Madeleine's Adventure: El barrio Cuzamil

Cozumel is the Island. Cuzamil is my neighbourhood. They sound similar right? They should.

Cuzamil is a Mayan word. The phrase “Ah Cuzamil Peten” means “the island of swallows”. That’s what the Mayans called Cozumel. In Spanish it’s “Isla de las Golondrinas”. The word, Cozumel, comes from Cuzamil, of course! (Check out my blog post from February 14, 2017 for more about this topic)

When I chose this apartment, I knew it wa s much further away from the tourist zone & waterfront than my accommodation in previous years in Cozumel. I felt the price, awesome patio, swimming pool, and bicycles, which came with the apartment, were worth the distance. I also thought it would force me to explore and appreciate a different part of the town.

So this week, I spent some time slowly walking around my new neighbourhood (barrio in Spanish). I’m still adjusting to the extra distance from the waterfront, but I’m starting to appreciate the little joys of Cuzamil.

Photos:

1 & 2: The most interesting thing about Cuzamil, so far, are 2 blocks of houses, that are separated by narrow walking lanes, instead of streets. Which gives the area a quiet cozy feel. When I walked through this week, I saw these adorable baby socks drying on a line. The woman who had hung them said I could take the picture. Charming!

3) can you see the man, half way up the tree? He was harvesting coconuts! Across the street from my house! Once he'd climbed up the tree, with only his bare feet and hands, he used a long rope around a branch to lower the coconuts which he cut off with his machete. Amazing!

4) There are several parks in Cuzamil. I’m happy to say they seem well used by the locals.

5) There are many very small home based businesses in Cuzamil. This house offers tamales and pozole, a traditional soup made with porc, corn, and chiles.

6) look carefully! Buzon means doorbell. So clever! I think they mean “ rattle the lid” as a doorbell!