Beyond Cancun Tour June 2010

Hola! From Mexico!

The trip really started last night when Ed, Rebecca and Craig arrived at our house. The excitement and conversation flowed easily as we get to know each other. Craig showed us the pictures he took of a double rainbow they had seen on the way. What a wonderful way to start the trip. Knowing that salads are on the rare side in Mexico, I made a big spinach salad and taboulli with parsley and tomatoes from our garden. Ed and Rebecca brought a nice variety of things they picked up at Whole Foods.
We decided that we needed to leave the house at 5:45 for our 8:30 flight. A short night ahead.

Wednesday, June 30
We all got up at the agreed upon ungodly hour of 5:07 and stumbled around to get ready to go. Ed drove us in his van. Parked in one of the private lots which worked like a charm. This was a first for them. The flight was uneventful. Just the way you want a flight to be. There was a rainbow in the big, fluffy clouds! I wasn't able to get my camera out quickly enough to take a picture. Maybe this will be known as the "Trip over the Rainbow"

We got though immigration at the end of the slowest line so our luggage was waiting for us. Wakled out past all the hawkers and there was Juan, Paula and Jorge waiting for us. Happy reunion!

We stopped at a quick local restaurant in Playa del Carmen. Most of us had chiliquiles but everyone was pleased with their choice. We drink several pitchers of fresh lemonade. Paula, Jorge and I are amazed at how much this area has developed with hotels, retail, etc.

As we make our way South, we sense that we are leaving the main tourist route behind.
Our next stop is the ruins of Chocchoban. Paula and Jorge visited this site back about 10 years ago. It was not really open to the public at that time but they knew friends, of friends to let them in. They were anxious to see how it had changed with the restorations.
When I payed the entrance fee, I looked at the guest book. There were only 6 visitors before us today. We had the place to ourselves. Craig had been concerned that there would be people in all of his shots. He was very pleased!
Chocchoban is a late pre-classic/early classic site putting it at about 200 to 400AD. There are about 9 structures that have been restored. Juan points out various flora. It is great to be back visiting ruins with him.
It is hot and the gift shop/snack bar was closed because no cruise ship tours were coming that day. No chance to fill up with water.
Juan indicates some steep, large steps to go up. Hmmmm, is it worth it? We were rewarded at the top with the imposing pyramid of the sun.
Suddenly, it is 5:00 and the ruins are closing. Time to move on.

Paula and Jorge spent some time in the town of Bacalar during her sabatical several years ago. She was interested in seeing the town again. We pulled off into the town just in time to get entangled in a parade of taxis supporting a PRI political candidate. There was a line of taxis several blocks long, all with red, green and white balloons tied to some part of the car. Felt quite festive. We made our way to the main square and fort with a beautiful view of Lake Bacalaar. The colors are the clear blues and teals. We wander around the grounds taking pictures and admiring the views. Ben appears inside next to one of the cannons. Find out later that you were supposed to pay to get into the fort. I guess it wasn't all that secure of a fort!

Continue on to Chetumal and check into the hotel. Unfortunately, the beautiful pool is being cleaned and we can't relax and cool off there. A shower will have to do and then dinner at Los Cocos, a hotel down the street. Relaxing, delicious.

We are all quite tired. It seems quite incredible that we were in Atlanta this morning.

Good night.