Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a small island a short ferry ride from Cancun. It may be small but it is loaded with "good times". We knew all about the good times because we visited here in 2005, boatless that is. This time around, however, we are boaters and we plan to enjoy all the island has to offer. Our slip at the Paraiso Marina is a bit difficult to maneuver into but the captain does a stellar job as usual. Once in place we notice there are only inches of water under our rudders so we  move a bit forward and a bit to the west and "voila" all is fine. 

We find our favorite spot to eat, drink and be merry. A short walk from the marina. What could be better?

Happy people, great entertainment

Let the good times roll

Everyone loves the Soggy Peso including Elizabeth

 Isla Mujeres is a popular tourist destination and there are plenty of great restaurants and entertainment.

It is another one of those places we swear we will visit again

For a long time we had discussed visiting the forbidden island to the east of Mexico. Perhaps we are drawn there because it is forbidden but it is also because many have told us of the wonderful people and amazing sights. Next thing we know we are at the airport boarding our flight

It is a short flight.

After a successful trip through airport check-in we exchange some Mexican Pesos for local currency. Transportation to our "habitacion" is easy. Taxis are plentiful

Traveling through "The City" you see neglect but also resilience and beauty

We arrive at our "habitacion". Booked on the Internet we have no idea what it will be like. We are pleasantly surprised. This is not a hotel but a "Casa Particularis". A recently approved business venture for the private sector, it is very popular and a despite having to give a large slice of the $ pie to the state, private enterprise is booming and offers the individual a way to earn additional money.
Our penthouse balcony

Relax and enjoy the view

5 star room

View to the sea

And very important, it all works

An easy walk and we are at the famous Malecon

Sunsets are beautiful no matter where you are

Getting to the center of town is easy. Take a Tuk-Tuk
These popular taxis are fun but make sure you negotiate the fee up front

Ride in a very cool old model American convertible.

Privately owned and a bit pricey but FUN

The "Old City" boasts over 900 buildings of historical importance. Various architectural styles are reminiscent of old famous European cities 

 There is much renovation going on and much more to do

The capitol building "Capitolio Nacional" in it's forth
year of renovation, longer than it took to build.

In the center of town is Obispo Street. This is where the action is

 You will be entertained

 Art

Artists at work

 Did he just move?

Touring by horse drawn carriage

Music is alive and thrives in this county

El Floradita bar and restaurant.  Ernest Hemingway's watering hole. Famous for their delicious daiquiris

See the resemblance?

The entrance to the main harbor is well protected by Castillo de los Tres Santos Reyes Magnos del Morro, aka Morro Castle.

A busy harbor 

The Old City has a wonderful pedestrian street, Paseo de Marti or Prado if you are a local. Walking up and down the Prado we encounter many interesting people. You have to be on guard for the scammers. It always begins with "friend, where you from?" And then of course, there are long lost relatives in your home town, anywhere USA and if only we could see each other one more time......blah blah blah

Local Art

Great coffee

There is no such thing as a free ride....or is there?

Love these guys! Authentic street music

Delicious

Old Plaza festivities

Typical residential building. Interesting, the buildings have computerized electrical meters.

Universal bench snoozing position

Typical Old Town street 

Lead singer, great voice (her, not me)

Old car lovers, check it out

Side car

Aft car

Local boat

Fishing fleet

It is easy to travel around the country side in modern clean buses

Outside the city the countryside is beautiful

For locals

For tourists

Lots of new construction in anticipation of an increase in tourism from the neighbor to the north

Mansion Xanadu. Built in the 1930's by the Du Pont family. It sits atop an 18 hole golf course

Our room. Nice view

Beautiful accommodations

Marble everywhere

Anyone for a game of golf?

Back in the Old Town we climb 3 flights of stairs to enjoy or last night 

A lobster boat!

Our waitress calls herself "China"

Heading back to Mexico

With a few souvenirs

Back in Isla Mujeres we start planning our trip back to the USA. The weather window is important since it will take us 2-3 days to cross the unpredictable Gulf of Mexico. Our heading is a bit east of north and we are hoping to get south of east winds to make the trip enjoyable. In addition to the winds we have to contend with various currents coming from the south and the west. This is a good time of year to be making the trip and we are optimistic we will be in Florida shortly.

See you in the Keys

Anne and Steve

S/V Fine Line