Viva Mexico! 🇲🇽

I am not exaggerating when I say I love Mexico. My husband and I have been here several times, and every time we love it more.

The people of Mexico are kind and warm, laid back and content. This vibe soaks into your soul under the hot Caribbean sun. It doesn’t take long to slow your pace, a smile spreading on your face that will remain long after you leave.

Good stuff!

We decided a more relaxed excursion was in order this year. In years past we explored Mayan ruins, and underground rivers. It involved long bus rides, interrupted by stops at souvenir shops. We loved the adventures, but this year, we sought rest.

We travelled by catamaran across the Gulf waters to a spot some 100 meters from shore. At 0830, I admit I wasn’t mentally prepared to jump in the cool water, so I hung back and took pictures. My husband jumped right in, waterproof camera Velcro’d to his wrist by a bright yellow floatation band. He took pictures and videos of the fish and rays I missed due to my reticence to start my day with a descent into 15 foot waters, as alluring as they may have been in the brochure.

Once everyone was back on board from the snorkel portion of the day, we approached a private beach, where the catamaran was pulled closer to the shore with the aid of one crew member and a large rope on the beach. One by one, we waded into the water, and emerged on the beach with to begin our excursion in ernest.

We wanted to relax – and we were soon in awe of the level of relaxation we achieved. On this private beach , our small group had our pick of lounge chairs, hammocks, or king sized beds under rustic palapas.

We chose option C for the bed, and ahhhhh it was amazing.

We come from one of the most beautiful beaches in the world just 30 minutes away, so we didn’t miss the beach time. We we did was lay back on the waterproof mattress, listening to the wind whip the palm fronds like streamers. We watched the kids play in the water. We reminded ourselves a couple of times that it was MONDAY!

Utter relaxation!

Shortly before we left, we let the hammocks give us a sway.

I have no words.

As I lay there, I was transfixed by the palm fronds above me. I took the picture, then looked around me, completely content.

Laying back in my hammock, I glanced up- and wait a minute, was something looking down at me? Squinting, I realized there was a cute face peering down!

We had seen a *creature emerge from the jungle that served as the edge of our island retreat. It resembled an anteater, but island staff called it a badger. We looked at them askance, and explained to them that badgers stateside were a surly lot. They just laughed and told us their version of “badger” was nice.

*Said creature was actually a coati. It is a member of the raccoon family. This information was gleaned from the Internet as soon as we docked.

Too soon, it was time to wade back into the catamaran. In actuality, it was perfect timing, with an isolated thunderstorm moving in quickly. As soon as we got onboard and under the safely of the cover of the deck, it began to pour.

The catamaran staff and guests danced all the way back to port, an open bar giving some more liquid courage than ability to dance and stay upright in the rough seas.

Back in port in Cozumel, we wandered through the shops, the catcalls of nearby venders calling out to lure us their way next.

Just outside the port, we ate chips and salsa and tamales, listening to the waves crash below our dockside table.

As my husband said, it didn’t suck.

Day one in Mexico was a success – sun, sea, swaying palms, hospitable, friendly people, and new flora and fauna discovered.

A good day, indeed.