Ok, I'll stop being a vacation pusher. It was a quick trip, but it was SOOOO worth it. We got so much done for the wedding and still had plenty of time to take hang on the beach, tour the island, catch on sleep and enjoy the beautiful weather/food/people. Email us if you want to know more about something, we'll try to post as much detail without spoiling all of Isla's goodness.
We had an early connecting flight to Cancun through Atlanta on Delta. We left our house at 5AM and arrived on the island at 3PM. The sun was enough to perk Jackson up...
We had an early connecting flight to Cancun through Atlanta on Delta. We left our house at 5AM and arrived on the island at 3PM. The sun was enough to perk Jackson up...
We used Best Day Transfer to pick us up at the airport and take us to the Puerto Juarez ferry. I booked online a few days before with a credit card - $34 Round trip for 2 people. They check you in and then you wait until there is a van ready to take you. 
Upon arriving at Puerto Juarez, there is a little ticket book where we bought our one-way tickets (I only got one-way tickets because I didn't want to worry that I'd lose the return ticket). It costs 35 pesos per person ($7 for 2 people, one way). The ferry runs every half hour, and we only had to wait 5 minutes until ours came.
We headed to the top for lots of air as we are both a little motion sensitive. It was pleasant and we didn't feel sickly at all. All you notice is the blue of the water and the wind on your face (NOTE to anyone with longer hair: Be prepared for a tangled mess unless it's pulled back)...and then soon, Isla Mujeres comes into focus and relaxation sets in.
When we got off the boat, we saw some familiar faces - Jon & Diane Anto (our good friend Anto's dad & stepmom)! They had friends that had also just arrived. We chatted for a bit and then everyone made their way to their hotel. We walked about 3 blocks to our hotel - Casa El Pio.
This was the cutest place ever! Margaret, the American owner, was so sweet and helpful. She showed us to our room - which was huge. The furniture was all handmade by a local craftsman on the island. The bedding was soft and comfy and the shower was huge. Best of all, we had the Carribean waves right outside our window.
Oh they also provide free WiFi, drinking water, fresh limes, chocolate shampoo and natural soaps. All for $65 a night! We relaxed for a bit in our cozy room, then headed out to see the neighborhood and get some dinner. Walked 1/2 block to see the Carribean - doesn't Jackson look great?
Down the block was a public basketball court. Jackson has some plans to hit this in March.
Next to the park is the main square - El Centro - the center of town with a nice stage and a fountain and a church. All weekend there was lots of activity in this area. So cool and such a great way to take in the local culture. Across from El Centro was the Super Express, a grocery store. We had to check it out.Jackson's first stop is always the bakery section. And they delivered for him. Hot fresh rolls - 20 cents a piece.
Mexican "Hoops of Fruit" with a rainbow-spotted tiger or American Fruit Loops with Toucan Sam - which would you pick?
I was surprised at how much shelf space was given to Mayo. Really. That's a lot of mayo.
We missed our first sunset by getting so caught up in the grocery store. Oops. Wandering around downtown, we sough out a restaurant recommended by Margaret. Unfortunately, it was booked for a private party, so we strolled to Picus for dinner. The fluorescent lights probably make it a better lunch place, but we couldn't deny putting our toes in the sand...
We missed our first sunset by getting so caught up in the grocery store. Oops. Wandering around downtown, we sough out a restaurant recommended by Margaret. Unfortunately, it was booked for a private party, so we strolled to Picus for dinner. The fluorescent lights probably make it a better lunch place, but we couldn't deny putting our toes in the sand...
Chips, salsa and Mango Margarita for Noellen, an Apple Soda for Jackson. Jackson was curious about a lot on the menu.
Mixed ceviche...very big and very good.
Jackson also ordered mixed grill soup. 
And shrimp cocktail. Noellen ordered guacamole. Grand total with tip = $26. After dinner we strolled back towards the hotel and Noellen couldn't help herself when she saw a crepe-making street vendor. Banana & Nutella. Just like in France, but the crepe is crispy.
And shrimp cocktail. Noellen ordered guacamole. Grand total with tip = $26. After dinner we strolled back towards the hotel and Noellen couldn't help herself when she saw a crepe-making street vendor. Banana & Nutella. Just like in France, but the crepe is crispy. 
Early to bed that night. More posts coming soon! 
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