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.!

More From Hunucma

New Construction in Hunucma - Just down the street from the Thatch Huts...

Rennovated House in Hunucma

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Primary School in Hunucma

Entry Hall to the School

Friday the Mexican Two-Step finally hit Jerry.  He stayed home from school but I got to see my first ruin, Mayapan,  about 30 minutes outside Merida.   It was a "field trip" with a group of students from our school and despite the 95 degree weather, was a great day.

Do you see that this is a large Mayan Mask as part of the side of the building?  Eyes, elephant trunk nose and mouth with teeth.

They have built protective huts over stone or painted images of Gods

The Crew  Front Row:  Elizabeth, Former Criminal Defense Attorney in Marin County, Me, Carl from Ireland,  Back Row:  Gabrielle, Psychiatric RN, Emily & , students from Canada

This is a photo of a former ruin on the perimeter of the site that was invaded and destroyed by trees and their roots.

I'll let you look up "Mayapan" on google to read about the ruins.  It's a small site and there was only one other couple visiting that day - We pretty much had the place to ourselves.

Below are some photos of our school including the two pet rabbits George and Henrietta, a photo of Jerry with his teacher Romina (she speaks 5 languages and lived in China last year!), and some of the other students and staff at the school.  We have met some really wonderful people at the school.

Ron from Toronto, Canada       Carl from Ireland   & Gabrielle from Colorado

Romina and Jerry

More Hunumka

More photos from the town of Hunumka

The Casa de Montejo is a historical home that has been partially renovated.  It was built between 1542 and 1549 for Don Francisco Montejo, the Spanish Conquerer of the Yucatan Peninsula.  It fell into disrepair as many of the Spanish mansions did until the Bank of Mexico purchased and renovated it.  It is located across from Plaza Grande which is the Center of the City. 

Dining Room Ceiling

View of the Catedral from the House - This Cathedral is the oldest one on the American Continent

View of the Plaza from a Balcony