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Cozumel Trip Report
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Posted by Chas on 05/04/02

In marked contrast to my last trip, Airport Check-in was back to pre 9 -11 delays. In this case, virtually none. It took me longer to check-in, a entire15 minutes, yep, that's right, a complete quarter of an hour, than it did to get through security. That took ten. Even with my camera bag being searched. The addition of more x-ray machines and security personnel has relieved a major log-jam at DIA.


The Allegro flight was, as usual, on time and a smooth flight.



Coming in over PDC - Xcaret & Calica in the lower left quarter of the photo







One pod at the International Pier, none at Punta Langosta. It was almost perfect...


Breezed through customs and was at Alicia's by 1:30. Aicia, Chuco and Chavita were waiting with open arms & wagging tail. Just like comin' home. Got settled into the lower room in the "Tower" & I was in the water by 4pm. (see pt 2 - Diving(this isn't up yet)

My friends Christi & Panchita met me for the first dive and we made plans for dinner that night.
After first having Sangria at Cozumel Putting Course (Golfito), chatting with the owners, Sally, Scott & Sunshine and meeting Tom H from New York, we then went to the French Quarter. We were in the mood for steak. And steak we got. The French Quarter serves up one of the most succulent, tender Filet Mignons that has ever been my pleasure to savor.  While relatively pricey at 260 pesos ($28±), it was worth every penny.

Mikes Sr. & Jr., ever gracious hosts, greet me by name. I've only been there 4 or 5 times, and my last time was nearly a year ago. Great guys with uncanny recall.


Breakfast every day was Chuco's Guacamole, Sliced Fruits and whatever else he cooked up. Ham & cheese Quesadillas, Huevos Rancheros, potato & sausage flautitas, etc. One morning, no guacamole. Wassup? Ah. French Toast.


Afternoons were spent reading, siesta-ing and prowling the back streets of San Miguel. (No. Not THOSE back streets.) Found a grouping of several cheap "Loncherias". Many different kinds of "tortas" for less than $2. On Adolfo Salas between 20 & 30.




Alicia, Chavita, myself & Panchita under Alicia's palapa


Friday night, and the three of us, plus Christi's guy, Lazaro got together for a belated celebration of Christi's Birthday at "La Cocay". Sitting on the patio @ the SE corner of the Parque in front of Corpus Christi, I believe it's 25 Avenida & Calle 19 sur, we enjoyed a beautifully backlit view of the Church in the Caribbean twilight. Didn't have the right camera for getting that shot. It was back in the room. Duh.

I had the Pork Tenderloin in a ginger - cilantro sauce. Quite tasty, but definitely not Filet. There were leftovers for Chavita. The cabernet was good.




Christi, Lazaro & Panchita @ La Cocay


Afterwards, we went to Salsa's to meet Angela from Hacienda San Miguel. I was going to learn to Salsa, but it didn't happen. Sally (from Golfito) and Angela were in the back, so we went over and sat down to chat. Angela tried to get me on the floor, but I begged off. I had aggravated an injury to the ACL in my right knee, but felt that to use that would seem like a lame excuse, so I just indicated that I wasn't in the mood. Went back the next night to give it another shot, but arrived about half an hour after Angela had left. Maybe next trip, sweetie.


Saturday, we were back to a group of 3 for dinner at La Choza. Great tortilla soup and an interesting Camarones Tropicale. Student Panchita & Instructor Christi each received a rose for their impending successful certification efforts. Hey, at 2 for $5, I just had to do it...


Sunday, we wanted to eat at Manati, but they were closed. We went to Casa Denis, instead. I don't have good luck with this place. I'd only eaten here once before and I was disappointed. I forget what I had, I just know that it was mexican and I didn't finish it.


Their Cream of Avacado soup is superb. Tonight I tried Steak with Onions. Again, I made the wrong choice. Tough, stringy and even more leftovers for Chavita.

With all the good reviews, I still owe them one more shot. I'll try something mexican, again. Any suggestions?

We also stopped in at Golfito again and ran into Follow the Leader (John) and one of his friends, who were staying at HSM. That's when I found out that I had just missed them at Salsa's on Saturday night.



Cedral Carnival Queen


After dinner, we strolled over to Joe's Reggae to meet Janie from WI. Since we wanted to watch the festivities for the Cedral Carnival, which were going on in El Centro, we skipped the $5 cover & Christi went up and dragged Janie down to the sidewalk. We chatted for a while and made plans for dinner later in the week.
     



Christi, Janie, Chas & Panchita


Monday morning, it was time to say "good-bye" to Panchita. Time for the new diver to go home...:(

We had become cyber-friends through the travelnotes board and finally got to meet face to face on this trip. She's a fabulous Lady and someone I'm proud to be able to call "Friend".

That night before dinner, I stopped in at Golfito again and ran into Follow the Leader (John) and one of his friends, who were staying at HSM. That's when I found out that I had just missed them all at Salsa's on Saturday night.


Since I had been eating "Authentic Mexican" for breakfast and lunch each day, and after the  disappointment at Cafe denis the night before, I was ready for another of Mike's Filet Mignon's. So it was off to the French Quarter, again. Ahhhh...Gastronomical Nirvana...

Christi was spending some overdue time with Lazaro, and I had asked my friend Pepe Pierre from Deep Blue (& Dive Paradise before that) to join me, but we failed to hook-up, so I dined alone.


Tuesday, I finally made it to Prima's for the Jumbo Stuffed Shrimp. This dish never disappoints.


Wednesday afternoon, during my siesta, Christi called to say that dinner was on at Janie & Tammy's villa. I stopped by and invited my friend Pepe along. We walked the few blocks from his place to the Villa. Nice Place!

A waterfall gurgles it's welcome as you go through the gate. Walking around the pool to the tiled veranda that runs across the front og the house, Christi and Janie wave a welcome of their own through the open double doors. Inside to meet the others. Glassman (Greg from Galleria Azul, whom I had met on my Oct trip) was there with his wife Lilliana. Good to see him, again, and to meet his lovely wife. Stephanie (the Cozumel Wedding Planner and another cyber-friend) introduced herself and her husband Felipe. More live faces to go with the names.

Salad, wine & lasagna. Broke bread, popped some corks and shared conversation, laughter & cameraderie. A highly enjoyable "Last night" on the Island.


Leaving Alicia was hard, it always is, but it's time to go home. $4 for a taxi to the airport. It's a straight shot down 65 avenida to the airport.

Security & Check-In also went much more smoothly this trip. It was much less chaotic than the October trip.

Renovations are being done at the airport. Here are a few shots....




The new smoking lounge outside the waiting area at the gates




The new waiting area at the gates




The new Cinco Soles airport outlet




The new snack bar atrium


So ends my 11th trip to this magical island. I have plumbed the azure depths and soothed my soul. Washed away the stagnancy of winter's dreariness and re-connected with my Muse. A singular summer awaits. Bring it on.

Click Here for Diving(not up yet)


Peace-Chas

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