First off… my apologies for the delay in publishing this blog! Shortly after Val & George left the beach and flew home, it became apparent that our Mom wasn’t doing well. She had been declining the whole time we’d been south, but had really taken a turn for the worse over the past 2-3 weeks.
We tried to get home early, but without success… so we flew home as scheduled… had one night at home… and then flew out West to see her for a few days.
I’m happy to say that, through the impact of several changes, she has recovered from that low point to a more stable, yet weakened, situation. She continues her journey at 102 and 1/2!
This will my final post of the season, so it’ll be a bit longer than normal! I hope you’ve enjoyed a glimpse into life here this winter!
We had been hoping to run across Panchita, our valedor in years gone by, but hadn’t as of yet… until a couple of days ago! What a joy to see them!
Taty and Panchita!
After their two week stay, it was time to say farewell to Roger and Sandy!
Relaxin’ with a cold beverage one last time!Farewell to Uaymarima!One last visit before G&V dropped them at the airport for us!Airport farewell!
We were able to celebrate Kerry’s birthday while they were here!
Happy birthday at Elio al Mare… after yummy Chicken Parm!
Sigh! Farewells after a short but wonderful stay!
One last dip in the pool!Farewell to Uaymarima! No pics at the airport! 🙁
And before we knew it, it was time for George and Val to head home too!
A pitcher of “Dirty Mothers”…… makes its way down the beach…… to George!One last dinner…… at Technotel! Coconut Shrimp was involved!
Last year we went to a concert at the Teatro José Peón Contreras that involved the Mérida Big Band… and they were performing at the Teatro Daniel Ayala this year!
On the way to the theatre, we strolled through the streets enjoying the Mérida festival of lights!
Bob, Rod, Elaine, Berri and BobCasas Gemelas in lightsRainbow at night over the Monumento a Don Francisto de Montejo e HijoPalacio Municipal
It was the first time in the Daniel Ayala Theatre… it’s a great venue!
Mérida Big Band by Ranier Pucheux and featuring Gina Osorno & Luis PobleteIn our seats and ready for a great night of Big Band Music…… and they didn’t disappoint!
The next day, we went in search of tickets for the Home Opener of the Leones de Yucatan baseball club! Success!
General Section seating but will be great nonetheless!
… and we were able to see some sections of Mérida that we hadn’t visited before!
Rectoría de la Ermita de Santa Isabel on Calle 66 x 77 y 77AThe grotto… with a photo bomb from my fingers as I held my iPhone through the fence!with Bob & PatA doctor’s office across the street!
While unfortunate circumstances kept us from being able to attend the Home Opener of the Yucatan Leones, Bob and Pat carried the torch for us!
A couple of happy fans!The outfiled at the Alamo Kukulcan Parque (apparently the Maya had rental car sponsors)A view from the outfield bleachersTreats!Play Ball! Leones won rather handily!
Some ‘final days’ pics from the beach!
A couple of beautiful…… sunrise pictures!Saying farewell to Miguel…… and his family!
We spent our two last nights in Mérida at our favourite small hotel, Luz en Yucatán!
Our poolside room, El Tulipan,Poolside with Mat & TerriOur terrace at night!By the poolMayan Coffee at Amaro!Tuesday, April 4th… our ride home arrives at Mérida airport!
This post highlights visits with Kerry and Kristy to Mérida, San Ignacio Cenote and Progreso!
As the girls’ visit was quite short, we planned a couple of days for sight seeing and the rest by the pool!
Just relaxin’ by the pool in the morning!Walking down the beach to visit with George & Val
Our first trip was to Centro Mérida…
We dropped into see the lobby of the Teatro José Peón Contreras!In the Governor’s Palace
Walking through the Plaza Grande…… and enjoying Sisters chairs!Getting ready for …… a carriage ride on the Paseo de Montejo!Inside the Iglesia El JesúsHaving a great dinner…… at Amaro on 59 x 62 y 60!
Also on their ToDo list was to go to a cenote…
Heading down into the San Ignacio cenote in ChocholáWhile not the largest cenote around, it’s one of the prettiest!
Sun, sun, sun!and a light lunch under the palapa.
We also took them into Progreso on ‘cruise ship day’ as the Artisano Mercado was open!
Shoppin!On the MalecónA ‘Mexican sized’ margarita at CrabsterElaine had their Crabby Burger, while someone was after a chip!Marquesitas!In front of Los HenequenesFor our grandsons Jack & Ben… a Pokémon Marquesita vendor!
Rumours that a new swim-up bar had opened down the beach were proven true!
The bartender is in the house… or pool as it may be!
One last special picture, for Jack and Ben who are very interested in taking the staircase to the roof next year!
This post highlights a Day Trip and a Surprise Trip!
Before describing our day trip with Roger and Sandy, I’m going to pause to help those who have been reading my blogs but not sure of some of the place names mentioned!
I found the following in an old posting on Trip Advisor… put the emphasis on the CAPITALIZED syllable:
Mérida — MEH ree dah
Chicxulub — CHEEK shoe lube
Uxmal — oosh MAL
Izamal — ee zah MAL
Uaymitun — oo why me TUNE
Dzibilchaltun — DZEE bee shall tune
Telchac Puerto — tel CHAC PWER toe
Progreso — pro GRES so
Especially for Mérida, the trick is to get that anglo R from your throat to the tip of your tongue! In fact, it’ll sound more local if that R becomes a soft D. MEH dee dah. And say it fast; don’t linger on each syllable!
Now that the language lesson is over, on to our Day Trip!
We left Uaymitun and travelled eastward along the coast road, officially known as the Carretera Progreso-Telchac Puerto. Put that in your GPS and let it tell you where you’re going… what a mouthful!
We stopped for lunch in Telchac Puerto… Pollo Maya para todos! Yumm!
Roger and Sandy with the Captain at Tarraya in Telchac Puerto!
I had asked a local Facebook group about the coast road which had been under construction the previous year and was told that it was finished and a very good road now.
So onward we went through San Crisanto (of Mangrove Tour fame), Chabihau and as far as Santa Clara. It was a very pleasant drive… close to the beach for much of it!
At Santa Clara, we turned inland heading towards Dzidzantún (“What is written in stone”), hence the language lesson earlier! Quite a surprise what we found in that small town of about 6,000 people!
Parroquia de Santa Clara, a Franciscan convent established ~1549ishBeautiful shrubs overhang the wallsThe town square across the way
It was quite a surprise to find this in ‘the middle of nowhere’, as one might say… but that’s not the big surprise… later for that!
Another view of the square in Dzidzantún
After leaving Dzidzantún, we followed the country road through Yobaín, Sinanché, Telchac Pueblo and Dzemul before heading back to the coast road on to Uaymitun!
The small church in YobaínIglesia de San Buenaventura, Sinanché
The bus stop on the square.Colourful buildings…… and what looks like a Tiki Tiki hut!
It was a great Day Trip!
That evening, we heard a knock on our door! Our valedors, Miguel and Maria, were there with a surprise… but not THE surprise! A few days earlier, Elaine had made two “chicken pot pies“… one for us and one for Miguel, Maria and family. They were returning the favour by bringing us a local dish, “brazo de reina“, which, literally translated, means “Arm of the Queen”! Brazo de reina is a large tamal filled with hardboiled eggs and served in generous slices.
Brazo de reina as it was served to us… steamed in banana leaves…… and as we sliced it for tasting!
Very much appreciated!
And now for the next part of the story…
Kerry and Kristy decided they wanted to get away from winter and come for a short visit! We decided it would be a great idea to surprise Elaine… so after discussing it with George & Val and Roger & Sandy, we started our plans for the Secret Trip!
It was a well kept secret until about two days before their flight… we arranged a Skype session with Kerry just so Elaine could see her and the boys. Then Kristy connected via FaceTime on my iPhone and started talking about how she wished she could come down… and then told Elaine that she was!!! Then Kerry put on a sad face, obviously distressed that Kristy was coming down! While Elaine was trying to handle the joy of one and the sadness of the other… Kristy said to Kerry… you should come down too! And Kerry, thinking for a second, then said “Sure!”!!!
Well the tears flowed!
WestJet delivering the girls to us!Arrival at Gate “A”Kerry, Elaine and Kristy… and yes, someone was Happy!Requisite photo outside the terminal!At the pool!Can anyone say “Beer Commercial”?Lunch with Roger and SandySomeone still can’t believe they are here!Pool visit……with Rachel!On the beach!
This post highlights our day trip to Celestún to see the flamingos!
Celestún is small fishing village of about 6,000 people on the West coast of the Yucatán peninsula… about an hours drive west of Mérida… so about a two hour drive from our beach house.
Our destination is the Parador Turístico Celestún, located just across the bridge over the Ría Celestún. Here we can purchase our tickets for the boat tour up the ria to see the flamingos as they feed on the brine shrimp in the shallow waters.
Looking forward to seeing the flamingos!Heading out to get a boat and guide!The updated boat docksA local fisherman in the riaNope! We ain’t flamingos… keep going!Trading photos with RogerGeorge, Rachel and ValAnd flamingos… lots of them! Some just hangin’ out…… and some in flight…… some in a Conga line!Lookin’ like a family reunion!Or just a happy couple!Exit Stage Right!
After leaving the 4,000 or so flamingos in the ria, our guide took us through the mangroves to a forest walk and a cenote!
The Celestún famjam!After zooming into the mangroves!Beautiful sights abound!Nope… not a flamingo either!Heading into the forest walk.Oma and Rachel!Elaine and Sandy!Fish!Bird!Yikes!Babe in the trees!The cenote looked very inviting…… but nobody was tempted to just jump in!Enjoying just being together on such a gorgeous day…… now back to the boat!Grabbed another guide to snap a pic of our entire group!Heading back to the Tourist Centre.
In the past, we have frequently stopped for lunch La Palapa Restaurante on the beach in Celestún. However, as they feature fishy fare and cook everything non-fishy in the same fishy way… it’s not my favourite!
Soooooo! My wonderful sister suggested we go for lunch a Hotel Xixim which had been advertised extensively on the way to Celestún and in town! It’s just outside of town… short drive… great idea! We had always talked about going there just to see! Off we go!
We’ll just follow the plentiful signs… through town to Calle 12.
Wait! Did that sign just say 11 Km!!!
Just click on the little video below to see our journey to Hotel Xixim!
But we persevered and now the Road to Xixim has been entered into family lore!
Leaving George, Val and Rachel in my dust!Somewhere around Km 8 we drove by salt flats…… where piles of salt were being reclaimed.The last Km into Hotel XiximThe Grand EntranceImmense palapa roof over the main entrance!Rachel… enjoying being in XiximThe restaurant bar… great lunch was had by all!A view of the beach from the restaurant.A couple of the many casitas available for overnight or short stays!Elaine by the main entrance artworks!
Hotel Xixim advertises itself as a “Unique Mayan Hotel” and it certainly was all of that and more! It was a fun and memorable adventure!
This post highlights some of the enjoyable times with visiting friends and family!
Once again, we enjoyed having our friends, Dave and Deb Richie, from Sarnia visit with us for two weeks!
Elaine’s Eggs Benny on the patio!Hacienda Xcanatun for our last supper with them for this visit!Yummy dessert!Using my new Low-Light iPhone app…… I was able to capture…… a few pictures of the grounds of the Hacienda at night!The next morning we said our farewells…… and headed to the airport!
A few days later, my brother and his wife, Roger and Sandy, came in for a two week visit!
A happy entrance at Gate A…… and the requisite photo at the Dos Equis sign at the airport!The Sibs together again!
The next day was a lazy day with a short visit into Chicxulub!
At the pier!
Our grand-niece, Rachel, was down at the same time for a visit with her Oma and Opa, Val and George!
On the beach to view…… the beautiful sunset…… which Rachel caught in the palm of her hand!
We went on a family outing to visit the San Ignacio Cenote in Chochola!
The ladies heading down to the cenote!
Again, using my new iPhone camera app, I was able to get some interesting pictures of the cenote…
After a great swim, we relaxed on the grounds.
Having a light lunch under a palapa!Rachel working on her tan!
Well, that’s it for this post! Next post, we visit Celestun and the flamingos!
Sorry for the delay in posting, but we’ve been enjoying our company!
This post highlights the Annual Uaymitun Bocce Tournament!
As Dave & Gerry were unable to host the event this year, Jim & Sharon graciously offered to hold it at their house!
Jim and Sharon provided a wonderful spread of ribs, chicken and beans plus dishes brought by the rest of us… a wonderful meal before the high tension tournament commenced!Glen provided the rules guidance and the double knockout schedule…… to the rapt audience…… of participants!Jim displaying the nonchalance of a proven winner… or at least 2nd placer!A moment of relaxation after…… a great lunch!Let the games begin!
The Championship match lasted until sundown!
And now for the results of the Annual Uaymitun Bocce Tournament!
3rd Place – Ross, Berri, Ches and Elaine!2nd Place – Doug, Bonnie and Jim!The Champions – Rod, Shirley, Christie and Roy!
A good time was had by all… can’t wait until the 2018 Annual Uaymitun Bocce Tournament!
This post highlights our trip to Izamal… the continuation!
After leaving the convent, we started our tour of the town!
A gateway into the Parque Itzamna by the conventA couple of views of…… the back of the church!Parked along the curb of the Parque Itzamna you’ll find the carriages.Dave and Deb…… and Elaine and I are ready for our tour of IzamalYellow buildings in all directions… each intersection has a plaque with a name!Our route took us around the ruined Mayan pyramid, Kinich Kak MooA Ceiba tree… sacred to the Maya people
Yellow houses and beautiful flowering shrubsDave and Deb’s carriage rounding a cornerThe Chapel of the Remedios (Remedies)
After the carriage ride, we were dropped at the Kinich Restaurant for lunch!
Restaurante Kinich, El Sabor de IzamalThe dining area…… is under a grand palapa!About to enjoy a delicious Yucatecan style lunch!A beautiful fountain in the open area at the rear of the restaurant
After a delightful lunch, we walked a few blocks down the street to the site of largest Mayan ruin in Izamal (there are several), Kinich Kak Moo.
The teaser steps that make you think this is a short and easy climb…… until you crest the top and see the real pyramid!The plaque on the way to the big climb!We see people on top, so we take heart that it can be done!A view of the convent from the top!Dave …… and I have proof of our youth and vitality!
Let me tell you, while the climb up is moderately strenuous it pales against the moments of terror of the descent on the crumbling, narrow, slippery stone steps! But we did it!
As the final word from our visit to Izamal… for those who are looking for the best spot to purchase Izamal Maduro tequila for special margaritas, here’s the treasure map! Don’t be confused and look for a Liquoria sign, as there isn’t one!
The pot of gold at the end of the rainbow in the Yellow City…… and X marks the spot to find it!
Well, that’s it for this post! I hope you’ve enjoyed our visit to the Yellow City!
We took smaller highways and country roads from the beach to the “Yellow City”, Izamal, travelling east along the coast highway to Telchac Puerto, then south to Motul. After circling the town, we took the road to Suma, Teya, Tepakan and on to Izamal.
We took a short break along the way, in Teya, to stretch our legs and enjoy the sights!
Convento De San Bernabe y San Bernardino in TeyaThe square was very pleasant…… with ‘lovers seats’…… flowering shrubs…… and interesting architectural pieces!The municipal buildings were across the squareSome other views of the church…
Beautiful flowers…… abound in the village!
After an interesting exchange of hand waving from an oncoming local vehicle, I abandoned my attempt to drive the wrong way on a one-way street into town. A short while after, we arrived safely at the square in Izamal centro !
Before we started our tour of the Convent of San Antonio de Padua, we took a beverage and baños break at the Hotel San Miguel Arcangel.
Hotel San Miguel ArcangelAfter you walk past the lobby…… you enter a wonderful secluded cafe.Beverages for all!
Fully refreshed and ready to explore, we headed out into the square and up the steps to the Convent of San Antonio de Padua.
Beautiful trees in the Parque 5 de MayoFirst glimpse of the ConventClimbing the stairsBuildings everywhere are painted in the distinctive colour of the Yellow City!Making our way to the entranceA view across the forecourtA statue in remembrance of Pope John Paul II who visited Izamal in 1992.The altar in the chapel…… and the beautiful wooden screen behind us at the entrance to the chapelA glimpse into one of the common areasA view from the convent over the square to the mayan ruin in the distance.Faint murals can still be seen on many of the internal walls and corridors
After leaving the convent, we started our tour of the town… which will be covered in Izamal, Segunda Parte!
This post covers more bucketlist activities for Sharon and Dave & Deb!
None of them had been to a cenote yet, so one day off we went to San Ignacio Cenote in Chochola, south of Merida.
Picture provided by San Ignacio Cenote!Elaine and Sharon heading down the stairs to the cenote…… and turning the corner to the flat spot to leave your towels!Enjoying the refreshing…… and crystal clear…… waters of the cenote!There’s a nice number of small palapas to enjoy some refreshments!Having a light lunch afterwards; sopa de lima and panuchos!Beyond the pool, they are building a number of rental casitas!
A good time was had by all and another item crossed off their bucketlist!
That evening, we enjoyed another great sunset on the beach!
Anticipating the sunset with a refreshing beverage!And this sunset…… didn’t disappoint!Incredible skies!
The next morning, we took Sharon to the airport!
Requisite photo by the pool…… and at the airport!
Over 10 years ago, Dave came to Mexico at the request of a good friend who had lived in Sarnia for a few years before returning to Mexico. Raul was a pitcher for the Yucatan Leones baseball team, so Dave traveled with the team for several weeks and made some great friends.
One of his bucketlist items was to reconnect… and we were able to contact and meet with Willy Romero, who was a player back then, but is now the Manager of the Leones!
At the ball park in MeridaThat week, all the pitchers were there for spring training and tryouts.Workouts on the fieldThe main grandstand… hoping to take in a preseason game or two before heading home!Dave and Willy!
Another bucketlist item crossed off!
Oh, BTW… a Herbie the Love Bug sighting in downtown Progreso!
Well, that’s it for this post! Our trip to Izamal is next! I promise!
This post revisits two of our favourite haciendas, with Sharon and Dave & Deb, who hadn’t been to any haciendas before!
We travelled to south of Merida, about an hour and 15 minutes from our beach house to Hacienda Yaxcopoil!
A description from their website states that: “Hacienda Yaxcopoil was founded in the 17th century.Its name means in the Mayan language “place of the green poplars”.The hacienda brings together in its history the three great periods of the Yucatan of yesterday, the pre-Hispanic life, the colonial and the henequenero boom of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century.”
The unique front entrance to Hacienda Yaxcopoil!The girls are dwarfed by the massive tree in the courtyard!A tantalizing vista through the west wing of the main house.The west gate which faces out to the village square.No henequen workers these days… just some local baseball!Two views of the concourse between the main house…… and the rest of the buildings!Looking towards the West gate with a couple of interested visitors!The sisters!A view through to the gardensAn interesting door!Davey inspecting some antique equipmentElegant architecture of the machine roomsMore of the machine rooms and the stackThe main machine room!!A little Hacienda music please!
Once we concluded our tour, we continued south for another 10 minutes to Hacienda Ochil for lunch. We met up with Val & George and Kent & Arlene for a few minutes as our paths crossed over the lunch hour as they journeyed homeward. Kent supplied the pictures of our group taken as we entered the grounds!
Hi Kent! We see you hiding behind the pillar!Oh look! What’s over there…… just a couple of cool dudes!The grand entrance!Walking through to the back gardens…… and the beautiful cenote and entertainment venue.Sisters!Dave & DebBeautiful architecture abounds!Facing the front courtyardA view from front to back!the Ents are coming!!!One of the local parrots!
After leaving Hacienda Yaxcopoil and Hacienda Ochil, we visited Hacienda Walmarto to pick up a few items! A good time was had by all!
Dave and I even had time for ice cream cones while visiting Walmarto!
After their two week stay, it was time to say farewell to Roger and Sandy!
