Cha'an Ka'an

There's a planetarium, called Cha'an Ka'an, in Cozumel. I've been curious about it for some time.  Thanks to Pat, I finally got to visit.

Cha'an Ka'an in the Yucatec-Maya language means "to enjoy the sky".  The Mayan connection makes sense for several reasons, including the fact that the Maya used astrological observations to obtain much of their scientific knowledge. 

Built in 2015, its shape is hurricane resistant and inspired by the swallow.  Although it failed to attract many international visitors, it is popular with locals, especially school kids on field trips.  Interestingly, the last time I was at a planetarium was in Montreal, on a grade school trip!  

We went there to see a movie called "XXX".  Its main goal was to introduce the solar system via sound, to blind people.  Each planet etc was represented by a specific musical instrument.  The idea was interesting for sure.  But Toby said some of the instruments named didn't match the sound!!  

Before the movie, they played 2 songs with visuals.  The first, and most notable visuals were....cats! In space helmets and on space ships.  Why?  Who knows for sure.  But they definitely were cute!  And who doesn't like cute cats?!

After the movie, we were invited to go up to the observation deck.  I kinda wish we had.  It was a pretty clear night. And the planetarium is fairly far from town and hotels.  So the night sky could've been pretty cool.  But we hadn't bought tickets, and it was getting late.  Maybe another time?!

Pictures

1) Irresistible space cats!!

2) The planetarium is surrounded by jungle.  To prevent light pollution. But protecting nature is also part of the facility's mandate.

3) Toby enjoying some space cats!

4) I so enjoy watching local kids play in the water at La Monina.  One of my favourite water front spots.

5) Great name for a boat??

  

26 km to (See) Passion Island

I think humans crave adventure.  At least some of us. So we off we went! To the northern tip of the island, where folk can take a boat to Passion Island.

I'd been down this road twice before.  The first time was in January 2013 on my first trip to Cozumel. A lifetime ago! When a man named Carl offered to show me places I should know about, on his scooter.  Thank you Carl.  You will always have a special place in my heart.

The second time was in February 2015, when I stayed at El Cozumeleno with my sister.  Since this hotel was kinda close to the Passion Island dock, I rode my little green bike back there. What a fun challenge!  There was (still) 2-3+ km of not paved, very pot holed road, after the paved road ended.  

So this ride was an adventure and a bit nostalgic for me. 

The paved part of the road has been extended since my last ride here, and is very nice riding.  But there was still about 1.5 km of unpaved road.  A little scary, but fun!  I'm glad we went :)

Pictures 

1 & 2) Lucky for us, the road wasn't really muddy.  So we had decent traction even in the bottom of the puddles that were so deep my feet often got wet!

3 ) It was pretty windy and grey.  But I liked the mood of the sky.  I'm not so sure the man working at the dock thought of the cool wind. To his credit, he had a pleasant resigned demeanour.

4) You can see Passion Island in the distance.  The ride across cost 200 pesos per person (about $16cdn), reasonable enough.  Apparently the restaurant on the Island is stupid expensive.  The dock man something about $75 US.  We didn't go.  But we enjoyed a snack on the dock before heading back towards home.

5) We went by this poo water purification plant on the road to Passion Island.  This one's for you Melissa! 
6) Toby walking carefully on the dock.  Though it was mostly quite solid, and definitely safer than in 2013!!!

Rainy Day Fun!

It's been raining on and off for a few days, with one more to go. I'll be happy when the sun comes back.  But big rain creates opportunities for fun! 

The rain can come down pretty heavy sometimes.  Which can sometimes make big puddles, like small lakes, in the streets.  I have a big plastic yellow poncho that keeps me pretty dry.  Even from water flying up from the street and my bike tires.  So I actually think it's fun to bike in the rain. 

The risk is of big puddles is not being able to see potholes, topes (speed bumps), and debris on the street.  I learned the hard way about the debris this week, and got a flat tire :(  

Lucky for me, there are many bicycle repair shops nearby to help.  Luis is my favourite.  He fixed my flat tire in about 15 minutes for 55 pesos (about $4 CDN).  He also tightened my brakes, no charge.  Gracias Luis!!

Pictures

1) This little puppy looked so wet and sad.  I took a chance and let him approach for a pet.  He sat at my feet in the sweetest way.

2) So fun to see these boats parked in this flooded street!

3) The city is replacing sewage pipes on the main water front street, called Melgar after General Rafael E Melgar who helped establish Cozumel's Museum and main esplanade.  This gigantic cutting machine took a break during the rain. What an interesting photo with the cruise ship in the background!

4) I felt sorry for the tourists who went out, to snorkel or dive, on this cool rainy day

5) A brave local driving through a big puddle!

 

Happy Birthday Flor!

A visit to Flor and her family is always a nice thing.  Sometimes it can be a bigger thing.

On Saturday, we finally visited the local family we've befriended.  Turns out, Saturday was Flor's birthday.  There was meat on the BBQ, finger foods on the tables, 2 cakes ready for serving, and about 12 people gathered.  Flor really wanted us to stay, but we had a commitment and could not.  

On Sunday, we dropped by again.  To visit, chat, without as much fuss.  We kinda achieved that goal.

Turns out it was a Sunday dinner gathering.  There was fried fish, turkey soup, fresh corn tortillas, lotsa cut up veggies, and about 6 guests.  We had just eaten a big lunch. But Mexican hospitality is a powerful thing.  We negotiated hard.  Flor finally agreed to let Toby and I share a fish and a big bowl of soup.  Delicious!

Photos

1) Toby was a good sport.  He doesn't understand much of what the family says.  But he appreciates the connection with the family.

2 & 3)  Flor, her mom, and husband Pedro.  Why the mannequins?  Flor operates a used clothing store next door.  These just happened to spill over into the little restaurant business/ dining room.

4) Our flight landed in Cancun at midnight. So we stayed at an airport hotel and enjoyed a bunch of food from home.  I wasn't sure we could bring fresh fruit into Mexico, so I brought these applesauce pouches.  We both thought they were kinda silly and felt like astronauts eating them!

5) There are many very modest homes in the neighbourhood.  But so many, like this one, put up cheery Christmas decorations.

6) Food coma? Maybe.  What a nice spot to recover!!

 

Happy One Week Anniversary!

It's amazing how many things can happen in one week!  

This time last week, I was just getting back to Cozumel.  Tho grateful for being here and able to cross on the ferry despite some significant wind and waves, I was tired from travel, overheated from walking with my suitcase from the ferry, despite a delightful stop to eat fresh fruit from a street vendor! and facing the task of unpacking and organizing my lovely apartment and fetching the first big grocery order.  

It did take a couple of days to settle in.  

But already, I've experienced so many lovely things!  Sope's at La Terazza de Mami- so delicious!  A couple of swims in the ocean - I saw these cool startfish like things! An early day bike ride today - yay me for mixing it up and getting going kinda early!  Catching up with Pat - always so nice to see her, my first Canadian friend on the island :)  Billy's BBQ- so delicious! And lotsa just enjoying the warm air on my skin. 

Today, to celebrate my 1st week here, I made eggs with green sauce, crumbly cheese, corn chips and lotsa pretty coloured sides. So delicious!

Photos

1) Toby bought these beautiful flowers on day 2 of our trip.  They smell so nice!

2 and 4) Playa Caletita is a beach where locals swim.  I'm so glad there are still a few places where locals can enjoy their own island.

3) Chilaquiles is a traditional breakfast that consists of corn chips and green sauce with a bit of crumbly cheese.  Historically a way to use leftovers from the last evening meal.  I like my corn chips on the side. A little like eating poutine with the fries on the side!

5) Toby came up with this brilliant idea!  Use my suitcase for our big grocery orders.  It works great to carry the heavy and bulky stuff the 500 m from the store to home!

6) I brought a hamac this year. So we could enjoy one of the local beaches more comfortably.  So far, it's working great!!