Parque de las Palapas, Cancun Centro (1 Good)

My favourite place in Cancun was 'Parque de las Palapas' in the evening, when it was crowded with Mexican families. The park is surrounded by food stalls and has a central stage which was always hosting some kind of free event: dance group competition, fund raising zumba marathon, traditional dance or just a guy singing 'My Way' in tortured Spanish accompanied by an electronic keyboard (reminiscent of contestants on past series of 'Britain's Got Talent').

While the beach with its powder soft, white sand and clear, emerald turquoise water lapping gently over your toes would be the biggest draw of Cancun, my vote still went to the infectious, social, inclusive feel of the parque. As always, Thomas was the eating machine, shocking Mexican cooks at the food stalls by polishing off a 'menu del dia' in record time which consists of a drink, salad, soup, chicken with rice and refried beans, soft tacos and the fiery salsa verde or milder salsa roja.

Menu Del Dia, Cancun Centro

Thomas sampling local desserts - Chamoyadas Lokas

His favourite drink was the Mexican classic known as 'Jamacia' which is made from petals of the Hibiscus flower to create a purple drink of cold herbal tea mixed with water and sugar. Edward preferred 'Horchata', a white, milky like drink made from rice and cinnamon.

Food Stall, Parque de las Palapas, Cancun Centro

Mexico was certainly a breath of fresh air (literally) after Cuba as I was trying to recover from a cough that I was told sounded like I smoked twenty a day which seemed to be a reaction to the car pollution. I was definitely in love with the food.