Brrr!! It’s been cold, rainy and oh-so-blustery today. I’m huddled under three quilts with a heating pad in my lap to keep me nice and toasty as the storm rages.
On such a night it pleases me no end to go back through my photo albums, looking at pictures of warm, sunny places with dear friends. So today I’m going to do just that, and drag you along on a stroll through the back streets of Cozumel, Mexico.
As much as I love stunning monuments and historical buildings like the tower below, I am always drawn to the side streets, back alleys, and neighborhoods of the places I visit. This is where the real citizens of a place live, shop, and visit with their friends.
I explored Cozumel with my friend Amy and we stayed at the lovely Allegro Cozumel all-inclusive resort. We were both exhausted upon arrival and spent our first few days on the beach snoozing and soaking up healing sunshine. Then we were ready to explore!
We went to the main strip of Cozumel, wandering past jewelry vendors, eying the fabulous lacy white hammocks that swayed enticingly all over the island and deciding that no, we really did not need to take any back with us. Then we headed down a side street and meandered happily through town. Amy loves to look at local pharmacies and grocery stores to get a feel for a new country, and I’m a fiend for Farmer’s markets and restaurants. We found plenty to delight us both.
I was intrigued by the gates and bars guarding every home we saw. By themselves they could’ve been austere, stark, and decidedly unwelcoming, but the instead the inhabitants planted flowering vines that clambered everywhere softening hard edges and making even security look beautiful.
It was a great way to spend an afternoon. What things make you feel like you’re seeing the “real” side of a city or country?
Haven’t been to Cozumel in ages, but I remember what fun we had. And there was this marvelous restaurant where we had lobster…can’t remember the name…it was divine!
Ooo, if I get to go back I’ll have to try that place for sure, Barbara! 🙂 I do love lobster. 🙂
YOu write a story so well with ur pics ,i feel like am at a top glossy mag!!
U should be writing for a mag with all ur super travel stories and stunning locales!
Gorgeous photos! I love Mexico and when I spent a month there once, I visited all the markets and ate at many street stalls. I also spent a morning in a bakery, learning how to bake a cake (tres leches). When I travel, I collect recipes and ingredients and dishes and then I come home and put them all together.
🙂
Thank you very much, Mia. 🙂 I would love to do that one day!
What a wonderful trip, Mary!! How fun to be able to learn to cook while you were there. 🙂 I just love that sort of thing! I try to bring back recipes and ingredients too and have such fun recreating them at home. 🙂
What a lovely girlfriend trip. I have never been there – but do wonder why everything is gated… too much tourism and the only way to have privacy? You are such a cutie!
🙂
Valerie
What a stunning blog you have! You’re pretty adorable too! So glad I stumbled upon it.
xx
November Grey
I think that heading to the farmers markest in a city gives you a glimpse of every day life fro the people who live there. I always try to find somewhere to purchase fresh food and veggies and in the process discover a lot more.
How much fun would that be exploring a Mexican street with your gal pal. Lovely pics Krista. When I’m out exploring new places I love to check out the markets & pubs.., its a great way to meet the locals and find out off the beaten track places.
Oh, this makes me want to go on vacation! You look so lovely in your summer dress. 🙂