The Caribbean Sea

After visiting 5 Azteca and Maya temples, visiting four states, 8 cities and traveled more than 2500 km by bus in 12 days is it time to say goodbye.

Bjørn and I have enjoyed the last days of our trip in Tulum after visiting Merida and Chichén Itzá, which is famous for its archaeological site that has the biggest ball court of all Maya cities. It is an impressive site but very touristic in comparison to Monte Alban, the Ruin of Palenque and Teotihuacán in Mexico City. As well was the Cave next Chichén Itzá very touristed.

Before our visit to Merida and Chichén Itzá did we take a stopover in Palenque to see the ruins and to visit one of the famous tourist sites “Aqua Azul”, which is a huge waterfall. A waterfall we wanted to see before we ended our trip in Tulum.

The purpose of our stay in Tulum is not only to see the Caribbean Sea, it is also to see Mexico from another perspective. As we are doing, when we are enjoying the view over the Caribbean Sea, from the Ruin of Tulum, which was the latest build Maya complex before the Spain came to Latin America.

Tulum is mostly famous for its beaches, as the whole coastline from Cancun to Belize, where the Black Whole can be found. Therefore is this destination very popular for Americans and European, which is the reason why Yucatán for some is the synonym of beaches and even the paradise. By using the word paradise in Marketing, does this at the same time mean a different experience as a tourist, since it is possible to pay with US Dollars, and all prices are giving in this currency. Therefore is Yucatán a huge contrast to the life for Mexican we earlier have experienced in Oaxaca and Chiapas.

On the bikes to the Cave

Not only is Yucatan famous for its beaches, it is also well known for its Caves. There are many different caves in Yucatán. They have different sizes and different purpose. The one we are on our way to today is famous for being a cave where you can Swim, Snorkel or even scupper-dive depending on what you are up to. Even though the weather is warm in comparison to Denmark and Mexico City is it still ambivalent as today where it is a cloudy blowing day. Doing the night has it been raining constantly, but the weather does not stop us. We have rented two bikes so we can have the freedom to go where we want when we want.

It is the first time in half a year I am sitting on a bike. The Cave we are on our way to today is “The Gran Cenote”. The Cave is only located around 4 km from our hotel in Tulum. The road is straight and easy. Our only competitor is the wind. After half an hour drive are we arriving, the first view, which we are getting is a whole where the water is located around 20 meters under.

We are changing to bathing suits. The water is cold, but fresh at the same time, when I am getting into it. There is no salt in the water but instead is the water full of different animals, just under me is there a lot of small fish. There is a cave in front of me it looks as a bridge that I can swim though, so I can see the light on the other side.

As we are starting to swim into the cave, can Bjørn and I see that we are not alone. When we are swimming can I see ahead of us a lot of bats hanging with their heads down. Soddenly is one of the bats taking takeoff. It is starting to make circles around the cave. It is just passing by over our heads. I can hear their jelling. It is fascinating and a bit scary at the same time, because here above us is there around 50 bats. Some of them are relaxing others are looking for foot, while we are enjoying the surroundings and the water.

The Turtles

Coming out of the cave can give the filling of relaxing after having bats flying over my head, and with the view of the Tuttle do I start to understand more and more, why this Cave is a good choose to pick. The turtles are having their own corner, from where it is not allowed to swim. It is fascinating to look at this animal that can become so old. The way they move with there small legs coming out of their shield is relaxing to see. As well when their small heads are getting up over the water surface to get air before they start diving again.

The meal at the Caribbean Sea

Time is flying when you are in good company! – For just two weeks ago did Bjørn and I enjoy New Year with Morten & Gaby at a restaurant in Polanco in Mexico City. Now at this movement are we sitting and enjoying a Lobster and Shrimps together at the Caribbean Sea.

We have arranged that before Bjørn and I are splitting up, where he will be going back to Malaysia and I will have the weekend in Mexico City before I will be going to Colombia, do we need to enjoy seafood at the Caribbean Sea. For me is it impossible to be at the Caribbean Sea without enjoying a lobster as I did for two years ago, when I was visiting Cuba. At the beach of Tulum are there a lot of different options for good Hotels and restaurants. Therefor after finding a quiet Hotel with a good view at the Sea, are we ordering a Lobster and Scrimps accompanied with Beers. Even though the skies are cloudy and the wind is strong, is it a beautiful view we are having here at our last day in Tulum and the last day of our trip together in Mexico. It has been a good two weeks travel with my Brother since it is four years ago we have been traveling only us two together the last time, when we where traveling together in Asia, visiting, Hong Kong, China, South Korea, Nepal and India in a month.

Since Bjørn is working do he need to be back to Malaysia Monday morning the 18th of January. Therefore do he need to fly out of Mexico already Friday afternoon since he want to cross the Date-line so he, when he is landing Sunday in Kuala Lumpur can say that he have travelled around the world doing his month of Christmas holiday by flying nearly 40.000 km. His route home is first Cancun to Houston, then Houston to Taipei and finishing with a flight from Taipei to Kuala Lumpur. Personally will I have a much shorter trip, where I will be spending the weekend in Mexico City, before I Monday the 18th of January will be flying to Bogota to explore Colombia. A visit I have been waiting for and been looking forward to in two years.