Most of the links below contain photos from the trip. It may take awhile for the photos to load. All of the photos are here. If they don't appear, check back later. Geocities is bitter sometimes and won't always show the pics.
I spent May 17 - 24, 2004, in Cozumel, Mexico with a friend. Before launching into our last year of law school, we decided to spend a week on the beach recovering from final exams.
DAY ONE: MONDAY, MAY 17
We stayed at the Fiestamericana Dive Resort. We took an early flight from Houston so we could be on the beach by 10 a.m. We missed that mark by about 30 minutes. We were working on our tans by 10:30 a.m. We spent that first day just relaxing and lounging on the beach. We ate the worst meal we've ever had at one of the hotel's three restaurants. We also spent $4.50 for a liter of water. After that experience, we got smart and bought water in town where you can get a gallon of it for about $3. Still total robbery, but a lot better than what we got at the hotel.
After we were done lying out on the beach, we ended up in a place we never thought we'd be: a Mexican emergency room. Kristin had been saying her back was bothering her and we both thought it was from carrying her SCUBA equipment. By the time we were done on the beach, it was early afternoon and her pain had become unbearable. So we found a doctor and went to her office where we spent the next six hours. As it turned out, Kristin had a kidney infection and needed massive IV antibiotics. She felt a lot better after that and we left the clinic around 10 p.m. Once back in our room, we treated ourselves to a cheeseburger and fries.
DAY TWO: TUESDAY, MAY 18
We spent the first half of the second morning on the beach. We then decided to hit Chankanaab Park to see some Mayan ruins and snorkel. After all that activity, we were in need of food so we headed to Ernesto's Fajitas. Kristin had told me that Ernesto's had wonderful fajitas and she was right! It was amazingly good and the price was definitely right. The view from our table was also incredible. After Ernesto's, we took the long walk into town. We didn't think we would walk that far so neither of us had thought to wear walking shoes. Several blisters later, we arrived at Punta Langosta, which is a shopping area for cruise ships.
DAY THREE: WEDNESDAY, MAY 19
The third day was one of rest for me. Kristin went SCUBA diving for the first time and came back to the hotel a complete lobster. She was so burnt on her arms that her wrist was swelling. Thankfully, the swelling went down before we left, but she didn't go diving again this trip.
DAY FOUR: THURSDAY, MAY 20
This was by far one of the best days of the trip for me. I went swimming with the dolphins! I have pictures of this, but need to scan them so watch this page for those. It was an incredible experience, something I will never forget. The dolphins will lift you out of the water if you float a certain way in the water. They jump over objects and will let you pet them. They truly are friendly creatures.
The next stop after swimming with the dolphins was a Caribbean Pirates Cruise. Kristin and I decided this sounded like a good option because it was a steak and lobster cruise. We are both allergic to shellfish, but the steak sounded appetizing. The cruise was about four hours long and was on a replica of a pirate boat. Unfortunately, we hadn't eaten at all that day and we were next to last in line for the food. As the boat was cruising through the water, we saw a McDonald's across the water and contemplated swimming for it, but then the line moved so we decided against that. By the time we got to the food, it was cold, but we literally shoveled it in anyway.
After that, the pirate crew made us play games on the ship. Kristin got stuck playing a version of "Hot Potato" with a stick and was not happy about this. She also will not be happy with my putting the picture on this site, but I am sure she will forgive me. After all, I did bring her ice when she was so terribly burnt.:)
DAY FIVE: FRIDAY, MAY 21
We started the day snorkeling. It's amazing what you can see in the Caribbean. The water is so clear and the fish come right up to you.
After snorkeling, we decided to pick up some souvenirs for all our bitter friends and family that we left behind. So we visited a lot of shops in the cruise ship areas and some in the back streets. The shopkeepers are very aggressive, but we managed to stay within our budgets (basically). Also, you really can bargain in Cozumel. It's actually kinda fun to negotiate. After a few hours of tough bargaining, we decided Ernesto's Fajitas were in order. After another great meal at Ernesto's, we went to the beach and watched the water. It's very calming to watch the water in Cozumel.
DAY SIX: SATURDAY, MAY 22
Kristin was such a good sport to come horseback riding with me. We took a taxi to the ranch and rode down a long trail through trees. My horse kept stopping to eat. That's when I knew he was the right choice of horse for me:) It was really a beautiful ride. The ride also took us to Mayan ruins and an old church. After that, I decided to take my horse's lead and find food so I ventured into town and ate at Palmera's Restaurant.
DAY SEVEN: SUNDAY, MAY 23
This was our last full day in Cozumel and we decided to spend it snorkeling, lying on the beach and shopping. A relaxing end to a great vacation.
DAY EIGHT: MONDAY, MAY 24
We were up and at the airport early. Just an interesting note: I am from a small town in Oregon. Brookings probably has a little over 5,000 people in it. I was standing in line at the airport when I overheard this guy mention Brookings. So of course, I had to ask him about it. As it turns out, he grew up there too! We knew a lot of the same people. It was fun to talk to someone who knows why Chan's Chinese can't be beat and why Pizza Deli is THE place for the pizza. It really is a small world.
