Cozumel: A Day in the Life

Parking lot in Cozumel with great paint colors outside

I have lived in Cozumel for over 11 years. I love Cozumel. It is not only a great cruise ship port; it is a place with a large ex-pat community, friendly locals, clear crystal waters and great diving. It is a laid back place where flip flops and jeans are our formal wear. Barefoot is our casual wear.

Saturday, I snapped a few photos as I went about my daily routine. The parking lot in the photo above is across the street from where I usually park. It is next to one of my favorite island dogs, who is always happy to give a greeting.

Local dog and very friendly

Favorite parking lot attendant

Feet ... me and parking lot guy, couldn't resist!

The parking lot where I park each day also serves as a carpentry shop and the storage of the Nando hot dog carts. Nando's hot dogs are island famous and delicious .... you can have an especial with mayo, mustard, onion, bacon and cheese wrapped around the dog. But the Nando's locations, like all the hot dog places, are only open at night. We eat our main meal during the afternoon and a lighter meal at night.

Nando's hot dog cart storage during the day

Girasoles Restaurant

Giraoles Restaurant is around the corner and also owned by the same family as the large parking lot where I usually park my car. It is a great place to have breakfast or lunch. I especially like the club sandwich served with fries.

Sol beer truck

 A beer delivery was going on while I walked around taking photos. It was close to one of my favorite benches in Cozumel! Sit down and rest a spell. That is what Cozumel is all about.

Mosaic bench outside dive shop

 

Drottningholm Palace Royal Horses

Drottningholm Palace

This post is neither gargoyle nor graffiti, but about my other favorite thing - animals!

Drottningholm Palace is everything a Palace should be - immense, ornate, grounds to die for and only accessible by boat. It sits on the island of Lovön in Stockholm County, Sweden. It is one of Sweden's royal palaces and the main residence of their King and Queen. 

Moises taking photos of the grounds

I am sure the private residences are more luxurious than the part we got to tour, as the tourist area is pretty sparse. Old palaces tend to be that way. The wonderful thing about this Palace is the grounds and the Royal horses.

Royal horses at Drottningholm Palace

Swedish Royal horse

We took a carriage ride. It meant waiting for over 2 hours to get our turn though - as the horses work for 2 hours, then rest for 2 hours. The young women who take care of and lead the horses are the happiest employees I have ever seen. They regaled us with stories of the goings on at the Palace - when their services were needed for Royal events, and they truly seemed not only in awe of but in genuine like of the Swedish Royal family. The ride was about a half hour back to the Chinese Pavilion. We got out and toured and then made our way back to the Palace. It really was a royal treat.

Chinese Pavilion

Before heading back to the Palace

Gibraltar: Barbary Ape Contest

On my cruise from Barcelona to Dover, our first stop was Gibraltar. As I mentioned earlier, I fell in love with the Barbary apes. I was amazed how different each one looks. They have a plaque with their names on it, and information on the corporation that supplies all the food for them. 

Which Barbary ape do you like the most? I have my favorite and will reveal at the end of the post.

Barbary Ape A

Barbary Ape B

Barbary Ape C

Barbary Ape D - notice he is mimicking her hand movements

Barbary Ape E

My favorite .... another shot of Barbary Ape A

My vote is for this one .... Barbary ape A