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Published: July 15th 2006
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Beach restaurant
(L to R) Henry A, Ben, Effy, Henry M We had a very smooth journey from Valladolid to Isla Holbox (olbosh) along with Ben and Effy. We had to take two different buses and then a small ferry for half an hour out to the island. It was very different to anywhere we had been previously...a great deal more undeveloped but this served as quite a refreshing break. The only mode of transport on the island was golf buggies and all the roads were sand tracks. We had been advised by an English couple in Valladolid of where to stay and found it to be the cheapest...we had a room at the back of the hotel for four...with one person sleeping in a hammock. On our first full day we investigated prices for trips to see whale sharks and to hire a golf buggy. We spent the rest of the day flying around the island on the golf buggy trying to find deserted beaches, we also got attacked by a swarm of horse flys at one point which nearly put us into the hedge. In the evening we went for the best meal of the trip so far..garlic shrimp..incredible. After dinner we went back to the hotel and had a
Island road
This is the highway! few beers whilst playing cards. We were meant to go to a big island party that was happening for the opening of the first bar, however it was called off due to a boat crash in which three islander were killed.
We had to get up early for the trip to see the Whale sharks, and our guide also told us about the accident. Isla Holbox is near where the gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean and the Atlantic waters meets which harbors a massive amount of plankton...this provides a perfect feeding area for a variety of wildlife, Whale sharks, Manta Rays, Dolphins and turtles. After an hour boat ride we found a group of whale sharks feeding...it was an incredible sight..there were about ten around the boat swimming slowly about. We also got a great view of a school of Manta Ray flying through the water and one jumped out. Our guide then gave a wet suit and a mask and took us in to swim with the 11 meter creatures... this (unlike the turtle experience) was all under regulations imposed by the government. The whale sharks are very passive and gentle...and just swim about feeding but it was
incredible to swim along side them which you could do for quite a while. We got about four different swims the best of which three whale sharks were swimming around us completely unfazed by our presence..and then a small pod of dolphins started rising and swimming with the whale sharks. All in all it was an overwhelming experience..and well worth the money...our guide was excellent and passionate about the wildlife. On our way back we passed to flocks of flamingos which looked really strange when they fly.
We spent the rest of the day lounging about on the beach and playing cards. And at night we ended up at a party on the beach with loads of locals playing the bongos and singing...then the mozzys came out in force and we had to retreat back to the hotel room..also it was about 4 in the morning. The next day the weather picked up a bit and we spent the day on the beach swinging in hammocks and swimming in the very warm sea. We went for dinner at the same restaurant that we had the shrimp and HenryM had lobster.
After dinner we went back to the
hotel and had a couple of beers to prepare us for the party that was now back on. We were the only whities there..which the locals found pretty funny...and we did get very very very drunk..as they kept making the margaritas with about 4 shots of tequila per glass. We ended up getting back to the hotel at about 5 after hilarious night of salsa and Mexican dance music.
The following day we were leaving the island and had to catch the ferry at 12...we woke up at 11 and had to rapidly pack whilst still drunk...and only just made it in time. We were on our way to another island along the coast next to Cancun. The journey took about 6 hours and we all felt the pain of the night before. It started to rain heavily and a man who smelt of urine sat next to me...reminded me of Edinburgh. We arrived in Cancun at about six and immediately wanted to leave...it was an American colony with the biggest MacDonald’s we've ever seen. We got a lift with the dodgiest taxi driver ever...we thought he was blind the first time he came up to us..but he was
Playing cards
With shells for chips! cheap so we went with it. We caught the ferry to Isla Mujeres which took us over some of the clearest waters we've ever seen. The island was vastly different from Holbox as it is considerably more developed but it has a really quirky vibe about it with multi coloured buildings and lots going on. All the hostels were full but we found two private rooms for the same price...and we had a balcony. We had a pretty early night last night after going for a long walk along the beach and watching the sun set. It is overcast today...hence writing this in the hope that it will clear up this afternoon.
H
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Mrs. Worm
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Jail and bail
Hello! So what about the jail? Curious now, but bet I'll hear all about it when you get home, if you feel I can take it. Hi,hi...Haven't gotten any mail from you lately Henry (you know which one ; )) so I'm still not sure when you'll be getting back on Sunday, but have a great time these last few days! Can't wait to speak to you! Love to you both xxx