Yucatán - Day 14 - Isla Mujeres

Finally I came to the last day of my journey. I rented a scooter today and went to a few destination. But none of the destinations were comparable to the beauty of the coastline. It was super windy, but the view is just fantastic. Mixed with the beautiful Caribbean styled houses, they make perfect postcard pictures.

I then finished the day with another dip into the crystal clear ocean, and a beautiful Mexican dinner (a rather expensive one). Another satisfying day.

Yucatán - Day 13 - Isla Mujeres

Here on the island you are judged by the color of you skin, on how tanned you are. I've always wanted to be able to spend an entire day under the sun and do nothing. Today I found out that it is actually possible, and I feel alright! For 50 pesos I spent a whole day on the North Beach. I was able to walk very far out into the ocean for the water is shallow even very far. The water is as clear as in the swimming pool. The wave is as great fun!

Unfortunately it got too windy later in the day and even a few drops of rain. So I cut it off early and did some other stuff, then went back to see the fantastic sunset. Today I'm a man with a satisfied mind.

Yucatán - Day 12 - Isla Mujeres

After 8 hours of traveling, bus ride, waiting, van ride, ferry ride, finally arrive here at Isla Mujeres. Was it worth all the trouble? I don't know yet, but does it matter? Now I'm here I'll just enjoy myself here.

It's rather fresh that finally get back to a place where more people seem to know English.

Here at the hostel is very busy. Perhaps just me, I rather spend some quiet time, but for young people, probably a fantastic vibe. The room is very stuffy, luckily I'm on 3rd floor so when i open all the windows hopefully no mosquitoes will come in (no mosquito net in the window). The hostel faces the east side of the beach which is the ugly side. All the actions are at the west side, which is just a few blocks away.

Yucatán - Day 11 - Cuzama

Today went to a small town called Cuzama for a cenote trip. Getting to the town was easy, but once there, I had to take a moto taxi which cost me 60 pesos for solo, and another horse ride into the cenotes. I thought I can just somehow walk there from the town, but it is impossible. Luckily a couple was willing to share the horse cart ride with me and saved me mucho money.

The cenotes themselves are over-rated. The ones I visited near Valladolid (though not in the guide book) in my opinion are much nicer.

So no I don't think today's trip was worth it.

Yucatán - Day 10 - Uxmal

Today went to my third ruin site. And finally get to climb up to the pyramid. What a feeling, looking down from the top. The site wasn't too crowded and I was able to have some quiet moment at the top. This site seems to be more interesting than the previous two I visited. There are some structures that are unrestored, and it was a thrill exploring them.

My diarrhea is still on and off. I should have more self control, 'cause I went to the street food at the main square tonight. I'm a little bit regretting now. There is really a festival spirit going on. Music everywhere, part of the streets were blocked off. It was too much temptation.

Yucatán - Day 09 - Izamal

1.5 hour from Merida took me to a small town called Izamal, the yellow city, 'cause the whole town is painted in yellow. It'd an interesting town, when many photo opportunities. The yellow walls look exceptionally attractive with the blur sky in the background. I was expecting a quiet secluded colonial town, but the street stalls selling plastic buckets,.. etc and arcades, and the food market kind of spoiled the mood there...

The church fortress / monastery is a cool visit. And it's an interesting contrast that exactly few locks north stands a tall Mayan pyramid.

Yucatán - Day 08 - Mérida

After the conclusion of the Valladolid leg, I took a 2 hours 1st class bus to Mérida on the west coast. The bus ride in Mexico is much more civilized than the ones I experienced in India. It is very well organized, and everyone on the bus are courteous and quiet. Bus left the station on time. It traveled on tolled highway so no delay at all.

After I arrived, found out the main square was under construction. Just another piece of tourist spot under renovation, again...

I quickly jumped to the shopping district, and to me, it strangely resemble the streets of Mongkok. Two completely unrelated cities, how can they be so similar? All the pedestrian only streets, with street stands set up in front of shops, mixed with department stores, and food stands in the corner. Somehow we just think the same way maybe.

Yucatán - Day 07 - Yalladolid

Today I went to the near-by cenote X'Keken and Samula. This is the first time I've been to one, let alone swimming in one, and it's like nothing I've experienced. The temperature feel warmer than above ground, and water temperature was just right for swimming, I wonder if it is artificially adjusted. Some lighting effects are added, and I like it. When I arrived I was the only one there. It was a little intimidating at first to jump into the water, not knowing what will happen. Birds are flying above the ceilings, and black gold fish all over the underground lake. I forced myself not to think too much and jump into the water. It was such a wonderful experience swimming with the little fish, especially all alone! Later few tourists came down and ended my moment with the fish. It was too bad my minor cold is back so I didn't allow myself to stay in the water for too long.

After that I went to the San Bernadino cathedral nearby my hostel. I paid 30 pesos to see the "special" area. It was a pleasant visit and I didn't regret paying for it. It's fascinating to know that a cenote is underneath the church. And all the ancient looking wall and hide-away passage always gives these old buildings a mysterious and intriguing feel.