Back for more about Mexico, are you? Let’s get on with it, then. Here are the remaining 5 things I loved most about this year’s trip.

• The snorkeling. Like last year we visited Yal-Ku lagoon in Akumal. I was a little more confident in my snorkeling abilities and we snorkeled for a longer time than before. And we got there early so it was much less crowded. We saw loads of fish and really enjoyed the time there. We had lunch at the little cafe (a truly awesome veggie burrito for me and a hamburger for Dale that came loaded with cheese, bacon, and a slice of ham [weird, right]) and wandered around through the gardens, too. After we left we both realized that we should have stayed even longer and gotten back in the water and maybe even rented one of the private thatched roof huts, too. Things to remember for next time!
• The hammock. We ended every evening swinging together in that hammock, me sipping tequila and Dale a cerveza. It was the perfect time to reminisce about the day, talk about what we wanted to do the next day, and just be together listening to the waves.

• The ruins. Last year we visited the ruins at Coba and they were massive. And overwhelming. This year we stuck close to home and literally drove up the road 10 minutes to the ruins of Tulum. They overlook the beach and they are gorgeous. Everything is out in the open so you can really see the layout of the city as it was and we really enjoyed that. There is a gorgeous beach there and at the end of your tour you can walk down a really large flight of stairs and swim. I would definitely enjoy visiting these ruins again.
• The prices. While we found that prices had increased since last year we still find this a remarkably cheap place to visit. Air fare is expensive for us because it’s school vacation week but the hotel is reasonable and the food and drink prices are fairly low. As in, we could go out for a really nice dinner at a restaurant right on the beach with wine for me and beer for Dale and it was the equivalent of $60 USD with the tip. Souvenirs are also pretty reasonable and some things were even cheaper at the airport – which is unheard of here in the US. We’re not so good at haggling but we tried.

• The beach. I saved this for last because it’s my favorite thing of all. I love the beach at home but the beach in Tulum is a gazillion times better. There are palm trees that provide wonderful shade. The sand is incredibly soft and white. The ocean is blue and turquoise and green and it’s warm and wonderful. There is bar service (!!) and food service and you can also purchase trinkets and cigars and fruit from the locals who walk the beach all day selling their wares. Women can go topless and no one stares or makes you feel uncomfortable, it’s just accepted. I read and I knit and I gazed at the ocean. I napped and I chatted with Dale and I drank cerveza and margaritas and ate quesadillas and I never ever got tired of it. It was steps from our room and it was amazing and perfect and probably my favorite place in the whole world.

And there you have it. I hope you enjoyed reading (and seeing!) my favorite things from this year’s trip.