Spring fever came a little late this year due to the bullfight that took Continue reading
Once again the time has rolled around for one of two anual bullfights in Santa Elena
The preparation of the corrida begins at least 4 days before, each área having one family working, cutting Wood and erecting the same
constructing the arena
Not only here but in most small towns and villages these corridas are held in the vicinity of the town most in front of the church. But here they hold them on the outside of the village on a playing field. This then leaves the square free to set up the band or group ready for the evenng dance which goes on til the wee hours of the morning.
The sheep dont give a hoot to what is going on around them
I am not really fond of them but I always make an effort to go one night to be a part of the village.I have one favourite spot where I always buy a torta de carnelitas ( sándwich with chopped pork browned on the grill) They are very tasty and filling
And I dont think anyone will be thinking of going to say a prayer
All the family surround the corrida, grandparents, mothers,fathers, children.babies and dogs
The beer tents are set up with a small group playing girating music for the dancing girls and of course this would not be complete without a couple of drunks…..
music, girls and drunks
Ahhh! Life in the village…………….
I dont very often have the pleasure to get out and about but Joanna ,my friend and fellow blogger (writing from Merida) was celebrating one of those milestones birthdays.
Joanna and her birthday cake
I felt honoured to be invited and not only that to stay the night.Joanna is such a good hostess that one could not refuse. It also gave me a chance to get out of the small village and into the big city of Merida for a couple of nights.
As we reach third age one does not really need too many things as our homes are usually choca block full of nicknacks and stuff. So I decided to buy some flowers and make an arrangement . I went into one of my favourite flower shops in Merida knowing there would be an abundance to choose from as the next day May 10th would be the celebration of Mothers Day. Well, let me tell you it was like going into a Candy shop when I entered the refrigerated coolers.
Oh! tulips now that would be nice ( especially here in Mexico) as I knew that Joanna,s family orginated from Holland before emigrating to Canada .Before I knew it I had arms full of flowers and foliage and left the store ready and eager to do the task in hand.
So cheers Joanna and may you have lots more happy birthdays.
Click below to see more happy guests
Ooppps I dont know what happened but the presentación duplicated itself as well as putting in a photo
gallery but never mind …. enjoy!
I think I may have solved the key mystery…. well not really a mystery, you see people without realizing would walk off with a set of keys to the rooms……then I would have to do a trip into Ticul to get new ones made .
The key chains were just so easy to slip into the pockets that the guests just forgot.. although one person put it in her suitcase. That was certainly a mystery for me…. why would anyone put a room key in the suitcase ? I asked myself, perplexed. Well, it happened so be it!
It was becoming a standing joke with the man in the hardware store…… But the last time I went into the store , I saw something that might just solve the issue……..
Cow Bells.!…… wow ! now there is an idea… so I bought as many as I needed for all the rooms and brought then home. The boys (workers) laughed at me when they saw them, making jokes that people would not take THOSE Valerie.
Sometimes people could not remember which room they were in as all the rooms have Maya names and a little difficult to pronounce . At first I just wrote on the keys with a marker but the lettering started to rub off . So I took out my paint brushes and started the task.
The cowbells key rings
Now we have a bit more fun figuring out which room is coming in for lunch or dinner as we hear the sound of the cowbells jingling from afar. And not only that the staff also know which room to charge for when the guests order drinks, or food etc.
So, it seems to have been a good idea……….. no more lost keys , and the sound of the cowbells really go in with the theme of, being in the countryside…….
There are many Mayab legends that told and re-told many times by grandmothers to their children and grandchildren . One of the most popular is the legend of Nicte-Ha ( water flower).As in all fairy stories it tells of the prince and his love and of the bad guys too!
Chacdziedzib was a prince in the land of the Mayab. He was known for his great aim and expertise with his bow,a just and brave warrior.He was deeply in love with the guardian of the sacred cenotes daughter, Nicte-ha .They would meet every night where they would express their love for each other. This relationship did not resonate well with the priests and many of the townspeople. They thought because that Nicte-ha ,no matter how beautiful she was , was not an adequate match for their prince because she was not a princess!
Photo Vincent (my brother)
For the good of the kingdom Chacdziedzib should marry a princess from another city.The priests making their plans to sacrifice Nicte-ha was overheard by a close friend of the Prince . He the prince immediately sent out a warrior to bring Nicte-ha to his side and formally claim her as his wife .
The warrior could not carry out his orders as he was mysteriously killed before he could find Nicte-ha. When the prince heard this he took his bow and went to the cenote in search of his beloved Nicte-ha .He found her there but out of the shadows an arrow struck her in the heart and she fell into the cenote .
The prince watched helplessly as she disappeared into the sacred waters leaving her dress floating on the surface. Heartstricken the young prince begged and prayed to the Gods for mercy. They took pity on him and transformed Nicte-ha into a water-lily and the heart of the prince transformed into a beautiful red bird( cardinal)
And if you are lucky in the early mornings you may be able to see this vibrant bird perched on the leaves of its beloved flower.
Lol Tun Caves
The most popular caves in this region, access being very easy , and supporting huge cathedral like ceilings. A great place to visit along the Ruta Puuc if you are ready for a cool down a respite from the tropical heat of the Yucatan
. The visit takes about 1 hour where the guides point out the wall paintings and handprints of the Maya people. Artifacts where found below where ceremonies were common practice ,going into the womb of mother earth.
The Maya call it X,imbala
Mayan handprints
These days you will not find water as before as the water level has receeded dramatically and to reach the water table in this part of the land one has to go deeply around 250 mts. At The Pickled Onion we found water at 76 mts so I guess I was lucky.
When I lived in Ticul for 2 years the family I lived with took me one day for a visit. Papa told me of how when young and out selling his wares of homemade hammocks, mats and hats he would pass by Lol Tun and enter with a flaming torch looking for water. So the day we went was his first time entering with electric lights where he was able to view the caves as they really were instead of only by flame. Needless to say he was quite impressed by the size.
I have never really believed in coincidences and believe everything happens for a reason and yesterday was no exception.
I had not visited the caves for some time and I wanted to take photos so that I could add them to my webpage and so I set off.
The roads were quiet only seeing two cars along the country road. It was a hot afternoon and having no air conditioning in the car I was looking forward to arriving and descending into the caves for a cool off.
I had heard of a guide, a young man, that visitors had told me about and so upon arrival I asked if Pablo was around. No they said he is down below.I had arrived just in time for a 3pm tour so was hurdled up to the pay desk and shown the way to the entrance where a guide was waiting to take a group down.He asked me if I wanted the tour in English or Spanish to which I said it did not matter.Just then 2mins later appeared a guide who said his name was Pablo, oh what luck , I thought as he started his tour talk. I caught the attention of the first guide and said sorry, for some reason I have to go with this young man.
Entrance carving
I was with two more German tourists that had wanted to take the tour in English.
Pablo turned to me and asked where did you learn to speak Spanish? In Santa Elena , I said. He gave me a puzzled look then I introduced my self and his eyes widened.Oh my gosh! You are Valerie. I have heard so much about you and have been curious to meet you for a long time. Me too I said , have heard lots about you and wanted to meet you. ( before you get the wrong idea this is not going to be a love story ha ha )
I am sure at the end of the tour the German gentlemen got more information than they would normally have had. Pablo is very knowledgeable about his inheritance and with some knowledge that I have gained over the years made for interesting conversation.
But in the end what I am trying to get to is that Pablo is also knowledgable about more cave systems that are in the area. He gave me his facebook page and I came home immediately to check it out.Wow! He has amazing photos of cave systems right on our doorstep that are truly the work of mother nature.
Crystal caves
Full of crystals ,clear water and out in the jungle. He does take tours and so we are going to work together to bring like minded people , the cavers and bird watchers to be able to enjoy this kind of experience or any person that has an interest.
It will not take much to create such and adventure. He has the knowledge, and I have the place to stay …….. what more can you ask for.
Something about living in this area one gets the bug to build and build and build……… or maybe its just me!
The new addition just finished is the breakfast terrace. It is so nice to sit out under the sun umbrellas in the early morning eating breakfast.The many birds flying by make for a lovely backdrop, the fountain flowing gently adds to the atmosphere of the whole experience.
As you can see with the following photos the first guests to use it seemed to be quite happy.
Guest from England
As you can see they come from all over to visit the Uxmal ruins and the Ruta Puuc area
Whats next? An extension of the kitchen area .The food is so good that Mauricio, the chef is getting heavier so we have to enlarge the kitchen .. laughing out loud as I write this.
Last year I invited friends for my big 65th day. Not all could make it due to illness but still we had a good time. Because it was such fun for me too to close for a half day and night and enjoy company of friends that I dont often see due to my work schedule ,I decided to repeat it again this year.
One of the best things is that my friend Nancy also shares the same birthdate.
It was a full house and it turned out to be a really fun night. The deal is this.My friends get to say overnight in the rooms and they bring the food. They took over the kitchen whilst the birthday girls relaxed around the pool or wherever.
The food was wonderful the company was brilliant and the musicians were superb. What a special day! Will we do it again next year? Of course we will!
Here are some photos and if you would like to see more click on writing from merida on the blog roll .Some great photos!
Sunsets in Yucatan are absouletly faboulous and more so when you see the sun going down over the water.
Last weekend I was invited to stay the night at one of the beachfront properties that Snowbirds friends of mine rent . At first I was not too keen to drive the 2 hours but in the end it was well worth it . Wayne and Sandy were my host and hostess and I could not have been treated better! They had a small reunion of friends that had stayed with me at one time or another here at THE PICKLED ONION .
Whilst watching the sunset over Progresso and the rising of nearly a full moon, the slashing of the sea against the shore, I understood why people like the beach area so much. I was already regretting that I could not stay for one more night. My host and hostess did suggest that I should and that I would be welcomed to stay another night…. its just , you know how it is, work gets in the way.
But here are a few photos to show you what you miss not coming to visit the Yucatan………………. Maybe it will inspire you.
I am a little late getting out this photos of Santa Elena Carnival
Here they have the carnival parades one week after Merida . I am not sure why but it is so .
I am not sure how old this lady is but she loves to dance and always grabs my hand to dance with her. I see her many times in the village pushing a three wheeler tircicleta selling her homemade tamales
I went down the one night becuase I heard it was the parade of the third age .Third age is what they call people over 70 it has such a ring to it in Spanish, Trecera Edad and it is so much more flattering than saying the old folks.
Everyone was in a happy mood….. the bright lights, the music and the colourful outfits . Who couldnt be infectious with all these sights and sounds happening .
So I just snapped happily away and here are the results . It may not be as flashy as the Carnival in Merida but the people are just as proud
