Where do i begin. As you know, we all have that bucket list, that we thrive to accomplish, one day. For me, one of the points was Mexico, destination that i have already researched inside and out, place where i wanted to go so much, to explore on my own. I had opportunity to go to couple of Mexican restaurants around Europe, but always felt that something is missing, it is Mexican food that i order, it is Mexican music that i hear, just is not Mexico. Once i had all the funds, i sat down, and started to plan my big trip. First, i went on to research about health safety. You see, Mexico is not in Europe, here we don’t have those weird mosquito, that can cause the infamous illness dengue. I armed myself with insects repellent. Light long shirts, ankle boots for exploring the jungles, thick socks, medication for all sorts of sickness that i might get while on the road. I am as well big fan of snorkeling, so to cut the costs of buying or renting the gear, i packed my own.
The day has finally arrived. Months before i had booked my flights, Brussels-Rome-Miami-Cozumel. I went to the train station in Ghent and took the train that went directly to Brussels Airport. Was my husband happy that i am going alone, nope. But he knew that this was something i wanted to do long time ago, so except wishing me well, and warning me off possible and not so-possible dangers, he finally let me go. He can be such a sweetheart and so understanding. The train arrived, i hopped on, and the first step has begun. Oh, i was so happy, that is finally happening. I arrived on the airport two hours before the flight to Rome, i had time to check my luggage, took my pass and went in to wait for my ride to Rome. Excitement was hitting thru the roof. I could feel that my cheeks were flushed.
And then, as the time was approaching, i have noticed that the gate was still empty, meaning no personnel was there, to start the boarding. On the screen above the desk, short message appeared, that the flight will be delayed for approximately 30 min… Couple of minutes was quiet, as all the passengers just starred at the announcement, not knowing what to make out of it. I think that, nobody likes when their flight is delayed. We all sat down, and quietly looked at each other. After those 30 minutes passed, another announcement came thru that the flight is cancelled. And only than, representative or Air Italia showed up, and told us, the next flight to Rome will be the next day early in the morning. For some passengers Rome was their final destination, but for some of us, including me, Rome was one of the stops and we had connected flights to another destination. Air Italia assured as that we gonna get on our flights to the next destination, once we will arrive in Rome. The next morning after the night spent on the airport seats, we boarded the air plane towards Rome. We got there in no time, and were unpleasantly surprised that we had to purchase new tickets, since the ones we had are no valid, and the company was not taking responsibility for the cancelled flight. At this moment i am so pleased to announce that Air Italia cease to exist in 2020. The flight was cancelled, and no explanation was given to us why. The weather wasn’t the reason.
I came into position to go further or to turn back and go home. I called my husband, disappointed and told him that i don’t know what to do. He was calm, understood my anger and said: go ahead, this is your dream, don’t give up. I reached for my credit card and went to the desk of Air Italia and got myself new ticket to Miami. One positive in all this was, that when i was buying the tickets, i decided to spend one night in Miami, therefore i was about to lose that paid accommodation which was far less cheaper then to buy new ticket to Cozumel.
After, when i board the air plane, took one vitamin b6 and relaxed in my seat. The flight was long 9 hours and something, and the moment we touchdown in Miami, i knew i am closer to my dreamed destination. In Miami i rushed to pick up my luggage and straight to check it for the flight to Cozumel. Once it was done, i felt such a relief. I picked the ticket, my hand luggage, and went on the gate to wait for my flight. Thanks to god, it arrived on time, there were no delays, i got in the plane, that compared to the one previous was really small one. The flight was rather short, we landed in Cozumel and i knew my long awaited dream vacation is about to unfold.
Finally arrived
Cozumel is a beautiful island located off the eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula in the Caribbean Sea. It is known for it’s crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches. The island offers mix of natural beauty, rich history and activities for guests of all ages. My dream was to visit the Mayan ruins, to go snorkeling, ATV ride thru the jungle, and take part in at least one “cooking” event, from farm to the table, as my friends told me is quite interesting.
I passed the passport control, then the customs, were they check your luggage for everything plus fruit. I learned that is strongly forbidden to bring along fruit with me. Once that was done, i found myself out of the international airport, on the hot sun and palm trees. Not a single cloud was dwelling on the sky. Oh, man, it was awesome. I raised my hand to call taxi, gave the driver the address and in less than 15 min, i was in front of the big red doors of the hostel that i booked months ago. Someone might wonder why i choose to stay in hostel, when Cozumel has beautiful hotels and resorts with all the possible amenities one can imagine. I chose hostel, cause it is easier to meet people and visit the island many spots with them. Something that i find really difficult in big hotels, and also the price tag. This is after all exotic destination and the prices are sky high. I prefer basic room and people to hang out with compared to huge room with TV, and balcony with stunning view.
I showed myself in, introduced myself to the owner, who happened to be retired American lady. She was very nice and knowledgeable about the island. Quickly i took shower, unpacked and went to sleep. I was tired, very tired. I didn’t have an ounce of energy left in me. Brussels airport seats are not made for sleeping, that’s for sure. The next morning i woke up with bout of vomiting and some kind of fever. The owner was really helpful, prepared some tea for me, that after drinking it, i felt like new. I guess all that stress while coming to Cozumel took the toll on me. I went a bit more in the bed, once i heard that the other guests were up, i got out of my room, introduced myself and sat on the chair in the makeshift kitchen.
Visiting Chichen Itza
Once the others were finished with the breakfast, the conversation started. It was like i was speaking with people i know for ages, not as it was, people that i see first time in my life. We all had, more or less the same dream, so it was easy to come to a plan, where to go and what to do. First we all decided to go and visit the Mayan ruins. The owner informed us that we need to take the ferry to Playa Del Carmen, situated on the mainland of Mexico, specifically the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. The ferry ride was really good, feeling the wind in the hair and sun on the skin. In places like this, where temperature can rise to 45 degrees, it’s very important to stay hydrated, to use big amounts of sunscreen and insect repellent. Once the ferry docked on the port, we rushed towards the bus station, so we don’t miss the bus for Chichen Itza. The bus obviously was quite old, but the air condition was turned off, and it was very cold inside. After 2 hours we arrived in Chichen Itza, there was huge market in front, with lots of souvenirs to be bought. We left that part for later, as we hurried towards the entrance. We paid the tickets, and once inside, we found guide, to lead us and tell us everything about it. The EL Castillo or the Temple of Kukulcan was our first stop. It was huge, eye catching structure. At that moment, just being there, it felt amazing. My dream start happening, and i was so grateful. The site had various structures, temples, ball courts and observatories. All in all, it was breath taking experience.
The weather was way to hot, once we ran out of water, decision was made to end the visit and make our way to the colorful market, purchase souvenirs, send couple of postcards, and catch the ride back to Playa Del Carmen. Thankfully i bought my first ever Mexican blanket, and boy, it came very handy for the cold bus.
Once we were back in Playa Del Carmen, we hit the town for a stroll. We came around small gallery dedicated to the works of Frida Kahlo, from there, as advised from the owner of the hostel, we left the main street, and went behind all the fancy shops, to look for authentic Mexican restaurant, and yes we found one. I remember we literally ordered everything from the menu the four of us, and couple of hours later, with full stomachs and bit tipsy from the mezcal, we took the ferry back to Cozumel, and direct to our rooms.
Exploring the island
The next 2 weeks, we managed to go snorkeling and to witness the vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. For me, the Palancar Reef was just like out of the dreams. As well we spent lots of time on the sandy beaches in between adventures. We went one day to one from farm to table event, where the local host, showed us, how he collect the food from the field, how he cook, he also gave us quick tutorial how to make guacamole from the scratch, and then we sat down, and ate the freshly cooked food.
Cozumel offers a lot of adventures, great beaches, riding with ATV thru the jungle for example, was one adventure to remember, cause we were literally splattered with mud from head to toes. There are plenty Mayan ruins to visit, to learn about the island’s ancient history and culture. If you plan to go, plan well ahead.
What i learned from this dream vacation, is that, no matter how well you plan, you can be faced with sit backs. Another thing, that i regret it, is that i didn’t payed enough attention on my fitness goals, and because i was immersed in so many activities, i missed the long dreamed runs along the coast, the yoga classes on the sunrise and eating a little more cautious, especially on the beginning, until the stomach get used to the food. Believe you me, the food in the Mexican restaurants around Europe is not even close to the food that you can eat in Mexico.
So, me dear readers, if you have any questions, about Cozumel, and Mexico feel free to ask me.
