It had been a while since Tracy and I did a "us only" vacation. We had the vacation time and the points that we were able to go to Cancun in November. Leaving the early snow for some sun and warm temperatures if only for a little while.
Mackenzie had come home for a long weekend, since she wouldn't be here for Thanksgiving and her flight back to Arizona was the same day we left for Mexico. In fact her flight was 4 gates away and 45 minutes earlier than ours. Talk about great timing.
Her flight left (at 5:30 AM) and then we boarded for the connection in Atlanta. Once there a short hour layover and off to Mexico we go.
We get off the plane and go through customs. The guys asked us 3 questions we said no and that was it. We looked at each other and shrugged, so much easier than last time here.
We had transportation waiting for us, because I took care of it before we left. no haggling no having 10 drivers try to get us a ride.
Once at the hotel, we waited for our room, we met with the concierge to see what was available for things to do during the week. Scuba or snorkeling? Ruins? Catamaran trips and much more.
Once we got our room and bags delivered we stepped out on the balcony.
Yes,it is rainy season and we had clouds and rain for the first half of the week. We figured 'eh, tropical rain, comes and goes between the sun'.
Since it was a log day of travel, we walked to the grocery store to pick up a few items for the week (we had a studio villa). Grabbed a bite at one of the onsite restaurants and called it a day.
The next day we book a few excursions and spent the rest relaxing and drinking poolside. We get rained on and off but we didn't care. We made it an early night as we had full day as we booked a whole day visiting ruins and a Mayan village.
Our bus was there to pick us up at 7:00 am. And it was pouring. 4 others from our hotel joined us. We then hit another hotel, but the couple there cancelled (no refund) and one more hotel for one other couple. Our tour guide stopped at a convenience store and then asked if we were sure we wanted to do this. All this rain, all the walking. We all said yep and he exclaimed 'jesuschrist'. He then went into his explanation of what we would see and do. Stay away from some of the spicier foods, because he is Mexican-Chinese and so he can handle it but not us. He ended up being a great tour guide, wisecracking and really knowing his audience and how far he could go with his jokes.
The first place was over an hour drive away. The Oceanside ruins of Tulum.
So far the rain has held off.
Back in the van we head off to our next stop. The Jungle ruins of Coba. On the way the rain and thunderstorms pick up. Israel (the tour guide) apologizes, but doesn't because according to him they have been in a drought for some time and they really need all the rain we have had all week.
We get to Coba and get a little history and then we can explore. The main attraction is over two miles away so we rent two bicycles for about $4. The rain has really picked up and so we put on our rain jackets (yes, we planned ahead). We ride to the 13 story temple and of course I am going to climb it. Slippery wet rock steps be damned. Tracy decided against it due to the rain and mostly her foot was getting quite sore with all the walking.
I make it to the top and all you see is jungle an occasional smaller temple in the distance.
Once down we bike back and get back on the van for the next stop. A Mayan village and a swim in a cenote.
The village is reminiscent of Old world Wisconsin, a replica of what life and rituals were for the Mayans who live(d) there. We were blessed (I guess, since I don't understand Mayan) we had a bite of typical fare and then onto swim in the
cenote.
Nothing like a swim in an underground cave with bats. Honestly, it was pretty cool.
Our last stop was a afternoon meal of more traditional food, beans, squash, chicken, frybread.
Once fed we headed back to the hotel to end the day.
The rest of the week, we did a few more beach and pool days. Took the bus to get to a much better grocery store where we bought booze, bakery and some other items to get us through the week and not have to go to a restaurant all the time. Although we did that too. Plenty of tacos, table side guacamole, molcajete and tequila.
On Friday night we had tickets to the Cirque du Soleil show Joya. Again, a long bus ride to the theater situated in the jungle. If you have been to a Cirque show you know what it is all about. Theatrical feats of amazing humans.
Finally, on Monday we took a ferry to Isla Mujeres. We did this last time and it was a blast so we had to go back. We rent a golf cart and drive all over the island. See the eastern most point of Mexico, a Jamaican bar with some of the best ceviche I have ever had. From there a turtle farm and more beach time at Playa Norte.
We watch a beautiful sunset on the dock as we wait for the ferry to take us back to the mainland.
The next day we have a late flight out so it's one final morning of sun and relaxation. Adios Mexico, until next time.
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