Janet and Don take a chance to relax, slow down and smell the ocean, as they experience the sights and tastes of Mexico.
What a wondrous way to wake up - the sound of the ocean crashing and the sun streaming in the windows inviting you out onto the balcony for an early peek at the day. Again, we took advantage of the Ritz Carlton's breakfast buffet. Since the choices are so many and so varied, you could stay here a week and never repeat a breakfast.
We spent the morning touring the Hotel Zone from one end to the other by taxi, getting an overview and a feel for the architecture and the people. We ended up close to the hotel at the Plaza Kulkucan, an indoor mall with many cultural shops featuring silver, straw, cotton outfits, floral skirts and marble items. As always, I did my best to add to the Cancun economy and even Don, the reluctant shopper, found something he liked - a handcrafted marble chess set.
We walked back to the Ritz Carlton from the Plaza and, though it was only a fifteen minute walk, we were dripping and exhausted form the short trek in the noonday sun. Beware the sun here is strong! Let me say it again- Beware the sun here is strong, as my burnt shoulders can testify to. After changing into bathing suits, we had a light lunch in the air-conditioned restaurant of the hotel, opting to sit by a window instead of out on the patio. Too hot outside for romance but cool enough inside for eating. The luncheon and dinner menu at the Ritz Carlton's Cafe Mexico unfortunately was the same all week and rather limited, but each item we tried was delicious. Today for lunch I had the Chicken Caesar Salad, served in a crispy Parmesan cheese toast bowl, and the fresh strawberry and ice cream dessert. Don had the braised pork served with tortillas and the Mexican pastry assortment. Don came on this trip being on a diet, but at this point the thought of a diet is obviously out the window.
Just like there is a vast difference in how the diverse cultures eat breakfast, we quickly learned that the Mexicans eat a larger meal in the middle of the day and the meal no matter what, is never rushed. Dinner is presented and served, never dealt out like cards in a game.
Though there is a tremendous amount to do in Cancun, as far as water sports and touring excursions, Don and I rarely get the chance to just relax by such a beautiful ocean, so we chose to spend another afternoon on the beach. We have many beaches at home, but they are far more crowded and unfortunately the water is not as pristine as the waters of Cancun. Not to sound too boring, but we really enjoyed soaking up the lazy atmosphere of our hotel. We alternated between the ocean and the pool and were serenaded by live Mexican Music throughout the day.
Pool at the Ritz Carlton
The hours drifted by and soon we noticed the pool emptying as most guests went to their rooms to freshen up for dinner. Tonight we were recommended to go to the best Fish Buffet ever - and it was right in our hotel on Friday nights. The raves were justified. The only experience comparable was in a restaurant in New Jersey that we drove an hour and a half through Manhattan for, just to enjoy their famous Fish Buffet.
The Beach front in front of the hotel
The Ritz Carlton's was even better than that experience. The food and the variety was plentiful including clam potato chowder, a half dozen fish salads, steaming clams, mussels, lobster tails, fully peeled shrimp cocktail, about six or seven more hot entrees and a vast display of desserts, most featuring tropical fruits in one way or another. While the Ritz Carlton Fish Buffet is a little pricey, this meal and the ocean are enough to make the trip worth it.
This was another great day in Cancun. My advice to all travelers - be flexible, drink lots of water, don't over do or overstress and most of all, wear sunblock!
