We left the upbeat street vibe of Playa del Carmen by jumping on a shared collectivo just as the sun was coming up and the hipsters going home. The van took us north past the thick gringo touristo zone of mega-resorts and into ground zero Cancun. In the local market, Pat once again bought unique fabric to be sewn into pretty dresses for some lucky little girls back home.
But faster than you can say No, gracias! we left town, got to the slow cargo ferry I've been taking for 35 years, and were gobsmacked again by the amazingly deep clear turquoise seas. Clean ocean still here, still unspoiled. Landed on good old Isla Mujeres. Once a sleepy fishing outpost, now devolving into better hotels and disrespectful day trippers. We had to stay 2 nights in a cave called Maria del Pilar because there was no place at the inn. OK at $40 but dark and cramped. Like the cemetery next door??
The island is undergoing a beautification campaign with fresh pavement, extra garbage cans, and professional murals on dozens of walls. On the other hand it is becoming formalized with unnecessary (and unmanned!) lifeguard towers, roped off swimming areas, and more pet rescue groups. It's a good place for long morning power walks, such as along the rough east shore; take a walk on the wild side?? But what was really wild was seeing a 1965 Mustang on this tiny island! Be still my beating heart. Turns out it was the father of the bride driving her to a beach wedding at sunset. Awwww (the car, not the bride!!)
We can find more nutritious food here. Night strolls are yummy with the balmy sea breezes and colourful craft markets. Oh, and we moved this morning to a much better $47 garden court room above the Mexican Divers shop. It includes a full kitchen so Pat will be in her glory after we raid the grocery store. What happened first --- home cookin' or the beach?
But faster than you can say No, gracias! we left town, got to the slow cargo ferry I've been taking for 35 years, and were gobsmacked again by the amazingly deep clear turquoise seas. Clean ocean still here, still unspoiled. Landed on good old Isla Mujeres. Once a sleepy fishing outpost, now devolving into better hotels and disrespectful day trippers. We had to stay 2 nights in a cave called Maria del Pilar because there was no place at the inn. OK at $40 but dark and cramped. Like the cemetery next door??
The island is undergoing a beautification campaign with fresh pavement, extra garbage cans, and professional murals on dozens of walls. On the other hand it is becoming formalized with unnecessary (and unmanned!) lifeguard towers, roped off swimming areas, and more pet rescue groups. It's a good place for long morning power walks, such as along the rough east shore; take a walk on the wild side?? But what was really wild was seeing a 1965 Mustang on this tiny island! Be still my beating heart. Turns out it was the father of the bride driving her to a beach wedding at sunset. Awwww (the car, not the bride!!)
I have to get back to that island...............
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