HatCat's Guestbook

Hats and Pants
I'll be traveling to Merida next week, and am looking to buy a hat. I speak just a little Spanish. I know that the general market is usually not the place to go for quality. I'm interested in buying a hat that will protect me from the sun. I read about Becal, but are there places in Merida where I can buy a good, well woven hat(I don't need a Rolls Royce, but maybe a Lexus). What can I expect to pay for such a hat? And by the way, do men wear pants made from linen or blend fabrics? Are those easy to purchase. I enjoy reading your blogs and thank you for any help you can provide.

Hat blocking
I wanted to thank you for your blogs. I actually read through quite a few of them and they're very well-written and informative. I see your name is HatCat, which combined with your blog about Becal, makes me think you might know something about hats in Merida. I am a small-time hat enthusiast. I have a rabbit fur Borsalino fedora that spent a month in the rainy season of DF. I wear this Borsalino everywhere but it needs to be reblocked. I've had much luck doing this in other cities with living hat traditions, and I have pretty fluent Spanish, so I find it fun and easy to navigate this task. Are there any places in Merida that work on felt hats? Or are they just specialists in straw?

Logistics for Merida to Uxmal to Becal
So, I'll be in Merida and going to Uxmal--driving. I see that Becal is within an hour car ride. Is it feasible to return to Merida afterward, as part of a loop?

househunters irrational
I spotted this Casa also. It appeared on several sites varying from $164k to $97k. It seems to have disappeared, maybe sold. Maybe all of us gringos could rent a soccer stadium and have a meetfest about house hunting/ alternate dream existences in Merida some day. Funny how this place grabs the imagination of so many of our generation. Did you ever buy a place? I'm cuirious why people choose one casa and neighborhood over others. Love hearing options of others, likes/dislikes, general observations . We'll be back in Feb renting and looking. I first visited 37 years ago (preCancun). Never forgot Merida. Thanks for your blog. Helps me dream.

those large grapes
are served 12 to each guest on New Years eve, and with each gong of the midnight bell you must eat one accompanied by your wish for the New Year. Debi www.debiinmerida.blogspot.com

HATS "3" (cubed)
Wasn't aware of the hat concept/creativity so abundant inthe world. Waiting to see / read about the next trip! Thanks ~E~ + ~M~ Shawn

Great post
I enjoyed your post, Eric, as always. It is really cold this morning here in Merida. I doubt that even Mary would go for a swim today if she were here. It was a pleasure to spend some time with you while you were here. Hammockman

Yummy!
Glad to see you are Yuca'n it up! What wonder ful colors and fun you are having. I love how so many places have a courtyard with a pool.

imaging
just brilliant, which can nock the brain of mind. Nospecial comment to it.

I want those tortillas
As I am now learning to make my own tortilla's I wish I could apprentice at a place like that.

great vacation
hi Eric and Mary, I'm so happy to see these photos! I hope that your belongings arrive soon. This looks like a lovely place and we're wishing you well on your extended vacation! Warm wishes, Rochelle (and Don)

Beautiful
Thank you for warming my morning. How very beautiful.