We’ve had driving rain here on and off today, starting early during the night and breaking up the sunshine often. I knew it would be the rainy season when I arrived, but I didn’t know the extent of it.
Tulum Beach Just Before the Storm Hit
In Vancouver, it rains regularly but doesn’t often storm. In the last couple of days in Tulum, I’ve seen what real rain looks like (and sounds like).
I decided that today was the day to make my way to Tulum Pueblo, what is known as the “town.” I began on my 3 km walk along the side of the road, prepped with sunscreen, bug spray and the advice that I was to walk only on the shady side of the street to prevent sunstroke.
Five minutes along, two European men drove up and asked if I needed a ride to town. Great, I thought, I’ll walk it back instead. They were taking the month to travel around Mexico and balked at the high prices in this area (and all along the Mayan Riviera) compared to the west coast of the country.
Unfortunately, they weren’t very happy with their hotel, which was right next door to where I’m staying, at the Cabanas Copal, either with the restaurant or the accommodations, so I wasn’t able to pry any good info from them.
They dropped me at the far end of town and continued on to a place for brunch, what their hotel called “the best.” As soon as my sandals hit the ground, the rain started. It went from zero to 70 (in other words, there was a lot of it!) in all of 10 seconds, soaking me to the core.
I made it about two blocks before seeing a few locals sitting underneath a hut-like shelter on the side of the road. I joined them for the next half an hour as the rain fell with the enthusiasm of little kids in puddles. The roads quickly flooded and most pedestrians found shelter to wait it out.
Eventually the rain let up and I made my way through town. A few shops and restaurants peaked my interest (and made me realize how expensive it was, comparatively, at my hotel), but otherwise I walked through without much stopping. It took me an hour to get back to Cabanas Copal and I was actually glad the rain had cooled the air down.
Hitting the beach with another travel writer I met yesterday, the sun shone warmly as the clouds groaned in dissatisfaction. I had enough to time to swim and chat for about 45 minutes before my gut told me to get inside.
Into the shower I hopped, trying desperately to get the trickle of water to be more like the powerful rain outside. No luck, but better than yesterday (it actually even turned warm for a moment). Then I heard the now-familiar sound of the wind kicking up and the downpour begin to smash into the roof of my hut. Here we go again.
Copyright 2008 Lori Henry
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