Spring Break 2024: Isla Mujeres, Mexico

2024 was the best Spring Break! It was out first international trip AND Samantha was able to join us (sadly, duty called Mitchell away).  We flew to Cancun, Mexico, took a taxi to the pier and then took a water taxi to the tiny island of Isla Mujeres, the eastern most part of Mexico. With Sam's impending deployment, this trip was the last time we were together for fun. 

The island was a geographic dichotomy, with one side being jagged rocks and cliff faces and the other side being some of the most pristine beaches in the world.  It is just a little over five miles long and less than a mile wide. We spent the first day at Punta Sur where the ocean crashed right over the walking path. Unlike Angel's Landing - there are no chains to hold on to here! It was a little wild and slightly dangerous as we dodged big waves splashing over the path. 

We traveled by foot or by golf cart everywhere. We found a cantina on the south side of the island called,  El Borracho Burro, or, The Drunk Donkey.  The food and the drinks were amazing. The tacos and adult beverages with fresh fruit were amazing. The live music was great. They played in the shade of a sun screen and trees making the sun a little less intense. They played Pink Floyd, Jefferson Airplane, even Frankie Valie - "Grease is the word..."  But what happened next was beyond anything we could have imagined...

We saw him on the side of the stage and could not help noticing that he looked a lot like Michael Jackson. He seemed to be lurking. Then the band stopped playing and he got into costume.  He went on stage with a CD player. At first we thought he was going to sing over MJ's songs. Oh no. Not that. Instead, he danced to the King of Pop's music. At first we thought he was young but as he got closer we could clearly see that this guy was in his 50s. At least.  And he looked like a very scary version of the dead pop star.  We nicknamed him Miguel Jackson and he was the highlight of the trip.

Isla Mujeres does not have mega resorts like Cancun. In fact there are no brand name chains anywhere on the island. This adds to the charm. We stayed in Mitchell's grandmother's villa. A place she owns and rents out like Vrbo or AirBnB. A full kitchen allowed Sam to teach the boys how to make guacamole. The veranda gave us an amazing view of the ocean.  The entire island was vibrant with color. Everywhere.  There were gorgeous murals on many of the walls, or just entire buildings in bold, beautiful hues.  

Without a doubt, chartering a sailboat for sailing, snorkeling, and sightseeing was the best excursion of the trip. We motored to the south of the island. Grant looked every bit the intense sailor that would make his mother proud, while I just held the wheel and looked good.  Samantha was a natural.

I loved this trip with the five us. I know these opportunities are few and far between.  These people are my tribe and I love them so.