Valladolid, Yucatán, Mexico   December 12, 2023

I had a relaxing day researching but still managed to see a lot.  It takes so much time finding accommodation and figuring out what to do in each place.  I do enjoy that, I can’t imagine what it would be like if I didn’t.

Because it’s Virgen de Guadalupe day, the “parades” went on all day.  I have a balcony that looks down on the street-

The police went by too-

I wandered around Valladolid, checking out the sights.  The zocalo-

is beautiful like everywhere.  The Templo de San Servacio was founded in 1545 and rebuilt in the 1700s-

It has nice carvings around the door-

There’s a side altar for candles-

Nearby is Iglesia de San Juan-

Outside was a group just ready to begin their noise making-

Nearby is the Cenote Zaci which costs $5 to enter and a lifejacket is required.  What a great way to spend a hot day.  Today was cooler and it’s the first time I haven’t worn a tank top since I got here-

 It’s a tourist town and in the main areas the buildings are colourful and well looked after-

The Convent of San Bernardino of Siena is where conversion of the Mayans took place.  Construction began in 1552 by the Franciscans-

The gardens in front are nice-

I had cochinita pibil for lunch.  It’s like pulled pork cooked in a sauce of achiote which is a red fruit.  It was pretty good but a lot of meat.  The waiter was very friendly and asked if I would like some tortillas.  They always bring them and I never eat them.  I said I would if he had some marmalade.  Pretty soon he brought me tortillas and blackberry and mango jam!  I tipped him which is rare for me but he deserved it and when I went to pay he did not ask if I wanted to add a propina.  Most waiters expect it for doing less than their job-

In the bathroom-

The sign and black shirt day-

Walking home I came across this house-

That’s huge devotion!

I sat on my balcony and watched more celebrations-

I was reading in my room when all of a sudden all hell broke loose.  The main parade was on and the noise was deafening-

There were even horses but the noise didn’t bother them-

I hope they had fun!  

I’m going to Chichen Itza tomorrow via collectivo.  We leave at 7 a.m. so I made my scrambled eggs tonight just in case I sleep in!  As if!  I am really not looking forward to it because I have seen a lot of ruins but it is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and the only one I haven’t seen so I’m going.