Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Tinker Toy Town

Raise your hand if you know the story of the pirate Mundaca and his importance to this island. If you don't know, maybe someday I will retell the story here. Suffice it to say that he was a very important figure in the history of the island.

In the middle of the island stands the remains of his hacienda. I took you on a tour here.

Well, the powers that be have decided to spruce up the parking lot out front. By spruce up, I mean totally obliterate the entrance and make a gaudy area for tourists to buy even more cheap souvenirs as they make their way around the island.

These shots were taken from left to right as you pass by.






I hope when it is done that it looks better than what it promises. It would be truly sad if they made it so nobody even notices this important landmark behind it as they pass by.

11 comments:

Life's a Beach! said...

When they get the big inflatable pirate on the roof -- like Dr. Simi -- people will know it's Mundaca's. HA!

IslandNana said...

I have the same worries about generic, cheap souvenirs at the Tinker Toy entrance (great name, by the way). There used to be a shell vendor there with some unusual offerings, and cold cocos too, but no longer.

Another step toward the "Cancunization" of Isla.

Steve Cotton said...

Maybe they will be selling some of those cool snakes from the garden. Or starfish dressed as pirates.

IslaZina said...

They started plastering it with palm leaves yesterday afternoon.

Anonymous said...

At best, we're lookin' at some strange palapas....

O Robert

Jane said...

If you decide to tell the story of Mundaca, will you include the full history, or just copy what's in the tourism pamphlets?

Islagringo said...

LAB: please don't say that out loud to anybody!

IslandNana: I get what you are saying, but I don't think they are trying to make another Cancun here. A close duplicate of Playa del Carmen is more like it.

Steve: I'll get one for you if they do!

Zina: When it is done, I will post an update.

O Robert: Palapas? More like a giant A frame lodge.

Jane: Why don't you write up the complete story and email it to me? I'll post it as a guest blog.

Jane said...

Hmmm. Should I send my most inspired version of Mundaca's story, or a history book on Yucatan's most infamous war?

For years I've thought up ideas on how Mundaca's estate could be better used to educate people about a very interesting piece of history. But maybe it's still too hot to touch there.

Islagringo said...

Jane: send either one. I'm sure they would both be well written and intersting.

Jackie said...

I saw this as I drove around the island this morning. WTH is this supposed to be or represent?

Tom Heidel said...

During one of our walks two weeks ago, we saw that they stained and thatched this structure. Honestly, we didn't know what this was previously until we read this post.