My Life

Two days ago I messaged Maria to tell her I would return on April 13th to buy more bracelets. She informed me that she would be going home to Chiapas on the 11th, and could I come on the 10th. I had plans with Virginia for a glamour party on the 10th so I said I would just come on the 8th.

Yesterday I left for Cancun around 9am after chatting and catching up with Jerry, who was still at the Mayan Monkey. I had requested that they put me back in my same room and bed so it was nice to see a familiar face. There is a new large group of kids herein this room all about 20 years old and they are loud AF. They like to drink in the room and party in here, inviting all sorts of strangers to come in and hang out. It felt like I was at a high-school party again. They didn't want to pay for the drinks at the bar so they used one of their lockers as a bar and made drinks out of it. I find them quite annoying and am really looking forward to their departure. It's really annoying that there is always a group of 10 people crowded around the lockers blocking them, the bathroom area, and the door in and out of the room. I just wish I could have an equally annoying tactic for them to experience.

I arrived in Cancun and locked my belongings in their storage, ate at the little Cafe next door some chorizo con queso. guacamole, and chicken soup with white rice. I was really hungry! It had rained and alot of the streets flooded a foot or more, I drove through them hoping that my rental car would survive all the water, and thankfully, it did.

I headed over to Mercado 28 to find my bracelet girls from before. I bought some from the wandering women who carry them. and I searched and searched for Lucy and Pao, the short young girls who I bought tons from last time I was in Cancun. I walked and walked, and kept passing the same people, it was like I was stuck in a loop even though I had intended to make zig zags throughout the mercado! It became quite hilarious actually, as I continuously said "Hola!" to the same people as I chuckled at myself.

I finally found them, and they were right by where I started, only a few hundred feet to the left of the entrance I chose. So funny that it took me hours to locate their stand. When they saw me they got very very excited, and I knew we would have a fun business exchange again. I asked if they had any more bracelets since last time, as all I saw on the table were the same ones I left behind before. Lucy said she had some, but they were in her room. I asked if I should come back tomorrow, and they said no, I can go now and be back in 10 minutes! Pao offered me a seat and we waited together. The man who owns the jewelry store across the way came over to greet me, he helped us alot with translation during our first go around on the 29th, and was incredibly sweet. So we chatted and waited for Lucy to come back. She was running like there was fire chasing her! I told her no necesito, no rapido, relax!

She brought tons of beauties for me to choose from and I spent about $400 with them this time. We took selfies and exchanged contact information, they, too were going to head back to Chiapas soon, and said I may not see them next time. But I will certainly try! It was about 530pm when we finished our bracelet deal, and all that shopping made me very hungry. So I went to see my favorite bartender at Selina.

He is a sweet small but fit man from Texas of Mexican descent. I ordered a margarita and drank it while meeting a couple others at the bar. I wanted to order food but the kitchen was not ready so I waited, had my "Welcome Drink," which is some weird green cocktail that was at best, okay tasting. My bartender had never charged me for a drink before, and I said goodbye I'm going to meet Maria around 730, and he said bye, like no problem. I tipped him, and left.

When I made it to Tulipanes Street to meet Maria, she was not there, but her friend (sister?) was, and she was ready to help me with my bracelets! Maria was on her way from Playa Del Carmen, apparently. I bought tons from her, and needed to go to an ATM. When I returned, her friend showed me this other style of bracelet as well, which I do not love as much as the original style I was buying up all over the place, but I got curious and decided to buy some from her as well, partially to show gratitude for her assisting me with the sale from Maria.

I came back to drop off the first haul of bracelets at Selina, and my bartender buddy asked me sort of accusingly if I had paid for my drink. I said, "Nope." and he said, "OK, well do you mind taking care of that now?." I said, "Sure, no problem!" and he asked me to walk around to the computer to pay it. I felt very attacked, like I was the one doing something wrong. 😔 It left a bad taste in my mouth.. he was the one breaking the rules, and then came at me like I was trying to steal, but he was giving the drinks to me! Ew. I happily paid for my drink to his boss no problem. I have no problem paying for my drinks but if a bartender wants to buy them or not charge me or whatever... then whatever!
I went back to see Maria's sister, Veronica, and I chose 320 of her bracelets and then also bought all of her hat bands and belts of the similar style. I even bought one of her handmade stuffed animals for Marissas new baby girl who is on the way! It was a successful transaction, and she said they could meet me tomorrow night with even more bracelets. I told her I would not be here at night, but could meet them in the morning! She agreed and we planned to meet at El Arca de Noe, or Noah's Ark. It is a store very close to the ADO bus station and right by my hostel.

We said goodnight and I went walking around the Parque de las Palapas to experience it on a Friday night. It was absolutely booming with energy of locals cutting loose and having a great time. Tons of food vendors and crafts people set up booths, there were children's carnival rides, 1-hour massages for 300 pesos(!), and little electric toy cars that about 40 children were driving around the center of the park in. I ordered a chorizo quesadilla and it was phenominal! Then I had Dulce de Leche cheesecake that I ate some of on my walk home. I gave the rest to my French roommate, "Didi" and he enjoyed it. I retired into my bunk for the deepest sleep.Read more