Re-discovering Myrtle Beach or That one Spring Break or Don't Be a Victim of Winter Weather!

As I wade through the knee deep snow in search of my car, which I can't seem to find, my mind can't help but wander to warmer memories. One memory at the front of my stack of lovely moments, was the cool morning stroll I recently took in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. A few weeks ago, we piled into our family van and took a ridiculously slow (thanks to our nursing six month old) road trip from Brooklyn, New York to Orlando, Florida where my in- laws live.

Since we had the time, and since gas prices are so wondrously low, we decided to drive and help ourselves to side trips since there is so much to do and see off of I-95.

In the past, we've visited Savannah and Charleston, Raleigh Durham and Atlanta, this time Mark made the case for Myrtle Beach. The first and last time I had been to Myrtle Beach it was 1999 and I was on Spring Break. As a nineteen year old, I even remember thinking - yuck!

Myrtle Beach was crowded, it was dirty, it was full of seedy bars and shady people. That Spring Break was a disappointment I was ready to forget.

The hubby however had other ideas. He had never been and wanted to go. Since Myrtle Beach made a reasonable second stopping point after our first break in Washington D.C., I gave in.

I'm kind of glad I did.

Myrtle Beach, during its off peak season, was nicer than I remembered. We found a beautiful hotel and were walking distance from some delicious seafood.

I'm not going to lie, the boardwalk/main drag is still dodgy at best, but the beach, in the still of the morning, with a gentle 60 degree winter breeze is lovely.

The sea grass rustled, the waves crashed, couples walked dogs, my three year old collected shells.

The beach was a surprisingly meditative oasis.

To be fair, the snow on Sunday as it was falling, and even on Monday as it lay shimmering and still, was also quite meditative and oasis- like. Today, as I dig my car out with a dustpan so I can take my little one to preschool, I see little more than a cold and inconvenient mess.

At least I can mentally escape to that morning stroll along Myrtle Beach.

Mother nature, you can freeze my fingers and toes, you can make me slip and slide, but you can't take my memories!

Goddess Ix Chel: Exploring the Mayan Ruins at San Gervasio

Goddess Ix Chel: Exploring the Mayan Ruins at San Gervasio My feet slip, I can't seem to stay on the path. Perhaps I think, perhaps it's best after all to be barefoot.

My heel slips off the sole of my flip-flop, I'm pierced by a jagged rock. I take a moment to make sure I'm not bleeding. All is well, but I'm puzzled- how did the Mayan's function, barefoot, along these narrow jagged paths? Paths that seemed to stretch for miles uphill through dense jungle. There are so many mysteries surrounding the Mayan civilization, I think to myself.

During our recent trip to Cozumel, Mark and I decided to spend some time exploring the Mayan ruins at San Gervasio. This adventure turned out to be the highlight of my trip.

Surrounded by a steamy tropical jungle, full of aggressive mosquitoes and thick, moist air, lies the sprawling site of a series of two thousand year old  Mayan ruins including a temple dedicated to the  goddess Ix Chel (goddess of the moon and fertility).

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I can't tell you how cool it was to be able to experience history in this way.

The ruins at San Gervasio are a true treasure that were discovered by accident. The land that holds the ruins belonged to a wealthy Spanish family. When the patriarch died, the family came to the island from Spain and blasted the land in search of gold. Instead, they found these ancient ruins which they didn't care much for and had no plans to maintain. The government of Mexico stepped in and facilitated a land exchange. In turn for the ruins, the family gained several acres of beachfront property which has now been converted into a successful series of resorts.

Many of the original structures were damaged in the blasting efforts, but what remains is truly remarkable.

It makes one think, how many other Mayan sites are buried beneath the massive estates owned by the early Spanish colonial families. I guess we'll never know.

Visit Cozumel: Six Reasons to Pack Your Bags Now!

Visit Cozumel: Six Reasons to Pack Your Bags Now! In moody turquoise waters, off of the coast of Mexico, there lies a sleepy island sprinkled with fine white sand. Atop a labyrinth of coral reef and beneath the brazen sun, lies the tiny island of Cozumel.

At first glance, non-pretentious, natural, somewhat secluded tranquility with plenty of local charm, Cozumel made me smile.

At second glance, water undulating in the distance, dilapidated cobblestone streets, hammocks swaying over a jagged ivory coastline, motorbike rentals, the astringent odor of tequila, I knew I was in a place I could get lost in.

Lost that is, in a time altering, eye opening, space shifting metaphysical sense.

A mere 33 miles long from north to south, Cozumel's road is an exact loop around the island's periphery, making it pretty difficult to veer off course.

That is of course unless you decide to trek inland without a guide, towards the surprisingly dense jungle and get abducted by a boa constrictor (the island has plenty after two snakes were brought to Cozumel for a movie shoot in the 70's and were set free to multiply). Non-endemic boa constrictors aside, Cozumel meets every expectation when it comes to a sleepy, serene, Caribbean island getaway.

So without further ado, here's my list of reasons to visit the serene island of Cozumel.

6 Reasons to Visit the Island of Cozumel: 1) Cozumel has some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world! In fact, Jacques Cousteau put this island on the map in the touristy sense after exploring the reefs below. Cozumel's reef is second only to Australia's Great Barrier Reef. If snorkeling and diving don't appeal to you, you can always swim with whale sharks (don't worry, these gentle giants are neither whales or sharks, they're actually fish- ginormous docile fish) or dolphins. Whatever your pleasure, Cozumel is bursting with oceanic adventures.

2) Cozumel has a fascinating collection of ancient Mayan ruins! I'm a complete history nerd and I must say, the hours that I spent hiking through the mosquito infested tropical jungle to take in the ruins from the ancient Mayan civilization was my favorite memory from Cozumel. I loved learning about the shamans and musicians in particular whom played an integral role in shaping Mayan society.

3) Cozumel is a wonderful culinary destination! I love Mexican food, it's one of my favorite forms of comfort eating. The fresh ocean inspired Mexican food in Cozumel is some of the best food I've tasted in Mexico. Cozumel is so abundant with fresh fish and seafood, it's a pescetarian's dream!

4) Tequila! I mean, need I say more? I counted three fully operational tequila factories each with their own local spin and flavor. These factories are open for tours where sampling and tasting is encouraged. You can even schedule cooking classes to learn how the locals use tequila infusions to enhance the flavors of their cooking.

5) Cozumel is easy to navigate! As mentioned before the main road on the 33 mile long island is a loop. It is so easy to explore Cozumel on your own. The island is extremely safe and most locals are happy to chat- the majority of whom speak perfect English, if Spanish is not your forte. At the main port, where cruise ships come in, you'll find car and motorbike rentals. Traffic on the island is calm, I definitely suggest making your own adventure out of your trip. Taxis can get expensive, but a motorbike rental is only around thirty dollars a day.

6) Cozumel is a place for simple non-pretentious relaxation! If hammocks on a beach and a cold drink in your hand on a secluded beach is your idea of relaxation, then Cozumel is the place for you. Yes, there are a few resorts and yes, some of them can get busy and touristy, but in Cozumel, there is plenty of space for everyone. For every busy beach, you'll find a quiet one, where you can exist in a secluded state of suspended time. Hello gentle breeze, warm sun, rolling waves...

So there you have it. Cozumel, my friends is a gem. You can do as little or as much as you'd like. You can spend as little or as much as you like. You can stay on mainland Mexico and visit for a day or weekend, or you can fly directly in and spend the week in meditative relaxation.

Whatever your pleasure, whatever your pace, Cozumel, is worth a visit.