Cozumel, Mexico- Monday July 23

Besides Europe, our kids had never been to other countries- today we would begin our island hoping and explore a small island off the coast of Mexico- 

I'm pretty sure we saw this entire island-

Our view of Cozumel when we woke up- 

And off we go to explore Mexico!

Brian arranged our our excursion for today, as Disney just didn't have what we wanted. First up- a tour of the island in dune buggies!

Our first stop was at a little beach restaurant- a quick swim and so ceviche!

My first time in the Caribbean Sea!

The best ceviche of my life, and the fish tacos were pretty darn good too...

Beach sand floor and a palapa roof. Palapa is an open-sided dwelling with a thatched roof made of dried palm leaves. It is very useful in hot weather and, therefore, very common on Mexican beaches and deserts. It is perhaps one of the most important architectural contributions of West Mexican culture.

And look who Tate found-

Our tour guide even jumped in for a funny picture- 

 Our next stop was to El Cedral:  El Cedral is the oldest Mayan Ruins on Cozumel Island, dating back to 800 A.D.  The Mayan village was once the capital of Cozumel, and the largest community on the island.  It was discovered by Spanish Conquistadors in 1518, who tore down much of the Mayan temple, and then during World War II, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers destroyed more of it to make way for the island's first airport. 

The woman who lives in this little pink house welcomed us all in for a tour of her home and explained the details of the small altar she has to her deceased family members

and then she cooked for us on an open fire- and man was it HOT that day!

the small church in the center of the village-

 what is left of the ancient Mayan temple-

The awesome open air market place-

The newer buildings in the village, one is home to a tequila maker and Brian was able to do a tequila tasting. No thanks.

 I found historic El Cedral to be fascinating. Very simple, so humble, and extremely clean.

Our third and final stop for the day- snorkeling and lunch!
 Oddly enough, we got zero pictures of us snorkeling. But these smiles say it all-

 Behind Macy are tons of bracelets. A woman was selling them and her two sons- my kids ages- were making them along side her. Macy asked to get one and I casually said, if they have your name, I will buy it. She told them her name and they produced one that said Maci. Oh so close we said. Then within seconds they showed us one that said Macy! Yes, of course we would buy it!

I love that you can see our buggies from our table at lunch-

 Who needs bar stools? Bar swings are better!

 We are pretty sure that this net contains all things lost and found. The assortment of stuff up  there was wild!

 Oh Cozumel, you did not disappoint at all. Honestly, looking back now- this was my favorite day. It was so authentic and while we did touristy things, it felt like we were constantly just amongst the locals...

Back to the boat we go!

How perfect that there was a mariachi band in the port to welcome us aboard...

Our dinner was always at 8:15 each night- which was perfect, as it gave us time before dinner to do what we all wanted. The kids chose to hit the kids clubs for a bit, and we went back to Meridian for some photos- 

Dinner this evening was at the Enchanted Garden- which thanks to the lighting really did make you feel like you were outside in the garden-

And then the lights would gradually dim and you would feel like the sun had set and you were dining outside at night-

Hands down THIS was our favorite appetizer- 

And Saul knew that and would get it again and again for Tate each night it was on the menu! 

I think this was a lobster stuffed ravioli appetizer?

Just a chocolate torte, but the presentation was superb-

A few more fun pieces of art-

These are the names of the 4 cruise ships that Disney currently has- 

Quick picture Peter? Look who I found wandering the halls! Funny thing is that the kids weren't even with us. 

Tonight- an elephant!

Where oh where will we wake up tomorrow?