My first birthday away from home felt strange, however I did have a little slice of home with me in Isla Mujeres in the form of my beloved Katie. She even brought me unexpected presents shipped from home, a big fat birthday cake and periodically told everyone we met that it was my birthday, which resulted in constant chorus' of happy birthday in both English and Spanish. As it was not only my birthday but also Katie's last day in the Mex we decided to go on a snorkelling trip which included a fantastic all you can eat seafood lunch. Our guide, who we'd been assured spoke very good English, felt the best response to all of our questions was simply "yes" which resulted in hilarity and giggles for Katie and I; "When is lunch?" "Yes." "How long is today's trip?" "Yes." And most importantly "Could we please have some snorkelling equipment ?" Not an entirely outrageous question considering that was the main orientation of the trip, yet he just stared at us blankly and said yes again. He didn't even seem to understand mine and Katie's hand gesture assisted Spanglish. Still, a fantastic day followed by a fantastic evening which entailed a simultaneously interesting and disgusting birthday concoction made especially for me by the bar tender and another chorus of happy birthday from the salsa band.
The next morning it was time to say bye to the lovely Katie and back at the hostel, brooding a bit and unsure where to head next, a big group of Aussies told me they were leaving for playa del carmen and Isla Cozumel in half an hour and that I should go with them so I packed, had breakfast and tagged along. The main thing I've learnt is that sometimes you have to not think too much about the question and just say yes!