Liz: Days 23 & 24: Cozumel and on to Isla Mujeres

We spent our last day on Cozumel at the beach at Punta Sur.  There is an ecological reserve there, great snorkling, crocodiles in the lagoon and the remains of a pirate hideout from way back.  There is also a long line of hammocks next to a bar/snack shack that made the best fish tacos we've had on this trip.  After playing at the beach we drove up the beautiful east side of the island but noticed that the beaches were lined with a surprising amount of trash that had washed up.  At one beach we saw a group of volunteers with garbage bags picking it up which made me consider whether we should participate in something like that while we are here.  Or maybe at home on the Oregon coast when we get back.  We stopped for dinner at Coconut's, a fun touristy restaurant on a bluff overlooking the coast, complete with parrots, the biggest margaritas I've ever seen and a chicken patrolling under the tables for snacks. 

On Sunday we packed our bags, something we're looking forward to having a break from for almost two weeks on Isla Mujeres.  Patrick has it down to a science, but the rest of us are a little more free form about it.  Our ferry crossing from Cozumel was pretty rough.  Many people were seasick including Otis and I and when we arrived it was pouring rain, a little something to remind us of home.  When it rains here it's for less time but with a greater volume than in Oregon. It's like it just dumps it all at once and then it's done.

Patrick secured a taxi for the hour ride up to the ferry for Isla Mujeres.  Our taxi driver was fun to talk to.  We learned that there is a popular brand of men's cologne called "Patrick", that Elizabeth flipped around and said in spanish means something like "I'm joking with you!" and about a Mexican heroine named Sofia, but I can't remember the rest of her name.  Our taxi driver also loves basketball, plays in several leagues, including a taxi driver league and coaches a youth team that won second in all of the Yucatan last year.  I had no idea that basketball was popular in Mexico!

When we reached Puerto Juarez and the ferry dock the sun had literally come out.  We rode on the top, outdoor deck this time and had a much better ride.  There was live music for the trip over, a singer/ guitar player who was pretty good.  The color of the water was amazing, colors I like to paint with.  I can't believe there are people who live near this beautiful ocean all the time!  Patrick and I have been wondering how much it would cost to buy and run a hotel here.  It's probably something a lot of people wonder after being here for a little while.  What a place!