Mexico 2017 Chronicles – Day Eleven: A Bit of Rain Never Hurt Anyone (Much)
A Sunny Surprise After a Soggy Spell
Mexico, darling. A land where the margaritas are cold, the salsa is hot, and even the rain feels a bit flirtatious. After what could only be described as a day of soggy confusion yesterday—honestly, more of a wet blanket than a tropical sprinkle—we awoke to a dazzling sight: the glorious sun, beaming down like it had something to prove.
No alarm clocks required here; just the promise of a new day, dripping in golden light and the gentle scent of the sea drifting through the windows. A quick peek outside revealed that the gloom had taken the day off, leaving us with blue skies and balmy breezes. Not bad for a Tuesday.
It was the kind of morning that practically demands adventure. Or, at the very least, an oversized breakfast.
Breakfast Shenanigans and a Dash of Deep-Sea Drama
As if lifted by the morning’s promise, we managed to haul ourselves out of our hotel (Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya Resort And Spa) bed earlier than usual—a minor miracle given the previous night’s indulgences (and by indulgences, I obviously mean tequila). Still slightly groggy but powered by ambition, we wandered over to the breakfast spread, plates in hand and hunger in our hearts.
Michele, ever the picture of vacation elegance, decided to let the sun do all the work while she gracefully reclined under its gaze—probably with a cheeky novel and something fizzy nearby. Meanwhile, I fancied myself a bit of an aquatic adventurer for the day. Move over Attenborough, there’s a new underwater enthusiast in town.
Clutching my snorkel like a weapon of destiny, I set off on a noble quest: to find turtles. Glorious, majestic turtles. I imagined them gliding through the ocean like slow-motion ballet dancers in shells. Unfortunately, the turtles had clearly not read the itinerary. Despite my best efforts (and some serious flipper flapping), I came back turtle-less.
But all was not lost.
Instead, I was treated to a parade of technicolour fish. Schools of shimmering creatures darted around like living confetti, clearly putting on a show just for me. It felt like I’d stumbled into an aquatic disco—minus the questionable dance moves.
Unexpected Friendships in the Sunshine
The beach was bustling with the quiet hum of SPF 50 suncream lotion (#Ad) being applied and the occasional slap of a flip-flop. As I returned, triumphant in fish sightings if not in turtles, I discovered Michele deep in conversation with a new face: Sharon, a fellow Brit who had clearly mastered the art of poolside banter.
It didn’t take long for us to exchange stories, laughter, and sunscreen tips. Sharon had the effortless charm of someone who’d seen enough travel mishaps to know that the best ones make for the best tales. Meanwhile, her husband Paul had gone rogue—off on his own sea safari.
When Paul returned, he was practically glowing. Not from sunburn, but from success. Not only had he found turtles—yes, the very ones that had so rudely ghosted me—but he’d also had a brief flirtation with a stingray. Apparently, it glided past him like a phantom, full of grace and mystery. I can only imagine it was wearing sunglasses.
Needless to say, I was equal parts envious and thrilled. One can only hope the stingray waved back.
Sips, Snacks and Ice Lolly Surprises
As the sun climbed higher and our suncream (#Ad) gave up the will to live, we took refuge beneath the shade of a large parasol, where Karen—our holiday host extraordinaire—ensured that not a single glass remained empty for long.
Karen, let it be said, has the timing of a magician and the intuition of a seasoned bartender. The woman could sense thirst from fifty paces. Whether it was something chilled, fruity, or questionably boozy, she was always one step ahead.
Then there was Edinson.
If ever there were a man more devoted to his craft of frozen treats, I’ve yet to meet him. Just as we were settling into that delightful post-lunch slump, Edinson arrived with a tray of ice lollies so colourful they could have been designed by a unicorn. Lime, coconut, mango—you name it. He beamed with pride as we tasted our way through the selection.
Honestly, it was enough to make me want to propose.
Tropical Tantrums: Rain, Glorious Rain
Just when we thought we had the whole day figured out—sun, sea, and silly conversations—the weather gods decided to shake things up. Out of absolutely nowhere (and I do mean nowhere), the skies turned sulky and unleashed a torrential monsoon that would’ve made Noah take notes.
The kind of rain that doesn’t just fall; it plummets. Sheets of water poured from the sky like the clouds had sprung a leak. From mid-afternoon right through to the evening, it was like someone had flipped the ‘wet’ switch and walked off.
But did we let it ruin our day? Absolutely not.
While others may have scrambled for shelter in a panic, we took the far more civilised route—retreating to the bar, naturally.
There’s a unique joy to being warm and dry while watching a tropical storm roll in. The sound of the rain drumming on the roof, the flicker of lightning in the distance, and the rhythmic beat of nature doing her thing—it’s oddly hypnotic.
Also, the cocktails helped.
When Life Gives You Rain, Order Thai
As the rain showed no signs of stopping, and the beach became a temporary pond, we decided to swap the Caribbean flavours for something with a bit more spice. Thai food, my dear friends, is the answer to many of life’s rainy conundrums.
Tucked away in a cosy corner of the Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya Resort And Spa was a Thai restaurant with lanterns swaying gently and the aroma of lemongrass in the air. We took our seats, ordered far too much (as is tradition), and tucked in like two people who had survived an emotional tsunami.
Each bite was a revelation—ginger, chilli, coconut milk, and something mysterious I didn’t recognise but devoured anyway. It was warm, spicy comfort in a bowl. The rain outside only added to the drama, making it all feel terribly cinematic.
Bed, Popcorn, and Great White Sharks
You’d think that would be enough excitement for one day. But no, dear reader, we weren’t finished just yet.
With full bellies and the rain still whispering against the windows, we retreated to the sanctity of our room. There, surrounded by fluffy pillows and blankets we definitely didn’t need in this climate, we settled in for a film.
Now, you might think a romantic comedy would be the choice du jour after such a balmy day. But no. We went rogue.
“Jaws II.” (#Ad) Because nothing says “tropical getaway” like a killer shark and a John Williams soundtrack (#Ad).
We munched on popcorn as the tension rose, Michele occasionally yelping and me pretending not to jump every time a fin appeared. Outside, thunder rolled softly, and for a brief moment, it felt like we were on Amity Island ourselves.
It was brilliant.
Rainy Days, Sunny Souls
So there you have it. A day that started with sunshine, detoured through aquatic mischief, embraced new friendships, braved a biblical downpour, and ended with Thai curry and cinematic sea monsters.
Travelling isn’t always about ticking off bucket lists or finding the perfect sunset (though we wouldn’t say no to that). Sometimes, it’s about rolling with the weather, making new mates over cocktails, and learning that a day without turtles can still be absolutely cracking.
As far as we’re concerned, rain or shine, Mexico still holds all the magic we need.
