When I woke up that morning I thought that I was leaving the next day at 1030 in the morning but it turned out to be that night! Needless to say I was too busy for the sunrise. I got all of the details of my departure sorted out then started the frenzy of packing knowing that my case was going to be overweight and I had guessed correctly. So I repacked everything and then tried to settle in and enjoy my last day.

There were so many people that I needed to say good-bye to. I started with our dear friends Jan and Bruce.

These two look like locals but they are my younger brother and sister! They take after my Mom’s side and I take after my Dad’s-fair-haired, blue eyes and freckles!

Can you spot the Mexican?

I was so enjoying my last day on the beach, when I spotted these two.

I understand that they patrol the beach so that the tourists feel safe and looked after. I was wondering why I was coming to a place that requires to put on this kind of show. I booked for 2020 while I was still on the island but sometimes I wonder what I am doing recommending this place to so many people that I love.

Spotting a Madonna on my way back to the hotel made me feel a bit better.

I started realizing all the things that I had wanted to do but never had a chance including sampling the tortilla stand almost next door to the hotel.

One of the many things I love about Xbulu Ha (besides the reasonable price) is the communal balcony right below my window. I love the view of the water even though I am separated from the sea by a parking lot. On this evening I enjoyed my last bag of popcorn with a glass of wine.

I hadn’t seen Javi on this trip, let alone taste his scrumptious food! We met Javi years ago and cannot be on the island without spending at least some brief time with him.

But I had to keep the family tradition of dining at Fredy’s for my last island meal. We love Fredy and his wife and family and I just could not depart without savouring another of Fredy’s pork chops.

Brother #3, my SIL and Fredy are all pictured with me here. Fredy was dressed like a cowboy that evening! I was not sure where the rodeo was. My family walked me to the ferry and then with a poof, another visit was over.

Kath’s quote: “No llores porque ya se terminó, sonríe porque sucedió.”-Gabriel García Márquez  “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened”.

Love never fails.

Up for sunrise

and then to beach which I enjoyed completely by myself.

The lovely ladies at Dulzara (see link here) wanted me to taste their ravioli-OMG!

I was running out of time and I had so many pics of Centro to take.

I strolled to Jax to meet up with old Luna D’Miel friends Peggy and Kelly as well as LD’M neighbours Hew & Gloria. The sunset that evening was absolutely incredible from the second floor of Jax.

Kath’s quote:

“Soon it got dusk, a grapy dusk, a purple dusk over tangerine groves and long melon fields; the sun the color of pressed grapes, slashed with burgundy red, the fields the color of love and Spanish mysteries.”
― Jack Kerouac

Love never fails.

Up for sunrise

and then a chocolate croissant at La Esquina with Sister #3.

Then it was off to the beach which I had to myself.

I took a bunch of pics that I had been meaning to take all week.

On my walk around town, I found the corn lady! 

Another amazing sunset as I walked to meet Brother #3 and my SIL.

We enjoyed another fabulous dinner at Seso Loco’s (see link here).

Kath’s quote:” A happy heart is good medicine and a positive mind works healing in your busy day. Don’t forget to smile and have a good laugh because it adds colour to your day.”-Unknown

Love never fails.

Since my natural alarm clock (D) had to return home I had to set my phone to be up for sunrise.

I love watching Centro come to life.

The predicted norte had arrived so I worked on the Isla Mujeres’ Food Page all day. I did have a wonderful lunch break of leftovers.

At dinner time, Sister #3 and I walked Hidalgo. I love all the bright colours that the locals embrace.

We were treated to a fabulous dinner at La Esquina (follow link).

It was a quick walk home and then end of another perfect day.

Kath’s quote: “Every day should be a good day. People fool themselves that they’ll be here forever”. -Stephen A. Schwarzman

Love never fails.

My first night in a new bed, I had an awful sleep, as I often do in a new place. As a result I didn’t make sunrise. 

I did venture to the ferry to see V & D off. It was a hot and muggy day with a reported norte on the way.

I slid open the 2 walls of windows and used the time to get some work done.

Sister #3 and I scouted out a new spot in Colonias for us for lunch: La Chatita where the local, home-cooked for was exceptional. Update: I read just today on the Isla Mujeres’ Food page that they were having to close.

As we walked for a bit to hail a cab, we were lured into Café Jacquar where we were treated to a margaraita (we asked to share it as we were so full from lunch). It was one mighty fine margarita!

Mid-afternon, I walked over to Media Luna, not to swim but to stand in the water and enjoy the refreshing splashes.

That evening we also enjoyed dinner at Xontolo. The cocktails were inventive and sublime and the culinary artistry of some Mexican classics blew us away.

After a full day of delicious food and libations, I was glad that it wasn’t far to walk home and crash early (after I stopped at Nash’s to watch last period of the Jets hockey game, of course).

Kath’s quote: “My other car is a Zamboni”.-Bumper Sticker 

Love never fails.