The first to days of our Oct. vacation had me questioning the wisdom of planning any more future visits to the island this time of year. This mainly stemmed from aggravations from the occasional rains and port closure on our first day of diving due to vague explanations; second day diving delayed until harbor master was greeted by protesters and dive ops demanding a logical explanation of port closures. Viola, port was left opened for the remainder of our vacation. Despite some occasional heavy downpours, diving was wonderful. Actually my husband and I both came to the conclusion that this was some of our best diving in Cozumel since we started in 2007. Numerous nurse shark sightings, including a very close encounter at Cedar Pass. Abundant splendid toadfish and turtles. Two eagle rays sightings. Healthy population of grouper and eels. Definite decrease in lionfish sightings. I realize how fortunate we are to have Cozumel so close to home. I talked to many who had to endure overnight stays etc. to dive the island.
The Highs:
Bottom Time Divers. We got to dive our own profiles, those who ran low on air ascended while others could max their bottom time. Long surface intervals at beach clubs. Raul the owner and dive master was amazing at finding critters from sleeping sharks to pipehorses.
Condo at Residencias Reef. We have stayed there three other times, but this was the first time in unit 6200. Loved everything about it.
Thirsty Cougar. Despite being on the main road with all the cruise ship shops. Mojitos are some of the best that I have consumed. Food was delicious with a good amount of spice.
The Pub. Who knew chicken pot pies could be so tasty?
Del Sur. Hubby and I shared a steak and empanadas. Always great food and service.
Guidos. Always a consistently tasty night out. I could live on their caprice salads.
The lows:
La Mission. I loved the Parilla Mission and since they closed decided to give their sister restaurant a try. Big disappointment! The only thing missing was a plastic tray and food scooped up by hairnet clad cafeteria workers. Bland, bland, bland.
La Cocay. Hearing nothing but rave reviews about this place I was eager to give it a try. The food was okay but unremarkable. I was put off by the surly waiter who issued a heavy sigh and eye roll when one person in our group ordered a salad as his main course. Condescending and dickish throughout entire dinner.
The Abysmal:
Flying into DFW. Went through kiosk to have passport scanned. Husband and I got a big fat 'X' on our receipt. Ordered to stand in another line. Bad enough that line was long and snaking around, butnobodywas manning the booth. We stood there for 30 minutes before a single worker opened up his station. Customs and TSA was another nightmare. I ended up sounding like John Mcenroe by bellowing "you cannot be serious!" when encountering yet another obstacle through our tax dollars hard at work. We made it to our connecting flight by the skin of our teeth. I though Miami airport was bad, but DFW just beat them hands down.