I was surrounded by a constant babble of voices speaking in a multitude of languages at the same time – a veritable smorgasbord of nations all thrown together to simmer into a spicy stew under the scorching sunshine on the beaches of Cancun. I opened my eyes when I heard a jet passing overhead only to see a frigate bird soaring overhead as if the massive sound of the engines belonged to him. A heated multinational pool volleyball game was in progress, sunburnt players splashed as they volleyed and took frequent tequila breaks.
In Mexico, a variety of scantily clad bodies shed their winter fur in search of the perfect tan…from young, muscular and fit to elderly and obese…and yes, I fit in between there somewhere! Only in Mexico, can an older gentleman past his prime wear a thong and expose his cheeks to the hot sun – my cheeks reddened by the sight. Grey haired women meshed with the young blonde and buxom…. bikinis on the majority regardless of size and shape.
Not all our time was spent on a white sandy beach or poolside. At Chichen Itza, we trod upon the same ground which the ancient Mayan people built their stone pyramids, lived in palaces and held their ceremonies in temples upon massive altars. We were amazed at the enormity and perfection of the structures all built by hand out of native rock. Intricate carvings upon the faces of the buildings told the story of the people who lived so many years before. A cavernous sinkhole filled with mossy green water was purported to be the site of child slave sacrifices in the quest of rain gave us chills in spite of the oppressive heat and humidity. Vendors, all proclaiming their wares were “almost free” or “one dollar only” lined ancient streets where once only royalty were allowed.
The turquoise blue crystal clear waters of Isla Mujeres welcomed us for a day of snorkeling. I quickly lost my fear of breathing underwater as iridescent fish of all sizes, shapes and colors swam in and out of coral reefs below us as we eagerly paddled along on salty warm waters. The tiny island’s sandy beaches and narrow quietly crowded streets beckoned us to stay and explore just a little while longer.
Alas, the endless buffets of languages and plates of food I didn’t have to cook, poolside icy drinks of varied colors and flavors and glorious warm sunshine had to end. Gleaming white sand beaches disappeared as the jet’s wheels lifted and were all too soon replaced by endless but equally brilliant fields of snow. Lingering traces of sand in our luggage along with a splendid but rapidly fading tan still beg us to return for just a little longer stay – on the sunny beaches of Mexico.
