Chapter 3: Back to square one or how? Welcome back to Mexico!

Hello, it's me again! 2 years have passed since I made a pitiful attempt at a world trip and had to cancel it after 2 weeks, thanks to Corona! Now I'm back at the starting line of my journey, so it's finally continuing!

In the early morning hours of January 23, 2022, my plane takes off for Mexico, Cancun. Thanks to my friend Lou, with whom I will be traveling from March 23rd, I will be comfortably driven to BER Airport by car. A top service, having a friend like that!

Feeling quite tired and a little composed from the farewell, I board the plane. What awaits me? Will I be back home in 2 weeks? Hopefully not! How safe is it really to travel through Central and South America? You can read a lot! Does Corona make traveling possible at all? Will I manage without knowing Spanish? No hablo español! Doesn't matter, I brush away the doubts and glide through the clouds towards adventure!

Many hours later, I land in Cancun. The flight was very comfortable, but the arrival won't be as pleasant. Although we still come out of the plane on time, I wait 2 hours for my luggage. Why is this a problem? Outside the airport, a taxi is waiting for me, which I booked online the day before the trip. Why did I do that? Certainly not for reasons of comfort! It is strongly recommended not to take any of the local taxis from the airport. Although they are very cheap, they are considered too dangerous. There is talk of robbery and kidnapping! I don't want to start my journey in the trunk of a taxi.

The official shuttles are supposed to be safer, but also much more expensive. A 20-minute ride to downtown Cancun costs about 50 €. For me, as a frugal person with a Ph.D., that's way too much. So ordering an online taxi with a registered driver for 15 euros seemed sensible to me.

So at the baggage claim in Cancun airport, I'm getting a little nervous. What do I do if the taxi is gone? Do I pay 50 € for the shuttle or do I take the risk and ride with one of the local taxis? Suddenly my backpack moves slowly along the baggage claim until it reaches me, finally! I grab the thing and start running, maybe I'm lucky and my taxi is still there.

When the sliding door at the airport exit opens, a fleet of taxi drivers comes towards me. Each one promises me the best price, these people here are really friendly! ;-) I politely decline and push through the crowd. However, I can't find a sign with my name. My fear comes true, the taxi is gone. And now?

Out of the corner of my eye, I suddenly spot a bus, the ADO bus. My savior! From my 2 weeks in Mexico 2 years ago, I know that this provider is reputable. I buy a ticket for a few euros and, by now it's already dark, ride into the city of Cancun. Phew, I got lucky again!

When I arrive at the hostel, I immediately meet 2 friendly backpackers with whom I spend my first evening. With Hagar, a young Egyptian, and a 66-year-old Danish man, slightly damaged by drugs, who used to be an actor and is now afraid to be in front of the camera, we go to one of the local markets. This is where the vibrant life takes place. People dance, sing, and all without alcohol. The market is surrounded by small stands where you can find various local dishes, but unfortunately they only taste average to me. Still, a wonderful place! The Latin American flair grabs you here, although it's not enough for me to start dancing.