Cancun - Isla Mejueres - Mar 18 - 20

 Another sunset.

Tuesday, it's a cooler day with a high of 26C predicted and humidity only 54%. We decided to take the ferry over to Isla Mujeres. 

Time of the Maya

Isla Mujeres’ tale begins over a thousand years ago, as part of the Mayan province, Ekab. was celebrated as a sacred sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Ixchel, revered for her blessings of fertility, medicine, and happiness. Mayan girls would journey here to pay homage, seeking her guidance to gracefully transition into a new phase of both physical and spiritual maturity, a rite of passage marking their journey from childhood to adulthood. The southern tip of the island housed a temple dedicated to her, doubling as a lighthouse. Torches, glowing through apertures in the temple walls, a beacon guiding mariners through the Caribbean waters.

Recent excavations by the National Institute of History and Anthropology unveiled hidden Mayan ruins and relics at the Mundaca Hacienda. Among the finds were five potential temple structures, one possibly being the true abode of goddess Ixchel, with the southern point ruin serving as the lighthouse. Over 100 artifacts, including obsidian, jade, and skeletal remains, take us a step closer to unearthing Isla’s ancient secrets.

Isla continued to be a tranquil sanctuary until 1517 when Francisco Fernández de Córdoba stumbled upon it. Legend paints a picture of an island inhabited solely by the priestess of Ixchel and her entourage of women. Scattered around were statues of Ixchel, crafted in gold, silver, and clay, leading to the christening of the island as Isla Mujeres – the Island of Women

We left at 8 am and caught the bus to ferry terminal. The bus driver let us off at the wrong terminal so back on the bus again and paid another $1 each. Finally at the right place and made the 9am sailing to the island.

Security..... we saw lots of police, National Guard etc everywhere toting machine guns.

The Xcaret Ferry

We had the whole inside upstairs to ourselves ... not coughing on anyone. lol

Leaving the harbour.

The next few pictures are looking back at the Hotel Zone

First up we rented a golf cart. By 10:30 we were on our way. I let Ray drive as the traffic is crazy there with cars, motorcycles and tons of golf carts going every which way. 

I think I would have rather stayed on this island than where we are. It's more like a busy "small town" versus a big city catering to Americans on holiday. First up is Playa Norte Beach, the north end of the island. Beautiful white sand beach with lots of bars. Very calm waters here with very little surf to worry about.

Time to find some food as we didn't have breakfast. We stopped at Soggy Pesos Bar, which I had seen a video of, but they didn't serve food until noon. 

Fortunately a "stone's throw away" is another restaurant with an even higher rating 4.9 on google, Bahia Tolok. We sat a table right on the water. The owner is wonderful and we ate a fabulous meal. Yay another plus for Debbie! 

Back on the golf cart and headed to the south end to Garrafon Reef Natural Park and Punta Sur for some Mayan Ruins. Good thing for google maps to navigate through the streets to get there lol

Along the road to Garrafon Reef:

This shows the steady stream of traffic, mostly golf carts, along the road.

Vendors selling shells, coconut, etc. roadside.

Luxury homes along this end of Isla Mejueres.

This one is for sale.

Our last stop, the Mirador Punta Sur and the Mayan Ruins of Isla Mujeres which represents the goddess Ixchel's temple. It's $100 pesos $(5 USD) each to enter. There are lots of statues depicting the Mayan peoples. There is a concrete walkway that takes you to the very tip of the island, the farthest eastern piece of land in Mexico.

The Goddess Ixchell

Lots of iguana's basking in the sun.

Mayan announcer with sound snail

Mayan Fertility Goddess Ruin

Mayan Notary

Mayan Offerers

Mayan Watcher

The furthest tip of Mexico

x

We dropped off the golf cart shortly after 1 pm and walked across the street to catch the 2 pm ferry back to Cancun. After catching the bus, we arrived back at the hotel at 3 pm. A lovely day out. Tonight we ate at the Fisherman's Restaurant at the resort. Ray loves their grouper and homemade potato chips. I ordered a salad and the prawns, which I found too spicey and gave to Ray. Desert is ice cream and their little butter cookies was great.

Wednesday, beach day. Ray put our towels down at the level between the beach and the pool, so we were away from everyone with our coughing. I'm still not well ... coughing up junk and Ray's not much better. Much nicer with sun and clouds today at 28C but with the stiff breeze at 25 mph and lower humity at 54% it's very comfortable. We will have a couple of quiet days before adventuring off again to recoup. 

Tonight we ate at the French Restaurant again. Their Frenh Onion Soup is delicious. Ray ordered the fillet again and I me the chicken cordon blue. I'm feeling worn out again so didn't eat much. I will be so glad when this cold is over. 

Thursday, another pool day. By noon I'm feeling much better. Ray still has a "tight" chest. I managed to make reservations finally at the Mexican a la carte. The food is pretty good. Ray enjoyed his Mahi Mahi. First dinner I've enjoyed. Loved their Mexican coffee. Both of us in bed early.