Official Name:
Estados Unidos Mexicanos (United Mexican States)
Mexico is a large country, the 13th larges in the world, located in North America.
I was a student assistant in the Yucatan Peninsula many years ago, and I still hold a deep affection for the place. It holds significant meaning in my life as it is not just visually stunning with pleasant weather, but I was also surrounded by wonderful people. The idea of going back there feels almost magical.
“Magic, when you travel, is the equation of a place that is not your home but with people who fill your soul with love.” Dr.P
Yucatan Peninsula, Southern Mexico
When we talk about the Yucatan Peninsula, the southeastern part of Mexico, we “discuss” the issue of the Caribbean..awwhhhh….because it is the place that separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Caribbean Sea. It is geographically heaven with fantastic weather all year….for the ones who love the SUN, like any other Mayan being:-)
It is a large area that once Mexico liberated itself from the Spanish by declaring independence in 1821, only then the Yucatan Peninsula was divided into three states CAMPECHE, QUINTANA ROO, and YUCATAN.
INTERESTING to know is that the Yucatan Peninsula declared itself independent twice from Mexico. The Yucatan Peninsula was tired of the tyranny of the Spanish rule rebelling against them several times until it was forced to rejoin Mexico in 1848.
It is disheartening to see that even after countless centuries since the brutal Spanish “conquest” of the Americas, there still exists a phenomenon I refer to as “silent slavery” and “overt discrimination.” Shockingly, these practices persist among not only the Europeans and their descendants but also among the mestizos, individuals of mixed heritage who are native to the country. Regrettably, this issue remains largely unspoken, akin to a degenerative ailment that will only worsen if left unacknowledged.
Talking about the Yucatan Peninsula comes with the following
WHAT I LEARNED
1- Home of one of the most advanced ancient civilizations in the world: the MAYANS.
2-The Port of Progreso has the longest pier in the entire world until today (things change).
3-The first and oldest Cathedral in mainland America is San Idelfonso in the city of Merida. The oldest Cathedral is in the Dominican Republic, on the island of Hispaniola.
4-Yucatan makes one of the hottest sauces in the world.
5- It is the oldest place to have had hot chocolate. The Mayans used to make it and they even used cocoa as currency.
6-Yucatan has the largest number of visitors to Mexico.
7- Cenote is a regional word that is used to describe sinkholes that expose groundwater. The largest number of sinkholes is in the Yucatan Peninsula.
8- It is the place were hammocks were originated. Merida has some of the most beautiful handwoven hammocks in the country.
Ancient Mayan Culture
The Eastern Yucatan is part of the second-largest barrier reef in the world
Amazing Civilization is one of the most advanced! why?
Developed the concept of the Number 0
Developed a language with Hieroglyphs
Developed a calendar
Developed knowledge of Astronomy
Developed Knowledge of Mathematics
The Mayans, who inhabited Southern Mexico and Northern Central America as early as 2600 B.C., were one of the most advanced ancient civilizations in human history. Their legacy lives on in the ruins and artifacts that have been discovered throughout the region. One of the most fascinating aspects of Mayan culture is their calendar, which is considered one of the most accurate in history. Based on the movements of celestial bodies like the sun and moon, the Mayan Calendar is a testament to the Mayans’ incredible knowledge of astronomy and mathematics.
Although the calendar dates back to the 5th Century BC, the Mayans did not invent it. However, they made significant contributions to its development by creating various calendars with different circle lengths. These calendars were used to record important dates and activities related to both people and gods. Furthermore, the Mayans utilized the calendar to predict practical matters such as rainfall and the optimal time for marriage.
KNOWLEDGE MAKES YOU POWERFUL
Tourism
Since the 1970’s the Yucatan Peninsula has developed tourism to almost perfection. There are many tourist spots in the area but Cancun and Tulum are the most important ones, although there are plenty of beautiful places to explore. This is the Mexican Riviera!
TRANSPORTATION
The Cancun airport is a top-notch airport. Everything you need you will find in this airport and it has a bit of a flare of a US airport with tons of US-based restaurants….globalization and colonization?
There is such a huge influx of tourists in Cancun from all around the world, transportation is easy and straightforward, even for those who don’t speak Spanish. There is a bus from the airport to the city center (CENTRO), and from there, you can take a taxi to your destination either in the city center or the Hotel Zone (Zona Hotelera) at the beach. It was very clean, very safe, and with all the precautions taken with face masks, sanitizers, and seat separators.
Some foreign visitors asked not to wear masks…are you kidding me? going to a country that is not your own and imposing your ways? and even giving a chance to infect others?!! shame, total shame on these people. I told them off in Spanish of course! Mexicans were way too nice and were afraid they would get punished by their bosses if they said something more than “please wear your mask.”
From the central bus station, you can reach every single destination in Mexico.
YUCATAN Culture
Huipil and Guayabera are traditional attire. The Huipil is a traditional dress worn by Mayan and mestizo women, which is still worn today. This garment can include a shirt, a shirt and a skirt, or multiple layers. The Guayabera is a men’s shirt, commonly worn in Yucatan, that is worn untucked and is suitable for hot weather.
There could be arguments about which dish is more “Yucateca” (Yucatan-like). However, this is my take
FOOD
When it comes to food, and since Mexican food is one of my three most favorites in the entire world, it is hard to be objective:-) However, it is well known that Yucatan’s regional cuisine is superb.
Cochinita Pibil is pork meat that is marinated with spices and wrapped in banana leaves that are cooked in a barbecue pit.
Sopa de lima. It is a delicious soup made with chicken stock that has pieces of chicken and tortilla chips with lima (a better version of lime) inside! One of my favorites.
Tacos and quesadillas with fresh ingredients loaded with cheese..with lots of sauce…
And when your friend keeps taking you to get pastries and Rosca de Reyes (a cake/pastry eaten before and during Epiphany) during the holidays… Gracias Genni, I will be back for more extra pounds!
Cancun, State of Quintana Roo
My site is geared towards the more off-grid type of site, but at times you have to go through areas that are quite touristy. There is very little to add about Cancun that is not already out there. Lots of resorts and tourists have been flooding the beautiful Mexican Paradise for years. Mexico’s busiest tourist passage is even a better destination for those who enjoy being in a resort (plenty), around plenty of other tourists.
Unfortunately, there has been a surge of activity from the different cartels fighting for territory as I type in 2022. According to locals, the tourists bring the high demand for drugs, and the competing cartels are causing a scary display of violence. Let’s hope this area does not turn into another travel advisory spot for good.
Merida, State of Yucatan
There are so many places to see in this city, and plenty of places with tourist information out there. I just highlight what I learn and what is of interest to me.
Merida is the capital of Yucatan and it is called the “White City” because of the predominance of white limestone construction in the city.
The whole purpose of my trip to Mexico was to go back to where I lived many years ago, Merida. It has changed a lot over the years with a large influx of Mexicans from many other states due to the beautiful place, the friendliness, and politeness of its people, and most importantly, how safe Merida is in comparison to other areas in the country.
The picture above is one of the most important monuments in Mexico. The monument has over 300 sculpted figures that portray the history of the country.
The area of the Centro (city center) has the largest number of old preserved buildings with large plazas and churches. This is the area where folks who appreciate culture and history would love to venture out and visit the many buildings and churches that are landmarks in this city.
Christmas celebrations in Mexico are really big. There are piñatas and decorations everywhere, family gatherings, children performing songs on the streets, and wonderful food.
Merida was built in what was a Mayan city called Tho in the neighborhood of Santiago which is at the Centro that later expanded. The church in the neighborhood of Santiago was built in the first indigenous settlement the Spanish encountered when they went to conquer, evangelize and vandalize America. This area was the Mayan epicenter in the region!!! It is now an amazing place with the perfect mix of colonial, ancient, and Mayan culture.
If you like history and culture, this city offers the very best! you can’t get tired of walking and looking at its beauty.
It is really special to travel during Christmas time, my favorite time of the year and my b-day:-)) in Santiago’s neighborhood
MEXICAN CULTURE– Buildings
A palapa is a type of shelter that has a roof made of dried palm leaves and is open on the sides. They were once very popular because the open sides allowed for plenty of airflow during the hot summer months. Although this particular palapa-style home in the city center doesn’t appear to have open sides, it’s still a rare find in the urban landscape.
MEXICAN Culture – Catholicism
I was there during the LADY OF GUADALUPE DAY on December 12th. This is the most important day and national holiday. It honors the belief that the Virgin Mary appeared to a peasant in the city of Mexico and it is a celebrated day all around the country. I walked around the city surrounded by beautifully adorned images of the Lady of Guadalupe. I bought a few images as gifts and one for myself. I do collect religious images from all around the world:-)
The image I bought with a flower that landed there
ATROCITIES in the Americas
In the name of God and divinity, with power and cruelty, the Spanish people committed some of the most serious crimes in the entire history of humanity, particularly in the American continent.
One example of the many atrocities priests endured during their evangelization of the American continent in the name of God. You can find this plaque at a hotel and in several places around Mexico and the American continent.
We cannot condemn cultures and people for their past, but we cannot forget. Their gods protected kingdoms and destroyed populations, culture, and spirituality. They continued to enslave people for decades, creating a rift between the indigenous and the people of “European blood” that still exists to some extent today.
Progreso, State of Yucatan
When I first visited Progreso, 25 years ago, it was a small sleepy fishing village in the Gulf of Mexico with not much around other than a few restaurants and a market. Now Progreso is the most important port of the State of Yucatan (let’s remember there are a few states in the Yucatan Peninsula).
Progreso is 40 km from Merida so it gets quite crowded with local beachgoers and outside tourists. It has changed a lot from its old authentic Progreso.
Snorkeling
The beach is a preferred stop by visitors being able to select from a wide array of restaurants and bars.
The beach is not what you are used to in the Mexican Riviera, but it is a place to take a dip. It is easy to get around because transportation is readily available.
Many tours are offered from Progreso (as well as anywhere in Yucatan) to see the Flamingos at the Pink Salt Flats and the Cenotes at “El Corchito” (the little cork).
Puerto Morelos, State of Quintana Roo
Puerto Morelos is where I stayed after my long visit to Merida. It is clean and beautiful with great weather all year round, like all places in Yucatan (if you can stand the heat, like I do, in summertime).
Puerto is a more peaceful port town with a bohemian and peaceful atmosphere, which is my favorite type of place. It has large pristine beaches where you can really enjoy a nice swim.
The beach is spotless and does not allow entrance to dogs and other pets. As much as I am an animal lover, I know that animal owners are not educated enough to keep a place clean and monitor their animals. This is a good way to keep the beach really clean.
Puerto Morelos is a small community, but unfortunately, like many other places in Mexico, it is on its way to being developed. I hope it remains a small community with expats and Mexicans living together because it is a truly lovely place.
The pastime of some of the locals is to hang around the park and to watch the sunset. Not bad!
Well, to my surprise, this was another hotspot for the cartel. Other than the many soldiers that were around patrolling the beach and other areas, it was quite calm when I was there.
There are catamaran and boat tours together with plenty of water sports sailing, snorkeling, scuba places in Puerto Morelos.
What wonderful bus drivers! You can take the local service called “colectivo” and go around Puerto and get to Colonia. The service is very frequent and the drivers are fun! They will miss you!
I used to go to Colonia, which is the other side of Puerto Morelos where the locals live, to eat and do some shopping.
The difference in prices was quite high. I was actually surprised to see such high prices in Puerto Morelos, with two scoops of ice cream costing almost 7USD, much more than in Venice, Italy! Yes, I love ice cream, so I spent quite a bit of money with the excuse of “it’s my b-day.”
Nothing compares to being in town and experiencing the real Mexico. It is always important to support local businesses, as it strengthens the place financially and fosters good relationships with tourists.
Church of San Jose Obrero, Puerto Morelos
The church is located in the town square, overlooking the sea, and it is open during the day. There are masses in both Spanish and English languages.
Puerto Morelos was my home during Christmas and the church in the city center was beautifully decorated, It was such a quaint lovely church!
The coffee and ice-cream shop on the side of the entrance of the church is a must stop
I enjoyed watching the ocean and the sunset each and every time. Never tired of peace and quiet around nature.
As in any other small laid-back community, a small flea market on a Sunday offers organic products, artisans with jewelry, and handicrafts, along with other exhibits such as NGOs.
Transportation in Mexico is quite accessible, especially in a touristy area like the Mexican Riviera. The Playa Express is a great and affordable way to travel from Cancun to Playa del Carmen.
Playa del Carmen, State of Solidaridad
This is one of the most popular spots for many, a resort in the Mayan Riviera. The Quinta Avenida strip, which runs along the coast, is incredibly crowded with buildings housing shops, restaurants, numerous bars, and clubs.
Let’s not forget that Playa is a large city, and unless you are at a secluded resort, the laid-back atmosphere is truly non-existent.
Tourism here started years ago with the passage to the Island of Cozumel. Also, “Playa” (short for Playa del Carmen) is a stop for some of the cruise ships that dock not far from the city. There are National Guard and Police everywhere in Playa.
You can see long ines of tourists walking around the city and heading towards the dock to take the ferry to the island of Cozumel.
Many tourists spend the day in Cozumel, and at times, it gets quite hectic. It is a prime world spot for scuba diving.
