Tulum & Isla Mujeres - Yucatan

I stayed in Tulum pueblo(city population-no resort) in a palapa roof, mosquito netted dwelling.  We traveled around on biciclatas(bicycles).  Many people live in makeshift shacks constructed with tar paper, particle board, blue tarps and palapa leaves for roofing.  Poor - but everyone seems quite happy.  
Below: I'm pictured at Tulum near a ruins that was used to torture and punish adulterers (men or women who mess around with someone other than their spouse) Those Mayans are short and small, but they reconquered the Spanish (after losing the first time) - and they don't mess around with lawbreakers.  The Mayans are fierce fighters.  Everything down here is beautiful, but fierce.  Their demise was believed to be a virus brought from Europe . . . hmmmmm, sound familiar with what's happening now?

Each morning we'd take off on bikes and ride to ruins or cenotes (large fresh water fed caverns) and we'd snorkel and swim to beat the heat.  One particular cenote had caves that you swim into - and once inside the ceiling opened up to reveal hundreds of bats flying around your head.  Depths of 30 to 100 feet under you at any moment - water clear as a bell - so it was nervous seeing the sudden depths beneath you.

Ropes at many times were strung to help lead you through tunnels.

We traveled by boat and floated by life jacket through the Sian Ka'an biosphere which is a 1.9 million acre wildlife refuge located near the Muyil ruins.  We had to hole-up in this Mayan pueblo during a heavy shower.  It was also infested with "baby bats."

Mexico is beautiful, but it has many things big and small that can kill you.  With just our feet and small backpack, we traveled,  hiked, walked and explored a lot of places while in Mexico.  On the go most of the day and night.  Stray dogs, scorpions(in our room) geckos, iguanas, snakes and the mosquito.  The sights, smells and vibes of the Yucatan are spiritual - and get your nerves and mind racing.  It's a trip.  A beautiful place, but pay attention !

After all that energy expired . . . we ate and drank like kings.  Mayans know how to eat, drink and celebrate life. This land is . . . "Where the Sky is Born."

We will be back.  If someday I just disappear - you may come find me (if you're brave enough) near the jungles of Coba (pronounced Co Baaa) Isla Mujeres, Isla Holbox (Hole Bosh) or just riding up and down the coast on my (now very rusty) Harley WLA stopping to eat fish and drink rum.  Day after Day.