Dad is back from his awesome trip to Mexico! He was there to photograph Patty and Jason’s amazing wedding. They were absolutely terrific people and we can’t wait to share pictures from their wonderful day, but that will be for a future blog update
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Dad stayed in Isle Mujeres, Mexico which is an island off the coast of Cancun. He said it was a quiet island with really good people. Kids ran through the streets laughing and everyone smiled at each other. Though dad doesn’t know Spanish and many people didn’t speak English (except the people whose jobs have them working with tourists, like the cab drivers), everyone was willing to make the communication work and was very patient about it which dad said is much different than here in the US. All around the town were religious symbols, even in random places. Dad saw a crucifix by a water valve and statues of Mary all over.
There entire island was only around five miles long and dad rented a golf cart to explore. The owner of the hotel where dad stayed told him that there wasn’t much to do on the island besides the beach and the bars, but dad had a great time driving around in the warm breeze and seeing all the sights. We have so much to share from Patty and Jason’s rehearsal and wedding day, but to start off here are some pictures dad took around Isle Mujeres before he met up with the couple.
Dad’s hotel, Casa IxChel, had only ten suites and was set up to be a place of an “island sanctuary” for guests to relax while enjoying the “healing energy of the sun, the moon, the stars, and the waves.” Dad was happy it still had wireless internet! It didn’t even have televisions so it surprised dad when he was able to get online, but he was happy because it meant he could email us. We missed him lots and made mom read his emails to us over and over.
Dad went snorkeling at Garrafon Natural Reef Park. He enjoyed himself but said it wasn’t anything like snorkeling in the Bahamas for Jen and Julie’s wedding. He did love going on the zip line at the park though!
Walking around the city dad saw this colorful cemetary. The bright, bold colors on the graves were a gorgeous contrast to their function.
In the 19th century, a Spanish pirate named Mundaca built a plantation house on the island. The story is that after years of a pirate’s life, he retired on the island. The pirate fell in love with a native island girl much younger than him and he designed and built his grand mansion with her in mind. The house with its land and gardens once covered 40% of the island, all to win his love. She ended up marrying someone closer to her own age and they say the pirate, who lived the rest of his life as a recluse, slowly went insane and died. This story is an important part of the island’s heritage. Dad said that somehow they turned the story into something romantic and said that people married on the island will be graced with the love and passion the pirate felt for the one he loved. Hacienda Mundaca now has some remaining gardens and a small zoo.
Dad climbed through a grassy field to get to these views from the cliffs:
Views of the city from a nearby lighthouse:
When mom saw this picture of dad’s hotel at night, she was so jealous. She could just imagine laying on those beds on the balcony, listening to ocean and feeling the breeze while laying under the stars.
We have so much more from dad’s trip to share! Next we’ll have pictures from Patty and Jason’s welcome dinner so check back soon!
