7/15/2024 (Monday) We Invade Mexico! ( Daily Diary )
Cozumel is world-renowned for its scuba diving and proximity to numerous top dive sites. The Mesoamerican reef system is the second-largest reef system in the world (after the Great Barrier Reef), and there is extensive coral and sea life with incredible visibility.
The weather in Cozumel (21 degrees latitude) will be warm and likely wet (think Hawaii, 25 degrees latitude).
The island is located in the Caribbean Sea along the eastern side of the Yucatan Peninsula about 82 km (51 mi) south of Cancún and 19 km (12 mi) from the mainland. The island is about 48 km (30 mi) long and 16 km (9.9 mi) wide, with a total area of 477.961 km2 (184.542 sq mi). It is Mexico's largest Caribbean island, largest permanently inhabited island, and Mexico's third-largest island, following Tiburón Island and Isla Ángel de la Guarda.
The population of Cozumel is 88,626 (2020 census). The majority of the island's population lives in the town of San Miguel, which has a population of 84,915 (2020 census). Cozumel is a municipality which also includes two small areas on the mainland, the ecotourism park of Xel-Ha and the Calica limestone quarry.
All combined, Cozumel has a total land area of 647.33 km2 (249.94 sq mi). Cozumel has 5 main piers. Punta Langosta, the International Pier (SSA), and Puerta Maya are all piers for cruise ships. A ferry pier in San Miguel is used for passenger ferries to and from Playa del Carmen, as well as for cruise ship tenders. A fifth pier south of downtown is used only for vehicle ferries.
Large parts of the island are covered with mangrove forest which has many endemic animal species. Cozumel is a flat island based on limestone, resulting in a karst topography.
The highest natural point on the island is less than 15 m (49 ft) above sea level. The cenotes are water-filled sinkholes formed by water percolating through the soft limestone soil for thousands of years. Eighteen deep cenotes and more than 250 shallow bodies exist on the island. Many are under dense vegetation. Jade Cavern Cozumel (Cenote Chempita) near El Cedral is often visited by tourists.
The port can handle six cruise ships at one time!
Cozumel is an island!
Excursions
Cooking For The Old Folks! Savor the distinctive flavors of Mexico on this half-day foodie tour led by TABASCO's Chef Maestro in the beautiful Blu Cozumel facility overlooking the Caribbean Sea. A short motor coach ride brings you to the resort-like grounds, where you'll be greeted by the chef and offered a welcome drink.
Get oriented in the cooking area and embark on a fun filled and filling hands-on cooking demonstration. Fresh ingredients are laid before you, and you'll receive step-by-step instructions on how to make, plate and decorate your dishes with style. You'll be sure to impress your friends with your new culinary skills.
Proceed to the main course, which has you searing, mixing, sautéing and tasting like a professional chef. Conclude with a tasty dessert and a freshly made Mexican margarita. The recipes and instructions will be emailed to you so you can replicate this masterpiece meal at home. Spend some time relaxing at the infinity lounge pool before the return ride to port.
Today is the big day for our first adventure in a far-off land, and we are psyched! We sprang out of bed at the crack of dawn, suited up in our exploration gear, and dashed out the door to grab a quick pre-departure breakfast. I even sported my fanciest cooking shirt to blend in with the locals. Let's hope I don't get mistaken for the chef!
The kids are off to play with the dolphins.
Mary had spearmint tea and scrambled eggs; I went for the lox and bagel again. After all, we are going to eat again soon.
Plop plop fizz fizz.
Paul has his morning water and is ready to go!
What is he thinking?
We got off the ship after struggling to find the right elevator to the 4th floor. We were off and walking to our meeting site, identified as "#3 at the end of the pier."
Arriving, we were challenged because there were two restaurants close by. We selected Three Amigos and had a table within 25 feet of the meeting point, which we could not miss. I did the street tacos and a margarita while Dr. Mary had a diet Coke.
Only two ships were in port today!
Our first stop!
The day was magnificent, albeit a tad on the warm side. It was in the low 90s, and so was the humidity.
The sign got a lot of attention!
We needed a drink it was so hot!
THe arrow points to The Three Amigos restaurant!
We had street taco's and a beer!
We "dined" for about thirty minutes before the guide came and took us to a series of taxis for our journey to the cooking school!
Great name for a movie!
Did You Know? - A cantina is a type of bar common in Latin America and Spain. The word is similar in etymology to "canteen", and is derived from the Italian word for a cellar, winery, or vault. In Italy, the word cantina refers to a room below the ground level where wine and other products such as salami are stored.
After a harrowing three-mile ride in the Tijuana Taxi (sans music), we arrived at the cooking school. The school was above the dolphin swimming area, and little did we know Mark and Colleen could see us with our little chef's hats on!
Little did we know that Colleen and Mark were swimming with the dolphins right below us!
Cook, drink, and have fun with the guidance of a professional Mexican chef. Learn how to craft a delicious 3-course authentic meal – don't forget the margarita, of course – guided and led by Chef Luis, a natural entertainer and innovative chef.
We prepared the meal at a double workstation, equipped with everything we needed to complete our\ Mexican gastronomy dish and cocktail.
Tabasco Chef is located on the second floor of the prestigious Blu by Dolphinaris facility with a breathtaking view of the Caribbean Ocean.
All 20 couples were ready, willing, and mostly able.
The chef is ready!
Who needs hot sauce when I have her!
We donned our chef's hats and were ready to cook up a storm. Cook, drink, and have fun with the guidance of a professional Mexican chef. Learn how to craft a delicious 3-course authentic meal – don't forget the margarita, of course – guided and led by Chef Luis, a natural entertainer and innovative chef.
We prepared the meal at a double workstation, equipped with everything we need to complete our Mexican gastronomy dish and cocktail. Tabasco Chef is located on the second floor of the prestigious Blu by Dolphinaris facility with a breathtaking view of the Caribbean Ocean.
Perfect fits! MAry was in her Julia Child's cooking outfit.
The ingredients were on the stove top, and everything was explained. The chef had perfect English and was easy to follow. Today, we had 46 people in the class.
The ingredients were in separate containers and ready for us to use.
We had all the condiments/sauces we needed plus more.
Mary saute's the onions!
The ol man cooks up the pork making sure it is well cooked!
"It's ready!!"
We all the sauce and the pork together for some last minute cooking.
It looks great!!
We had a terrific view of the ocean!
The chef serves it up!
If you get tired of cooking, just turn around!
Watch out for her tongs!
Oh dear, flambe is on its way!
Fire!
Pour baby pour!
Just the right amount!
Mary asked for more... she got more!
"No more Miss Mary; you burn down the house!"
Pictures are taken for the local Fire Department
The sauce is now ready!
Fifteen minutes of downpour!
Everyone disappeared.
We all talked about our experiences
The rain had just passed over the pier!
We took a ride to the ship; the heat had done us in!
Two ships were in town today!
As we pulled out, the Carnival ship was heading to sea.
Goodbye Cozumel!
Our daughter was always a hoot! Always happy and willing to do anything!
We are down there somewhere!
Almost a smile!
