Like this:

Day 1
We went to bed just after midnight and had to be up at 4am. We got up and showered and packed last minute toiletries. Carley slept over Thursday night to give us a ride to the airport on Friday morning. Thanks Car! We left the house about 5am and stopped by a McDonalds on the way to the airport. Gotta have a breakfast with protein in it for such a long travel day. We had web-checked in the following day so the airport was a breeze. We showed up, scanned our printed boarding passes, put our bags on the carousel and we were checked in. The lady at the WestJet counter tried to tell us that the carry on bag, that we have used EVERY time we’ve flown, was too big and heavy and we weren’t going to be able to bring it on the plane. Melissa mumbled a few words under her breath – moved some items around between bags – and continued on – with the bag that was supposed to be too big. The security line was the shortest we’ve ever seen. This darn ‘carry on’ bag seemed to be a problem again. They pulled Melissa aside and swabbed her bag for explosives. The guy then opened it and very slowly and carefully unpacked it and then said – you are good to go – all these camera chargers and electronics and cords looked suspicious. Who knew? Getting onto the plane went smoothly and once seated – David pointed out to Melissa that almost every carry on bag that we could see in the over head compartments was in fact larger than what the lady at the check in counter said was too big. The flight was great – we had the back of the headrest TV’s and they made the trip so much shorted. With sleeping here and there, the snack and drink cart and the TV’s, it was the shortest air flight to Mexico we can remember. Immigration and Customs were also very easy to get through. I think it might have been our flight and maybe one other trying to get through immigration and security so it was speedy. We had not booked a transfer from the airport to the ferry because the price that was quoted to us was too high. We knew we could get a better deal with a specific company. We couldn’t find that company and were sucked into paying double what we wanted to. The ride to the ferry was typical Mexican style with Melissa grabbing for the side handles often when a crash seemed imminent. Once at the ferry the driver now told us we were quoted $70 US and we had pesos for him. He exchanged the money for us and charged is 860 pesos. What were we to do? David pulled out his IPod and checked the exchange rate to confirm we were not being ripped off. Melissa now loves his IPod as it acted like ‘big brother’ for us. Some guy took our luggage towards the ferry while we grabbed a bite to eat at McDonalds at the ferry dock. Ordering in Spanish (when you don’t speak Spanish) at McDonalds was very interesting. I just kept saying to David – I hope it’s not fish. It took longer than a McDonalds in Winnipeg to get our food and just as we got it they started boarding the ferry. We were in the ‘locals only’ ferry line until corrected. We couldn’t tell – there were many American looking folk in the line as well. The weather when we arrived in Cancun was warm with a cool wind and very grey. The humidity must have been 100%. We boarded the ferry and headed out. Melissa was hopeful it wouldn’t be another ‘deep-sea’ fishing boat ride. It was MUCH less windy and wavy than deep-sea fishing. Although with very little sleep, very little food and a rocky boat there were times Melissa looked for the bathroom. The McDonalds was pretty standard McDonalds. And no, Melissa didn’t get fish. Jim and Lori Coats greeted us at the ferry, the people we are renting an apartment from during our stay on Isla Mujeres. They immediately offered drinks of the alcoholic type. David enjoyed a few beers while we waited for Javier to pick us up. He had to work a little late. When Javier showed up he took our bags, him and us in his golf cart to our apartment. We walked in and thought, “What a great little place” until Melissa had to use the washroom. The floor was all wet but she thought maybe its condensation on the tile floor. Once in the washroom and a closer inspection by David and Javier we came to the conclusion that the water problem was much more severe. There was water everywhere, especially in the bathroom. It has been very rainy here on Isla over the past few days. The roof must have sprung a leak, as the toilet paper on top of the toilet was soaked and unusable. We looked around and found that the other apartment on the second floor also had the keys in the door and was open. Checked the room and it was water free so we moved our stuff to the second room. It has a strong cat pee stink but we sprayed some air freshener and away we went. We knocked on the owners door to let them know of the situation but they were still at the ferry dock bar enjoying drinks with friends. Javier showed us a few things on the island and then to his condo, which he shares with his girlfriend Marla. What a beautiful place! Their view is looking right out onto the ocean looking towards Cancun. It’s a super dreamy location. We sent some quick e-mails to family to let them know we made it here safe then Javier then brought us back to the apartment, as he needed to get ready and go and play downtown. Melissa had a siesta while David rested watching TV. We caught a cab into town and walked around a bit before we had dinner. There is a new Senior Frogs store right across from the ferry opposite to 7-11. We have not looked around too much as we were tired and just needed a bite to eat and a few groceries. We had dinner at Bamboo watching Javier and his dad play music. David enjoyed his Soup a de Lima and bamboo chicken kabobs with beers. Melissa ordered chicken tacos which left a little to be desired. 3 flour tortillas, grilled chicken and lettuce with Pica de Guio and Mexican sour cream on the side. Melissa opted to just have the tortilla and chicken. We walked, in a light the rain, to the grocery store and picked up 3 bananas, some light strawberry yogurt, a loaf of bread and some apple juice for breakfast. Javier sent Melissa a text message on her phone to show the taxi driver so we could get back to our apartment, as we have no idea how to explain where we are staying. It is the street to the left over from Javier’s parents place and one lot south. While putting away the groceries David noticed a ‘little buddy’ in the kitchen. A gecko. Melissa attempted not to freak and continued putting stuff away. It was to sleep for Melissa. David enjoyed some quiet time watching TV. We didn’t even have to use the air conditioner as it is not hot enough and with the ceiling fan the humidity is manageable. David and Melissa both woke up early to the sounds of Mexico. If it wasn’t the rooster calling it was the stray cat in heat meowing and the birds chirping. We went back to sleep and slept in until 10:30am. We needed the sleep. We are now ready to party and enjoy our honeymoon. David spoke with the owners of the property this morning about the water in the other unit and he will get it cleaned up. David also mentioned that the cat pee smell in here was too much and if we could move back into the other apartment once cleaned we would appreciate it. Judging by the response we got, we think might be stuck in the cat pee unit. Only time will tell! We are going to have some breakfast by the pool and think about what are plans are for today. So far this morning its looking like a beach day. Can’t wait to be in the clear blue ocean with the white sand beach on our toes! Viva La Mexico!

Advertisement