable days, Andrea was all his, and he was all hers. He kissed her gently on the neck. "As far as my proposal," he whispered, "Mexico might have been beautiful, but it wasn't perfect." He smiled and added, "Soon enough though…"