Another Life Goal Completed

We got up early today because the woman in the cabana next to ours had been to Chichen Itza before and she strongly suggested that we get there as early as possible, to avoid the crowds and the heat. We had meant to leave by 7am, but it ended up being more like 8.

On the way to CI, we stopped at 7-11 and got some snacks to eat for breakfast. At home, 7-11 is not ideal for breakfast and this is still true in Mexico. However, we needed something to sustain us on the 2 hour drive, so bad convenience food it was.

It was basically one road from Tulum to Chichen Itza. And it was one road (albeit a different one) from the Cancun airport to Tulum. I kind of like this one-road thing! Makes getting around really easy. :) We saw a couple of small side streets that said San Diego 2km, and San Francisco 1km and had ourselves a chuckle about how close we were to California.

Anyways, when we arrived at Chichen Itza my first impression was that it was HUGE. We walked in and was immediately greeted by the famous "El Castillo." This was what I came here to see, this is what was on the life goal list. I was a little awestruck, and I think I kept murmuring "Oh my god, oh my god," but in truth I don't remember much. Let me just tell you that it was impressive.

In the middle of it all, they were setting up for a concert - Elton John was coming to play right amidst all the ruins. But despite all the equipment everywhere, we pretty much had free reign and walked anywhere and everywhere we wanted. It wasn't even all that busy at first.

There were several little stands set-up by locals who were there to sell some souvenirs, and it was really nice looking stuff. As the day went on, they were everywhere. You couldn't walk anywhere without going by them. Ted bought a really cool mask. It was really very hot though, and I was not that interested in shopping & bartering, so I didn't get anything for myself. I suppose I probably should have.

After we left the huge site, we stopped for some lunch at the little local cafe. We shared some burritas and they were excellent. While eating we were entertained by some Mexican dancers one of which performed while balancing bottles on her head!

When we drove home we went through a military checkpoint. We had seen them on the way there, but they were waving everyone through. On the way back, however, they seemed to be pulling people over and searching their car. Lucky for us, they seemed busy enough and we were waved through again. Big sigh of relief!!

On the one road between Tulum and CI, you pass through several small towns. One of which was called Valladolid, and it was charming. An old cathedral, colourful buildings, a park, and many great shops accentuated it. It was really pretty.

Passing through another small village, we could see kids up ahead on the road playing soccer. There are always speed bumps in the main parts of town (any town in Mexico, it seems), and they "accidentally" kicked the soccer ball right at our car and hit it straight on. As we slowed down, they came racing up to our vehicle trying to sell us stuff. Clever ploy, eh? I imagine that some people feel bad enough to buy something from them.

When we got back to our resort we went to the beach to join up with the rest of the group, soak up some rays, and play in the surf while the sun was still out. And then for our last night in Tulum Ted & I went in search of a really nice dinner. We walked down the road and found a lovely hotel that was serving outside on the patio right on the beach. We had the sunset, then candlelight for dinner. It was very romantic (although at times, really quite windy).

After dinner we spent the last bit of our time with the group, having drinks and socializing at the resort restaurant. Up at the bar they had swings instead of stools, so that was fun to hang out there. It was our last bit of time in Tulum - tomorrow we are back to Mexico City!