Uaymitun 2017-Blog Post #6 “Valentines Day!”

Welcome to our Uaymitun 2017 Blog!

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 & Terri
Valentine’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 Hidalgo
La 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 Mendelssohn
Another bunch of Symphony lovers!
Dave and Deb outside their box seats!

After enjoying the Symphony, we went to the Cafe Habana for Maya Cappuccinos!

Well, that’s it for this post!

Cheers from Uaymitun, MX!

-doug and elaine

Uaymitun 2017-Blog Post #5 “Historical Uaymitun!”

Welcome to our Uaymitun 2017 Blog!

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

Well, that’s it for this post!

Cheers from Uaymitun, MX!

-doug and elaine

Uaymitun 2017-Blog Post #4 “January turns into February!”

Welcome to our Uaymitun 2017 Blog!

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 venue
Santa Ana Church
Interesting 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 intermission
A view of the main entrance to the theatre
The 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!

Cheers from Uaymitun, MX!

-doug and elaine

Uaymitun 2017-Blog Post #3 “Culture in the Yucatan!”

Welcome to our Uaymitun 2017 Blog!

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 intermission
Some 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!

El Norte has arrived, once again!

Cheers from Uaymitun, MX!

-doug and elaine

Uaymitun 2017-Blog Post #2 “Getting Settled!”

Welcome to our Uaymitun 2017 Blog!

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 centre
Looking toward the Pier
A casual tourist at the Pier!
Interesting local fishing boat!
Chicxulub Pier
A view of Chicxulub from the Pier
The heart of the square
Some of the many Loncheria’s around the square
Ray 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 Center
Not 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’s not Goodbye… only Farewell!

Cheers from Uaymitun, MX!

-doug and elaine

Uaymitun 2017-Blog Post #1 “Winter in Uaymitun!”

Welcome to our Uaymitun 2017 Blog!

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!

mayan-glyphsJanuary 8th, we celebrated out 45th wedding anniversary!  We had a wonderful dinner with Val & George at La Hacienda Xcanatun near Mérida!

La Hacienda Xcanatun
Part of the hotel section
Mayan sacred tree of life: La Ceiba
Beautiful 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!

mayan-glyphs

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!

Uaymitun 2016-Blog Post #9 “Final Days!”

Welcome to our 9th and final Blog from our Uaymitun 2016 winter!

Cheers from Uaymitun, MX!

-doug and elaine

mayan-glyphs

It’s hard to believe that our winter in Uaymitun has come to an end! It truly went by very quickly!

In this final blog of the winter, we’ll catch up on a few loose ends, highlight another hacienda ruin and show another visit to a live show in Merida!

I was great to have Alison and Monica visit with George & Val, cuz it meant we could see them too!

Alison with her Auntie!
Alison with her Auntie!
The Progreso Team!
The Progreso Team visiting from down the beach…
... and relaxing with a Mayan Kiss (Kahlua and Xtabentun)!
… and relaxing with a Mayan Kiss (Kahlua and Xtabentun)!

A brief interlude of random pictures from the last few weeks…

Sunrise in Uaymitun!
Sunrise in Uaymitun!
A Mexican SmartCar! :-)
A Mexican SmartCar! 🙂
Had lunch at the Hyatt Merida with Mat & Terri!
Had lunch at the Hyatt Merida with Mat & Terri!
Mmmmm! Marquesitas on the Malecon in Progreso!
Mmmmm! Nutella Marquesitas on the Malecon in Progreso!
Miguel trimming the palms!
Miguel trimming the trees!
Elaine cuddling a baby Boston Terrier at Yucatan Vacations office in Progreso!
Elaine cuddling a baby Boston Terrier at Yucatan Vacations office in Progreso!
Elaine & Val getting massages! Doug & George too, but mercifully no pics!
Elaine & Val getting massages! Doug & George too, but mercifully no pics!
One last lunch at PF Chang's at Altabrisa Mall!
One last lunch at PF Chang’s at Altabrisa Mall!

Just to be clear, life in Uaymitun is totally relaxing with no hint of competition other than Hand & Foot and who could place the most coconuts on our fence!

Pam with the final and winning coco!
Pam with the final and winning coco!
What a lovely bunch of coconuts!
What a lovely bunch of coconuts!

Driving home from Merida one day, Mat asked if we’d ever visited the little town of San Ignacio?  While we’d driven by the road sign countless times, we’d never slowed down and turned off… until that day!

San Ignacio village hall on the grounds of the ruined hacienda of the same name.
San Ignacio village hall on the grounds of the ruined hacienda of the same name.
Once the chapel, now the local church.
Once the hacienda chapel, now the local church.
A number of views of the ruins of the henequen processing buildings
A number of views of the ruins of the henequen processing buildings

2016-03-02-17h05m35-IMG_55922016-03-02-17h06m27-IMG_55952016-03-02-17h08m39-IMG_55972016-03-02-17h09m08-IMG_55982016-03-02-17h13m16-IMG_56002016-03-02-17h19m01-IMG_5604

Trees have taken over much of the original hacienda
Trees have taken over much of the original hacienda

We were fortunate to be able to get some tickets to a night of music at the Teatro Jose Peon Contreras in Merida the other night.  The Merida Big Band and La Decada put on a great show called “Jóvenes Recuerdos” or “Memories from our Youth”!

Merida Big Band

Had a great meal before the show at La Tratto with a Cappuchino!
Had a great meal before the show at La Tratto with a Cappuchino!
As always, the Teatro Jose Peon Contreras was...
As always, the Teatro Jose Peon Contreras was…
... spectacular!
… spectacular!
Tanner, Meaghan, Terri, Mat and Elaine!
Tanner, Meaghan, Terri, Mat and Elaine!
Val, George & yours truly!
Val, George & yours truly!  I need practice on my selfies!
La Decada and the Merida Big Band in performance!
La Decada and the Merida Big Band in performance!
An after show Cappucino Maya at La Cafe Habana on 59th!
An after show Cappucino Maya at La Cafe Habana on 59th!

Our last morning at the beach house was a beautiful day!  We saw dolphins too!

A gorgeous final morning!
A gorgeous final morning!
We said our goodbyes to Miguel and Maria and left for Merida!
We said our goodbyes to Miguel and Maria and left for Merida!

We spent our last night at the Luz en Yucatan in Centro Merida, as did George and Val!

Luz en Yucatan pool area!
Luz en Yucatan pool area!
Luz en Yucatan gardens!
Luz en Yucatan gardens!
George & Val on their patio from our patio!
George & Val on their patio from our patio!

We had a special last dinner at Rosas & Xocolate Hotel and Spa which a great restaurant too!

Rosas & Xocolate atrium!
Rosas & Xocolate atrium!
George & Val...
George & Val…
... and Elaine & I! Cheers!
… and Elaine & I! Cheers!

Tuesday, March 15th… leaving another wonderful winter in Uaymitun but heading back for warm welcome with family and friends!

WestJet... direct flights between Toronto - Merida!
WestJet… direct flights between Toronto – Merida!
Dinner at Moxie's with Kerry, Sharon, Elaine, Kristy and I!
Dinner at Moxie’s with Kerry, Sharon, Elaine, Kristy and I!

Another Viral News Flash!

It pains us all, at least as far as Pam, Elaine, Dave and I are concerned, to report that apparently Ray and Gerry won another game of Hand and Foot! Rumours abound that there was some subterfuge and indirection on the final play that allowed them to snatch another victory! Curses!

Yes, them again!
Yes, them again!

Late breaking news!

In the final Hand & Foot match of the season… Ray was NOT on the winning team!  Rod & Elaine won handily, but not because Pam & Ray had already left for home!


 

That’s it for our 9th and final blog of  Winter 2016!  We hope you’ve enjoyed a glimpse into life in the Yucatan!

mayan-glyphs

Cheers!

Love to all,

-doug and elaine

Uaymitun 2016-Blog Post #8 “Culture in the Yucatan!”

Welcome to our 8th Blog from our Uaymitun 2016 winter!

Cheers from Uaymitun, MX!

-doug and elaine

mayan-glyphs

This weeks blog is going to highlight the wide variety of cultural experiences available in the area!

Last Thursday evening, after another wonderful dinner at La Tratto in Santa Lucia Park, we stayed on to enjoy an evening of entertainment in the square.

Every Thursday night, the SERENATA YUCATECA is provided free of charge to all who come!  A translation from their website describes this weekly event that’s been ongoing for over 50 years:

“The ultimate expression of Yucatecan culture is par excellence the YUCATECA SERENADE who at 50 years has allowed us to show the world the great artistic creations of our land with a touch of folklore, trova, poetry and feeling. In this scenario we found countless stars that list them would be like trying to count what we see in the sky.”

Celebrated for over 50 years!
Celebrated for over 50 years!
Every evening opens with...
Every evening opens with…
... a celebration of local dancing!
… a celebration of local dancing!
Following a gentleman shareing Yucatecan folklore, there was a great local guitar quartet!
Following a gentleman shareing Yucatecan folklore, there was a great local guitar quartet!

On Saturday night, it was a different kind of culture… an evening of dinner and music at FACES in Progreso!

Jim and Elke's Place!
Jim and Elke’s Place FACES! [an old picture as the road is now paved!]
Saturday night lineup!
Saturday night lineup!
Enjoyable dinner!
Enjoyable dinner with Mat & Terri!
Great rock 'n roll music from Los Twangs!
Great rock ‘n roll music from Los Twangs!
Paradigmas, with Jim & Elke's daughter featured!
Paradigmas, with Jim & Elke’s daughter featured!
A night of good music and dancing!
A night of good music and dancing! Elaine and Terri enjoying Shania!

On Sunday, we attended the OSY (Orquesta Sinfonica de Yucatan) at the Teatro Peon Contreras in Centro Merida!  Conducted by Juan Carlos Lomonaco, it featured:

  • Obertura Festival Académico / Johannes Brahms
  • Doble concierto para violín y violonchelo / Johannes Brahms
  • Concierto para orquesta, Sz. 116 / Béla Bartók
Teatro Peon Contreras, Centro Merida
Teatro Peon Contreras, Centro Merida
Terrific seats on the Tercer Nivel (3rd balcony)
Terrific seats on the Tercer Nivel (3rd balcony)
Theatre is absolutely breathtaking!
The Theatre is absolutely breathtaking!
Great sight lines to the orchestra!
Great sight lines to the orchestra!
The ceiling fresco!
The ceiling fresco!
We had a great time...
We had a great time…
... with Bob & Pat and Pam & Ray!
… with Bob & Pat and Pam & Ray!

In addition to these types of cultural enjoyment, the architecture of the Historic District in Centro Merida is a joy unto itself!  I’m including a few pictures of interesting doorways, homes and vistas from our walk from Pat & Bob’s house to the theatre and back!

Calle 68 #469
Calle 68 #469
Calle 55 #554
Calle 55 #554
Calle 55 #537
Calle 55 #537
Calle 55 courtyard
Calle 55 courtyard
Calle 55 #521
Calle 55 #521
Calle 55 #511
Calle 55 #511
Looking south past the theatre to the Plaza Grande!
Looking south on Calle 60 past the theatre to the Plaza Grande!
Calle 60 Hotel Casa del Balam (Dave Richie's fav!)
Calle 60 Hotel Casa del Balam (Dave Richie’s fav!)
Amaro restaurant on Calle 59! Great food too!
Amaro restaurant on Calle 59! Great food too!
Looking East on Calle 59
Looking East on Calle 59
Calle 59 #515
Calle 59 #515
Calle 59 #531
Calle 59 #531
Calle 68 #494A
Calle 68 #494A
Calle 68 #492
Calle 68 #492
Calle 68 #473
Calle 68 #473

Viral News Flash

Sketchy reports, from Ray, are filtering in that a new World Mexican Yucatan Uaymitun record for the highest score in the card game Hand & Foot was achieved by Ray and Gerry last night! 11,320!

The Big Winners-Ray and Gerry!
The Big Winners-Ray and Gerry!

That’s it for our 8th blog of  Winter 2016… stay tuned!

mayan-glyphs

Cheers!

Love to all,

-doug and elaine

Uaymitun 2016-Blog Post #7 “Time with Family and Friends!”

Welcome to our 7th Blog from our Uaymitun 2016 winter!

Cheers from Uaymitun, MX!

-doug and elaine

mayan-glyphs

This blog is less about places we’ve been and sites we’ve seen and more about spending quality time with Family and Friends!

For the casual reader, based upon the many pictures included, it may seem that all we do is dine and enjoy beverages! Nay! Nay!

It just happens that we take pictures when we dine and enjoy beverages!

mayan-glyphs

Terri’s sister Roseanne came for a week’s visit, so they dropped over!

Betty, Bob, Val, George, Roseanne, Terri and Elaine enjoying beverages away from the wind!
Betty, Bob, Val, George, Roseanne, Terri and Elaine enjoying beverages away from the wind!
Val needed help in finding her way home that night!
Val needed help in finding her way home that night!

We thought about going back to Technotel for Valentine’s Day (El Día del Amorbut the menu wasn’t as good as New Year’s! So we went to Tony Roma’s in Merida.  While the ambiance wasn’t totally romantic, the ribs were good!

Elaine, Terri, Mat, George & Val
Elaine, Terri, Mat, George, Val and George’s friend from Germany, Siegfried!
Terri's friend Lynn, Roseanne, Bob (enjoying his ribs) and Betty!
Terri’s friend Lynn, Roseanne, Bob (enjoying his ribs) and Betty!

We did take Bob & Betty into Merida for a bit of a tour, with the highlight being a carriage ride on the Paseo de Montejo!

In the Kissing Chairs in Santa Lucia Park!
In the Kissing Chairs in Santa Lucia Park!
We paid a visit to the Luz en Yucatan so they could see our favourite small hotel!
We paid a visit to the Luz en Yucatan so they could see our favourite small hotel!
At the Governor's Palace!
At the Governor’s Palace!
Heading out on the tour of Centro Merida!
Heading out on the tour of Centro Merida!
Smiles all around!
Smiles all around!
Stopping for pictures at...
Stopping for pictures at…
... the Monumento a la Patria!
… the Monumento a la Patria!
Elaine with our driver and horse!
Elaine with our driver and horse!
Had a great dinner at La Tratto in Santa Lucia Park!
Had a great dinner at La Tratto in Santa Lucia Park!
Santa Lucia Park at night!
Santa Lucia Park at night!

A few other memories of Bob & Betty’s stay with us!

Betty getting her hair done by Gaby in Chixculub!
Betty getting her hair done by Gaby in Chixculub!
A Yucatecan dinner of Sopa de Lima, Panuchos and Salbutes...
A Yucatecan dinner of Sopa de Lima, Panuchos and Salbutes…
... prepared by Panchita, daughter Mayra and a friend!
… prepared by Panchita, daughter Mayra and a friend!
Panchita with grandson Jecsaim!
Panchita with grandson Jecsaim!
Dinner out at PF Chang's in Merida!
Dinner out at PF Chang’s in Merida!
Breakfast on the patio on one of the few days without Norte winds!
Breakfast on the patio on one of the few days without Norte winds!
Bob & Betty enjoying a massage on the patio!
Bob & Betty enjoying a massage on the patio!
Betty braving the Gulf!
Betty braving the Gulf!
Betty catching some rays on our beach!
Betty catching some rays on our beach!
Betty catching some rays at Mat & Terri's house!
Betty catching some rays at Mat & Terri’s house!

This was certainly the season for jigsaw puzzles (rompecabezas)!

One jigsaw puzzle down!
One jigsaw puzzle down!
Make it two!
Make that two…
... and three!
… and then three!  Bob is the puzzle master!

On our last day, we went for lunch at the Tarraya in Telchac Puerto!

Great view! Great food! Yummy Pollo Maya!
Great view! Great food! Yummy Pollo Maya!
Betty by the turtle pond!
Betty by the turtle pond!
With Captain Tarraya!
With Captain Tarraya!
Fabulous moon rise over Uaymitun!
Fabulous moon rise over Uaymitun!

All good things must come to an end… but we truly enjoyed Bob & Betty’s visit with us in Uaymitun!

Last picture at the beach in front of Sharon's palm tree!
Last picture at the beach in front of Sharon’s palm tree…
... and about to board Westjet flight back to the ice and snow!
… and about to board Westjet flight back to the ice and snow!

That’s it for our 7th blog of  Winter 2016… stay tuned!

mayan-glyphs

Cheers!

Love to all,

-doug and elaine

Uaymitun 2016-Blog Post #6 “Hacienda Sotuta de Peon!”

Welcome to our 6th Blog from our Uaymitun 2016 winter!

Cheers from Uaymitun, MX!

-doug and elaine

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To start off this blog, here’s a few highlights of the week!

After the El Norte blew in, Betty needed some warmth!
After the El Norte blew in, Betty needed some warmth!
Our valedor, Miguel, brought Bob some Coco Frio (fresh coconut juice)!
Our valedor, Miguel, brought Bob some fresh Coco Frio and some ripe coconut!
Another trip to the Picuda in Telchac Puerto!
Another trip to the Picuda in Telchac Puerto!
A grand entrance with her sunhat!
A grand entrance with Betty’s favourite sunhat!
Having Elaine's Mushroom Cracker Dip and waiting for Super Bowl!
Having Elaine’s Mushroom Cracker Dip and Chocolate Monkeys waiting for Super Bowl!
First trip to Henequene's in Progreso required a photo with the Frog!
First trip to Henequene’s in Progreso requires a photo with the Frog!
Beverages overlooking the Malecon!
Beverages overlooking the Malecon!
Watching the skaters at the rink in the Liverpool Mall, Merida!
Watching the skaters at the rink in the Liverpool Mall, Merida!
One jigsaw puzzle down!
One jigsaw puzzle down!

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Yesterday, we took a day trip with Bob & Betty to visit Hacienda Sotuta de Peon, near Tecoh!

Our last visit here was in 2014, when we went with Doug and Janine MacDonald.  As I blogged then…

…the Hacienda Sotuta de Peón, built in the late 1800`s in Tecoh, Yucatán.

Sotuta de Peón, Live Hacienda, is the restoration project of a landmark located in the heart of the ancient henequén zone in the Yucatan state, and gives a true glimpse of what was once a fully operational Henequen Hacienda in the grand style and tradition of this period.

Since then, they have added more upscale hotel accommodations and a new Reception area and parking.  Here are some of the highlights of our trip!

The Reception area at Hacienda Sotuta de Peon!
The new Reception area at Hacienda Sotuta de Peon!
Waiting for the tour to begin!
Waiting for the tour to begin!
Our guide explaining the significance of the Ceiba tree behind him.
Our guide explaining the significance of the Ceiba (Kapok) tree behind him.
The balcony on the western exposure of the Hacienda
The balcony on the western exposure of the Hacienda
Elaine & Betty listening to our guide.
Elaine & Betty listening to our guide.
A view down the centre of the Hacienda's rooms!
A view down the centre of the Hacienda’s rooms!
A view of the front garden.
A view of the front garden.
The eastern balcony.
The eastern balcony.
Our guide demonstrating our the henequen fibres are combed before use.
Our guide demonstrating our the henequen fibres are combed before use.
A beautiful overhead door!
A beautiful overhead door!
A peak into the front gardens.
A peak into the front gardens.
The gateway to ...
The gateway to …
... the machine room!
… the machine room!
The extracted henequen fibres drying in the sun.
The extracted henequen fibres drying in the sun.
Bob making a new friend!
Bob making a new friend!
Sour oranges growing overhead!
Sour oranges growing overhead! Great in margarita’s!
Beautiful shrubs and flowers abound!
Beautiful shrubs and flowers abound!
Beautiful blossoms overhead!
Gorgeous blossoms overhead!
Requisite Guard Iguana!
Requisite Guard Iguana!
Betty & Bob with a mature henequen plant.
Betty & Bob with a mature henequen plant.
And off we go!
And off we go!
A couple of the vacation casitas at the Hacienda!
A couple of the vacation casitas at the Hacienda!
The 3rd donkey tram following us around the guest pool area!
The 3rd donkey tram following us around the guest pool area!
A glimpse of the extensive henequen plantation rows.
A glimpse of the extensive henequen plantation rows.
We stopped along the way to visit Sr Antonio...
We stopped along the way to visit Sr Antonio…
... who has worked at the Hacienda since 1949!
… who has worked at the Hacienda since 1949!
At the end of the line is the entrance to the cenote!
At the end of the line is the entrance to the cenote!
Our photos are hard pressed to show the beauty of the cenote!
Our photos are hard pressed to show the beauty of the cenote!
Very proud of Betty who joined me for a swim!
Very proud of Betty who joined me for a swim!
Our favourite donkey pulled us back to the restaurant!
Our favourite donkey pulled us back to the restaurant!

I’ll leave you with a picture we were able to grab one night as we drove back to our winter home from a day in Merida!

Sunset over the salt marshes near Chicxulub!
Sunset over the salt marshes near Chicxulub!

That’s it for our 6th blog of  Winter 2016… stay tuned!

mayan-glyphs

Cheers!

Love to all,

-doug and elaine