Hurry Up and Wait

Wilma's overhead shot for today.


Plus images of Cancun...

... and Playa del Carmen.


Alas, nothing yet from Cozumel.

Cozumel, Mexico is one of my favorite places to visit. The first time was about 22 years ago. We were on a cruise ship and docked at the old port, out by the hand full of resort hotels. The taxi ride to the town square was $6. There were shops around the square and for about a block each way, most sold silver jewelry or blankets and souvenirs. There was also a flea market style area behind the bank where each friendly shop keeper declared their merchandise the least expensive... "almost free" signs were not uncommon. Everything is a bargain and you bargain for everything. They closed for a couple of hours in the afternoon for siesta.

We went back after dinner that first evening and the locals were gathered in the streets and at the square. Families dressed in white with colorful embroidery accents visited and listened to Mariachi bands. Charming village and charming people. It became a favorite place to visit.

Over the years we have seen many changes. The old port suffered devastating hurricane damage and they build new cruise ship docks closer to downtown. One visit we watched local workers making the bricks by hand to repave the main road. The shopping area has grown and grown now stretching clear back to the port. Not many places close for siestas any more but the old flea market area still boasts their items are "almost free." We visited in February and even though the town has grown it's still warm, friendly and charming.

Another day passes and Wilma seems to love Cozumel as much as we do. Just hanging there beating the shit out of that delightful community. My heart breaks for them.

Here in Florida, we are now in a hurry up and wait mode. It sucks. I look at the storm track and the reconnoissance photos and hear the theme from Jeopardy playing that waiting song over and over and over.....