We arrive at the Cancun airport where we arranged for a pick-up that will bring us to the Hacienda de Castilla in the heart of Cancun. The van is there, with 2 drivers! Their English is about zero and Marleyne's Spanish not yet at the level where we can have a conversation. So, the ride is quiet.
We do not expect much from Cancun but we like to have a little bit of time to get familiar with the country before exploring! The area is a popular one, the kids play in the street, music and TV sounds can be heard from the houses besides the hotel...
Well, the exploration begins after unpacking and showering: we asked the friendly Paul at the reception where we can go and have a bite to eat. (The staff at the Hacienda de Castilla was very very nice and helpful: Paul liked to chat and Sandra, who spoke perfect English was a very efficient and helpful manager!)
At first, he is hesitant: the touristy area is far from here...but we let him know that we do not want to go to the Zona Hostellerias but wold rather eat Mexican fare...It is just around the corner...We stop in a small street poblano, sit on red plastic chairs, have our first beers in Christmas mugs (!) ,and eat tortillas... We must be in Mexico!!!!!!!!!!!
The next days are spent walking around Cancun popular districts, shopping for sandals and sun protective hats, and familiarizing ourselves with the different food names and appellation. And one warm evening, we discover pastor! An adaptation of the libanese dish of of the shawarma spit-grilled meat brought by Lebanese immigrants to Mexico.Pork is marinated over one or two days in a combination of dried chiles and then slowly cooked with a piece of pineapple on top. Absolutely delicious!
On Sunday, we take the ferry to Isla Mujeres in Puerto Juarez...we have heard so much about this destination. In the 1970s, this used to be a casual destination for boheme people who just wanted to rent a cheap little cabin on the beach and watch the blue sea...Well, Isla Mujeres seems to have changed a lot since then: it has become the destination for the tourists of the world! Prices are higher, accomodations seem to be overpriced..but there are some cute little restaurants, a wonderful beach and a great bar with a view of the ocean where we sipped Mexican cervezas looking at the Sunday crowd driving by in scooters along the avenue. 
On Monday, we take the bus back to Puerto Juarez to find a little oasis of sun and sea..
And we find one, located on the beach in front of Isla Mujeres. The owner convinced us that he had the best prices for lunch...cooked a la Yucateca. And we could have 10 small Corona beers or Coronatita for 130 pesos (12.00$)...How to resist???????????
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