Merida

Kaori and I made our way from Chichen Itza to the city of Merida, the largest city on the Yucatan Peninsula. We soon fell in love with the warmth of the people and the music, free in some city park nearly every night of the week. The town itself is a beautiful Spanish colonial town, and the local government has taken to restoration with great fervor, and now all buildings must be painted in one of seven "colonial colors" and the facade may not be altered without a permit. Obviously, some people find the restrictions to be just that--quite restricting, however, the owner of our hostel, Edwin, expressed how important the appearance of the city is to the
tourist trade. He feels that most people are behind the restoration movement.

The market in Merida, like most markets in southern Mexico, are full of Mayans marketing all manner of goods. In colonial times, the town was previously gated to allow the Mayans and their goods to come in during the day, but also to keep them out during the night. We stayed right near one of the three remaining gates, which also had a building that was formerly a military outpost. All natives would be checked before they were allowed into the city.

One of three remaining gates to the city↓

Fruits and vegetables at the local market

Kaori and I are staying at a house turned hostel, run by two lovely men, Edwin (right) and Carlos (left). If you're ever in Merida, you definitely want to look them up!!