Random Observations of a 30-something Mom: Look kids... Big Ben, Parliament...

Ok, really it's some pics from Cozumel! I'm about 3 weeks overdue on posting, but what can I say? Life has a tendency to snap you right square in the eyes with reality when you come home from holiday! It was a wonderful 6 days and 5 nights. It was incredible spending time with Big Daddy and being able to discuss whatever, whenever and not worry about little ears. It was nice to stay up late, the surroundings were, of course, incredible, the resort was awesome, they catered to our every need and it was just wonderful! We did some snorkeling, it was alright, we did see a stingray and that was definitely the snorkeling highlight. I have to admit, the reef is not what I expected. Cozumel is supposed to be one of the top diving destinations and who knows, maybe if you go out farther and actually dive, the reef may be healthier farther from land. There were beautiful fish and the waters were clear and pristine, but most of the snorkeling right off shore was kind of sparse. We're not dive certified though, so there you have it!

We did rent a Jeep one of the days and drove all over the island. We went to the southern tip to see the lighthouse and the turtle nesting areas. We didn't see turtles, but we did see turtle tracks which was cool! There is an lagoon close to the southern tip that has wild crocodiles or "cocodrilos" to the natives. They had a 3 story lookout to check them out and it was neat. We participated in a dolphin excursion in which we were allowed in the water with dolphins. We got to pet and hug and love on them and they did some of their tricks with us, like pushing us up out of the water by putting their noses on our feet! What a rush! Talk about a powerful animal! They were beautiful! One of the dolphins had an 8 day-old baby that was too cute, needless to say we didn't get to swim with them!

We checked out the San Gervasio Ruins. They were awesome to see, but they didn't have any tour guides that afternoon, so we had to walk around on our own and for some reason in Cozumel, they don't really label things in any detail. Here in the US, you get these huge Historical Landmark signs with more info than you ever really wanted to know about something, but not in Mexico. The ruins were cool nonetheless, and the whole area was crawling with iguanas! I almost stepped on one and it scared the crap out of me!

And I know this sounds ridiculous, but one of my favorite destinations was the supermarket across from our resort! It was crazy to see that in Mexico they have Campbell's soup and Speed Stick Deodorant, yet the produce department has vastly different offerings and the bakery and deli sections were amazing! The pastries, cookies and cakes were amazing and at the deli counter they had all these crazy things like crystallized fruits (limes, oranges and such), strange cheeses and meat offerings that I was scared of! And contrary to popular belief... there is nothing cheap in Mexico! Yes they will barter, but not much. I was hoping to bring home some great beaded jewelry, a bunch of t-shirts for family and friends and some Mexican blankets. We managed to get t-shirts for the immediate family, a toy for the Monkey Man and 3 blankets, but that was all we could afford. I guess inflation is everywhere!

The trip was most amazing though in the aspect that I had the opportunity to re-connect with the love of my life. No kids interrupting conversations or anything else for that matter, and the time to just sit and be with one another as adults, as a couple. This was so needed and we swear that every other year, we will take the grown-up vacation, so we can take time to re-discover ourselves. Anyway, on to the photos!

Here's a view from our room, nice right?