Yes, honeymoon. You see, right after we got married we discovered a little Lulu was brewing. Thus plans for a honeymoon were postponed. For three years! So when our friends Michael and Gina announced they were getting married in Mexico we decided to kill two birds with one stone. Celebrate the union of our pals, and grab a few days for the honeymoon that never was. The wedding festivities took place on the quaint and charming island of Isla Mujeres, near Cancun.
The island isn't very big and is easily travelled by golf cart. Or, if you're a local you may choose to pile the entire family on one moped. No joke. Windy roads lead you to gorgeous and vast expanses of beach, or to a town center with narrow roads and tightly packed tiendas, cafes, and homes.
Or you may happen upon an above ground cemetery filled with brightly colored, wildy textured graves and elaborate mausoleums festooned with bright plastic flowers and offerings to loved ones. The feeling of the place was less sombre, more celebratory. We think the Mexicans have it right. Celebrate the life, rather than mourning the loss.
All of a loved one's favorite worldy pleasures are offered and replenished at the site. It appears that even the dearly departed need their calcium.
After two fun-filled days on Isla Mujeres it was time to get back on the ferry and head to our honeymoon destination about an hour south of Cancun, just north of Playa del Carmen. As we travelled across the water, the weather in the distance looked ominous. As we neared land we were pelted by raindrops and had to surrender and abandon the ferry's roofdeck.
But things have a magical way of changing quickly in Mexico and by the time we reached the hotel, the weather was as gorgeous as anyone could hope for. Our room was situated on a beautiful lagoon and after a quick check-in we were ushered there by boat.
Winding our way to our room we learned a lot. Namely that the entire place was smack in the middle of a nature preserve. We were told that swimming in the lagoon was forbidden. We were shown one of the reasons why. Look closely, that's a crocodile. One of about 100 we were told live and hunt in the preserve. No swimming in the lagoon, you say? Noted.
We arrived at our room and found refreshments waiting. Ay, que bueno! Let the fiesta commence!
The view from our room was spectacular. We had two fantastic perches to watch the wildlife from. An oversized lounge chair and a warm plunge pool just next to it. And for two people who live submerged a constant cacophony of buses, fire trucks, cars, horns, people, and general bustle, the utter peace and sounds found only in nature brought on instant relaxation. No people. Just us and the turtles and fish. And about 25 different species of birds.
Like this guy, for instance. It was like having the nature channel on 24 hours a day. Only 100 times better. And as much as we could have very happily stayed put on our perch, there was still more to see. So we grabbed some bikes from the front desk and headed for the beach club where we found an awesome infinity pool and miles of pristine sand and turquoise water.
Yes, please!
Oh! Don't mind if I do. Gracias!
With no complaints whatsoever about the view out over our toes, we settled in for some hardcore relaxing, with rigorous activities including reading books, dozing, swimming, and munching on delicious ceviche, shrimp tacos and fresh guacamole. And of course, enjoying our hands-down favorite beverage of the trip. The "Fresh and Spicy." Que refresco!
I became certified in lounging.
And Greg took his skincare very seriously. We applied (and reapplied) sunscreen regularly and liberally. Sometimes too liberally. (Have you met my husband the mime?)
Chocolates and a very sweet message were waiting for us when we returned to our room after a wonderful day. Yes, this honeymoon was definitely worth waiting for.
We were sad to say goodbye to all of the beautiful things that had so welcomed and warmed us. The people, the greenery, the wildlife, the water. All of it combined to make this an unforgettable chapter in our lives.
Relaxed, happy and missing the kids, we were ready to return to the sounds of "Mom, Mom, Mom...MOM!" (Oh, and did I mention there's now a trumpet in the house?)
Adios, Mexico. Until we meet again...te quiero mucho. xx
