Spring Equinox

Have you ever seen something so beautiful that no words can begin to describe it justly? Each day, nature gives us many beautiful gifts. At the very least, the sunrise and sunset. Unfortunately, life is complicated and the enjoyment of these gifts is limited.

We celebrated the Equinoccio De Primavera (Equinox of Spring), at the archaeological site of Dzibilchaltun. On the morning of the Spring Equinox, the sun rises on the main alter known as The Temple Of The Seven Dolls. The result of man and nature working together is phenomenal. The achievement of this act is thought provoking. The beauty is emotionally overwhelming. I took away from this experience the feeling that I just witnessed God waking up!

As the famous saying goes, "A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words"? Tell me what you think.........

La Senora

Who Needs To Cook

Our kitchen is sparsely equipped. Not counting the 4 dishes, 3 cups and odd pieces of silverware, we have a saucepan, frying pan, spatula and a machete. We are not quite sure if the machete is meant for indoor or outdoor use! I am determined to make due with what we have been provided. Cooking a meal will be a challenge. But who needs to cook, when you have "Cocina Economicas" (Economic Kitchens), scattered throughout the neighborhood!

Cocina Economicas started as a way for women to make money without having to leave the house. From 12:00 - 4:00 p.m., women open up the front room of their homes, such as the living room, and serve economically priced home cooked meals for take away (carry-out). Generally, you have 3 - 4 entrees to choose from. The menu changes daily, the ingredients are fresh and portions are purchased by rations. For us, one ration is usually large enough to share. This has been a wonderful way to experience the regional foods of the Yucatan and Mexico, and support the local community.

Today many of the popular Cocina Economicas have expanded into small full service restaurants. Our favorite Cocina Economica is called "Dona Mary". We have enjoyed many delicious meals from Dona Mary. Our all time favorite is Chiles Rellenos (Stuffed Chiles). Poblano peppers stuffed with a mix of ground beef and pork, raisins, capers and green olives. Then battered and fried. Topped off with a warm tomato sauce, a side of white rice and tortillas. Yours to enjoy for less than the cost of a "Happy Meal"! I can assure you, that after eating this meal, you will be very happy.........  

                 

La Senora

Sanford & Son

It is a wonderful gift to be able to relax on a beach. Without a car, computer, cell phone or television, life is very simple and peaceful. We are walking between 5 - 10 miles everyday. We do not have a scale, but from the fit of our clothing, I would estimate that we have lost at least 5 pounds! In the past, we have never lost pounds on vacation, but we certainly have found plenty! We are very familiar with our neighborhood and would  like to venture out and explore more. Not wanting to rent a car for everyday activities, we decide to buy used bicycles. We bartered a creative deal that left everyone happy. We have bikes for our duration, for less than the cost of renting, with the understanding that we will take care of some deferred maintenance and return the bikes to the seller before the end of our vacation. Entrepreneurship at it's best! These bikes are not new, semi new or gently used. They are hard core, well ridden beach cruisers. Oh yeah, I'm talking big seats, fat tires and one speed; all the working essentials needed to move forward. We refer to our new ride as "Sanford & Son".

Adopting the way of the locals, we use our bicycles as mules. We have moved 20 liter bottles of water, cases of beer and even the laundry all balanced on the seats of our bikes. This adaptation does not go by unnoticed, we often find ourselves being stared at. I like to believe the locals are amazed and amused; this is not the way of foreigners as they know it. Bicyclists and pedestrians have very few road rights. Within the designated cross walks, an individual usually has the right away. Beyond this, look out, driving is a sport in Mexico and anyone is fair game! Many of today's drivers are first generation drivers. They did not have the opportunity, growing up, to learn the rules of the road from the back seat of mom and dad's car or through formal education. A keen awareness of your surroundings and a sense of humor is needed at all times..........

La Senora

Immigration

The time has come for us to get visa extensions. When we arrived in Mexico, and were being cleared at customs, we asked for a 180 day tourist visa. More than enough time to cover our stay. We were told we could only have 30 days. "Before the 30 days are up, go to the local immigration office and request an extension for your stay". " No problema" (no problem). Over the years I have found that the true meaning of the phrase "no problema", is that there is sure to be a problem!

The immigration office is located in the big city, and open to the public from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.. This is a small window of time to handle matters that involve waiting in lines. Time moves slow in Mexico, and everything takes time. General reception is an outdoor seating area. It took the arrival of 3 more people before we caught on that you need to sign in to receive a badge so you can enter through the big door! Only to find ourselves in line for another reception area!

Moving right along, we are greeted, and eloquently make known our request by holding up our visas and saying word "new". We are handed a form for completion, which we stumble through, answering as best as we can. Our identification and required papers are then assembled. With everything in order, we are given a number and told to go through another set of doors. We are now in the offices of immigration. There are no lines to speak of, only a gallery of seats. Mark the clock, we are in for a serious wait.. At least we will be comfortable!

Within an hour, our number is called. We hand over our identification and papers. "Why you wait so long after expiration to come in". You speak English! No, no we are not late. We have 30 day visas and we have been here for only 25 days. "Your visas good for 3 days". What! She shows us the visas. Sure enough, the number 3 is followed by a long line. There is no sign of a zero, not even a slight rise in the script. But who would get a visa for 3 days?  "I need to talk with my boss". "You wait". Anxiety sets in quickly and brings a hot flash along for the ride! Sweating profusely within a government office is sure to be a sign of guilt. I need to calm down. Being guilty of someone else's  poor penmanship couldn't possibly be cause for deportation. Could it? I had a feeling we should of packed an overnight bag. Oh, oh, here she comes. Good, she is alone! She hands us a typed 2 paragraph document and proceeds to translate its contents. "Sign; we make it good". "We give you extension". Unable to read and understand the full contents of the document, the what ifs start rolling through my head. This must be fine. We are being granted extensions. Right? Throwing caution to the wind, we sign. Sometimes you just need to trust in others.........

La Senora