Caribbean Holiday - Part 4 - Cozumel, Mexico

"My driving abilities from Mexico helped me get through Hollywood."

-Salma Hayek

The wind worked the sea into large rolling waves which raised and lowered the boat at unpredictable intervals.  As the ship rolled into the port of Cozumel, Mexico, the captain, Giovanni, announced in his thick Italian accent that all water based tours were canceled.  Oddly I was delighted we hadn't scheduled a snorkeling tour here so we wouldn't have to deal with the disappointment that was apparent on so many people's faces.  For this day, we had chosen to wing it, and wing it we did.

With eight ships in port, averaging 4000 passengers each and all water based tours canceled, we eagerly raced ashore to find a vehicle to rent.  The scooters looking unpleasant on such a windy day and the dune-buggies  already gone, we found ourselves in a third-world jeep.  Driving down the road we noticed that the rear view mirror was missing, the glove-box fell to the floor when I opened it only to find an empty beer bottle, none of the climate control knobs were still around and the heat was stuck in the on position(good thing it was soft-top), the speedometer didn't work,  fifth gear was non-existent, reverse only worked when holding the stick into gear, and it rattled loudly as we drove.  All-in-all it was a great exciting vehicle.

Cozumel is a tourist town so you would think all things would cater to tourism, but they still forgot to put up roadsigns, mark one way streets (which most of them are), or make it easy to pay for curbside parking.  Fortunately for us, Google Maps works in Mexico and the locals look out for you by honking repeatedly when you try to turn the wrong way on a one-way street.  We also found side streets and market place garages had free parking.

Logistics worked out, we spent the day exploring the island.  We admired beautiful scenery, scoped out the working class neighborhoods, walked through a large department store, and dickered with the many shop owners trying to make their day's wage.  

The department store was reminiscent of a Wal-mart and had most prices comparable to the US but with different offerings than we are accustomed to, like basin-style washing machines and mini propane cook-tops.  I was tempted by the many varieties at the deli-style ceviche bar, but decided that it may be "too local" for my American stomach.  Too bad.

The street vendors often had items "gringo-taxed"(overpriced to sell to tourist), but tried to call you over using the same tag lines: "Cheaper than Wal-mart", and "So cheap it's almost free!" Most wanted to give us shots of tequila, I'm sure to loosen our wallets, but it was a tactic I didn't mind.  We were even offered a few Mayan calanders yet it was Dec. 21st and we felt it would be a poor purchase since it was no longer good after that day (dumb joke).  They offered, we dickered, and by the end of the day we had a small stash of treasures in the back of our jeep.

Highlights were: The Puerto de Abrigo Marina where boats cruised in and out with a cool castle/fort  in the background; 

 ...driving the rugged coast, a little lost, a lot enthralled; getting to wander the streets sipping my $1.50 Sol beer (cheap and open containers are okay); and getting our pics with two lovable Macaws. 

 Cozumel is a fun place, but super touristy.   Perhaps we'll be able to visit again and explore some of those water sports or a beach during calmer weather.  Our ship was the first of many to leave port that day and as the sun set we saw the lights of yet another tourist town, Cancun, in the distance lit up to attract yet more tourism dollars.   

Back aboard and heading home.

The last day at sea was marked by choppy waters, so I  downed a few pills to keep my sea legs and we left the beautiful Caribbean in our wake.  Sad to see our adventure end, but invigorated by it all, John and I ended our vacation with a drive back to Midland, then onto Tucson to pick up our little girl.  Thank you Carnival Magic and all those who helped us make our vacation a carefree dream.