Contrast of Histories

One of the most surprising things to me has been the contrast between the European  and Mayan Cultures of the Yucatan.  We came to see the ruins and I hadn't expected to see so much of the European influence in the grand old homes of the Spanish Conquistadores.

The Catedrals and homes were literally built on top of, and using stones from, Mayan Ruins.
This photo is from the Casa de Montejo and they have cut out a section of the repaired stucco to show the original stones  used.

 We usually try to have lunch as our largest meal of the day in a restaurant.  Below was a
particularly good restaurant. 

The Restaurant

 

Jerry Waiting for Lunch

Well Worth the Wait!  Pollo Pibil

Ash Wednesday was the end of "Carnaval."  Much like Mardi Gras in New Orleans, they party and celebrate very noisily for a solid 8 days....  Below are some select photos from the four parades we attended.  After the parades, there is music and dancing in all the parks around the city until dawn!

The Children's Parade

The Regional Parade

The Fantasy Parade

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We purchased tickets so that we would have seats.  One parade we sat in the bleachers that line the streets, one we sat at a table at a sidewalk cafe and one we sat front row in folding chairs.  The parade starts at 7 p.m. and you claim your seats around that time but the parade doesn't pass thru El Centro (where our seats were) until at least 9 p.m.!