Loltun, Labna, Sayil, Campeche

After another satisfying breakfast with a plate of fresh cut fruit and a glass of fresh squeezed OJ, we leave the comfort of the Hacienda Uxmal.  Our first stop is the caves of Loltun.  I have been there several times before and know that it can be slippery in the rainy season and areas that are difficult to maneuver.  I go to the next town down the road to get gas while the rest go to the caves.  I have time to write the blog from yesterday and just finish as they come up from the caves.  They are all glad that they have done it but don’t plan to do it again. 

We have 2 Puuc sites to visit; one is Labna the other is Sayil.  Puuc is the hilly region and an archaeological style of construction.  The level with the doors is very plain, then a cornice divides the plain lower section to the decorated upper section.  Labna is known for the unique, arch that is decorated with stone thatched roof huts, snake and rain god representations. 

After visiting Labna, we eat the mangos that Juan picked up under some trees along the road.  Yum!

Sayil is a few miles down the road.  There is only one main structure at Sayil that is worth visiting.  It is a three story palace.  The coral colored limestone that was used makes it particularly striking.  This has always been one of my favorite structures and do not get to see it very often. 

We have a late lunch at a family local place.  We have the parilla for 4, which is several different kinds of smoked and grilled meats.  Another YUM!  

This a family place that is busy on the weekends.  It has grounds for the children to play, several swimming pools (all of which are empty), hammocks,  and a menagerie of animals.  They started with 4 peacocks but now have 32!

It is about an hour and a half ride to Campeche which is on the Gulf coast.  It is a UNESCO world heritage site with the colonial downtown area  and the city walls well persevered.  The others take a walking tour of the historic district and I find a nice comfortable place to sit in the main square.  

There are several young women from the Chiapas area of Mexico selling purses, blouses, belts, etc that are typical of the Chiapas region.  I strike up a conversation with one of them and of course end up buying more than I had planned. 

Our hotel for the night is Siho Playa on the Gulf coast.  It is a beautiful hotel right on the water with balconies overlooking the water.  We relax beside the pool.  There are a few too many clouds on the horizon for a good sunset.  As we walk back to our rooms, Julie notices 2 large objects in the water.  At first we think they may be sand bars.  But then another one arrives and they all move.  They are manatees!  It is too dark for us to seem them well but they are just off the shore and we are quite certain that is what they are. 

We head back to our rooms with the balconies and enjoy some wine and beer under the stars.  Another wonderful day!

I’m writing today’s blog while waiting for the pictures to upload from yesterday.  Oh my the internet is slow and it only works next to the reception desk.