Merida, Mexico - a beautiful Colonial City

 

Darrell and Elaine enjoy an evening carriage ride through the old city of Merida

 

We had dinner at a wonderful restaurant - Pancho's.   They made fresh quacamole at the table.

 

The church tower

 

One of the old Colonial mansions that are still preserved

 

Monument to the Flag

 

Merida is the capital and largest city in Yucatan state and the cultural and financial capital of the region. It’s a modern, cosmopolitan city with museums, art galleries, restaurants, shops and boutiques. A major center of commerce, Merida Yucatan is considered the crossroads of the region and one of the most important places to experience the Mayan heritage.
Mérida was founded in 1542 by Francisco de Montejo “el Mozo” (the son), and built on the site of the ancient Maya city T’ho, meaning “city of five hills.” T’ho was the center of Mayan culture and activity in the Yucatan region. After the arrival of the Spanish, the ancient city’s five main pyramids were destroyed and their ruins used in the construction of Merida’s cathedral and other important buildings

 

Our Hotel - Hotel Caribe.  Very clean and most centrally located. 

 

http://www.hotelcaribe.com.mx/esp/index.php

Labna, Mexico - corbelled Arch

 

 

 

The Palace ruins. 

 

The Arch - served as a passage way with the Labna complex

 

El Mirado - temple ruins

Home vist in Muna, Mexico

 

Boy its hot!

 

Visiting a home in a small town near Muna.  This is the hammock that the man sleeps in.

 

The shrine in the home - a mix of Mayan gods and Catholic saints

 

The owner of the home explains his beliefs

 

Cooking

 

Darrel and Alphonso

 

The home was very self-sufficient.

Kabah, Mexico - The Palace of the Masks of Chac (Rain God)

 

Kabah is located along the Puuc Route with many smaller complexes connected by roads "sacbes".  Kabah is located very close to Uxmal.

 

The Palace ruins.  The Kabah site was occupied from 600 to 900 ad.

 

The side of the Temple is covered with masks of the Rain God - Chac

Uxmal, Mexico - Temple complex

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Arched passageways connect different parts of the Uxmal complex.  We are moving into the Quadrangle of the Birds.

 

The Governor's Palace

 

The side of the temple has stone "birds" attached.

 

The Gran Pyramid at Uxmal

 

The Nunnery

Uxmal, Mexico "Thrice Built"

 

 

 

Pyramid of the Magician

 

The Uxmal complex dates from 600 to 1000 ad.  And is constructed in the Puuc architectural style.

 

The temple is known for its précising cut stonework.  However no stone quarry has been found near the site.

Ek Balam - Black Jaguar Site 2

 

Map of the Site of Ek Balam

 

Ruins of the ancient defensive walls.  The Maya had constructed road - called sacbes - that allowed easier transportation between major cities.

 

The Entrance into the city of Ek Balam

 

Views of the flat scrub of the region from the top of the main temple

 

The mouth - "Witz Monster"  The elaborate façade that was created with stucco has been restored.  The temple was a mausoleum for a ruler.  He was buried with jewels and shells. He was born around 770 and died around 802.

 

The Temple of the Frieze (Templo de los
Frisos).  Figures resemble "angels".  But the archeologist think this was a "winged Mayan Warrior"