The traditional Mexican 12 days of Christmas ended this week. All, I mean EVERY, bakery shelf was covered with "rocas de Reyes" or "3 Kings Cakes". It's a sweet bread with dried fruits and inside is a lucky charm in the shape of a baby, alluding to Jesus. If you get the slice with the baby, you'll have good luck all year but must host a party on Feb. 2. Bad luck if you choke on the plastic baby!
The big trip this week was a partially nostalgic, partially forward-thinking, pilgrimage to Isla Mujeres. I've been taking the same rusty ferries for 37 years and marveling at the turquoise waters that Pat and I now enjoy often. We are recognized on the narrow streets by many locals, including a juice-cart guy I call Senor Jugo (Mr. Juice). He's been at the same corner for 31 years and even sold some OJ to my sister and niece in the '80's. Long may he squeeze!
It's a small island and always difficult to get our basic level of accommodation. An agent showed us a roomy condo with gorgeous view but he was thinking sale and we're in rent mode. No deal, too bad.
Isla has never been so crowded, so overrun with nationals and tourist alike. Sure, it was holiday season but sadly this charming island has reached the tipping point. A nice place to visit but only in the off season??
Back at Playa del Carmen for our last week, the morning hour-long hike is a must. Unfamiliar flowers buzzing with slightly different bees. Unfamiliar birds squawking very different calls. Kids with dogs --- who's walking who? And sometimes a dog just wants to have a nap in the shade. Been there, done that?
The big trip this week was a partially nostalgic, partially forward-thinking, pilgrimage to Isla Mujeres. I've been taking the same rusty ferries for 37 years and marveling at the turquoise waters that Pat and I now enjoy often. We are recognized on the narrow streets by many locals, including a juice-cart guy I call Senor Jugo (Mr. Juice). He's been at the same corner for 31 years and even sold some OJ to my sister and niece in the '80's. Long may he squeeze!
It's a small island and always difficult to get our basic level of accommodation. An agent showed us a roomy condo with gorgeous view but he was thinking sale and we're in rent mode. No deal, too bad.
Isla has never been so crowded, so overrun with nationals and tourist alike. Sure, it was holiday season but sadly this charming island has reached the tipping point. A nice place to visit but only in the off season??
Back at Playa del Carmen for our last week, the morning hour-long hike is a must. Unfamiliar flowers buzzing with slightly different bees. Unfamiliar birds squawking very different calls. Kids with dogs --- who's walking who? And sometimes a dog just wants to have a nap in the shade. Been there, done that?
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