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As I have mentioned before, we have explored very little of Yucatán outside of Mérida proper. It's not that we haven't wanted to see more, but there has been so much to do on each all-too-brief trip. Just learning our way around the Centro and out Paseo de Montejo to the shopping areas has taken up considerable time. When we have stopped to rest, puttering around the house seems to be about all we have managed. However, with my new camera, I can hardly wait for our first visit to Chichen Itza. I am primarily interested in photographing architectural elements and landscapes. For those following this blog who might not be familiar with one of the
"new seven wonders of the world," Chichen Itza is a pre-Columbian architectural site built by the Maya civilization. The ruins of this site "exhibit a multitude of architectural styles that are reminiscent of styles seen in central Mexico and the Puuc Maya style of the northern lowlands." The presence of these non-Maya styles is viewed as the result of "cultural diffusion
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But no matter the reason, the details of these ancient ruins are truly eye candy for the photographer.
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Chichen Itza ( you can check out Wikipedia for the correct pronunciation) is an easy drive from Mérida. There are tour buses that leave daily from the Centro. I prefer to go by car so that we can take our time, stay as long as we like, photograph until the battery goes dead, and eat somewhere really nice. There is even a much touted hacienda if one chooses to be a bit extravagant, although I'm certain there are multiple quaint and less expensive accommodations.
Here's hoping my photos will be somewhat better than these "loaned" images.
It's funny but we're in the same boat. We've become semi-experts of a 3-square-mile in the middle of Merida, but only once did we venture outside, to Hacienda Teya. We were afraid we'd miss out on our dream home if we took an excursion. So we're saving all the bigger haciendas, and the pyramids, for when we're settled and have house guests whom we'll need to entertain.
ReplyDeleteThe same for us! We have explored only a little of Merida, Centro...(not even near the 3sq mile you have) but last visit we did rent a car for two days and did a trip to Celustun one day and the other to Mayapan and the Cenotes. Oh yeah on a trip to years ago we took the bus to Progresso to make sure we didn't want to live there. I can't wait until we are there full time and can go to Compeche, Oxaca and other areas as well as explore in detail Yucatan state!
ReplyDeleteChichen Itza is super-photogenic, or at least it was in 1984 or so, which is when I was there with my (ahem) Kodak Instamatic. Even with that lowly camera I got some beautiful photos, so you'll have a great time with a real camera.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments everyone. I'm getting excited just thinking about ALL the places we will see once we get there full time. Until then, we will just enjoy spending sporadic time in Mérida. As soon as we can schedule a 10 day trip, Chichen Itza will be at the top of the list.
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