Cancun – Coronas, Cocktails & Cruisy Days

Having spent the last few days overcoming some serious jet lag, exploring the hotel zone of Cancun and enjoying my first authentic Mexican cuisine and drinks, I have experienced a brief taste of the colourful and cheerful Mexican culture – a definite teaser for the two-week tour I start today.

The Cancun beaches defy their picturesque postcard-worthy status – Grand Oasis Playa is simply stunning, and it wasn’t even our intention to visit there, Emma and I stumbled across it purely by accident! After jumping on the bus, throwing down seven pesos and landing on the first seat our bodies flew to (the bus drivers here are certainly on a mission, accelerating even before you have time to hand over your fare) we realise ten minutes later we are not on our way downtown. We are heading the opposite direction, (hint: don’t always believe fellow tourist’s local knowledge, especially after they have consumed a few too many Margaritas!). Luckily, the last stop is this magical beach, where turquoise waters, snow-white sand and a sea of relaxed bronzed bodies seduce us.

Once we finally made our way down town (thanks to some friendly locals), we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the bright, busy nightlife. It’s late and children are still skipping the streets, ahead of their families, oblivious to any curfew. People are relaxing in bars and restaurants, live music filters through the balmy air, and as we wander the streets we kindly decline the string of persistent waiters trying to coax us into their establishments. This is because we had planned on dining at a popular Mexican restaurant; however, on the way we were caught up at the market stalls where subsequently our daily budget was chewed up. We fell in love with the most gorgeous silver Mexican jewellery, and after having some fun bartering, we walked away with two stunning opal rings. And an empty stomach. Across the road we ate dinner at where our now-slashed budget allows. But hey, Burger King’s fluorescent lights really did bring out our ring’s colours!

This glimpse into the beauty of the Mexican jewellery and crafts excites me, and I can’t wait to scour more markets during the tour.

In the evening, after our free day in downtown Cancun, we meet our tour leader Lisa and our group – a great mix of people, a handful of fellow Aussies, and even a girl from the very same suburb as me! Over dinner at Roots, a beautiful restaurant with tempting two-for-one drinks (the pina coladas are to die for!), we learn more about each other and share our excitement for next day – Chichen Itza!