Chichen Itza

The famous Mayan pyramids of Chichen-Itza are over 1500 years old and are located only 75 miles from Merida. The name Chichen-Itza is a Mayan word: CHI (mouth) CHEN (well) and ITZA (of the Itza tribe). Some believe people were occasionally thrown into the nearby cenote as sacrifices, and those who survived were believed to be seers.The site is divided into three sections. The North grouping of structures is distinctly Toltec in style. The central group appears to be from the early period. The southern group is known as "The Old Chichen." All three can be seen comfortably in one day.

Just beyond El Castillo you will find a large ball court where Mayan men played a game called pok ta pok. Anthropologists believe that the object of the game was to hurl a ball through a ring that was mounted on a wall, seven meters above the ground. Each team had six field players who would attempt to pass the ball - using any body part except their hands - to their captain who would attempt the shot using a racket of sorts. The captain of the team that made the first successful shot was then decapitated as a sacrifice to the gods. This was seen as an honor and guaranteed entrance into heaven.

There is a certain mystical energy about the ball court that begs to be experienced first-hand. One fact worth noting is the repetition of the number seven, which was sacred to the Mayans. There were seven players on a team, the rings were seven meters high and if you clap your hands or shout in the court, the sound will echo exactly seven times. There are carvings on the stone walls that depict the ball players (some of which are remarkably intact) and after the captain is beheaded, seven serpents grow out of his neck.

But the true mystery behind the ball court at Chichen-Itza is the Mayan prophecy that on Dec. 22, 2012, the great warrior serpent Kukulkán will rise from the ground beneath the playing field and end the world for good. Even if you're not one to believe in predictions, it's still exhilarating and eerie to stand in the middle of the court, close your eyes and imagine.

It is recommended that you bring a hat. Please note it is no longer possible to climb the ruins.

Side Trips - Overview

Well, planning side trips has been difficult, this area has so much to offer! Here is currently what I am considering as a loose plan:
- Saturday May 5th: For those arriving Saturday, there will be Cinco de Mayo (5th of May) celebrations most likely taking place in Merida proper. We'll run everyone arriving at 6ish to the beach house, and those of you interested in coming back into Merida for some dancing and festivities can come along. Second pick up in Merida is at 9, and the folks arriving at that time will have the same option.
- Sunday: Sunday is a great day for family, friends and markets in Merida, so we will again be heading into town, Ralph and I have one airport pickup at 2. Sunday will be a great day for picking up food and stuff for the week, so expect shopping, maybe a concert or two, most likely a stop at the local Wal-Mart and Costco.
- Monday: Beach, maybe go check out Progreso or Chixulub
- Tuesday: Chichen Itza & Tequila distillery tour
- Wednesday: Beach
- Thursday: Horse Cart and Cenote trip
- Friday: Flamingos in the early morning, Beach, cocktail party
- Saturday: Possible cooking school half day, shopping in Merida, walking around in Progreso, evening in Merida, possibly out for dinner in town
- Sunday: Merida
- Monday: Ek Balam
- Tuesday: Beach
- Wednesday: Izmal, cenote and horseback riding
- Thursday: Beach
- Friday: Tanya leaves, rest of gang can decide what tickles their fancy: Xcambo, caves at Calcehtok, so many choices! Last dinner at the beach house!
- Saturday: Get in that last bit of beach, pack and head to Merida, check in to Hotel Dolores Alba - Sunday: Homeward Bound

Where exactly in Mexico are we going?

Excellent question! Notice the area in green on this little map? If you go straight up from the interior Belize border and a little tiny bit to your left, there you would find Progreso, a little ride down the road from where the beach house is located. Inland from this about 30 miles is Merida, the city we are flying in to.

Are your friends asking you if it is near Cancun? Or maybe near the Mayan Riviera? Smile and say it's about a three hour drive away, and that you'll show then pictures when you get home!

Invitation to Funness

As many of you know, Ralph and I have a dream of "retiring" to Mexico. In July 2006 we spent some time in Oaxaca, and although a strong contender, we also went to check out the areas in and around Merida and Progresso, on the Gulf Coast, and we'd like to bring along a few friends... So, consider this...

In ten years, sitting under a palm tree sipping a refresco and watching the scenery, do you want to say to your fellow lounger, "you know, I was one of the first that joined Tanya & Ralph in Mexico, before they bought this place and settled down here and opened their B&B... Yup, seems like just yesterday we were in that great rental place on the beach in Progresso, walking the Malecon (boardwalk in Progresso), jumping in the van and going to check out tequila factories and Mayan ruins like Uxmal and Cichen Itza, horseback riding to cenotes (underground fresh water pools that you can swim in) and checking out the Flamingo Sanctuary. I remember the market in Progresso where we bought all our food to cook at the house, and walking into town for dinner occasonally when the mood struck us, and playing in the sand and sun... great memories!"

Ralph and I are going to Mexico from April 28th to May 19th, and you are welcome to join us from May 5th to May 19th. Anytime during those two weeks.
What you need to know:
We will be renting a house (or houses, depending on numbers) on the beach in Progresso, accommodations will cost approximately 250$CDN per week (final price depends on final #s).
Flights to Merida (clostest airport to Progresso) from Toronto are about 1000$ CDN, from Buffalo about 650$CDN, taxes included. Ralph and I are going to fly from Buffalo. We will arrange transportation to Buffalo if enough people are interested in flying from there on the same day, and we will pick you up in Merida and bring you to our home base in Progresso.
Eating in Mexico is inexensive, and we will have kitchens in the house, which means we get to go to the market and supermercado to buy groceries to cook.
Side trips are extra, not yet sure of the cost as it depends on numbers and what vehicle size we will need. More details to follow, but side trips to Merida, Ixamal, Valladolid, Flamingo Santuary, and two Mayan ruins and tequila distillery are in the works. Most likely a trip every second or third day, so I can work on my tan in between trips...
There is a strong possibility that we will also be offering some yoga classes while we are there as a friend who is joining us is a certified instructor and my personal teacher, and has agreed to lead us in some sun salutations in the sand looking out to sea before her morning pina colada. Details to follow on this.
Ralph and I are pretty casual about comings and goings while on vacation. Join us for the company and do nothing but sit on the beach, or come down and arrange your own trips and rent your own cars, we'll enjoy your company and adventure stories either way!
What we need to know:
Interested? Send me an email with YES! Count me in! and I'll let you know about flight details, transportation, and adventures in the next few weeks. Please let me know if you are IN! as well as your accommodation requirements (1 room, 1 bed, 1 room, 2 beds, hammock, etc.) by February 1st so I can book the appropriate number of houses.
Looking forward to your company, amigos, as we explore this side of Mexico together.

Tanita y Rafael
xo

p.s. Check out this link for an idea of accommodations: http://www.jensyucatan.com/eng_standard.php?id=1272&offered=rent

and click here for an idea of what Progresso and the area in general has to offer us:
http://www.yucatantoday.com/destinations/eng-progreso.htm