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Published: March 4th 2009
Chuck and Andy
at the Zaci Cenote in ValladolidWednesday the 25th of March our friends Andy and Patti came from Hibbing, Minnesota to visit us for a week in the Yucatan.
We stayed their first night in Valladolid, a traditional and authentic colonial town. In the evening we walked around town and through the government house where there are paintings that portray the history and culture of the area. In the morning we went to the cenote and afterwards made our way to Merida along the free road so Andy and Patti could see many small towns along the way.
We then spent four nights in Merida, the capital of the state of Yucatan. The first afternoon in Merida we visited the anthropology and history museum, walked around town and went for a carriage ride from Paseo Montejo to Centro.
Friday morning we toured the Montes Molina House Museum, a mansion built in 1905 that now displays all of the original furnishings from the era. Afterwards we drove to Progreso, on the northern coast for a day on the beach with pescado por kilo and the best piña coladas in the world. In the evening we listened to live salsa music
Statue at Anthropology and History Museum
the hat or headdress is Chac, the rain god and watched people dance at Cumbanchero, a Cuban restaurant and bar.
Saturday morning we drove south from Merida to Loltun Caves and the ancient Mayan city and ruins of Uxmal. In the evening we looked in antique shops and watched the University Serenades (a live performance of traditional music and dances).
The last day in Merida we went to a bullfight featuring the world famous Pablo Mendoza. Chuck and I had wanted to attend a bullfight for many years, however each time we have been in Latin America we were either too early or too late. This time our timing was right and we jumped at the chance to go! We got to the arena an hour and a half early to get good seats high up in the bleachers. By the time the bullfighting commenced, the stadium was filled beyond capacity. There were three bullfighters who fought two bulls each.
This is a graphic sport; neither intended for nor appreciated by animal rights activists, people with weak stomachs, or vegetarians. However it is definitely appreciated and valued by many, Chuck and I included, as a dynamic and courageous sport and equally as a skillful
and artistic tradition that can be traced back to ancient times. Chuck and I always anticipated that we would enjoy and appreciate attending a bullfight. And, we did, as did our friends Andy and Patti. And, given the opportunity, we would definately go again!
The bullfight was full of action and excitement, art and skill, bravery and sportsmanship. It was a privilege to attend such a time honored and long lasting tradition.
Although many people condemn bullfighting, it seems the world has many more problems more deserving of condemnation. Moreover beef does not originate at the market or in a restaurant. Each person is entitled to his or her own opinion, I myself though would rather have the chance to fight to the death like a bull rather than wait in line to die at a slaughterhouse!
Our last day on vacation from vacation with Andy and Patti was spent in Playa del Carmen. We lounged on the beach and in the sun. We shared a good meal and listened to live acoustic music in the evening on the Fifth Avenue pedestrian walkway.
Driving to the airport, it seemed strange and unreal that we
remains of a statue housed at the museum
notice image behind the statue, originally it was a figure grinding corn were not returning home with our friends. Instead we said our goodbyes and are now adjusting to the fact that we have the opportunity to continue travelling for nearly one month more. It seems a bit like starting anew. We went from feelings of seclusion, to companionship, to rejuvenation. We now have a renewed eagerness to continue and finish the last leg of our adventure. Spending a week with Andy and Patti provided us the time to stop, relax and reflect. We have not had any bad experiences and we have thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated every day of our travels. We have been many places and met many people. While we are sad to be finishing our adventure, we are at the same time happy to be returning home to our family and friends.
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Patti and Andy
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Well we made it back to 8 inches of snow and cold. Thanks again for showing us your world, we loved it! Leila your to funny! Just thought we let you know we miss you and look forward to the second week in April. Stay safe and talk to you soon!