Down below, I noticed red warning flags fluttering on the deck railing. On closer study, the ocean was actually jumping with whitecaps. We were prepared for rain but hadn't considered wind. Snorkeling off the hotel deck would be impossible in such strong wind. We'd be bashed into the rocks. I pushed aside the worry. The gusts will calm.
The room was tastefully decorated in dark brown, blue and beige. A split-level design had two steps leading from the bed to a sitting area. Hmmm. The combination of the glossy marble floors and those steps could prove deadly after one too many glasses of champagne.
In the evening we took a stroll and explored the hotel. We sipped piña coladas and peered over the deck at crashing waves. It was not looking good. Maybe tomorrow will be calmer.
With my back to the ocean, I faced the hotel. Guests chatted over cocktails at the warmly lit bar. The lobby and the hotel's three restaurants were all visible through tall windows. Because there was no beach it felt as if we were on an ocean liner. Laughter floated from across the pool. Glasses tinkled and a balmy wind blew strands of hair across my cheek.
I thought of the Titanic.
On Sunday afternoon we wandered through the town of San Miguel and made our way north along Cozumel's coastline to a park. The beach was filled with locals. We sat on a log and watched families picnic. Dads drank beer, moms cradled infants and children threw themselves fully clothed into the warm sea.
When we returned to the hotel we noticed the red warning flags had been replaced with even more serious black ones. The wind had intensified.
The resort offered us two free tours from several options, including the Mayan ruins of Tulum, a glass-bottom boat ride and a snorkeling trip to the national park of Chankanaab.
We picked Chankanaab for Tuesday and the boat ride for Wednesday. Until then we'd read and lounge by the pool.
Poolside on Monday morning, I knocked out a contact lens while putting on swimming goggles. I managed to snatch it up before the strong breeze did.
A lucky break.
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