Next we visited Cedral, the oldest settlement in Cozumel. The community features the island’s first church as well as a small, but significant ancient Mayan ruin. Vendors displayed a variety of wares but most popular was black coral jewelry from the 25 mile long black coral reef along the coast of Cozumel. The tiger eye jewelry caught my eye and I bought a beautiful necklace.
This is Punta Sur, one of the beaches in Cozumel. Limestone rock formations make for great photos. The view was beautiful, the sand full of shells, and the sky blue. Vendors in grass roofed huts sold fresh coconut, pineapple, and a variety of souvenirs.
After taking pictures at the beach, we went to the Tequila Factory. Tequila isn't distilled at this location. The blue agave is grown here. Plants in different stages of growth lined the property out front and we learned an agave plant must be ten years old before it's ready for harvest. Inside the factory we were able to sample a variety of tequila flavors--blue agave, amaretto, coffee, orange, cherry and several others. Then there were the three stronger varieties. I tried the clear white only as my head was feeling fuzzy headed. We bought a bottle of the blue agave pictured above. It's a mix so not full strength and is delicious sipped. We're saving it for a special occasion, probably when our grown children are home for Christmas.
Before heading back to our ship, we had forty-five minutes to shop downtown. We'd received a packet of coupons for free charms, a charm bracelet, tanzanite earrings, and discounts on jewelry and food. Unfortunately we didn't have time to make full use of the packet. I was worn out from all the walking so we sat across the street and enjoyed the view of the water and the breeze until the bus picked us up to take us back to the ship.
Though tired, we had a great time. One day in each area is not near enough, but ships rarely stay overnight.
Thank you for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed my travel musings. Leave a comment and tell me what your idea of a dream vacation would be. I've always wanted to visit Ireland and Australia. Maybe one day I'll get to. My next post will be about our last day at sea.
Happy Reading and Writing!
Linda
Wow, sounds like you had a wonderful time! The pics are great! Glad to have you back though.
ReplyDeleteJudith
What a beautiful cruise ship and even more beautiful beach. My jealous-o-meter just spiked off the charts!
ReplyDeleteSo, are you going to set the scene for a future book here... and have the Mayan's convinced you the world ends in 2012 yet??
Since I rarely go anywhere, I can't even picture a dream vacation. Just leaving Kansas is exciting to me!
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ReplyDeleteGood post, Linda. We've only been there 1 time and didn't venture far from our hotel. We did spend a day at one of the few beaches. The area is full of divers who gather here for the excellent dives around the reefs, etc. Would love to go back sometime with a group like this. In fact, our venture down to the pier which was just down the street granted us our first 'up front' view of a cruise ship which had just docked. I just saw a documentary on the harvesting of Agave plants, so this was great. Thanks. Your details are always inviting.
ReplyDeleteHi Judith. We did but yes, it is good to be home. I love to go but am always ready for the homefront.
ReplyDeleteYes, it was a beautiful ship. The Mayan culture was very interesting and my mind is turning on ideas for a story. The guide recommended a good book I'm going to order for more details.
ReplyDeleteThere is lots to see in Kansas. Larry keeps telling me we need to see more of the US. He's right as it'd be hard to see it all.
The beaches are beautiful, Anna, the water such a pretty color. If you dive you're braver than me. I'd like to but don't have the courage.
ReplyDeleteThe agave is very interesting. I was shocked to see how big the plant got.
Until I saw the documentary, I had no idea that tequila came from a large plant like that. Isn't it interesting? Did you know that there is a family down near Galveston that still makes rum? There was a very good story in last month's Texas Highways.
ReplyDeleteLinda, I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed being on the cruise with you and Larry. You guys are such fun! I look forward to the next cruise.
ReplyDeleteLinda, I just love those pictures showing the ship. I hope you had a great time on your cruise. Isn't it the best way to travel?
ReplyDeleteTiffany, we enjoyed meeting you guys, too. It's wonderful to make new friends, especially those who love books. We're looking forward to it, too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by.
Thank you, Monda. We had a wonderful time. I love cruising but wish they stayed in port more than one day. It's hard to see very much in the short time we have.
ReplyDeleteGreat pics. Can you tell me the name of the tequila you got? The bottle is amazing!
ReplyDeleteHi Anonymous. Yes, the bottle is beautiful. I wish I could help on the name. All it says is
ReplyDeleteBlue Agave Octel Mar Mix, 13% alcohol. It doesn't need mixing with anything and is delicious. If I find the name of the tasting room where they grew the blue agave, I'll post about it.
This is a random question but my fiance and I went to Cozumel and had some of the tequila mix you have pictured but we cant remember the name of it... could you refresh my memory please??
ReplyDeleteThanks,
KD
Hi KD,
ReplyDeleteIt's called MARMIX. I've tried to find it online with no luck. If you find it, please share the info.
Thanks,
Linda