Exploits of a Vegan Wannabe

We are home from our first all inclusive trip to Cozumel. I have missed writing and am happy to have my laptop in my lap again. I kept a daily log so I could share some of the mayhem and joy of the past week with you.

Day 1.

Fresh squeezed juice bar at the breakfast buffet  including carrot, beet, watermelon, papaya and honey dew…the list goes on and it changed daily. I’m going to love it here.

Snorkeling right off our beach on the protected reef -I saw a grandfather sized lobster, Parrot fish, Sergeant Majors and Queen Angels

Just the two of us sailing on a 18 foot Hobie Cat

Archery Tournament that Sandy Won.  It was the first time either of us had ever picked up a bow and arrow. It was so fun. That night in the theater amidst a shower of applause, Sandy  was awarded a certificate and a large plastic beer bong. I’m not kidding.

Saw a humming bird on the Bougainnvillea  bush/tree outside of our room. Saw him and his friends everyday after that right outside our door. Amazing.

3 Mojitos, Vodka Sea Breeze and 1/2 of a Cerveza at the pool bar. The all inclusive concept is sucking me in. The mini bar in our room seems almost unnecessary at this point.

Day 2.

Ocean Kayaking while the ocean was still. I have never actually seen water this color.  No need for a glass bottom boat today.

Sailed our Hobie Cat. It appeared as though no one else at the resort was in the mood to sail because we had the boats all to ourselves the entire  week. Yay!

Lost count of liquor consumption. They should warn you of this when you check in to an all inclusive. You will likely need rehab when you return home. A strange phenomenon occurs when I am presented with something “complimentary” because it makes me want it that much more. Why of course I would like a freshly muddled Mojito for my walk to breakfast. Why wouldn’t I?

Got the most beautiful henna tattoo across the back of my neck from an artist at the resort as I sat on the beach with my toes in the sand.

Day 3.

Severe allergic reaction from most beautiful henna tattoo. Skin purging dye in a bad way….now looks like bizarre scarification marking.

Sopapillas (crispy flour tortillas dusted in cinnamon and sugar) at breakfast. Fresh limes halved and stuffed with sweetened, lime scented coconut. I’m never leaving.

Snorkel trip on a 70 foot catamaran. Two reefs-tropical fish I have never ever seen like French Angels, Rock Beauties, Rainbow Wrasse and six sea turtles ranging in size from watermelon to coffee table. Simply amazing.

Dinner reservation at El Serape on the resort. Fresh Jicama with lime, Radish Cilantro salad, Beets with Grapefruit. Tamarind, cayenne tamales for dessert. Is this a vegan resort?

Day 4

In a Hitchcock like scene, the scary black birds in our open air dining room ate my plate of tropical fruit as I lusted over the juice bar. That will happen only once.

20 minute ride to town for shopping.

Had margaritas and unforgettable guacamole at the same restaurant we ate at ten years ago. Very cool.

Found a man and his wife that were painting the most elegant hollowed out wooden bowls and pottery. Gave them many pesos for their exquisite work. Found the exact silver jewelry I was looking for, then made deal with Sandy that instead of either or…I would get it all and not get a T-shirt. Score.

Hailed a cab like a native New Yorker and accurately conveyed my wishes in Spanish.

Over- served at pool bar in an attempt to catch up on pool time after spending afternoon shopping.

Long recovery nap in room.

Breathtaking sunset followed by Asian night at the buffet. Yay! Veg fried rice fixes all things.

Day 5

Windless sailing trip. At first bobbing in the crystal clear blue ocean was relaxing until thoughts of Roy Scheider and Richard Dreyfus hunting a now infamous shark and dying of thirst began to cloud my mind. Just as we caught some wind a giant sea turtle the size of my old Volkwagen Cabrio surfaced directly in front of our boat. Seeing him was worth our four very sunburned legs.

As we walked down the dock back to the beach I looked down and saw a baby shark swimming in a foot and a half of water. It was the strangest thing I have ever seen. He was as opaque gray and scary as any shark on television, just in miniature. My first thoughts were…where is his mother and then… I am so glad we are off that sailboat.

Fruit sushi at lunch. Sticky rice soaked in coconut milk and rolled with fresh fruit.  How many of these can fit in our mini bar if I take out all of the beer and bottled water?

Archery win for me. I am Katniss Everdeen.

Nighttime soiree on the beach with steamy Latin music, fire dancers then a saucy Conga Line. Way more fun in a country where no one knows you.

Day 6

Mad rush to photograph all the beautiful and exotic things we have enjoyed seeing everyday since we arrived.

Long pool day trying to wrap my mind around leaving.

Desperately trying to hatch a plan to never leave.

Last archery tournament. We came in second and third to an actual bow hunter. Evidently he took down an elk with one arrow. He can now add beating the two of us in the Iberostar archery tournament to his list of accomplishments.

First real shower in two days. I had been living in the pool. My hair is like straw but I have a great tan.

Last dinner in buffet. I eat as much guacamole and coconut stuffed limes as I can handle.

Day 7

Last breakfast in Cozumel. Eat as much fresh papaya as my belly will hold then go directly to the pool to swim for my last two hours.

Shopping spree in Cozumel airport. I am desperate now and sad enough to buy anything I can get my hands on. I buy $25 in Mexican, vegan dark chocolate bars, Mexican vanilla powder to  sprinkling on everything in sight and a bottle of Mexican vanilla to replace the expensive one that was just confiscated going through security.

On the plane. Favorite  airplane meal, 1/2 Valium and gin and tonic.  As we make our ascent into the sky I look down at the crystal blue waters of Cozumel  and  give great thanks  for one of the most exciting, unexpectedly vegan, rejuvenating and fun weeks I have had in a very long time. Cant wait to go back.

Have a delicious day.

Tags: 30 day challenge, compassionate eating, dairy free, going veg, plant based diet, trying vegan, vegan challenge, vegan experience, vegan wannabe