CANCUN
It’s 6:30AM and we just awoke to another morning of sunshine, bird calls and crashing surf along the Mayan Rivera about an hour from Cancun, MX. Although with a good measure of guilt, Erv and I have enjoyed this week’s resort vacation. Everywhere we’ve been met with warmth which emanates from the people as well as the tropical sun.
It is undeniable that tourism has sustained and improved the lives of many, but the local economy’s dependance upon the decadence of wealth is troubling. Additionally, as the area’s resorts grow, the environment is compromised. Huge swaths of mangrove forests/jungles that secure the coastline have been bulldozed for the towers and beautifully manicured gardens of the resorts which also use immense amounts of water in thousands of rooms, each with Jacuzzi and daily linen changes.
The focus of the week was relaxation and warmth but we enjoyed a few excursions as well. Taking the ferry to Cozumel we were surprised and delighted to find Carnival in progress; snorkeling we discovered colorful fish and corals; and touring an ecological center with a guide who obviously loved the plants, birds, fish, animals and reptiles in his charge we learned several natural remedies derived from plants growing in this part of the Yucatan. All in all, a good week and good preparation for our next stop in frigid Nebraska where we will again serve as Rowe Sanctuary guides for the massive central flyway migration along the Platte River.
