Why Cancun Attracts Americans

Cancun is well-known as that place all the Spring breakers go to for a good time. A good, wild, time. I am sure that such a time could be had there. With all the media and publicity involved, that is. When my hubby and I went, it was cold in the States, or at least in the Virginias. We couldn't wait to find a warm refuge in Mexico and have some good fun in a foreign country. It was definitely exotic and welcoming.

As we landed on the island's strip we noticed a change. The bus to transport us to the hotel strip was kind of poor looking and old. The Mexicans greeted us with tequila and smiles. We learned Spanish on the way to our hotel. People smelled of sweat and alcohol. Great times.

As soon as we got to our hotel it was like we were royalty. Our luggage was toted everywhere for us at anytime. We felt grateful because we were both excited and tired. Our hotel was a five-star, the Grand Oasis. It was immaculate. Everyone was friendly when they found out we were not only from America, but lived near Washington, D.C. It was comical but sweet. I enjoyed the pleasant dispositions of our hosts and was generous with my tips and thank-yous.

The food was absolutely unreal. It was the best food I have ever savored and it was always the real thing. Everything was prepared in front of us, the exact way we wanted it. I woke up one morning, went for my daily run, and requested an omelet with all the amenities. Boy, was I pleased. There were juices I have never tasted or heard of before. Fruits were colors I have never seen before, and the aroma in the outside cafes was intoxicating.

As for intoxicating, the drinks were found at every corner. Our pools had swim-up bars with tequila sunrises and pina coladas and miami vices. It was incredibly satisfying to lay out, tan without the scorching American sun (the sun is kinder there and the tan is far more beautiful!), and sip on any number of icy beverages that caused you to relish each moment of that day.

Because everyone stayed sunny and warm there was an amazing social network going on. My husband and I made friends in every bar and restaurant. Our conversations wandered way beyond that of what was going on in our tiny hometown back home. It was refreshing and unforgettable partying.

The taxi buses had people get on and sing for money. Our ride to Senor Frogs or the mall or Hard Rock was entertaining. Entertainment was all around us and even in the local shops outside, people came down on their prices and we came home with a lot of cheap but valuable souvenirs. No price was set in stone as it would be in the U.S. markets.

Local police rode in the back of pickups and beetle bugs were the popular source of transportation. Everyone seemed to drive these little cars and you got the impression that these locals lived on a modest income but that they really lived. They didn't need much money to have a good life and I often felt a bit spoiled when observing them.

Cuban cigars, wow! My husband brought plenty home. Maybe he smuggled them in a way, I remember doing something a bit risky with those things! They had culture in Cancun and took pride in this. It was definitely a place that was addicted to tourism and yet, you felt so unexploited during your stay and upon your departure.

The braids and massages were lovely. The photos and snorkeling. The Mayan ruins and the night dances. The regal hotels and the crazy guests. The exotic animals and exotic bars. The friendlies and the tourists. The late nights and the rejuvenating sunshine the next morning. How we hated to leave. It was an overcast day our last day there and it still was sad to fly away over that ocean back to our home. I miss it, but we are anticipating a trip in 2010. November, again. By the way, that's the best time to go--if you can bear to miss hunting season in the States!