Goddess Ixchel Temple -- Mexico

Temple ruins

At the southeastern-most tip of Isla Mujeres there is one stood a Mayan Temple to the Goddess Ixchel - goddess of midwifery and medicine in the Maya culture and the guardian of childbirth. What is left now is little more than a pile of crumbling rocks (severely damaged by a hurricane in 1988), but the fantastic feminine energy of the spot remains.

My visit to the island would not have been complete without a trip to this spot. As a mother and a birth doula, this was a profound journey for me. 

Ixchel's temple is located at the very eastern-most point in Mexico, surrounded by rarely touched white sand beaches and the clearest water I have ever seen.

At the head of the trail to the temple is a tiny one room museum with historical information about the goddess and the site, along with a small gift shop, restaurant, and some merchants nestled into a small space near a magnificent statue of Ixchel.

The trek is well worth the energy!

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Cancun - The Food at Casa Magna

Nothing stood out about my trip to Cancun quite like the food.

The eats at the Casa Magna Marriott were the sort of thing the Travel Channel might flit down to highlight. Day after day we were presented with plates that pleased all the senses.

Who wouldn't fall in love with mouth-watering dish after mouth-watering dish, complete with absolute impeccable presentation.

Day after day, we enjoyed soups, salads, mains and desserts that were worthy of photography. Every single meal, someone had their camera out to snap a picture before digging in! One thing is for certain -- the photos really did not do any of it justice.

Early in the week with a small group to cater to, we developed a personal relationship with the people preparing our food, as it was delivered each day with such care and presentation.

During the larger group meetings, the chefs really outdid themselves with elaborate displays of sushi, meats and cheeses, chocolates, and so much more.

When we returned to our rooms at night, more treats awaited us. It was absolutely decadent. I would highly recommend every moment of the trip I had!

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