Another year, another anniversary (the 27th). My husband was teaching so we had to wait until that gig was up (June 1st) before we could take our anniversary trip.We had so much trouble deciding where to go (small trip? big trip?) that I got my dream-come-true trip.
I mentioned elsewhere that I packed for my first trip when I was 5 years old. I've always wanted to travel and
the first locale I hungered for was the Yucatan Peninsula. I don't know why exactly, but I'm sure it had something to do with being raised in Southern California and having a strong affinity for the Mexican culture. Kind, hardworking, family oriented, colorful, wonderful arts and music. After the Yucatan, I've completed all my goals! (except weight loss haha)
I would like to thank Morris Roberts for telling me about Merida. For years I'd assumed Cancun and Belize would be part of my Yucatan journey. But my friends know we're not exactly "resort people" and I was so grateful to learn of Merida. And I would like to thank Angela Kyriacou for showing us her passion and respect for the Mayan and Columbian cultures when I took a Spanish class from her. Just hoping I remember some of it.
During our first trip to Spain (Barcelona) and certainly during last year's trip to Sevilla, Spain, I was astounded by how much Spain looks like the culture I grew up in. I'm sure I don't have to explain why all of California has Spanish city names like San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Santa Ana, Santa Barbara, El Segundo, and Hermosa - and I have lived in all of these at some point.
Yes, for me, white adobe buildings with red tile roofs, arched patios draped with bouganvilla, orange trees, palms and gorgeous horses are the stuff of childhood memories of pretty places. Tile work and the color teal. All brought from Spain. And remember who brought all those pretty things and much, much, more to Spain? We learned from the Andelusian trip that it was the Moors. Their "Golden Age." Math, plumbing, universities and fantastic art.
So Merida will have that "sub-culture" running through the place and I will look for it. BUT before the Spaniards got there, the Mayans were there. Building pyramids in alignment with the stars. I'm looking forward to meeting the local people and visiting Mayan museums of art and history as well as some ruins (like Chichin Itza, the pyramid.)
And here are some pix of our hotel...a delightful combination of both sub-cultures. I'm so excited!
More wonderful pix can be seen on Hotel Casa San Angel at
http://www.booking.com/hotel/mx/casa-san-angel.en-us.html?aid=318615;label=New_English_EN_CAUS_5226330745-uj50W0dUEWwKN61mujXTWAS62876088865%3Apl%3Ata%3Ap1%3Ap2%3Aac%3Aap1s1%3Aneg;sid=616f2daba5c82e0ccab40437769c9564;dcid=4;dist=0;srfid=0404579e8b25069b92fed19d9ffa75fb1f10f253X1;type=total;ucfs=1&
Merida, the colonial capital of the Yucatan was founded by
Francisco de Montejo (a Spaniard) in 1542. When the Spanish arrived, they
conquered the Mayan city of T´ho or Ichcansiho, tore down the pyramids and used
the huge stones to build the foundation for the Cathedral of San Idelfonso. The
Spaniards enslaved the Indians and built grand houses, offices and cathedrals.
Merida became the capital, trade center and seat of civil and religious
authority of the Peninsula. The Indians finally rebelled in the 1840´s ( the
Caste War).
So, in honor of the pyramids, here is a picture of one...Chichin Itza:
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