Isla Mujeres 2020 Trip Report-Day 23 Part 1: Take a Loop of the Island with Me
As you can see, I was just a wee bit late to see the sun come up over the horizon that morning.
It was a very hot day as demonstrated by all the visitors huddled under their umbrellas.
I spent a long and lovely time actually exposed to the sun since it was my last full day. I typically am under a palapa or umbrella because of my fair and freckled skin.
As I started my walk back home I was right at the rendezvous point for the local buses. I spontaneously hopped on the Punta Sur bus, not to go there or anywhere really. I simply enjoyed one last loop of my precious island.
Follow along with my tour up Medina and then the west road of Isla, around Punta Sur and back down the east road.
Shops for tourists are concentrated in a couple of specific areas. Here near Playa Norte is one area.
This west beach was once called Playa Sol. I still call it that because I am not really sure what it is called now.
There are also a number of shops in the vicinity of the ferry terminal and along the route that visitors would take to get to either Playa Sol or Playa Norte.
These beaches are not for swimming. Much of it is for the use of the Navy. Do you see how you can see a strip of land across the top of the picture? This is not Cancun but Sac Bajo-a peninsular with lovely homes, condos and Dolphin Discovery which visitors flock to.
I am always amazed that even the grandest homes start out looking like this. Cinder blocks can better withstand hurricanes and most of Isla’s buildings start out looking like this.
By now we have gone round the bend at Punta Sur and are heading back into Centro. The first time I cam to the island I stayed at Villas Punta Sur not knowing that we were on the opposite end of the island than most of the restaurants, shopping and beaches. That has changed now with a number of places to eat and shop in Colonias-the “neighbourhoods” of the locals.
When I stayed out this way, I would walk to cliffs in the area to catch the sunrise.
There are a few sandy beaches like this but the east side is mostly coral. Even though there are people in this picture it is unlikely they are going swimming but to beachcomb or enjoy the sun without the crowds.
An enormous condo development is to the left of the bus right about here. Isla 33 condos are spectacular and the main reason why that neighbourhood is becoming gentrified.
I love the houses of the locals. They love colour and buildings are often orange, pink, yellow and turquoise.
These suites have been a popular place for a number of years, fully taking advantage of the beautiful water views.
This pic is taken almost at the point of the airport road where D and I typically stay. Luna d’Miel Apartments are our home away from home. We love the crashing turquoise surf right outside our terrace.
The locals didn’t seem to mind the loco turista who’s wet bathing suit leaked on the floor of the bus.
Kath’s quote: “We are all riding the same bus.”- Mark Sheppard
Love never fails.