The theme of this week’s photo challenge is “endurance“. I usually don’t participate in this but the photo of the Mayan ruins in Tulum reminded me of a journey I made a few years ago. Though it was to the other side of Mexico.
If you are a frequent flyer, pilot or air steward(ess), you’ll probably recognise the code in the title of my post: SIN-NRT-SFO-MEX-ACA
SIN for Changi International Airport. Singapore
NRT for Narita International Airport, Tokyo
SFO for San Francisco International Airport
MEX for Benito Juarez International Airport, Mexico City
ACA for Alvarez International Airport, Acapulco
It took me more than 30 hours to travel from Singapore to Acapulco for work. One-way journey, economy class all the way.
The tight seating in economy class didn’t both me as much as the multiple transfers as we travelled ‘back in time’ – it was daybreak over, over and over again whenever I alighted from a plane. Combined with the lack of sleep, the journey from Singapore to Acapulco passed in a surreal daze!
As we flew out of Mexico City, bound for Acapulco (finally!), we were told to look to out for a pair of volcanoes.
Trivia: Legend has it that they were lovers in their previous lives: Popocatépetl, a warrior had returned victorious from battle only to learn that his beloved princess Iztaccíhuatl had died from heartbreak thinking that he was dead. The grief-stricken warrior then died next to his princess after bringing her body up to the top of a mountain for a funeral. The lovers were transformed into mountains next to each other.
Anyhow, after more than 30 hours of flying and airport transfers, I made it to Acapulco! As expected, the coast was lined with ugly concrete blocks – all wanting a piece of paradise – as the plane approached the ground for landing.
Exiting from the airport, I had some reprieve from stale airplane air as I entered into a cocoon of scent bliss, i.e. the airport pick-up service to Banyan Tree Cabo Marqués.
We soon arrived at the lobby of the resort, which is located in the Punta Diamante district, away from the crowded and formerly glamourous city centre.
Situated on the edge of a cliff, Banyan Tree Cabo Marqués offers a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. No concrete blocks in the way. Wow, what an impressive entrance!
That’s me in the diptych above as I took in the gorgeous views and fresh ocean breeze.
So, this is why I spent more than 30 hours to experience! You can see more pictures of the resort here.
It was marvellous and the views were breathtaking. I would have enjoyed it more if I wasn’t jet-lagged and didn’t have to leave after 48 hours (and embark on another 30+ hour trip back to Singapore)! I don’t want to ever have to endure another long-haul journey like this *fingers crossed*
With that, I shall end off this photo challenge with a picture taken at sunset at the resort’s infinity pool.
P.S. All photos were taken with my mum’s Canon Ixus point-and-shoot camera
Angelina Hue 
The hotel looks amazing. The flight trip sounds crazy though!
I know. I felt a little spent from recalling this journey!
48 hours there, 60+ hours journey! Not for the faint-hearted. The things people do for money! Looks gorgeous, though.
For work, in this case. Not much money here 😉
All of the pics are great, but I love the last shot! I could hang out there forever! 🙂
That’s what I felt then too… Until I started feeling sleepy due to the lack of sleep and jetlag!
A great get-away but think I’d wait until I had a bit more time on site! Endurance for sure!!
If I were to ever make such a long trip again, I want to spend at least 2 weeks in the place instead of 2 days!
That is endurance indeed in economy. Our trip back from Ushuaia was 43 hours but we flew business thx to Qatar Airways cheapo flights. And it included an 8 hour wait in Buenos Aires. You were very brave.
More like I didn’t have much of a choice… I’ve not yet been to central nor Latin America. Would love to visit some parts of it in the future 🙂