Almost free

For someone who's never been to Mexico before, the experience at the flea market threatened to be overwhelming. We walked into the market in downtown Cancun and were immediately swarmed. "Amiga! Come look at my store!" or "Senorita, come see what I have. I'll make you a good deal. Almost free!" Not that I was the only target; everyone else got propositioned as well. Even slowing down just a bit guaranteed that someone would try to get you to come into their store. What was astounding to me was how something originally priced at 200 pesos could eventually drop to 50 pesos simply by walking away or hesitating just a bit. They are more than ready to take all of your money, and yet perfectly happy to haggle with you. Never take their original offer - they are almost always going to come down, or you can find someone else who will sell you the same item for less.

After the flea market, we headed over to the Blue Bay Getaway, which was the hip version of our resort to check out its facilities. It definitely had a more "resort" feel to it, with a younger crowd and a different layout. They had mini whirlpools within their large pool, and swings rimming the grass-roof outdoor bar.

It was a lazy day. I just sat on the pier and baked for a bit in the sun. The ocean was shades of blue and green that I'd never seen it be before, and I could even see fish swimming around under my dangling feet. That's how clear the water was. Gorgeous. Just gorgeous. Welcome to Cancun!!