In 2002, Ramona & I, and friends, a couple from Fairmont, flew to Cozumel to enjoy the beaches and surrounding area for a week. Cozumel boasts glorious beaches, and usually without the crowds that choke the mainland beach areas.

We stayed at a three star hotel that was okay, but three stars is a stretch. They had nightly entertainment that included an old guy with a saxophone who seemed to be continually trying to figure out how to play. We spent some time at their wonderful beach but found the Plaza Central more inviting.

The Plaza Central is the main center for shopping, entertainment, and food. Here we would find local “tiendas”, or shops, selling unique Mexican and Mayan-inspired wares. Restaurants are plentiful, some local, some tourist-themed. Street performers occasionally appear. The Plaza is also where we would find banks, pharmacies, groceries, and any other necessities.

One day we chose to 4-wheel through the jungles nearby. It had rained earlier so traversing through muddy crevices had us sometimes stuck. Our guide was well capable of freeing us. The experience added great fun to the beautiful adventure.

On another day we accepted an invite to endure a two hour pressure pitch to buy into a timeshare on the main land coast. We knew it would be a grueling experience but we could not pass up the gifts that we were to receive for doing so. After a nice meal at a really fine resort, our host started his little prepared speech. After two hours we said that time was up and we were totally not interested. But, for providing our time we received, each, two bottles of Kahlúa, free passage to Chichen Itza, a free meal there, and a tour of the grounds. We also got a free T-shirt each.

Chichen Itza which means “at the mouth of the well of Itza “, is the 2nd most visited archeological site of Mexico today. The Kukulkan Pyramid in Chichen-Itza which is known as “El Castillo” (the castle), is now one of the new seven wonders of the world, having been elected in July of 2007. Now, tourists are no longer allowed to clime the stairs of the great pyramid, but in 2002 we could. (I should say we were “allowed” to as, I could not, but others did).

The 45-minute ferry ride back from Chichen itza to the Yucatan mainland ferry landing led to a great adventure. As well as seeing the archaeological wonder of the Tulum, we found, at the port, there was no electricity - anywhere. Our driver got us to a restaurant close to the ferry landing who could only provide some cold foods as they could not cook while the electricity was out.

Finally, our ferry was able to leave and soon we were back to the island of lights and nightly activity..

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