Our time spent in Isla Mujeres was definitely a social adventure and meeting point for many avid travellers... And why not? - Stunning beaches, relaxed atmosphere, sand between our toes, sunshine and great company. A little strip of land 7km long just off the coast of Cancun: this island was the setting for one of the most wonderful and unique experiences of my travels thus far.

After a late night (I think I made it to 1am - which for me is a decent effort) I was still keen on the prospect of getting out of bed early enough to see the sun rise over the Caribbean Sea.

Did it happen? Of course.

It was a stunning morning. One of my favourite thus far. I found a quiet spot along the beach (which wasn't difficult as there were very few like minded individuals) and sat patiently waiting for a spectacular sunrise. Clouds were minimal and those that were there dissipated slowly as the sun broke free and illuminated the once dark horizon.

During this spectacular natural display I was greeted by an elderly local Mexican man who was cleaning the beach of rubbish. He spoke very limited English and, well, I speak very very limited Spanish. (My Spaniah repertoire so far allows me to say yes, no, please, thank you (I sometimes confuse these last two), hello, numbers 1-4 and hot water please room 4 (so the gas can be turned on for a warm shower)). We had a fantastic morning conversing with actions, speaking slowly and demonstrating what we were conveying to each other. I found out all about his family, children, grandchildren, his job (which was to clean a section of the beach owned by a hotel and maintain/look after the unfinished construction of this building site) and his morning exercise/meditation routine.

As I was leaving the beach after a little yoga he asked if i would like to join in with his meditation. While I was uncertain of what this morning of meditation involed, I felt no instinctive threat around this local. I was curious to learn and understand what he did with his day. While putting this story in words sounds extremely dodgy and naive, I can ensure you that at the time is was not. Besides, young women alone in a country they don't know rarely find themselves in strife, right??

We began the meditation process on the beach with deep breathing (eyes shut of course, we didn't need to keep an eye on one another!), then went to level one of this bare-bone hotel construction site to do some more deep breathing, rattle various and carefully sort out shells in our hands listening to the different sounds they made and the waves of the ocean as they hit the shoreline. After beginning to understand this process we then proceed to level two of this architecturally unsound building did the same routine however with different shells and even broader views of the turquoise ocean before us. Level three offered panoramic views of this beautiful coastline as far as the eye could see. We did some more deep breathing and huffing along with stretching, muscle releasing techniques and trust falling activities (the ones where you fall back and hope to god the person catches you). To my astomishment, without a doubt, these techniques actually worked! All the tension from the head, neck, back and shoulders was released! I was practically bouncing off walls with muscular freedom. Something that hasn't happened since my last massage at home (mostly because I couldn't exactly pack my massage lady in my bag - some rubbish about "human trafficking" or what not).

It was one of the most bizarre and completely unexpected mornings. Yet I'm glad I followed my curiosity and gut instincts.

After spending nearly an hour with this dear local it was time to get Marc out of bed and join our friends for a delicious breakfast feast.

A amazing start to a beautiful day.