Come to Cancun with Us

So much is going on right now in the world.  I chose to take this week’s topic South.  In 2009, my husband surprised me with a trip to Cancun.  We are adventurous, but not that adventurous, so he booked us in an all-inclusive resort. So off to Cancun we went.

We flew from Missouri to Dallas, then down to Cancun.  We had read up on what to expect and the stories held true.  When arriving at the airport, we retrieved our luggage and out the door to all the taxies waiting.  We found the taxi that we felt was good for us and off to our resort we headed.  When arriving, I was a bit surprised that the front office was open air.  There were no doors, just up the steps, to the main area.  You could see the pools and ocean from the front desk.  We checked in and up to our room we headed.

We had the honeymoon suite, even though we had been married for 22 years at that time. It was like a honeymoon.  Our room was at the end of the building. We had our own hot tub and deck.  The view was fabulous.  We could see the entire resort and the ocean from our balcony. 

Looking down we could see the pools, the cabanas, beach, and ocean.  So many folks out there, just relaxing.  We decided to take a stroll.  Down the elevator and out the corridor to so much beauty.   We were finally alone, together.  No cell phones (at that time it cost $$$$ to have cell service in another country).  We were just us, for a few short days. 

Making a decision about what to do while in Mexico.  As with most any destination, you can fill your days with trips or choose to stay at the resort.  We chose to take a bus trip to the market that everyone said we should check out one day.  On other days, we took a trip. We went to the ruins Chichen Itza, and to the Island of women, Isla Mujeres.  I had never been on a catamaran so the trip was intriguing. 

Touring the city was very interesting.  I was surprised by the filth.  Maybe they did not see things the way I did.  I wondered why, if this is a vacation destination, would they allow things to look dirty.  We got to the market that everyone told us we should go to Market 28.  It was like our flea markets here in the states.  We went from booth to booth, as we heard them tell us what great deals they had.  The American dollar was worth more than the paseo so they were happy to get a sale.  Yes, we did buy some souvenirs.  We decided that we would eat back at the resort.

Our trip to Chichen Itza started very early in the day.  The bus loaded around 7am, for our 2-hour drive to the ruins.  The ruins are villages, buildings, that have been found by digging.  The Mayan tribe lived in these villages.  They had large rock buildings for homes. There was a ball court with seating. On the way into the ruins there were vendors selling many different types of items.  This also happened in the days that the Mayan people lived there.  We were not able to climb on any of the buildings, like you can at some of the ruins.  It was a very hot day. We used wash cloths soaked in water to help stay cool.  In the middle there was a pyramid.  The story goes that they told time by the stairs on the pyramid.  The shadows, made by the sun and the steps, helped tell the time.  The one story that still sticks in my mind, is winning the game.  The story goes that the winner’s, have their heads chopped off.  All I could think, was how happy I was to not be the winner.  This was a long day of learning a new culture, eating foods that were “different” cuisine and learning that winning is not always winning.

We headed to bed early this night as the following day was another trip.  We were heading to the Island of the women, “Isla Mujeres”.  I am excited to go on my first catamaran ride and of course see the Island of the women.

Up early again, as we had to take the city bus, to the catamaran business, to get on the boat.  The buses are paid, per ride, and they have a jar for you to put your money in.  You need to have correct change for each time you get on the bus.  We arrived early, but that it OK, since we didn’t want to miss the boat.  They have scuba gear for those who are choosing to dive when we make a stop, on the way to the island. They say the coral wreaths are beautiful.  I have never been able to figure out how to breath with my mouth, when wearing scuba gear.  I am such a nose breather, I just fogged up my mask.  So, I did not rent any gear, neither did my hubby.  We were all loaded on the boat, and what a vast number of folks from so many countries were on the boat. 

The ones that drew our attention the most, were the four ladies from England.  They were in their 70’s, I am sure.  Each one in a bikini (not that they had perfect figures) but they had confidence.  One of the ladies did not have her straps on her bikini top at all.  I am really, to this day, not sure how it stayed on. I am thinking duct tape on the inside.  They danced and had a great time the entire trip. 

Second was the lady who brought her son (age around 10).  Yes, they did say this is a party catamaran, not a family one.  But he did get an education as she kept him at the front and looking forward.  Then was upset that the adult sized scuba gear did not fit him, to snorkel.  With language barriers, she may not have understood it all.  But I do think he had a good time; she was probably a little stressed the entire time. 

We also had that one, you know the one with the perfect body and wearing a thong bikini, the one the guys all enjoyed and the ladies thought “was I ever there”.

We finally get to the Island and it was such a pretty place, nice clean streets, little shops, great picture spots.  We walked around, shopped, sat at the park, and ate on the beach at one of the little shops.  This was a relaxing time of the day. 

Our trip back was without stops, but lots of partying.  It was fun.  I do not drink alcohol much at all.  So only chose to have soda and water.  However, many drinking games were played.  Such a fun time.  We were glad to get back to the resort to relax and enjoy our fine dining experience in the French restaurant that evening.  With the honeymoon suite we were given one night of specialty dinning experience.

The last day was just relaxation.  We met a couple that was from Italy and they had come to the resort for a two-week vacation.  How nice I thought, two weeks of just relaxation.  We finally took time to relax by the ocean.  Then to bed, as we were headed home the next morning.

I hope you have a chance to go on a vacation, enjoy different cuisines and cultures.  If only by doing it through reading and cooking in your home.  Have you had any great trips you would like to share? If so, comment below.  Also, if you are enjoying reading my blog please share with your friends.