Ellerberoad Adventures - Mexico 2008

Mexico 2008

Tulum Tuesday, May 27, 2008 Day: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

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Into the Central Mexican jungle adventure day - visiting the Mayan temple complex Chichen Itza. Historical
importance of this site is apparent since it was recently selected as one of the New 7 World Wonders. From a
pure architectural standpoint, the site is quite worthy of the selection. Roles of the Mayan priests and their
human based traditions were misguided; however, they were quite punctual in their fallacy based on their
extensive calendar, stars, and planet tracking.

Climbing the steps of the main temple - El Castillo, or The Cathedral - is no longer an option and is a smart
preservation and safety decision (45 degree angle steps are not OSHA approved). Hot, humid, and very dry
conditions escort each tourist attempting to view each building, or remains, of the vast complex. Well known
sites included the Great Ball court - viewed only by the Priests and Royalty (pre-ESPN)- with the high mounted
goal (non "dunk-able" for any NBA player). An Observatory with it's celestial tracking was very unique for 800 AD.

Located on the perimeter of each pathway and main artifact site were countless vendors. No doubt many are
Mayan descendents - from ancient Warriors to souvenir sellers and resort attendants. Selling was not aggressive;
however, just a glance at the goods would present an offer to bargain. As seen in countless areas, the smiles
were always the widest and friendliest than any other part of the World.

Driving from Tulum to Chichen Itza via Valladolid town does show the many challenges for Mexico - poverty and
difficult living conditions. Many a small home, or thatched hut, was just a front door of a towel with single room
with hammock. Since the water for our rental villa is trucked in (arrived later in the night (9:00 PM), really doubt
any type of utilities are available for several areas.

Road conditions tend to be ok with an endless parade of topes - or speed bumps - in each village. Usually, they
are marked in advance; however, if the sign is nonexistent or the drivers misses it, the distinct reminder will come.
Since each town or village has plenty of pedestrians and dogs constantly crossing the road, the topes are very
much needed. To make today's trip special was the traffic stops in the middle of the road - first in the morning
was a Military checkpoint and in the returning afternoon was the State Police. Both were no issue and the State
Police response was "Thank You, now let's go".

It is true that many a Volkswagen beetle has a long shelf life in Mexico and the non States based VW vehicles
(Pointer, Sportvan) are quite prevalent. More often of use is the smaller and very jammed mini van transport buses
or old pickups with benches in the back bed. Our Jeep has been very handy since some connecting roads tend
to have several potholes.

A late afternoon lunch was at the Hacienda Chichen - an honest-to-goodness hacienda building from 1523.
The agricultural and livestock ranch was changed to an upscale resort several years ago. In the restaurant, fresh
lime soup, squeezed limeade (Limes are a basic staple), and enchilada mole was served on white linen with
impeccable old World service. Jungle flora surrounded the grounds with brilliant colors and only to be matched by
the colorful and sound full birds.

Time for a night time pool lap, look at the endless stars, and sleep soundly.