As my good luck would have it, we pass over Celestun, MX on our way to Cancun. This is the view that has inspired me for 30 years to seek out and explore this small fishing village.

Celestun, MX is a small fishing village on the west side of the Yucatan peninsula opposite of Cancun, MX

Celestun is not an island but the inland river flowing behind the city makes it appear as one from the air.

I once believed the red colored water seen here was pollution but happily discovered late it was red water from the mangrove tree roots.

Today's journey begins as a bargain charter "air-only" package, DFW to Cancun.

The next leg of the journey will be a 45 minute ADO bus ride from the airport to the main Cancun bus station.

Before you know it I am at the Cancun station and discover the next bus to Merida leaves in 30 minutes. Time for a quick sandwich, coke before grabbing the next bus. Mexico has many really nice and comfortable buses.

Next bus leg will be a 4 1/2 hour ride from Cancun to Merida. Mister happy face is jolly to be returning to a place he loves.

All the necessities I need for the long bus rides ahead.

Quick cab in Merida from Primara to Segundo Classe bus station, I learn next bus to Celestun departs in 1.5 hours. For lunch I then go searching for my favorite Yucatan specialty, Poc Chuc.

WARNING: TURN YOUR VOLUME OFF BEFORE CLICKING HERE: Los Almendros (loud music plays when clicking - beware!) I just had to get some of that wonderful Yucatan cooking!

Back at the Merida Segundo Classe bus station, the disrespectful attendant informs that the bus was cancelled; next one is another 2 hour wait.

I am upset by now, as the hotel office in Celestun closes at 10PM and that will put me in town about 10:30 after the 2.5 hour bus ride from Merida that now leaves at 8PM.

So I take a "hit" and absorb a $55 cab ride instead of the $4 bus ticket I normally purchase.

The pain from the deep-pocket peso dive finally eases. I roll down the window, enjoy the "at last" cooling night air along with the scenery. We won't quite make it by sunset but still ahead of when the bus would have arrived.

Of course, the entrapment of being on a bus always makes one realize how good real food will taste when the next opportunity to escape arrives. So after a quick check-in at the Maria Carmen I head to the small downtown square for a beer and tacos.

I am the only gringo in town (again!) so this is certainly fine by me. People stare for a while but then they get back to business. I mind my place and sit quietly while enjoy the local fare with a Negra Modelo on the side.

Next morning, I notice a new sign posted on the beach. No taking a dump beyond this point! You OR the horse!

It's always frightening to anticipate each new wave of the unfortunate rapid Americanization of Mexico. Modernization homogenizes culture at the speed of light. But luckily the new beach sign was the only change here since my last visit.

Yes, the only change! Still nothing going on here but teh sea. Wonderful! Time to settle in!

My hotel, the Maria Carmen, looking backward from the beach.

Looking down the street from the entry way of my favorite restaurant, .Casa Peon

Casa Peon sadly has new narrowed hours of service, reduced from my last visit which was at the peak of tourist season.

Casa Peon has received a very flashy facelift since my last visit. Some clever artist has turned two ugly electric meters into fish eyes.