Guess it's a good thing you aren't from N.O. or the Gulf Coast. I imagine you'd nearly have to hang yourself :11doh:
I have only been to Coz twice. Last year and this year. I decided instead of sending a check to a relief fund, I'd take that much extra cash and hand it out, in addition to normal tipping, as I went, which I did. We had a great time last year and liked the people immediately. We got to see many of the same folks again, this year.
Things were definitely a little different. More bustle with contruction, less cruise folks in town, a couple of fewer bars, some sand on the reefs, a few less fish at spots, some suspended particles (sand?) in the water...
Longer boat rides to some further reefs (I LOVE long boat rides), perfect weather (last year not so perfect), vis is still pretty darn good (likely hard to beat as is), Punta Sur was awesome, clear and colorful (didn't get this last year, so a new adventure), a couple more shore dives (current was more conducive than last year), folks we were with were great (ohhh, same last year, but worth mentioning for me)...
But, I like to backpack in the snow (cold, but no bugs) and ride my bike in the rain in the summer (wet, but cooler)...guess everyone's trade space is a little different...
Of course I know they have a vested interest, but listening to folks that have dove there since the beginning (pics with Jacque, etc.) they seem to think you will be amazed in six months how the reefs have recovered.
Seems like someone with a 20 year history there would have seen changes and storm impacts before...but, then someone that thinks God just took over ownership of the reef and is now manning (godding ???) the complaint window has probably had their attention on something else.
Oh, well, happy to have shared...one more chair on the beach. Adios, Senior.