3 Mayan Ruins and 2 Cenotes later...

We have arrived in Merida, the city is down right amazing! I haven't seen anything like it in my life, it is Oaxaca city on steroids. The streets in the historic district have buildings and churches that are more than 400 years old. Merida has tried to keep it's charm and Euro feel and it is stunning. I will Blog further on Merida later.

Since my last post we have been to 3 Ruins. Chichen Itza, Ake, and Uxmal. Chichen is the quintessential stop on the Ruin circuit, but I have to say, my least favorite. You cannot get anywhere near any of the temples, and the vendors will drive you insane. Their favorite saying..."almost free lady". Ake is a very small ruin, we were the only people there, and the guest book didn't have any visitors the day before us! Uxmal is a medium size ruin with 2 very large temples, one that you can climb, FUN!

That's me in front of the main temple in Chichen Itza

Selfie in front of the temple

Ball Court in Chichen

The Ake Ruin was fun and quick, but getting there took patience and luck, the signs are very few and hard to see. We knew it was there, but the roads were sketchy.

Main Temple, Ake

On top with the pillars

Then there was Uxmal.

This was the only Temple you weren't allowed to climb

Amazing detail to these Ruins

This is the one we climbed

We also went to 2 cenotes in the last 3 days.

Cenote Yokdzonot, only 10 minutes from Chichen Itza, but bad signs make it hard to find, so no one goes to it!

Cenote Y.

And The Cenote right in Valladolid, Cenote Zaci.

Hasta Luego my friends, until next time

Bernetta and Adrian

Our first day of Exploring

Today we explored a smaller lesser know Ruin called Ek Balam. We got there early for 2 reasons, to avoiding the crowds and take advantage of the cooler weather (yeah right!).

The ruins are amazing, you are able to climb the main Pyramid, unlike Chichen Itza. You can touch and basically walk on everything, I think that will change in the future, but we're glad we got to experience this.

I have finally found 2 men who view me as their Queen! Too bad they are so short, and I bet they can't dance :(

Before the crazy climb

The crazy climb

We then headed to the Cenote that is right beside the ruins, by right beside I mean a 2 km walk in the mud. A Cenote is a sink hole produced by the underground rivers in the Yucatan. Google it.

The evening involved eating, as usual. The restaurant we fought and fought to get to, was somewhat disappointing. It took us a good 45 minutes or so to get completely lost, then we went back to the B & B and got better directions. As disappointing as the food was, the appetizer was very interesting....

Grilled Watermelon sandwich, cheese and Papaya in the middle....oddly it was good.

Cochinita Pibil, smells like smoked poop.

Chicken and Mashed Potatoes

Pretty good first day, great adventures and some good and bad food experiences.

Arrived in Valladolid MX

We arrived in Cancun a little late due to the snow delay at Calgary airport. The plane needed de-icing! We just escaped just in time :)

After the initial craziness of luggage, customs and car rentals at the Cancun airport, we were finally on our way. The toll road was a thing of beauty, 2 lanes of fastness, HOWEVER, the rain was not helpful! We had torrential rains for the first hour, nothing like back home, this was 60KM an hour type rain....

Once settled into our B & B, Casa Hamaca, we ventured out to a highly recommended restaurant for a fantastic meal and our first cervezas of our trip.

Amazing art all the way around the top of the walls

After our dinner we headed to the Zocolo (town square) for Sunday evening festivities. There was a Kids Choir singing first, then there was a procession from the church through the streets, there was priests, nuns, and devoted of all ages. Then the square had latin dancing! That was interesting, but my zumba ladies are much better :)

Can you find Adrian?

Oh and I almost forgot, we drank Tequila!!!

This is actually the local tequila called "Mayapan" somewhat similar to Mezcal.

3 more Sleeps!

October 27th we fly from Calgary to Cancun for a two week vacation in the Mexican Yucatan. Our plan is to stay in Valladolid, a lovely little Pueblo Magico (magical town) for 3 nights. We will then head farther west to Merida, to celebrate the day of the dead! Our 3rd and final stop is in Tulum for 1 week of beach relaxation time.