The Great Filling Station Holdup
When I last left you, we were heading west on Transversal Road, heading back to the port area after a fun and relaxing trip along the rustic east side of Cozumel. It was already well into late afternoon, and we would have to return our car soon. Lucky #13 had done us well, we did notice two young touristas in a jeep get pulled over right after we left the Mezcalitos area, and we were quite happy that wasnt us.
After a short ride viewing more scenery of thereal Cozumel, we arrived at the world- famous Pee Pee Station. I dont know what I expected (I had seen signs for this place); I guess something akin to a highway rest stop, but nope. Just another shop, albeit a shop (I assume) with bathrooms.
Heres the visual:
The trip along Transversal Road was very quick, a testament to how small this island really is. It took only between 5-10 minutes to drive from one coast to the other, at the widest part of the island.
Arriving back in town, we discussed how to handle the car drop. Since we had so much stuff with us, And the walk to the car rental agency was so long, we decided that Ron would drop me and the kids (and the stuff) off at Margaritaville, and we could hang out there while he gassed up and returned the car, and then he would jog back to meet us. We thought this would be the best plan but it didnt really work out so well, especially for Ron!
Margaritaville Cozumel is located a few blocks south of the port right along the coastline. The street view:
We headed in and got settled at a large table along the rear of the restaurant overlooking the back patio. We ordered drinks (sodas for the kids and something frozen, fruity, and boozy for me) and Ron headed off to take care of business.
Part of the deal renting cars in Cozumel is you have to return them with a full tank of gas (or get charged some random exorbitant fee). Gas stations in Mexico (all of them full service) are well known amongst internet travel message boards as one of the most common places to encounter a scam. We read extensively about how they pull the gas station scams (starting without the pump reset, adjusting the numbers when you arent looking, etc.) so we felt we were prepared for whatever they might possibly pull on us. Usually the pump scams are a two person job (one pumps the gas, one tinkers with the pump to employ the scam), so it is always recommended to have more than one person with you at a Mexican gas station to have a set of eyes on everything going on. We already violated that rule by sending Ron alone so you can guess where this is going.
Ron pulled into the pump and opened his door to watch carefully. Right away he noticed the operator preparing to pump without it being reset. It was on about $10 USD, and Ron said No, it needs to be on Zero. Of course the pumper claimed to not understand English (yea, right) and so Ron said Cero! Cero! and pointed at the pump. The guy said Ohhhh! Cero! And sheepishly nodded as if he forgot. He reset the pump and pumped the gas. The total ended up being about $8 USD. As Ron prepared to pay, a second guy approached. Honcho #2 told Ron to turn on the ignition to make sure the gauge read full. Of course in the split second he averted his head to turn the key, the price on the pump shot up to $18 USD. Ron immediately said to them, Oh NO it said $8 before! And so honcho #2 just shrugged as if to say Ok you got me, and proceeded to try and give Ron his change in Mexican dolares. No, I want American money he said to them. I guess they understood that, as finally he got the proper change- in ones of course to better accommodate a tip, which he explained to them: Im not going to tip you since you tried to cheat me, and away he drove.
Returning the car was quick and easy, no hidden fees or unexpected charges. The gas scam had really soured Ron though and after the several mile trek back to Margaritaville (and well over an hour later) he was still fuming about it.
Meanwhile we were soaking up the Caribbean atmosphere inside Margaritaville. It was relatively quiet when we were there with just a small scattering of tables occupied. At the time the newest restaurant in the chain the inside was large with huge towering ceilings, plenty of sun-spilling windows, and all the kitschy tropical décor you can stand. Outside a large wooden deck with plenty of tables overlooked the coastline, port, and towering ships, flanked by a large tiki bar affixed with rope swings instead of barstools.
Indeed:
Instead of a waterslide, this Margaritaville advertised a large water trampoline, accessible by swimming about 50 feet into the ocean. Unfortunately, upon inquiring we were told that the trampoline had acquired some damage and had been deflated. We relaxed at our table, enjoyed the occasional Buffett tune interspersed with loud Mariachi, Ranchera, and Marimba tunes. The most prominent interior features included a massive coral reef replica sculpture towering above the seating area and a rather amusing DJ booth situated in the mouth of a very massive toothy shark.
Our server was friendly and efficient and was content to let us relax and inhabit his table as long as we desired. A balloon artist happened by to make creations for each of the kids (notice the prominent tip bucket? Luckily I had a couple of bucks on me
(We werent planning to settle the check until Ron returned so it was all I had).
Not long afterwards Margaritaville was interrupted by some ear piercing Banda music, and much to my surprise the servers climbed up on a small platform in an adjacent window and performed a short, amusing dance.
Must-see TV here:
One of the few pictures taken of me this day and I do look worse for the wear!
Ay Caramba!
Chillin in the 'Ville:
Not long afterwards Ron arrived, still more than slightly perturbed from his adventure, and reiterating what an extensive distance he had just traveled on foot. After a short (and relatively cheap by our Margaritaville purchasing standards) stop in the gift shop, we headed back to the ship.
Of course we made a few stops along the way...
Frankie and Lola: (not on their second honeymoon in Pensacola
havent really figured out the tie between that song and Cozumel but whatever)
OF COURSE no one could resist this invitation:
The walk back was much more enjoyable. It must have been siesta time, since the city streets were quiet and fairly empty. I began to wonder about the nightlife reputation of Cozumel since it was already dusk and the city seemed to be going to sleep, not waking up. Our cruise mates proved that Cozumel apparently does have plenty of nightlife, however.
A local coke machine, reminiscent of Club Cool: We should have bought one of those weird sodas at the bottom, dont know why we didnt.
In the plaza outside of the Punta Lagosta mall , we found the photo-op hanging shark (where entrepreneurial hawkers were snagging like $10/pic -with your own camera of course- earlier in the day) completely deserted. Obviously we jumped on our chance for a free picture:
**Continued in next Post: Where's The Party?**
I just hope I can remember what happened when I get around to the ending! 
Jen
)
LOL, I am a horrible person!)
You're back!!!!
