Costa Maya, Mexico – Stop #3

We have a winner. T from Veggie Love correctly guessed our stop today, Costa Maya, Mexico.

And although Emily wasn’t right about our destination, she WAS right that we’re on a cruise. I’m guessing it was the “days of the week” signs that gave it away. ;)

When we woke up this morning, we were just pulling into Costa Maya. It is vastly different than Cozumel was. Costa Maya is much more of a resort-type town, while Cozumel was more grittier. The water is amazingly clear; I could not get over how picture perfect it was.

The Husband and The Neighbor did a “swim with the dolphins” excursion this morning, so The Neighbor Husband and I took Nicholas and The Girlfriend into town to check out the sights. As soon as we got off the ship, we spied this:

Barracudas

There are a bunch of stores located right off the pier, selling everything from diamonds and Mexican blankets to pottery and t-shirts. But NO cookbooks! There is a serious niche missing here. Two stops in Mexico and neither had any cookbooks… what’s a girl to do? What’s a cookbook addict to do?

While browsing in the stores, Nicholas and The Girlfriend were moaning for a snack (that’s the only problem with cruises – they get used to eating every two hours ;)). We ended up stopping for the yummiest guacamole I’ve ever had in a restaurant (nothing beats my own, but this was right up there). Delicious, and you certainly can’t beat the view.

Dinner tonight in the dining room was Italian-themed, complete with the waiters serenading everyone at the end of the meal. I had Salmon Risotto to start (excellent) and Garlic Tiger Shrimp with Grilled Vegetables (also excellent). Dessert was a choice between Tiramisu, Raspberry Panna Cotta or Warm Chocolate Cake. The Neighbor got the Warm Chocolate Cake, which she loved, and I got the Raspberry Panna Cotta. It was ok, but not a wow for me. Last night’s dessert, a coffee-tinged Creme Brulee was much better, and I already requested the recipe. I ordered the Tiramisu later with room service, and it was good, very light and airy, without being cloyingly sweet. Nicholas had his requisite cheese and fruit platter. He loves the idea of room service 24 hours a day. As soon as we got on the ship the first day, he asked when the “man was coming with the food.”

For those who were reading my site back in November, you might remember all the towel creatures our attendant would leave on our bed for Nicholas to find every night when we came back from dinner. This trip has been no exception, and I’ll do a round-up of all the animals at the end of the week. If you weren’t reading my site back in November, time to go visit the archives from the middle of the month and check out what you missed!

The Grand Buffet is tomorrow tonight, and since it doesn’t start until after midnight, we’re already planning on taking afternoon naps just so we can stay away long enough to indulge.

OK, last day for clues … tomorrow’s stop is known for its sea turtles and pirates. It has a British Governor appointed by the Queen. First correct guess in my Comments section wins a cookbook.

Until tomorrow…

P.S. If the pictures are not clear, you can click on each individual one to bring it up in Flickr. They’re fuzzy on my computer, but fine in the camera and Flickr, so I’m guessing it has to do with the ship’s connection; not sure.

P.P.S. See second post for today below; it’s a two-for-one deal!