Things to do in Cancun
There’s something mystical about tropical mornings when the ocean waves concuss the shore and the seagulls shriek in the salty air. Where balmy 80’s drift in around 6am and scantily clad beach-goers gingerly step along the surf.
We stayed five stories up with a westward ocean and watched the sun set over the ocean. There were also Maxim girls at the pool, energetic house music and ultra-modern shine of the 4 and a half star “Me by Melia Cancun“. The “Salt” restaurant breakfast buffet was something to anticipate each morning with a menagerie of assorted fusion foods from chorizo to exotic fruit arrays. The only thing that was lacking was a few more days to enjoy all the amenities (food, infinity pool, spa, parasailing).
The first night in Mexico was filled with party hopping into various bars. There’s certainly nightlife for everyone, assorted from ages 16-71. If I ever go back to Cancun, it’d be with a larger group of friends. The clubs are filled with Latin energy, loud music and various gimmicks of bubbles, foam, and Mexicans with fire extinguishers.
Friday was a spectacular scuba diving session with Octavio of Nautilus Scuba. Diving to 30 feet and swimming about the reefs was entertaining, although the currents were fairly strong and the reefs fairly decimated by the past hurricanes. We did one out of two dives, sitting the second out so Chippy could feed the fish (see: vomiting).
Xel Ha on Saturday was the highlight of the trip. We chose to additionally indulge in a “Sea Trek”, which involves a 60 lb space helmet on your head and walking along the ocean floor some 20 feet under the water amongst hundreds of fish, and about a half dozen manta rays. With water filled with so many fish (you could literally reach out and touch them) and having rays swim over you was an unforgettable experience. The all you could eat inclusive buffets were noteworthy with one American, Mexican, International, fast food, and a general buffet with assorted drinks, ice cream and alcohol for enjoyment. After several hours of snorkeling and cave exploration there was a half hour of relaxation and rest.
Sunday was a jungle excursion that took us 20 feet under the earth through a subterranean cave into a freshwater cenote. Think a sacrificial Batman’s Cave. We then explored walked the jungle, enjoyed an authentic Mayan lunch in a small town (they’re still in the stone age, amazingly) and rode zip lines above the treetops. Less notable was minor kayaking, cliff-side rappelling (there was duct tape holding the ropes together. DUCT TAPE!!) and climbing the tallest pyramid in Mesoamerica. We took a Mexican taxi for transportation, which is basically a guy on a bike, with a wheelbarrow in front for passengers. Upon return we had our first authentic, wonderful meal at La Parilla.
Monday was our last day, we did some barter shopping and listened to an inane timeshare presentation for free relaxation massages and access to the spa. By the time that was over, we left for the airport and returned.
Cancun’s definitely an international vacation spot. Playa and Cozumel has better access to snorkeling and “true” Mexican experiences, but Cancun has great nightlife, and, if you don’t mind the expensive pricing (for Mexico) is definitely worthwhile. Who wants to go with us next time? 
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