Date: Valentines 2.14; Blood Alcohol .214

Friday, February 14, 2014
Cozumel, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
Valentine's Day dawned earlier than I would have liked. The reason is either that I almost never can sleep in OR that this is the day of the Cozumel West Side Bar Hop for the Cruise Critic Group.

Knowing that I would not get much exercise today, I was up early and, after coffee, off the ship and off for a walk. Three miles was all I had time for before boarding the bus for the Cozumel Bar Hop, a sold out collective of Cruise Critic persons headed for the undeveloped, un-electrified, un-settled Eastern side of Cozumel; the side that faces the often rough Caribbean Sea.

On this day of beautiful sunshine and calm weather, the waves were not a factor as much as was the alcohol consumed at the four sand-floored bars that hosted our group of 41 intrepid drinkers.

From a bar whose name I cannot recall to Coconuts to Playa Bonita to Libertad En El Paraiso Raggae Beach Bar, we received one signature drink and then whatever else we wanted to buy for the remainder of approximately an hour at each venue. Suffice to say that, even with warnings to "pace yourself" from our hosts, Doug and Sylvia (and driver Santiago), the end of the day was, for many, drunker than they had perhaps intended.

It was a beautiful day with smooth roads and smooth tequila and smooth tunes.

Each venue had its own persona but they all shared a spirit of camaraderie and fun and excess. Margaritas on the East Side seem to be more potent that they are elsewhere. Shall we say that the ride home to The Epic was a raucus one, punctuated by a bouncing beachball and overly loud music. A good time was had by all including yours truly who appointed himself unofficial photographer for the group.

Back aboard an hour before “curfew” I opted for a shower and authorship of this.

Tonight the solo travelers have a VIP dinner at Spiegel Tent for Circus Dining. This is “Cirque Dreams and Dinner” described as “opulent eccentricity a la entertainment extravaganza presented by an array of world class talent. Broadway acrobatics, a touch of whimsy and tasteful participation. Enter a world where personality and presentation are served with spectacle and celebration in an unforgettable dining sensation under the first big top at sea.” Interesting, huh?

Then, I have my choice of more Howl at the Moon Dueling Pianos or more Blues Music with Cruise Machine at Fat Cats (remembering to bring my ear plugs). Tomorrow, the final day of this cruise, is a sea day so there is no pressure to be anywhere or do anything at any time at all.

Comments

Marie-Pier
2014-02-15

Ha ha ha I imagine!

2025-02-12

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