02-03-04

   Sitting on a Northwest airplane in Memphis looking at my cell phone that I won’t  be using  anymore, caused me to reflect that I won’t be socializing with friends, family, or doing  any of  the day to day routine for a long time. A feeling of loneliness started creeping upon me.  This was compounded with the high emotional feelings when Jaqe, my grandson was holding me last night.  He had a sad look on his face as he was telling me, he loved me.  The real tough part was looking into the eyes of Rebecca, my daughter, who had to learn to keep a strong façade on her face, but dying inside.  She wants me to enjoy life, but not take the trip as I have it planned.   She holds the keys to everything about me including my worldly possessions.  She threatened to pull the plug on my bank accounts, if I don’t play it safe.  I grinned and said I had a few back up plans in place.  I told her that if I don’t minimize all the risks, don’t cry because I have had a great ride through life.

   I hadn’t gotten over last night when my stomach became tied up in knots as I finally started to pack for a half year of clothes and gear that I would need.  It entails one extreme to the other both socially and geographically.  I stayed up until 3am  with a wake up at 5am to be at the airport at 6am.  I planned to do the usual when I take a long trip. Grab the old clothes, wear them and then give or throw them away.  I can’t wait to get rid of a suitcase full of clothes.  Too many pounds to carry.

CANCUN

   Arriving in Cancun at 11:45 am to catch a flight to the island would be sufficient. Wrong, it took 1 hour and 48 minutes to stand in line to get to customs, and then to pick up the bags for inspection.  The time waiting for another flight was well spent as I met some American missionaries passengers that advised how to negotiate with taxi drivers and the possibility of getting a hotel room. 

   I realize that since this is a no structured, no reservation trip, some people would be in a panic. I also realize that without reservations, that I won’t be able to do some of the things I have set out to do.  I will find a place to stay some way.  I did copy off the internet the names and rate of some hotels on the island.  When a friendly passenger saw it, he said expect to pay more if I can get a room.
Shortly, we finally landed on the island. 

THE ISLAND

   The missionaries invited me to join their group, if I needed.  The other American who had been there 23 times was most helpful with everything.   After negotiating with the taxi driver, I went to the hotel where Hemmingway stayed.  I have always been an admirer of him.  I learn a lot from his writings and lifestyle.  Upon arrival late at night, I was told they had no rooms.  After showing them the copy off the internet, they scrambled to get me a room.  They thought it was an invoice.  They got me a room across the street to a place run by the nuns.  Luckily, I got it at the price on the internet.  The room consisted of all marble walls and tile floors.  In the morning a nun cleaned my room.  Needless to say, it was better than a Hilton or Marriott.  I always said I lived a monastic life.   Great start for one who did not do the best organizing and packing.  I just realized that I didn’t pack my PADI card for scuba diving.  This was one of the main reasons for coming to the island.

   It was late and I was very tired, but naturally I went out and saw a great flamingo group.  It was a great night, music good, and the people were great.  I understand why Hemmingway spent a lot of time here.

   Looking for a place to arrange a scuba dive, I made it to Megano Beach.   It turned out to be better than South Beach in Miami.  Guys, I sent in some good photos.  Girls, I sent I took a few of some men in their Speedo or whatever.    Don’t blame me if the censor committee deletes them from the web site.    For years, I have been under the two state rule (I won’t explain).   Laying on the beach in my black underwear (forgot my bathing suit) and having a full body and facial massage for an hour was fantastic.
Being on a massage table in the sand with the cool Caribbean breeze, beautiful waves and scenery, and Caribbean music playing, I was very serene.  Although I was sun burned, my teeth were burned the most.

   Later going to the Floridita Bar where Hemmingway hung out, sitting next to the life size statue drinking his type drink, put everything into perspective.  Reflecting on how he would either stand and observe people or write on a novel, I would sip his drink.   The romantic and nostalgic atmosphere of the island was prevalent.  The old 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s cars being well preserved and operating on the streets was great to see.

   The evening was even better.   Every restaurant and lounge would have a 3 or 4 piece band.  These people are very talented.  Three nights have past and I have not had much sleep.

   The scuba dive was scheduled for 9am on the west end of the island.  I was able to charter a boat with a captain, assistant, and a dive master for a day.  Needless to say, the dives were great.  I was able to use my Dan’s insurance card as my Padi card.  The coral reefs, sponges and fish were beautiful. Unfortunately I did not have an underwater camera, but the photos will remind in my mind.  Sorry, I can’t share them.  I will try to do better in the future.  I did retrieve a coca cola bottle that is over 50 years old.  There was no message in the bottle except the one that says enjoy life.  I am.

   Back to the beach.  I couldn’t miss the sound of the surf and that full massage for $10, the other scenery lured me back also. South Beach in Miami is dullsville in comparison. 

   My last night on the island was a very enjoyable evening.  The restaurant had an atrium area with a beautiful moon shinning over the animals and tropical parrots.  It had a few tables and a four-piece combo playing melodic and Caribbean sounds.  There were three rooms that had parties of French, Germans, and Italians.  The female vocalist played a violin and sang with such a soothing and charming voice.  Whether you are a Sinatra of Elvis fan, you have to love the way she sang “My Way” for me.  I was served the biggest and best lobster that I have ever had.  It was so tender and 2 ½ times wider than a Maine lobster.  The dinner lasted over 3 hours.  Another night and not much sleep.  I have to catch a taxi at 5am for the airport to go back to Cancun.

   If the first leg of this adventure is an indication of what is to come, I can’t wait to experience it. The island and people are very romantic.  Obviously Hemmingway saw this and stayed there.    It is a capsule in time of over 50 years ago.   With its resources and people, it offers much to anyone who loves to have fun in the sun.  Having been able to visit with some of their people, doing the dives, sitting with Hemmingway’s statue  at his favorite bar where he wrote one of his novels,  having fun in the sun,  together with the great evenings  of music and food,  makes it a place  to always remember  and yearn to go back.

   I enjoyed it my way.