The Yucatan sun sears the pavement, and every moment of open exposure further scorches the already-burnt skin. It’s no wonder the local Mayan descendants wear a golden ebony complexion. Although life surrounding Tulum is crucially associated with the tourist trail, the predominant local culture yet tinges the surrounding region with an aura of a quintessential sleepy feel of a typical Mexican town.
Perhaps the slowness of life is a bit infectious as I, too, lingered much longer than expected. Further, pleasant encounters with other travelers only added to the enjoyable stay. Today’s happy occasions involved pooling money to rent a van; thereafter we all went snorkel at Playa Akumal with giant sea turtles off the reefs; followed by a swim in the aquamarine waters of Casa Cenote; a visit to the soft sands of the local beach concluded the day. Our group then rounded a few more backpackers (more and more resembling the United Nations) for authentic street food from makeshift carts before concluding with some love music at a mojito bar. Indeed, pleasant time with pleasant company.
Alas, all things must pass on and each person eventually must go their separate ways. Come tomorrow the seating sun will be another memory so I’ll revisit the freezing temperatures of New England.