Cozumel

Cruisin' the Gulf of Mexico: Cozumel

Blog 42 ...

             As Clemente, the local head guide to a caravan island drive shouted out, "Let's go amigos!" we cranked our transformed VW-bug and gave it a screaming, vrooooomm!  We traversed city traffic and then smoothly cruised miles and miles of scenic drive along the coast, passed ancient rock formations, turquoise waters and swamp vegetation. 

          After what seemed a couple of hours hair-blowing and wind surfing-like drive, we stopped at one of the whitest sand beaches in the locale.  It turned out that the buggy tour-ride included a breathtaking and relaxing wade-swim in addition to communion with the sea.  Next, we safely raced the buggy through waterside roadways and made another stop down quaint El Cedral pueblo, town of three crosses, where we were treated to an authentic tortilla and seviche prepared by a local Mayan lady.  Hernan, our Mayan-Mexican guide, shared the community’s recently-concluded celebration of honoring ancestors with a ceremonial altar and procession; Clemente completes the conversation with information on the traditional "pig head" and maypole practices.  An icing on the cake, I had a sweet interaction with local girl, Victoria! 

          In El Cedral, away from the touristy crowds, we walked through a local company's tequila processing plant.  There, we were given rare, yet authentic tequila selecting, buying expertise and tasting one of the town’s best produced drinks. Mickey and I agreed that the smoothest of all smell and taste were those of soursop and pineapple brews!