Well, here we are… my final blog post of the Winter 19 Season in Uaymitun! It’s been a long time coming!
Our last week was spent mostly at the beach, but we decided to leave a bit early and enjoy our last two nights in Mérida!
Sunrise at Uaymarima!Morning chore of raking the beach is done!A rare selfie of Elaine and I in the pool… I’m really quick! 🙂One last dinner at Elio al Mare… our fav Italian place…… and a great Elio’s sunset over the Progreso Pier!Bonnie and Ken came over for dinner…… and to share our last Uaymitun sunset of the season!Our nighttime patio view!
Too soon, it was moving day… leaving the beach and heading into Mérida!
Our last sunrise!Our totes are all packed and ready for storage!Our farewell to the beach pic!Jesús gave Elaine a farewell note and she gave him her Sheriff’s hat!Saying farewell to Mauricio, Miguel, Maria and Jesús!
We were fortunate to be able to book two nights at our favourite Centro hotel, Luz en Yucatán!
Luz en Yucatán, Calle 55 x 60 y 58Settling in and enjoying the pool view!
We went for dinner at an authentic Yucatecan restaurant, La Chaya Maya Casona just down the street from our hotel.
La Chaya Maya (Casona) on Calle 55 x 62 y 60It’s a beautiful place for dinner!My favourite here, Pollo Pibil…… and Elaine’s… Cochinita!I met a new friend!Scouting out new experiences for next year!
The next day, our last in Mérida, proved to be even hotter than the day before! Afternoon temps reached 39C-40C (102F-104F), so we had to be careful in what we did!
We Uber’d from the Luz over to the Paseo de Montejo to visit an emporium that Elaine had always wanted to explore… and we heard that they may have some of the Cappuccino glasses we were looking for!
Heading into the “Giraffe Store”, Galerias El Triunfo”Four floors of interesting stuff!Very sad… leaving empty handed!
We walked a block down the street and took a break from the heat in Hennessy’s Irish Pub!
Hennessy’s Irish Pub… scene of the Bunco debacle from Post #4!
As the heat was getting unbearable, we Uber’d back to the Luz!
How I spent my afternoon!
Once the heat of the day had passed, we went out for dinner and a final walk through Centro!
Dinner at Amaro!Amaro is one of our “go to” places in Mérida …… beautiful surroundings…… great food… Pollo X’Catic for two…… entertainment at the table…Cafe Maya for two! What a great final dinner!
After dinner, it was time to walkabout and enjoy Centro for one last time this season!
My, my! What do we have here! Sharing some Mango con Chamoy! Yumm!Parque HidalgoRectoria El Jesus Tercera OrdenParque de la MadreCafe Peon Contreras, beside the theatreParque de Santa Lucía, our favourite!Luz en Yucatán at night!
We said our goodbyes to Tom at the Luz en Yucatán and a 15 minute cab ride later, we were at the airport!
WestJet WS 2793 awaits!
After an uneventful flight, which is always the preferred kind, and we were back in Toronto! The Immigration area in T3 was an absolute gong show, but we eventually made it through, grabbed our luggage and met up with Don & Sharon in the Arrivals area!
We grabbed a bite to eat on the way!
Don & Sharon took us to Wellesley for our overnight at Kerry and Bryan’s home! A short visit with Elaine’s Mom the next morning and we were off to Sarnia!
We miss being in Uaymitun… warm/hot weather, beautiful surroundings and good friends… but it is so good be home with family and friends again!
Well, that’s it for the Winter 2019 season! Proximo año!
The events of early April have put my blog posting onto the back burner… until today!
As I briefly mentioned in a postscript to my last blog, my dear Mom, Muriel Olive Loten (nee Keable) passed away during the morning of April 1st, while we were still in Uaymitun! She is survived by 3 children, 8 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
We returned home on April 9th, WestJet Tuesday; had a few days to open the house and then flew out to Abbotsford, BC. Elaine and I were very grateful to be accompanied by our three daughters, Tricia, Kerry and Kristy and Kerry’s 9 year old son, Ben. My sister Valerie, brother Roger, all the grandchildren, many of the great-grandchildren and some close family friends gathered for Mom’s “Celebration of Life”… it was very meaningful for all. Not a dry eye was left as “Amazing Grace” was played by a local piper to close out the ceremony. It was a time of tears, smiles and laughs… Mom would have approved!
Now… back to our regularly scheduled blog posting…
As the end of March approached, it was time for many of the winter beach folks to head home! We were scheduled to stay until April 9th, so we were some of the last to leave.
We made sure to spend some time with our Uaymitun friends before the season came to a close!
We had a great lunch at Crabster with Mat & Terri before they left for Cancun!We had a great evening of cards with Ross and Joan before they headed home… Ken and Bonnie flew home with us!
We had talked numerous times with Raymond and Pam about trying out a local “Cocina Económica” that they had been to several times! So we booked a lunch date to be followed by cards!
Doña Mary… home of fabulous “Pechuga Parmesana” every Tuesday! Yumm!A great lunch was enjoyed by all!
Then it was time to get serious… the World Championship Title (between us 4) of Hand and Foot was up for grabs again!
Through great strategy, skill and consummate team playing, Pam and I beat Elaine and Raymond to regain the Title… actually we didn’t just beat them, we annihilated, destroyed, decimated and countless other adjectives, beat them by a score of 12,369 to 8,573!
Being good sports, Elaine and Raymond supplied us with a Victory photo!… we forced them to take another!
To let them recovery from the trouncing, we agreed to play some more cards… 5 Crowns it was… definitely not a “team sport”! Or so we thought!
By the time “The Kings Were Wild”, they had conspired and table-talked their way into a 49-49 tie… and then declared themselves the Winners! Pshah!
The “non-team” Victory photo!
This season was Bob and Pat’s last one in Mérida, but we sure hope they’ll come back in a few years! We were invited to their house for one last sleepover!
We started the visit with a late lunch at PF Chang’s…… in AltaBrisa Mall!Pat at the door of their wonderful house in MéridaAnd Bobby too!They had picked up a little (could have fed 12) Chocolate Cake to celebrate the day!Last night in the great casita!
The next morning we walked to a nearby artisan bakery, SOCO, for breakfast!
What a great find…… Eggs Benedict for me…… Sourdough bread with Avocado and a Poached Egg for Elaine
Back in in Post #11 “Mostly nothing!”, Doug & Janine and Gary & Laura had moved into the house just two down from us on the beach at the beginning of March.
To close out their stay, they hosted a “Murder Mystery” with Elaine and I joining them and their guests, John & Nancy!
A beautiful sunset before the Murder Mystery!
“Honky Tonk Homicide”, Cactus Texas
A nasty murder investigation sure can disrupt Karaoke Night, especially when everyone in town is a suspect! So it’s time to put the microphone and shot glasses down and figure out who killed Bubba Angus… before we’re all put in jail!
Sheriff Sissy Wesson (Elaine): The sexy, yet fierce and respected, sheriff of Cactus, Texas.
Carney Folk (DW): An angry and sleazy carnival worker, passing through town.
Rowdy Lawless (John): A bad boy with a short temper and a love for his bike.
Dusty Diamond (Gary): Host of Karaoke Night at Bubba’s with big dreams of Country Western stardom.
Reverend Jim Bob Eternity (me): The town’s beloved TV evangelist.
Mary Kay Eternity (Nancy): The preacher’s wife, struggling for her own identity.
Twyla Fleetwood (Janine): Cactus Court Trailer Park owner and designer of her own nuclear holocaust bunker.
Crystalline Daniels (Laura): The young, beautiful and promiscuous barmaid.
“Twyla Fleetwood” (Janine) & “Carney Folk” (DW)“Sheriff Sissy Wesson” (Elaine) & “Rev Jim Bob Eternity” (Doug)“Rowdy Lawless” (John) & “Mary Kay Eternity” (Nancy)“Crystalline Daniels” (Laura) & “Dusty Diamond” (Gary)The pride of Cactus, Texas!“Mary Kay” and “Sheriff Sissy”……”Rowdy”…… “Carney”, “Twyla”, “Crystalline” and “Diamond” reviewing the script!
It was a fun evening with a great meal… don’t want to be a spoiler, but it was the Preacher with the Pistol in the Office! 🙂
The next morning was a beautiful one…
Some young Iguanas played by the pool!The gang posed for a good bye picture before packing the car to leave!There was a beautiful memorial sunset that evening!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this penultimate blog post of the season!
There are a few places in the Yucatán that we try to revisit each year, as they are dear to our hearts… like San Ignacio Cenote of the previous blog post.
This is another! Hacienda Yaxcopoil!
Hacienda Yaxcopoil
Our friends, Raymond and Pam, also count Hacienda Yaxcopoil as one of their favourite places to visit! We were able to grab a day and go together!
Hacienda Yaxcopoil (YASH-coh-poh-EEL) is a Yucatan plantation located near Merida, Mexico and dating back to the 17th century. The name Yaxcopoil means “the place of the green alamo trees” in Mayan and was named after the Mayan ruins nearby. The Hacienda represents the history of three great periods in the Yucatan Peninsula: the pre-Columbian period, the Spanish colonial period, and the boom years of henequen cultivation during the late 19th and early 20th century.
Hacienda Yaxcopoil was once considered one of the most important rural estates in the Yucatan due to its size and magnificence. It covered about 22,000 acres of land at the time of its greatest splendor, operating first as a cattle ranch and later as a henequen plantation. Over time, due to continuous political, social and economic changes, the estate has been reduced to less than 3% of its original size.
It’s located south-west of Mérida… about an 1 hour and 15 minute drove from Uaymitun… all on good highways!
Here’s some highlights of our visit!
A ‘moorish’ influence defines the impressive gatesThe principal residence is being maintained as it was left 75-80 years ago
The interior is being maintained as it was, however, there’s a project underway to restore the beauty of the walls.
Every hacienda had it’s own chapel… … due to their remotenessThe principal bathroom
As we were touring the rooms, Raymond and I found scaffolding and a craftsman working in the kitchen. We expressed interest in what he was doing and he came down to tell us of his work.
While the walls of each of the rooms in the Principal residence appear to be covered by wallpaper, in fact, the designs are all hand painted! The beauty of each room is being recreated by hand to match the remaining remnants of designs found fading on the walls. Given the painstaking work involved, each room takes 5-7 months to complete!
Reference to this work and the craftsman performing it, Alejandro Quintal Solis, can be found in an online edition of El Diario de Yucatán. The original is in Spanish but most browsers can provide inline translation to English, if you wish!
Raymond with AlejandroThe craftmanship…… is obvious!
As beautiful as the interior is, the grounds are equally impressive and enjoyable on many levels!
Elaine was wandering and had a conversation with another workman who took her to see some of the Mayan era discoveries from the site!
It’s a wonderful place to just amble along enjoying the quietness and beauty!
A black & white photo really brings out the beauty of the palm shadowsSapote fruit
No visit is complete without a stroll across the open grounds to the henequen processing factory and buildings
The old hacienda ‘company store’
We had enjoyed another wonderful visit to Hacienda Yaxcopoil!
Photo op with Raymond and PamOne last stroll in the front yardAdios until next year!
We stopped at another of our fav’s, Hermana Republica Xcanatun, for lunch on our way home!
Nothing like some good old Fried Cow!It looks and tastes much better than the menu would lead you to think!
I hope you’ve enjoyed a glimpse of Hacienda Yaxcopoil!
Cheers from Uaymitun!
-doug and elaine
Since my original draft of this blog post, I’m sad to say my Mom passed away on Monday, April 1st. She would have been 105 in October!
Now that we’re retired, we joke that we don’t go on shopping trips, etc… we have “Outings”!
So here’s a blog dedicated to some of our recent “Outings”!
Telchac Puerto
About a twenty-five km drive east along the Coast Road, you come upon the fishing village of Telchac Puerto! It’s a nice distance to go for a walk on the pier or to enjoy the offerings of the local restaurants!
La Picuda… one of the two favourite places in Telchac!
For those of you with FB accounts, search for La Picuda… and you’ll see that Jose has posted a picture of us on his FB page!
A walk on the pier wouldn’t be complete without a picture by the sign!A meeting of the Telchac Puerto Pier Board!Elaine enjoying the view!The Telchac Puerto MuseumFor those of you familiar with “Finding Nemo”… think “Mine, Mine, Mine!”
On our return, we made a couple of quick stops…
Who can resist the urge?This was the first Chicxulub beach house, at Km 13, where we all stayed back in 2009!
Commentary: Just a few words of commentary, as the memories come flooding back! In 2009, George and Val invited family, including us, to come a visit them in this out of the way place called Chicxulub.
We came; we realized that is was the first time in 50 years that Val, Roger and I had vacationed together!
We came; to a small beach house with sparse furnishings, a tiny plunge pool, rock hard beds, windows that whistled in the winds and a beach that gave me my first, and hopefully last, stingray sting!
We came; to find nothing similar to our experience of Cancun, dangerously rough and pot-holed streets, topes threatening to destroy your shock absorbers, getting drinking water from pay dispenser in the village and paying for laundry by the Kg!
We came; and got hooked!
We came; when Val & George asked again in 2012… and I recovered for two weeks at Chu Huc Ha from a brutal travel year!
We came; and when early retirement was offered in late 2012… this was our destination of choice… Uaymarima has been our Winter home from 2013 until now!
Wednesday Jam Session @Faces
What a great way to spend a Wednesday afternoon!
Rog and Sandy getting their groove on!Likewise, Elaine and Bill!Pam from across the road either trying to fly or wishing they’d turn the music down!!! 🙂
TecnoHotel Beach, San Benito
We try to come here for dinner at least once per season… frequently for Valentine’s Day! This time we were joined by Doug & Janine and friends, Gary & Laura and John & Nancy!
The moon was just rising over the Guest Reception as we parked for dinner!Coconut Shrimp for many!Another beautiful moon shoot when we arrived home!
Crabster, Progreso on the Malecón
Another favourite place when taking a walk on the Malecón is Crabster! Upscale food with a great view!
For the “Seafood Lover in You”, try the CrabbyBurger…… and maybe a Mango Margarita…… and Pay de Limón!
San Ignacio Cenote, Chocholá
It is estimated that there are over 30,000 cenotes to be found in the Yucatán! While there may be larger and more impressive cenotes, our long time favourite is the first one we ever visited; the San Ignacio Cenote in the village of Chocholá a short drive from the southwest of Mérida!
We were joined by Ellen & Bill and Ann & Greg this time!
San Ignacio CenoteA great time was had by all!
Roger and Sandy’s time with us came to an end, as all visits must!
Sandy enjoying her Poolercise!Last Mango MargaritasRog and I sporting our almost matching Progreso jacketsCanada is that way!We went for Pollo Maya…… at Terraya in Telchac PuertoLast Piña Coladas before heading to the airportSaying our goodbyes at Gate “A” in Mérida
I hope you’ve enjoyed our recent ‘Outings’! We sure did!
The next blog will highlight another ‘Outing’… this time with Ray & Pam to our favourite hacienda, Hacienda Yaxcopoli!
There’s no denying that we enjoy being in Uaymitun for the coldest and stormiest season in South-Western Ontario!
However, we enjoy the culture, the history and the beautiful sights to be found in the Yucatán!
We enjoy having time just as a couple in love after 47 years!
But there’s also no denying that our life and times here in Uaymitun are enriched by “Family and Friends”!
After a short break following Dave & Deb’s visit, my brother Roger and wife Sandy, from Langley, BC, came for a two week visit!
After a delayed start and a cancelled flight… they’re here!The requisite Airport shot, but a bit dark in the evening!Next morning, enjoying brekkie…… on the patio… that’s me in a rare cameo appearance!After a dip in the Gulf and the pool…It was time for Piña Coladas on the patio!Their first sunset was stupendous!
We needed some supplies, so off on a day trip into Mérida
We started with lunch…… at PF Chang’s in the Altabrisa Mall… Yumm, Yumm and more Yumm!A shopping trip to Mérida wouldn’t be complete…… without visiting the Costco Cenote!Sandy was ready to purchase until she read the sticker… you must buy 2! 🙂
Our next day was a relax… pool… beach day!
The morning cloud bank appeared to be building into something ominous…… but turned into a great day and a great sunset.
Wednesday was FACES in Progreso… great music and lots of fun with family & friends!
Rog & Sandy glad to be back again!Just waiting to trip the light fantastic!Ann, Ellen and Bill…… and Greg loving being in the band!Mat & Terri enjoying a slow dance!
Thursday, we were back to chillin’ at the beach!
Best seats in the house…… for the light show!
We were able to spend some more time with friends down the beach!
Fabulous steak dinner at the home of Paul & Kari Richer!
We reciprocated a few days later with a surprise birthday for Paul & Kari! Elaine did a fabulous job pulling everything together for a small group of 18!
Here’s some candid shots of the party!Hi Bill!Kari photo bombs Roger!Bill, Mark, Doug, Greg, Ann, Mark, Rosanna, Kari, Roger, Gary and SandyThe Ladies corner… Sandy, Donna, Laura, Janine and EllenElaine and BillPeace!Elaine and GaryThe cake from Tere Cazola in Progreso!Happy birthday to Paul and Kari!Rosanna, Elaine, Ellen, Kari, Roger and BillGreg, Elaine, Ann and Donna
A great time was had by all!
For our 2013-2015 winters, we were fortunate to have Panchita and her family act as valedors for Uaymarima! They grew to be close friends and we were saddened when the amount of work for Panchita grew too great for her alone as her family grew and moved on to lives of their own.
Each year, we’re happy that they enjoy coming out to Uaymarima to visit! Even though our Spanish gets a little bit better each year, it’s never been an impediment to our enjoyment of their company!
This year, most of the family, including the 3 little ones, came for an afternoon of brownies, Coke, snacks and fun!
Mayra, Isidro, Kenneth, Carlito, Carlos, Valeria, Geysi (friend) and Fatima!Dear Panchita chatting with meMany had a fun time…… playing in the pool!Mayra and IsidroIt was such a heartwarming visit…… enjoyed by one and all!
That’s all for this blog post… watch this space for more Uaymitun life!
This is a blog about mostly nothing… well it’s about something, but just everyday living and enjoying family and friends down here!
Mornings can be very busy in the local village, Chicxulub, but there’s still time for a few different pastimes! We needed to drop off and pick up some laundry at the Lavanderia Caremi, then Dave and I did some aimless wandering around the square.
La Michoacana Heladeria… the local ice cream store on the Chicxulub square!Davey being introduced to Guanábana ice cream…… and some Michocoan pork at El Sabor de Michoacan loncheria!Elaine and Deb enjoying pool time!Mango margaritas in the pool!Wednesday afternoons at FACES!Lunch at PF Chang’s at Altabrisa Mall!More beautiful sunsets…… than you can shake a stick at!
Long time friends and frequent visitors, Doug and Janine MacDonald, have rented the beach house just two doors down from us for the month of March. Joining them from Parry Sound are friends Gary and Laura Robinson! We had them over for dinner and a visit when they arrived at the beach!
Elaine, Janine, Laura and Deb enjoying Cappuccino Mayas!Not to be outdone, Dave, Garry, Doug and I did too!
Towards the end of Dave and Deb’s visit, we went for dinner at two of our favourite places: Amaro in Centro Mérida and Hacienda Xcanatún just outside of Mérida!
My favourite at Amaro’s is Pollo X’katicOur waiter, Antonio, is their Cafe Maya (with Xtabentun) specialist!
Here’s a couple of short videos showing how Antonio makes the Cafe Maya!
The other dining experience was at Hacienda Xcanatún!
Hacienda Xcanatún is set in beautiful grounds…… that come to life with lights in the evening!Deb and Dave in front of the Ceiba tree… as are we…… and Elaine and Kari Richer… Paul took the pics!
Alas, Dave and Deb’s time with us came to an end!
Brekkie on the patio with Mango MargaritasOne last picture by the poolGoodbyes at Gate A at Mérida airport! Sad faces and all!
That’s all for this blog post… a few days of relaxation and then my brother Roger and wife Sandy arrive for two weeks!
This blog post continues coverage of our Road Trip!
As I mentioned previously, we drove down to Santa Elena and checked into The Pickled Onion. The next morning went to visit the Mayan ruins at Uxmal!
We so enjoyed returning to The Pickled Onion and visiting with Valerie Pickles, the owner, again. The grounds are a sight to see… so nice to relax by the pool… every casita is unique and a great place to stay!
The Pickled Onion, Santa Elena, YN
After check-in, we had a late lunch and relaxed before heading to the pool!
Pickled Onion makes great margaritas and daiquiris!I enjoyed their Flautas for lunch! These are Pat Lavoie’s favs!
Just some of the pictures we took around the grounds!
The prettiest flower of all!
Our first evening, we stayed in one of the family casitas, but the next day we moved into two of the larger casitas.
We enjoyed a great afternoon in the sun at the pool, but as we prepared to go to dinner, the skies opened up and it just poured! A couple of mad dashes with our one umbrella and a couple of towels and we made it from our casita to the dining room.
Our first casita… ” Chan Nah (The Small House)”Our casita, “Kip Cho Nah (The Squirrel Cuckoo House)”Dave & Deb’s casita, “Ka’ana Nah (Hill House)”
We met some nice folks from Lethbridge, AB and Chemuyil, QR! We had a great visit with them and they formed the other half our our Uxmal Tour group!
Mike & Sheila, Candace & Perry
After a great breakfast, we drove back Uxmal way to visit the Chocolate Museum. We had been before, with Doug & Janine in 2015, but it’s always a great place to visit!
Welcome to the “Choco-Story”!The path from the main entrance to the exhibitsEach of the several casitas contains history and artifacts about the origin of the use of Chocolate.Gorgeous flowers abound along the pathway…… making it a very pleasing walkA plaque talking about Achiote a main spice of the Yucatan…… and examples of the actual seed podsSomeone is waiting for anyone to try camping!The Choco-Story had several enclosures for rescued animals including this jaguar.
After our tour of “Choco-Story” we drove back towards the Pickled Onion and made a short side trip to visit the town of Santa Elena.
The town gates with the church just visible on the hill in the distance.Walking across the square to visit Iglesia Catolica Santa ElenaA view of the church altar…… and the massive doorsSanta Elena town square
Back at the Pickled Onion, we had another great lunch and then headed to pool in the 35C heat!
Two hand models with interesting beverages!Deb and Dave enjoying the pool and hammock! No Diving from the hammock!Interesting fashion statement, but it beat the heat!The pool area at night!We had another fabulous meal… fresh tortillas made on site…… with Cappuccino Mayas for dessert!
So ends our Road Trip to Uxmal, The Choco-Story, Santa Elena and The Pickled Onion! A great time was had by all!
The next blog post will highlight the rest of Dave & Deb’s visit!
This our first Road Trip of the season! We’ll be staying at “The Pickled Onion” in Santa Elena and visiting Uxmal and other local sights!
While it is about a 2 hour drive to Santa Elena and The Pickled Onion, apart from the last 15 minutes it’s all on upgraded highways.
We arrived around 1PM, got settled in our casitas, enjoyed a late lunch and then hit the pool!
The Pickled Onion, Santa Elena, YN
I’m going to save all the Pickled Onion and other stuff until the next blog post. This blog post will highlight our visit to Uxmal!
For any who are not aware of the significance of this site, I’ve included a description from our friends at Wikipedia!
Uxmal (Yucatec Maya: Óoxmáal [óˑʃmáˑl]) is an ancient Maya city of the classical period in present-day Mexico. It is considered one of the most important archaeological sites of Maya culture, along with Palenque, Chichén, and Calakmul in Mexico, Caracol and Xunantunich in Belize, and Tikal in Guatemala. It is located in the Puuc region of the eastern Yucatan Peninsula, and is considered one of the Maya cities most representative of the region’s dominant architectural style. It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its significance.
It is located 62 km south of Mérida, capital of Yucatán state in Mexico. Its buildings are noted for their size and decoration. Ancient roads called sacbes connect the buildings, and also were built to other cities in the area such as Chichén Itzá in modern-day Mexico, Caracol and Xunantunich in modern-day Belize, and Tikal in modern-day Guatemala.
Its buildings are typical of the Puuc style, with smooth low walls that open on ornate friezes based on representations of typical Maya huts. These are represented by columns (representing the reeds used for the walls of the huts) and trapezoidal shapes (representing the thatched roofs). Entwined snakes and, in many cases two-headed snakes are used for masks of the rain god, Chaac; its big noses represent the rays of the storms. Feathered serpents with open fangs are shown leaving from the same human beings. Also seen in some cities are the influences of the Nahua, who followed the cult of Quetzalcoatl and Tlaloc. These were integrated with the original elements of the Puuc tradition.
In our morning chat with Valerie, our host at the Pickled Onion, we found out that entry fees to Uxmal, Chichen Itza and a few other sights had doubled on February 1st! She was able to arrange for us to have a personal tour guide along with two couples that we met at the Onion! It was a quick breakfast to make the short drive to Uxmal by 8:30… before the heat of the day and the arrival of the many, many tour buses!
Looking back down the slope to the Entrance gates…… and looking up towards the Pyramid of the Magician!
Once we’d entered the site and enjoyed our view of the large pyramid, we walked across grounds over to the Governor’s House.
A short walk brought us to the foot of the Governor’s HouseIncredible stonework!Profile view of the Mayan rain god Chaac More of Chaac!The House of the Turtles… with unrestored pyramid mounds visible in the distanceA view of the Mayan Ball CourtThe iconic view of Uxmal
After climbing back down from the Governor’s House, we walked behind it past the Great Pyramid to the Dovecote.
The Great Pyramidthe Dovecoteanother view of the Dovecote
Our path now takes us to the Ball Court and on to the main Quadrangle.
The ball court…… and a close up of the ball ring replica… original is in the museum at DzbilchaltunLooking toward the main Quadrangle…… and looking back towards the Ball Court
Our final part of the tour is of the main Quadrangle or commonly called the Nun’s Quadrangle as it reminded the Spaniards of a convent in Spain.
The Nun’s Quadrangle …… with incredible carvingsthe head and tail of the Snakemore of Chaac…one more… they really, really wanted rain!a view from the front of the Magician’s Pyramid… and one from another perspectiveOur tour guide took couples photos, once the other tour group left…… with my main squeeze!
Our tour guide, Jorge Mex, was very knowledgeable of the history and culture of the Maya at Uxmal… although at times his comments wandered into new age, or perhaps very old age, philosophy! All in all, a great tour!
with our tour guide, Jorge Mex
While Dave and Deb continued to walk about taking additional pictures for a little while, Elaine and I wandered over to the Lodge at Uxmal next door to the site for a rest and a beverage!
The Lodge at UxmalNow that’s a Mango Margarita!
On our way back to the Pickled Onion, we stopped for a walk about in the village of Santa Elena. Pictures of that and of the Pickled Onion itself will be featured in our next post!
The Arrivals in the this blog post are Dave & Deb, longtime friends from Sarnia and frequent visitors to Uaymarima!
As usual, we try to save a week between guests to allow us some time to relax and prepare the house for the next arrivals!
We enjoyed another Wednesday afternoon at FACES with Mat & Terri! It was Bill & Ellen and Greg & Anne’s first time to FACES this season. A good time was had by all!
Elaine & Terri and Ellen & Bill cutting a rug… sorry Bill but UCONN is spelled Yukon!Greg laying down some cool bass riffs in the background
Courtesy of Ellen; Elaine & I enjoying a slow song… (sorry but WordPress keeps flipping this and the next pic the wrong way!)
… and dancing to our song “Brown-eyed girl!”
We had neighbours to the East of us in Mayo’s house for a week. A family, mostly from the Denver area, were enjoying a week on the beach before going to Campeche for a family wedding.
They truly enjoyed the beach life… swimming in the Gulf, relaxing in the sun and playing games on the beach!
One of the group was a talented sand sculptor and enjoyed using the great packing sand on our beach…
A castle to beat all castles!And a very imaginative…… Love Bug for Valentine’s Day!
Speaking of Valentine’s Day!
We decided to have a low key Valentine’s Day this year. Just an exchange of cards and a nice dinner out.
As the image below shows, one card shows a depth of thought and planning to search out and bring the perfect card from home… one card shows a spirit of improvisation to gloss over a certain lack of planning to obtain a card from a local ‘papeleria’ in Chicxulub! Both demonstrate love!
A Tale of Two Cards!
This year, the love of my life suggested that our Valentines’s Day dinner should be at a restaurant of my liking! Off we went to PF Chang’s at the Altabrisa Mall in Mérida; and ‘bonus’, it’s one of her favourite places too!
Yumm and more Yumm! Mongolian Beef, Crispy Honey Chicken and Double Pan Fried Noodles!
Other happenings around the beach…
Strong north winds over the past few days and weeks have washed a multitude of small conchs near to the beach. Coupled with the low tides this week, many of the local folks are out in numbers combing the beaches and sand bars for ‘caracoles’ to make into ceviche or stew.
Miguel and family had two 5 gallon pails of ‘caracoles’!Lots of local fishing boats just offshore
If you’ll remember, I posted a couple of public service pics a blog post or three ago!
Cuidado (warning) signs!Tada! They weren’t kidding!
Mea culpa… while we did lots of other stuff… see below… I was negligent in taking any pics! 🙁
We enjoyed visiting with the “Scots” as we call them (Ellen & Bill and Anne & Greg) at their new digs at Villa Patricia, Km 19. Ellen won at 5 Crowns when she overcame my insurmountable lead on the last hand!
Kari & Paul, just four houses down from us, invited us over for a visit as well! It was nice to be able to spend time with them.
We hosted Satuday afternoon Bebidas y Botanas for Ross & Joan, Ken & Bonnie and their friends from Atwood, Tom & Jennifer! It was great to catch up with them for the first time this winter!
That evening, we joined Pam & Raymond and Pam’s sister, Jean, for a couple of games of 5 Crowns.
Not quite Breaking News! Raymond and Elaine won!
An finally, La Llegada – The Arrival!
The crowds were gathering upon hearing the news of Dave & Deb’s pending arrival!At the airport there are some interesting…… some iconic…… and some historical statues!While waiting, we window-shopped in our favourite pastry shop in the concourse!WestJet 2792 has arrived from Toronto!First glimpses…… followed by a mad dash!The requisite photo outside at the terminalRelaxing on our patio!Sunset in the West…… and moonrise in the East (a bit too grainy to show it well)…… so here’s a better pic from buddy Mateo near Chicxulub!
That’s it for this one! The next blog post will highlight our visit to Uxmal and The Pickled Onion!
These are levels found in every airport! They are also happenings involving family and friends during our winters in Uaymitun!
This blog post will highlight a “Salida”!
It was great having Don & Sharon down for 2 weeks. Sharon has been here several times, but this was Don’s first visit! I’m hoping he now has a good idea of why we love to come back here year after year!
Another relaxing massage courtesy of Marina Massage!Beautiful sunrises and …… sunsets!Warm watersShallow depths let you walk out a long wayAnother swim in the Gulf!Walks on the beach!Don is sad thinking about their Tuesday flight home!
After relaxing and packing, it was time for one last sunset on the beach!
Bebidas en la playa!A gorgeous sunset!
La Salida… the departure!
One last pic beside the pool…… and goodbyes at the airport!
That afternoon, while Don & Sharon were on their flight heading northward and wondering if they would be landing in Toronto or Thunder Bay due to the wicked weather, our weather was suddenly threatening too!
The clouds were gathering and the winds were picking up!Batten down the hatches! It was looking very bad!But it blew inland, missing us and just left a rainbow in its wake!
The next blog will highlight La Llegada – The Arrival… of Dave & Deb!
