Monday, July 29, 2013

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

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

The "forbidden Island" looks great. Love to visit it someday. Are you all back in SD yet or in Georgia?
Mike Shaw

Unknown said...

It looks amazing.Will definately plan to visit there someday.hong kong sailing

Unknown said...

Many thanks for a wonderful week of sailing.cruising sails

Unknown said...

What an interesting blog it has been to read! Loved your experience of travel through sailing. Sailmakers are recommended.