Cozumel, Mexico

We reached our first port this morning when Viking Octantis docked in Cozumel, Mexico. This was also the first stop on our World Cruise, but we planned to take a different excursion today. Sadly, I had to miss this one since I needed to avoid sun exposure for the next week due to a microneedling process I had done in Colorado. Cosmetic procedures can have their drawbacks.

Welcome to Cozumel

So, Tim set off by himself on the “El Pueblo del Maíz” included excursion to discover ancient Mayan heritage, cooking, and traditions. This was the description:

Journey into Yucatan jungle for an immersive experience of the region's Indigenous Mayan people and culture. You will transfer to Pueblo del Maíz, a park dedicated to telling the stories and traditions of the pre-Hispanic cultures of the Yucatán. Join your guide for a walk among the traditional huts of a reconstructed village, where you will witness ceremonial music and dance performances. You will also have an opportunity to learn traditional crafts or join in a game of pok-ta-pok, an ancient ballgame that was played for sport and to settle conflicts between warring groups. Alternatively, you may choose to join a cooking class to see how tamales-the most sacred food in Mayan culture-are made or observe the process of turning cocoa beans into chocolate. After, enjoy a delicious meal of ancestral flavors cooked in a pib, or buried steam oven, accompanied by refreshing beverages.

When Tim returned to the ship, he told me about his experience at Pueblo del Maíz. He was able to watch the ceremonial dances, see the ballcourt, and learn how cocoa beans are turned into chocolate. I think he enjoyed tasting the final product. The only thing I would not have enjoyed was the heat! We’re back in the tropics!

Here are a few of the photos Tim shared with me.

Ceremonial Dancing

Ballcourt

Turning Cocoa Beans into Chocolate

Viking Octantis

I’m not a birder, but I did catch part of the evening lecture on “Ancient Mariners – The Life of Seabirds” presented by Specialist Dr. John Chardine. I am looking forward to seeing penguins.