Isla – day whatever you want it to be
Okay, so I rented the golf cart yesterday and drove that thing around all damn day. I was one tired, grimy, gritty, sweaty gal when I parked it in front of my hotel…especially considering that I would stop and walk around and take pictures, etc., etc., in addition to just driving it around. Have I already mentioned that it’s hot down here?? Well, it still is. Hardly a cloud in the sky and intense heat every single day I’ve been here. I keep hoping for just one day of cloudy skies or rain, but I don’t think it’s going to happen. Anyway, I took a boatload of pictures, so I’ll divide them up into sections of the other parts of the island.
Here’s my spiffy little ride. I’ll have to say the steering was a little (actually, a lot) loose and I felt like it kind of had a mind of its own as to where it wanted to go. I quickly learned that I needed to sit on a towel because the back of my legs are sunburned and getting up off the vinyl seat after my thighs glued themselves to it in 100 degree temps…well, you probably get the picture…and it’s not a pretty one.
Here’s another map of Isla and the black line is where this blog post will cover.
I started out with breakfast at Barlito’s. They used to be located downtown, but they recently moved to a mid-island location with the hotel Marina Paraiso. It’s a long walk from downtown, so it’s best if you have some kind of transportation…specially when it’s 200 degrees outside. It doesn’t look like much from the street, but when you get to the back, it’s literally a little oasis. I was really surprised.
The restaurant looks over an infinity pool…
And here’s the back of the hotel. It’s a very peaceful, quiet sanctuary and I would definitely consider staying here in the future. The prices are really reasonable, as well.
Here’s my bagel. It was really good, but I could only eat half of it. It’s definitely enough for two people.
I had an audience the whole time I was eating. He would literally not stop looking at me. I’m thinking he was asleep…I hope.
Back into the golf cart. I drove down a side street not far down from the restaurant and found these new condo units. They are right next to local houses with no sea views. I’m really curious as to what they look like inside and how much they go for.
Now we’re going along the left-hand side of the black line of the map starting at the top. This area is where some of the big, expensive resorts are. Here’s one of my favorites because I think it really is a beautiful little spa-like hotel. It’s called the Villa Rolandi.
There’s a pier across the street where boaters and dock and come ashore…
I want this boat.
It definitely has that Caribbean flair to it and I love the stained glass.
The grounds are meticulously kept up…
The beach area is small, but it’s nice…
The pool…
And all the flowers are so pretty…
By the way, I asked the desk clerk how much a single room was going for and she said $345.00 per night. Whoa. That’s $310.00 more a night than I’m spending at my place…big difference.
On with the tour. Towards the end of the road, there’s a place where you can swim with the dolphins. I’m not sure it’s still in operation…I didn’t see anyone there, but maybe I drove by there too early.
And here’s the end of this direction of the road…which leads to another resort. They keep most of these high-end resorts very private. I guess you can’t get in unless you have a reservation.
So I turn around and go back up the road towards the opposite tip of the island. I just took random pics along the way. This road has a collection of homes and lodging and sometimes it’s hard to tell one from another.
Just a random pic…I liked the blue door against the flowers.
Unless something needs an explanation, I’m just going to post pictures as I was driving by.
This guy built this island that is floating on plastic bottles and he actually lives there. Crazy, huh?
This is Zama Beach Club…a place where you can just hang out and swim and eat.
Again…very spa-like and peaceful.
I thought you had to pay a fee to hang out here, but the manager told me you just need to purchase dinner while you’re there. I didn’t see a menu, so I don’t know how expensive that is, but it sure is pretty. I love these floors!
Just up the road are some condos that have a very pretty setting. I love the driveway with the grass coming up between the blocks.
Very peaceful and quiet…
More random shots driving up the road…
This is a huge complex in the process of being built. I drove by around 10:30 and no one was working. I hope this isn’t another instance of bad planning where it’s just going to stand there for years with no end in sight. It looked kind of desolate.
I saw a lot of these signs on the way. If anyone wants to buy a space on paradise, there’s a lot of homes and lots available.
Then we get to Garrafon Park. Everyone who drives by here has to stop and take a picture because the hues of the water are so breathtaking.
There were lots of zip-liners today…
And lots of snorkelers and kayakers…
Tomorrow I’ll cover Punta Sur (the very eastern tip of the island)…and after that, the nitty gritty of the real Isla. Stay tuned!
Isla – day whatever
I’m sorry…what day is it again?? Okay, so I’ve been lax in the postings…call me guilty. I have a confession to make. I’ve gotten totally into John Grisham books (I know, I’m WAY behind on that), and cannot put them down. Right now, I’m on “The Firm.” You’ll notice my Kindle in a lot of pictures. (Thanks, Sarah.) But I’m on vacation, right? And it’s a two-week vacation at that. I can do what I want, right?
So, on that note, I’ll post some of the few pics I’ve taken in the last couple of days. I’ll start with a few that I took with the GoPro camera my son loaned me. It’s a strange little camera and really tiny.
It takes strange pictures, but they’re kind of cool. Here’s my beach day with a Margarita.
A boat…
These would be my legs…not some random stranger’s.
I plan on using this more when I go snorkeling or swim with the whale sharks or whatever.
I went for breakfast at Muelle 7 yesterday and it was a good choice. This was my view.
I got the Huevos Divorciados and it was delicious. That means “divorced eggs” for those of you who aren’t familiar…eggs served with green sauce and red sauce. Even though it may look a tad strange, it was really good. There was toast in the turquoise basket which helped to sop up the eggs and sauces. Muy bueno.
More random water shots…
I think that’s a fish in there…
I noticed there are a lot more musicians on the island on this trip. There didn’t used to be any, but now they come around on the beach and in restaurants, and ask if they can play for you…for money, of course. Um…I don’t think so. Not when I’m busy reading John Grisham.
Dinner last night was at Bally Hoo when we were watching the World Cup between Mexico and the Croatians. This was the Thai Shrimp. Excellent. I have a habit of not being able to finish meals on Isla because of the heat, but I ate all of this.
Once again…that wonderful view.
For breakfast this morning, I went back to the loncherias. These are authentic Mexican eateries and have been run by local families for years. You can’t get a better deal than this.
I chose Tacos Tumbras this time.
I got the Huevos Mexicanos. I always pay in pesos but it came to about $3.00 in USD…you can’t beat that! I love the tablecloths in the loncherias.
Two more food shots. Lunch today at Brisas Grill. Pizza…too much to eat at one sitting. Luckily, I have a fridge in my room, so I took half home for leftovers.
And dinner at Rolandi’s. Meh. I’ve made better at home. Not worth the price.
So, tomorrow is golf cart day…yay!! I’ve been assigned to take lots of pictures, so it will be a full day. Stay tuned!
Isla – day tired
You’re asking what is “tired” in Spanish? Is that some kind of weird day of the week? No, it’s Deb spent the day at the beach and is way too TIRED to do a post tonight. I will post, however, that the Mexicans beat the Croatians tonight in the World Cup, so I (along with the rest of the island) was very happy to see that. You go, Mexico.
Random Travel Musings 