Canadian World traveller Winter 2017-18 Issue

lit by electric lights and there were wooden
stairs that led down to cool and clear
refreshing waters. Truly, a fabulous Yucatan
moment. Lunch would follow, a great
Yucatan feast served with local cerveza.
Dinner at Oliva Enoteca Restaurant was
unusual but good. An Italian restaurant, it
was the first indicator of the night that
Merida also had an international flair. The
intimate restaurant is set up and has the feel
of an Italian grandmother's kitchen. The
casual atmosphere and homemade food
made from traditional recipes offered a
taste of Italy in a land half-way around the
world.
We love guided city tours, especially when
hosted by someone who loves their job.
Our tour of Mérida started at the monument
to the fatherland Merida, located on the
Paseo de Montejo which is one of the
busiest roundabouts of the city of Merida.
Sculpted by Romulo Rozo, the piece shows
us an important part of Mexico’s history
from the founding of Tenochtitlan until midtwentieth
century.
A trip down through history came next, with
a visit to St. Ildephonsus, one of the oldest
cathedrals in all the Americas as well as the
beautifully decorated Iglesia El Jesús. The
guide explained that like many holy sites,
the cathedral was built on the site of Mayan
ruins of Tiho. The idea was used by the
imperialist countries to replace the old deity
with the new one in an effort to assimilate
the existing culture.
We then visited the central market, a
sprawling place where they sold every type
of fruit and vegetable imaginable. It was
really crowded and noisy, but the ambiance
was great. The prices were great as many
vendors sold the same products which
made them very competitive. What struck
me most was how many shoe vendors there
were!
The main avenue of the city, Paseo de
Montejo, is also called the Champs de
Elysee of Merida. We walked along this
lovely street and it was a nice respite from
the hustle of the city. There were shaded
areas and amazing old mansions to gaze
at, and the museums available would take
more than a full day to visit.
Our day at Progreso Beach, an hour drive
away, was perfect. This sleepy ocean town
has earned a reputation as a great vacation
spot for both locals and international
tourists. Historically it was the main port for
the henequen and now has worlds’ longest
pier. It was also a great beach with fine
white sand, perfect water temperature and
we had it mostly to ourselves. The best part
of the day was a new and trendy restaurant
Crabster that served fresh seafood caught
that day or maybe even that hour. I
indulged and went for a whole lobster, the
biggest I had ever eaten. It was a challenge
but persistence prevailed.
That night we would go to another outdoor
performance called “Serenata Noche
Mexicana” which included more Mariachis,
Mexican Folklore and another full crowd.
La piece de resistance, Chichen Itza.A heavenly
day, this complex was truly unbelievable
and the main pyramid glittered in the
sun. An ancient-world pyramid, it has
become one of the most visited archaeological
sites in Mexico. When you see it, visions
of Mayan priests and warriors pop into your
imagination. It has a weight to it. Lots of history
here and my visit will stay with me.
Later we would go to the Mayaland Hotel
for another great Mexican meal, and I
enjoyed the fajitas made fresh on the spot,
they were mouthwatering delicious. The
best part was a ceremony with a Mayan
priest as I was cleansed and blessed with
holy water and smoke from burning plants.
I was in a state of bliss.
In my few days here in Merida and the state
of Yucatan I found it to be very livable with
great gastronomy, safe and poverty free
with a vibrant culture, happy,friendly people
and a wealth of history from many people
through the ages.
www.gotoyucatan.com
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Canadian World Traveller Winter 2017-18