During our final full day in Cancun, Andy Hayes and I decided to spend the afternoon on the tiny Isla Mujeres (Women Island). With just 11,000 people living there, it feels like a different world compared to Cancun.

Most people rent golf carts or scooters to drive around all 7 km of the island. As soon as we stepped off the ferry, we were barraged by people waving flyers and shouting, “SCOOTER? GOLF CART? SNORKELING?” Neither one of us trusted ourselves to handle something with a motor, but we kinda missed the golf cart experience once we started walking back to the ferry.

We took a cab to Punta Sur, located on the southern tip and home to the curious Sculpture Garden. In 2001, The Sebastian Foundation created this art nouveau exhibit with artists from Mexico and around the globe, including Jose Luis Cuevas. Its bright colours and wacky designs might seem like a weird contrast against the Mayan Temple, but it’s meant to embody the Yucatan spirit. Modernity meets antiquity, perhaps.

And the Mayan Temple to Goddess Ixchel. Not shown here: man in itty-bitty Speedo. So sexy.

Then we decided to take the coastal walk, and those white-stone paths kinda made me feel like a princess. I’m not sure why, I just feel like white walkways are suitable for royalty.

I have absolutely no idea what these are, but surely these are safe for climbing!

Naturally we stopped for ice-cream and some delicious Doritos.

But our enjoyable snack was interrupted when this guy came along, and then it just became awkward.

On the way back to the ferry, we decided to swing by the turtle farm, where giant sea turtles are guaranteed a proper upbringing free from predators. It should be noted that upon posting this picture, my mother told me that this little guy looks like me when I’m mad. Thanks, mom.

So without golf cart or scooter, Andy and I decided to walk back downtown. It was hot and the walk was long, but we were on a mission. We walked through some interesting parts of town and even acquired a doggy follower who kept glancing at us shyly as if asking, “Is it okay for me to come with you?” Adorable. So were these houses.

And here, abandoned condos everywhere. Oh the things I could do to flip this place!

Naturally, once we got back to the dock, I discovered the freakishly awesome Museo Subacuatico de Arte: the underwater sculpture and art museum. Next time, Isla Mujeres! Next time.