It wasn't an immersion as much as it was an excursion.
The sun beamed down on my forehead, but it was comfortable. Overlooking the beach was the concrete shadows of hotels upon hotels that stretched for miles and miles, posting their well to do manicured lawns boasting one superiority in luxury awards than their neighbor.
You need a taxi...Where you going, let me take you? Taxi amigo? Taxi my friend? If I needed a taxi, let's just say I knew there were plenty on offer as there is no shortage of idle men sleeping, loitering waiting for business to be picked up...literally. It's disheartening to walk by them. To imagine everyday could be like this. The street market census was no better, each jockeying one another to see who can rip you off the most. They all sell the same merchandise, and insists they are giving you the best price. $30 dress , but "don't tell my boss I give it to you for $25 right now show me the money. I barterred him down to $13, which I still feel was too much, but I understand they too must make a living.
In the evening I passed by these 2 women every night on my way to get supper, selling garments and rif-raf not worth a peso, let alone a glance, but it was the desperation in their eyes that got to me. Insisting I should look at their merchandise, I learned to say no, politely, but eventually guilt can move a man to do things. A dollar for your effort, and no more. I felt I had paid her to not bother me on my stroll. She didn't the next day, or the day after . Money speaks louder than words. I would say though, that they are a proud people -- whose hard work and joyful nature permeates to one another.
I took a ferry boat to 'Isles Mujeres,' which roughly translates to 'island of women.' It's about 5 miles long and on the south end lies a reef where I told snorkeling was a must. I had planned to go by foot to the north side, but again, the echo of "need a taxi" was never to far out of ear shot. "How much it would be to go to the south end?" My bargaining skills were poor, as I started out way too high, and offered to pay him $9 for a fairly short ride. Upon the end of our journey and arrival to the reef, I realized I had just $9 dollars left and a credit card. This was a dilemma. Knowing I would need to get back cashless, cause there is no way I was swiping my card in any cabs slot. I made a deal with the driver to come pick me up at 3pm, and I would figure it out then. The beach was short, and I started my snorkeling adventure with my mini-muvi camera. My fascination with the water and what lies beneath is only highlighted by the pure enjoyment I find in being in a niche, an ecosystem of fascinating creatures. Yes, there is life in the ocean water as it carries you, edging you to go further and deeper to explore it's inner secrets as if it's shores were just a tasteful appetizer to the entree that awaits.