Wrapping up Isla

Our last day on Isla Mujeres fell on World Cup, and we watched France come out the winner at Nash's Sports Bar.  It was an equal split between Croatia and France fans, and we had fun chatting with travelers and expats- one who runs a dive shot on Isla and is married to a French woman.  She jumped up at every goal and danced around shouting "Allez Les Bleus"- although we were rooting for the underdog, Croatia, this was a great way to kick off the day. 

Southern tip of Isla Mujeres

Iguana master

Happy Jay

From there we wanted to explore the rest of the island, so we rented a motorbike and hit the road.  I'm not sure Jay is ever happier than when he is zipping around a bike.  He doesn't care that the body is cracked, pieces are hanging down, or that strange noises come from the exhaust.  We headed south and explored where the locals live, stopping at the southern tip to take in the bluest of blue water.  Iguanas the size of cats scuttled across the cliff side and we watched kids play soccer and yell excitedly.  

Capilla de Guadalupe

Street Art on Isla Mujeres

We stopped at an amazing church across from Mango Cafe, laughing because we loved Mango Tree in Bali.  Capilla de Guadalupe sits cliff side and was empty as we took a minute to pray for our blessed with on Isla Mujeres.  

Ice Bar, Isla Mujeres

We had seen most of the island in our hour bike tour, but Jay still had gas and time to burn so we continued to loop through the colorful streets.  The heat and humidity were at an all time high, so what happened next is not entirely our fault...we saw a billboard for Ice Bar, completely made from ice and boasting a negative degree temperature.  We were in.

As we arrived, it was clearly a tourist trap, but we couldn't be bothered.  They threw fur ponchos over us and we entered our own private, freezing room.  Turtle sculptures, flashing lights, a disco ball, and pounding music greeted us.  And for the first time since we arrived in Mexico, we were cold.  We lasted twenty minutes and our bartender in his zip up hoodie laughed as he poured us drinks in ice cups.  I will never forget Jay running around the icy room trying to stay warm, his fur poncho flying behind him.

We still had drink coupons (thank you to our tourist package), so we warmed up outside and were quickly approached by four rowdy women from Houston who were eyeing the only empty seats in the area- at our table.  We welcomed them over and realized the full tourist capacity of this spot- boats from Cancun were dropping people by the hundred to eat at this buffet, experience the ice bar, and continue to drink unlimited beverages all in a short time span before the boat left.  Needless to say, they were hilarious company and we embraced our full tourist hour.

Sunset on Isla Mujeres

Casa Boheme in Playa Del Carmen

Hopping back on the bike we wound our way back home to Playa Norte and somehow got all of our stuff back into our bags.  The next morning we hopped the ferry back to Puerto Juarez and jetted down to Playa del Carmen.  My mama, sister, and brother are meeting us here, so we took some down time in our spectacular Air BnB.  Casa Boheme is a gem that you would never expect behind the white iron gate next to a laundromat and convenience store.  It's a few blocks from the beach and the bustling 5th Avenue, but nestled among local living.  Beautifully designed and endlessly peaceful- a perfect example of affordable travel that outshines the luxury resorts every day of the week.