Isla Mujeres = La Isla Bonita

Isla Mujeres (http://www.isla-mujeres.net/) is a small island just north of the top of Cancun. It is intended to be a vacation spot for those who prefer a more leisurely, more relaxing, more eco-friendly and less drunkenly experience than you would have in Cancun. It achieves this goal on every level.

Upon arrival, we headed straight for the north side of the island. Everything on Isla Mujeres is accessible by foot - the only issue is how long it will take you to get there. We went to a lovely little hotel, Hotel Na Balam (http://www.nabalam.com/). The tables are set up in the sand under the shade of a very large hut-like structure. Several tables had swings instead of chairs. It was just adorable, and the food was yummy! We started with an outstanding sopa de lima (a total winner here) and a round of fresh fruity smoothies (mango, papaya and berry). Husband had steak fajitas, which he enjoyed, and Pookie, Alpaca and I shared the shrimp platter, which was terrific. It was as if they had caught the shrimp just moments before – it tasted that fresh. The spanish rice accompanying the shrimp was also outstanding, and the entrée was enough to fill us up. We then set out for some snorkeling.

On Isla Mujeres, Garrafon Natural Eco-Reef Park (http://www.garrafon.com/) provides a place where you can snorkel knowing that all proceeds from admission are used to maintain the park and its underwater life. Although the water was not as crystal clear as some other places we'd visited, it was still lovely and there was still a plethora of wildlife. Garrafon has more than its fair share of hammocks and parrots. One hungry little parrot bit the button off husband's hat as I was trying to take a picture. At least it was an old hat.

The water was clear and clean and the lagoon was protected by a reef which minimized any undertow. The park also had a number of other features, including a zip that would take you from the area where the parrots were to the ocean, where you could let go and jump in, plus some rope for tightrope walking over the water, some rope swings, etc. Alpaca was just interested in the fish. And in watching Pookie lounge on the hammock.

After Garrafon, we headed to check out the local village scene, where everyone in town apparently had a little store showing off their wares. We weren't terribly interested in anything, but managed to buy a few knick-knacks. We were, however, interested in getting more water to beat the heat. At the local store, they also had packaged flan by Dannon. Although Pookie insisted it would be disgusting and was offended at a very base level, I figured if it was in Mexico and it was at the local store, it must be good. To be safe, we only bought a few (one package of four), thinking that if they're not good, we won't have wasted much money. They were fantastic. Pookie ate most of them. And on subsequent trips to Mexico, she has consistently sought out the packaged flan. Ha!