I don’t really know where to begin with the story of our vacation in Mexico that turned into an evacuation. I guess I’ll try to start at the beginning and focus on the vacation part first.
Gaspar and I arrived in Cancun for a 5 day vacation at Cancun Palace, one of the Palace Resorts – all inclusive, beautiful beach, tours, activities, etc. We were fortunate in that we got to actually have our vacation and weren’t evacuated until the day we were supposed to leave. We hung out at the pool and the beach, drank at the swim-up bar and took in some sun.
On the first day took a short boat ride to Isla Mujeres, a tiny island close to the shores of Cancun. The water was absolutely gorgeous, all shades of crystal clear blue. There were a bunch of little shops and beach activities.
While we were there we had a couple of Tequila Sunrises and then took a quick cab ride to Dolphin Discovery to swim with the dolphins! This was something I’ve always wanted to do but never in a million years thought I’d ever get to do. There were a few packages to choose from and we opted for the least expensive. Packages went as high as $250 a person which included a swim where you hold onto two dolphins fins and they pull you across the water, as well as another swim where you stand on this board and the dolphins push you with their noses. We didn’t feel the need to a) spend $500 and b) do all that crazy stuff with the dolphins.
We really just wanted an up close encounter, get to pet the dolphins, do a couple of activities, and get our photos taken. The dolphin trainers teach you about dolphin behavior, then they bring the dolphins to each person personally. They swim by so you and pet them on their backs and their bellies. Then they show you a hand signal so the dolphin gives you a kiss and then you give the dolphin a kiss. Next you hold your hands out and the dolphin stands up and you hold their fins. (Of course there is an expensive photographer capturing every moment in the hopes you’ll buy every shot.)
After everyone in the group has had a one-on-one opportunity with the dolphins, you go out a little further into the water and do a couple things like a little splash playfight with the dolphins. And the group spins around so the dolphins spin around and “dance” with the group. Then the do a bunch of flips just a couple feet in front of you and the encounter ends. It was truly incredible.
Then it was back to the boat which took us to the other side of the Isla Mujeres for a shopping trip. We picked up some Cuban cigars and didn’t really spend much money apart from that, maybe a few t-shirts. Everyone from every shop tried to grab you and bring you into their shop. They were very friendly (of course!) and most spoke very good English. This one guy said to Gaspar “Go in this store, this is the good one!” Another guy had a handmade sign that “K-Mart Blue Light Special.” Anything to get the tourists – humor, good deals, anything.
Then it was back to the boat for a relaxing, fun ride back to Cancun where we spent the remainder of the evening back at the pools, bars, and beaches – drinks and Cubans in hand. It was really beautiful and fun day.
As I write this I am realizing by recording this how much fun we did get to have. I’m glad we can still remember it despite the hurricane.
Pictures and more stories to follow….
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