With all the company and activities, I’m a bit behind in my posts! This post will focus on fun in the sun, new arrivals and Valentine’s Day!
As the full moon waxes, the tides get higher and lower each day. Frequently, if the low tide is quite low, the two sandbars in front of our beach house get exposed for a few hours! When that happens, folks up and down the beach walk along the sandbars!
Looking eastward…… and westward!Sandbar enthusiasts!
The valedor from a few houses down fishes most days… that day we found he, his wife and son cleaning the days catch.
His boat was aground on the the sandbar for a few hours… with an audience!Catch of the day!His son showed us a baby stingray that was in the net!After the sandbar walk and dip in the pool was required!
This time of year, we frequently get seaweed washing ashore… I was fortunate to have ‘people’ to take care of it!
“I didn’t know there was this much!!!”
Our longtime friends from Sarnia, Dave & Deb, arrived on the Feb 14th WestJet flight!
Departure was delayed due to deicing in Toronto, so they arrived late but happy!Deplane… Immigration… Customs and entrance through Gate “A”!Requisite photo in front of the terminal building… walking into 34C weather!
After a few hours for Dave & Deb to unpack and unwind a bit… it was off to Technotel for a Valentines dinner!
Ahhhhhhh!Valentine’s Day with the love of my life!The sisters!Our friends Mat & TerriValentine’s Dinner Group photo: (fr) Deb, Val, George, Terri and Sharon; (br) Kent, Arlene, Elaine, Mat, me and Dave! I was Kent’s magic that we’re all in the same shot!After a great dinner, we were serenaded by a local Mariachi band…… and Mat got to wear the sombrero!
The following Sunday, the five of us went into Merida for the Symphony!
La Parque HidalgoLa Bici-Ruta Merida is held each Sunday!The Hotel Merida is getting a facelift!Enjoying the parks before the Symphony!Overture Semiramis / Gioachino Rossini Concert for Saxophone / Pierre Max Dubois Symphony No.3 “Escosesa” / Félix MendelssohnAnother bunch of Symphony lovers!Dave and Deb outside their box seats!
After enjoying the Symphony, we went to the Cafe Habana for Maya Cappuccinos!
This post will cover some different ground than previous posts, plus some common themes!
I’m going to start this blog post with a bit of historical research, so bear with me!
Finding a small sign on a nearby beach house gatepost started me wondering…
Rancho Uaymitún, Puerto Peon family, established 1909
Based on information found on Wikipedia, with some liberal translation, I found out a little of the modern historical background of the area we know as Uaymitun:
In the middle of 19th century, was known for fishing, ranching and salt reclaimation, named “Guaymitún”.
Between 1878 and 1881 its growth allowed it to be included in the municipality of Progreso.
In 1902, it is recorded that the ranch was dedicated to the cultivation of coconut trees.
In 1960, it had a population of 14, 8 men and 6 women
Another document, http://www.mayas.uady.mx/articulos/rescate.html , found in my search, described an archaeological dig in which the bones of a number of people were found on Rancho Uaymitún. The results of the excavation and examination includes the following:
Everything indicates that the individuals of Uaymitún died when contracting an infectious contagious disease. The chronology of burials is consistent with the yellow fever outbreak known between October and December 1908, and was reported officially on a Yaqui pawn at the Uaymitún ranch, which belonged to Mr. José Rosado (Padilla , 1995: 146). However, we do not have information to know if the other ranch workers were affected or not, since they were not included in the Padilla study. It should be noted that Mr. Rosado was the owner of the Uaymitún ranch between 1906 and 1912, as stated in the deed of sale on June 3, 1912 (ANY 1912, f.165-173).
We do not rule out that yellow fever (commonly known as “vomito prieto” or “black vomit”) reported on the ranch probably has infected other pawns becoming an epidemic problem, since unhealthy conditions in the region were conducive to proliferation Of the Aedes aegypti mosquito that is the main transmitter of the disease (Padilla 1995: 142-143)
Through the bone analysis three groups with morphological differences could be seen, this fact seems to support the population movements towards the Yucatecan henequen farms and the ranchos, from the interior of the country and even of the foreigner since there was a necessity to hire manpower of low cost. A large number of examples of individuals and families have been reported to be brought in to work on Yucatecan haciendas, not only in the interior of the country as Yaquis and Huascas, but sometimes as foreigners as Koreans. A clear example is the one mentioned in the journalistic note in The Magazine of Mérida that says: “… (In) … The national vapor Yucatan that anchoring lately came Yaqui families whose total was 209 individuals among women, elderly and children. These Yaqui families were destined to work on the farms in our state … “(November 6, 1900).
When I researched the Yaqui people, I found that they were forcibly exiled from the Sonora region of NW Mexico due to political unrest and attempts for self rule by the Yaqui people. Many of them ended up on haciendas and ranches in the Yucatán!
While it may sound like we spend a lot of time enjoying the different foods down here… it’s actually true!
Having a Nutella Marquesita on the Malecón!Visiting a new restaurant in Progreso, La Antigua!A Mexican and Central American treat; Queso Fundido! This one with Camarones (shrimp).A Yucatecan specialty; Pollo Xcatic which uses the xcatic chile in the sauce!We also had lunch at Crabster in Progreso on the Malecón! Elaine and Sharon shared the Crab Tacos!
When the Norte winds were blowing the other night, we went into Mérida, met up with Bob & Pat and took in a free Jazz concert in Santa Ana Park.
The first act was the Edmar Castañeda Trio… a drummer, a saxophone player and the leader, Edmar, who played the harp! We’ve never heard anyone play a harp like him… was incredible!
Part of the large audience gathered in the park!The Edmar Castañeda Trio
This post will just touch on a few topics as we close out one of the best January’s, weather-wise, for several years! February marks the arrival of family and friends!
On a recent outing into Centro in Mérida, we walked further up Calle 60 from the Plaza Grande to Santa Ana Park.
Santa Ana Church is a protected historical venueSanta Ana ChurchInteresting door… reminds me of the Doors of Durin in LoTR!Love the trees in the park too!The statue honouring Andrés Quintana Roo who was Governor of Yucatán!
Just a few more pictures from the beach house in Uaymitun…
The view towards Chicxulub Pier from Mat & Terri’s house!The view is from our roof top looking back towards the coast road and the wetlands beyond.Sunset on the beach…… and sunrise the next morning!
On Sunday, we attended the Symphony at the Teatro Péon Contreras.
The guest artist, Ratimir Martinovic, was a marvelous pianist being highlighted during three movements from Beethoven’s Concert #1 for Piano. Then he performed a much darker composition from a relatively unknown composer from Serbia.
After the intermission, the full orchestra enthralled us with pieces from Aaron Copeland and George Gershwin… it was fabulous!
Patrons entering the theatre… another view of the theatre balconies…… the OSY playing to another almost full house.The Mezzanine during intermissionA view of the main entrance to the theatreThe skylight in the entrance atrium
This week marks the arrival of the first of our winter guests!
Elaine’s sister, Sharon, arrived on Tuesday on the WestJet flight direct from Toronto to Mérida!
WS2792 safely arrives in Mérida!Entrance Gate “A”!Requisite photo at the airport!Enjoying the sunset…… and it was spectacular!Dinner at Elio al Mare in Progreso!
Well, that’s it for this post! Hopefully, the next post will include Izamal!
This post will include a few interesting highlights as well as some of the Cultural events one can experience here!
Firstly, sorry for the length of the previous blog… I had no idea it would include so much until it was ready for publishing. This one will be short and sweet! 🙂
Secondly, it was my plan to describe our trip to Izamal, however that will have to await a later post. On the evening before our day trip with Val & George, I succumbed a common complaint to those norteamericanos who visit the sub-tropics! Arrgh! I’m feeling much more prepared to venture away from the house now!
Izamal — the Yellow City
During our winter, I usually try to drop in a few every day occurrence things and some beach sunset pictures… so here goes!
Elaine enjoying an afternoon by the pool!Lots of pelicans fishing at the shore this year!Our beach friend, Ed, making homemade cinnamon buns!Aimless wandering at Altabrisa Mall (shopping) was rewarded by a late lunch at PF Changs… with leftovers!After attending the Symphony, we enjoyed a great visit…… with Bob & Pat in Merida!Local wildlife basking in the sun!A local fisherman at dusk!George, Val and Elaine awaiting the sunset!Gorgeous views!
As promised… a little glimpse into culture in the Yucatan!
Teatro José Peón Contreras
We were able to get tickets to the opening weekend of the OSY…
20 y 22 de Enero – YUCATAN Orquesta Sinfónica de Yucatán Teatro José Peón Contreras
Obertura El Murciélago
J. Strauss
Danzas Noruegas op. 35
E. Grieg
Voces de Primavera
J. Strauss
Valses de Praga
A. Dvorak
Danzas Eslavas 1 y 2
A. Dvorak
El Danubio Azul
J. Strauss
Our seats were in the next box to Bob & Pat.As I’ve said before, the theatre is beautiful!Incredible mural on the ceiling!Juan Carlos Lomonaco directing the orchestra!The mezzanine during intermissionSome patrons…… enjoying the Symphony!
That evening, we strolled down to the Plaza Grande in Centro (downtown) and managed to join the crowd gathering for the closing evening of MeridaFest. The closing act was the band Caifanes, who are an iconic Spanish-language rock and roll band from Mexico City, formed in 1987. They achieved international fame during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Our view of the stage in the Plaza Grande!
I’ll close with another style of ‘culture’…
Yours truly and my sis cutting a rug to “Black Magic Woman” at FACES!
I’m taking advantage in a change in the weather to draft up this post!
It always takes a little time to get settled into living away from home, but after two weeks now the hectic pace quietens down!
This blog will hopefully provide a snapshot of getting used to living in Uaymitun again!
Uaymitun
Here’s a few pics from around our beach house!
Our favourite view!Pelicans over head!Looking East from the sandbar at low tide…… looking West towards Val & George’s beach house…… waving to Elaine on the shore!As I shuffled in from the sand bar I saw this young stingray basking in the sun!My new best friend!The valedors from down the beach returning from fishing!Trying to get into a scheduled morning walk…… the road to Chicxulub and Progreso.
Chicxulub Puerto
Chicxulub, a small fishing village of about 5,000 people, is our closest town and provides many of the day-to-day necessities of life!
Elaine visiting Gaby the hairdresser!Time for a trim!
Most of the key attractions in the village surround the village square.
Looking down the street from Gaby’s toward the Ice Cream shop!The Nakuk Pech cultural centreLooking toward the PierA casual tourist at the Pier!Interesting local fishing boat!Chicxulub PierA view of Chicxulub from the PierThe heart of the squareSome of the many Loncheria’s around the squareRay and Pam’s favourite, but not open every day!
Telchac Puerto
About a 1/2 hour drive east from Uaymitun is another small fishing village, Telchac Puerto. We made our first visit of the season for lunch!
Elaine, George and Val awaiting…… our favourite, Pollo Maya! Yumm!
Progreso
Progreso is small city of about 50,000 people, but has a very long pier, which allows the large cruise liners to come to town several times a week! It gets very busy when 2,000 to 3,000 tourists disembark!
Progreso Cultural CenterNot Dollarama… but close!Bebidas y Botanas at Henequene on the Malecon!A Mango Margarita!Ah! Nothing like a …… Nutella Marquesita!Wednesday afternoon Jam Session at FACES!A good time was had by all!Our favourite Italian restaurant, Elio al Mare!… about to enjoy Chicken Parm!
Merida
Merida, a city of about 1,000,000 is the capital of the Yucatan and is about an hour drive from Uaymitun. We make frequent trips to major stores like Costco, Walmart and Chedraui, as well as visits to Centro (the downtown) which is the Historic part of the city!
Santa Lucia Park… one of our favourite places!
Well, this turned into a much larger blog than I had imagined! I hope you’ve enjoyed a glimpse of our part of the Yucatan once again!
And a special addendum to this blog takes note of the departure of Boom & Peg from the Uaymitun beach area, as they will be spending their winters in Florida!
Rod & Berri hosted a farewell party for them…
Peg and Boomer at the Farewell Party!It’s not a party, if there’s no cake!The whole gang!
It has been a year of recuperation, with the untimely passing of our brother-in-law, Rick, and Elaine’s dad last fall. We are looking forward to a relaxing and hopefully carefree, winter!
Once again, we’ll get to spend quality time with my sister, Val, and her husband, George, who are just 6 houses down the beach!
Cheers from Uaymitun, MX!
-doug and elaine
After a wonderful Christmas time with family and a great New Years Eve with friends, it was time to quickly pack and get ready to head back to Uaymitun.
Friends, Dave and Deb drove us up to Wellesley, where we said our goodbyes to Bryan, Jack and Ben and then Kerry drove us to our Toronto airport hotel.
We were able to have dinner with friends, Mat & Terri, at the Keg!
Yummy steaks at The Keg!
Another early morning, January 3rd, but our Westjet flight from Toronto to Mérida was on time and passage through Immigration and Customs was incredibly quick!
We picked up our car at the Mérida airport and quickly drove out to our beach house, Uaymarima, in Uaymitun! Our valedors greeted us warmly and we started to get settled in.
Welcome to Uaymitun!Uaymarima, our wonderful beach house!Enjoying being back at the beach!
While Elaine nested inside…
Family pictures put back into place!
I inspected the house, including up on the roof!
New solar panels were added last summer!…… A birds-eye view of the beach side…… and full inspection of the pool!…… a view from the beach…
We had several days of the kind of weather you look forward to!
Gorgeous sunrises!Windsurfing neighbours!Lots of pelicans!Flamingos by the road side
On Thursday, my sister Val and husband George flew in on a red-eye flight Vancouver-Mexico City-Mérida and they came over for dinner that night. We walked down the beach the following morning for a visit!
At V&G’s beach house
Then, on Saturday, El Norté arrived!
The calm before the storm…
… then it wasn’t quite so calm!
I guess not everyone sees a gale as a bad thing!
January 8th, we celebrated out 45th wedding anniversary! We had a wonderful dinner with Val & George at La Hacienda Xcanatun near Mérida!
La Hacienda XcanatunPart of the hotel sectionMayan sacred tree of life: La CeibaBeautiful table setting!Tamarind Chicken with Brie Fritter for Elaine, Val and George!“Sticky Lemon” chicken with onion mashed potato for me!and a special desert!A good time…… was had by all!
That’s it for our first blog… stay tuned!
Cheers!
Love to all,
-doug and elaine
PS: a last minute update!
We extend our deepest condolences to Dave Richie and family on the passing of his mother this morning!
