Cozumel, Mexico

Every opportunity that life hurls at me to slow down and enjoy some precious moments with my family and friends, I seize it with both hands. Our family vacation was just that and more. We took the cruise and traveled to Cozumel (Mexico), Belize city (Belize), Island Of Roatan (Honduras) and Grand Cayman. Every island had so much to offer......... the sandy white beaches, the endless blue horizon, waves making a new pattern, time and again that could not be replicated and the islands local flavors and vibes. Not to mention the wonderful company we had, as we were a group of 16.

Travelling to the enchanting island of Cozumel(the largest island in the Mexican Caribbean) was only the tip of the iceberg. Friendly people, great food and pristine waters was indulgence for all the senses. The name Cozumel was derived from the Mayan word "Cuzamil-Pectin" or "Land of the Swallows" as legend has it, the Mayan Goddess Ixchel thanked the women for dedicating temples here to her by sending her favorite bird as a sign of gratitude. 

Once on the island, a little haggling with a local tour guide and we were on our way to the archaeological site, San Gervasio. History of these Mayan ruins dates back to 100 BC and continuing as late as the 16th century. Armed with sunscreen, bug spray (is a must) and my lens we were off on our long trek through the fertile jungle heading towards the religious ruins dedicated to the Maya Goddess  Ixchel["what translates to "She of the Rainbows"- deity of fertility and love].  San Gervasio served as a sacred site where Pre-Columbian Maya women would make a pilgrimage at least once in their life time to make offerings. It is overwhelming to see something so ancient existing for us to observe to this date.

At the end of the trek this wonderful sight awaits you.

Having explored the ruins, we could not contain the kids excitement for the beach. So our next stop was at Club Cozumel Caribe. It's great to hire a local tour guide as they can lead you to the hidden treasures that may go unnoticed despite the hours of research prior to travel. Inviting blue waters, restaurant at your service and a place to shower after you have soaked in the salty water and have sand kissed body always helps. This is where we spent the bulk of our time. This place offers snorkeling too. So while the husbands and others who wanted to try snorkeling were gone, the kids were kept busy playing in the water and making sand castles. I managed to sneak in a cat nap for myself under the shade of the coconut lined trees. Stopping and devouring moments like these is what makes up for a good vacation.

After showering up, we were hungry and could eat a horse. So out came the Mexican fare - quesadilla, nachos and fajitas. We eat Mexican food here in the US all the time, but having authentic Mexican food in Mexico is something else. With bellies full, we were off to steep ourselves in the local ambiance and shopping that the place had to offer. The pictures will be  doing the talking from here on.

I can't get past the clear blue waters dotted randomly with boats, the roads lined with coconut trees, the feeling of sand under your barefeet and the gentle waves as they crash against the shore making the most soothing sound that I have heard in a long long time.

And language is not a barrier when travelling, that's for sure. All you need are warm people who welcome you with a hospitality that cannot be forgotten. And that is exactly what we got.

High light of the trip: me being able to put my feet up and immerse myself in the ocean sounds and smells..............the laughter and chuckle of the kids as they splashed around in the salty waters......... holding hands and walking with my husband along the beach as the wind tangled my hair to a wonderful mess. 

As difficult as it made it for me to leave this island, the only consolation was that I had three more islands waiting for me to put my feet up again and experience nature and create memories to last a life time.

Hope you'll enjoyed your tour of Cozumel with me. Sharing these with you'll, only made me relive all those wonderful moments.

Take care and have a wonderful week.

Images:Clicked by me. Please do not use without prior written permission.

Images are the property of Sruthi Singh and subject to copyright.