Our Adventure Begins

Immediately after the farewell breakfast for the Blogger's Conference, Steve and I headed north. Our ultimate goal for the night was the seaside town of Progresso. But we had a stop to make along the way first. Steve's first Mayan ruin...of many to come!

Dzibilchaltun is one of my favorite lesser ruins. It lies along the route from Merida north to Progresso. It does not contain a lot of fancy buildings but I like it for two things: the church and the cenote.




I was pleased to pass this sign at the edge of the parking lot. It says that on Sundays local residents and foreigners living here enter free! I'm all about a free entrance!




But let's not discount Mexican arbitrary interpretations of the law. What the law, or rule, says is open to the interpretation of the person in charge at the time. Thus the frustration many of us have at the Immigration office each year. No two people will interpret the law and rules the same. I fell victim to that at Dzilbilchaltun.

We approached the ticket office and I presented my proof of residency in Mexico, expecting to be waved on it. Nope. Not today. The less than friendly girl manning the ticket counter merely pointed to this sign:




I was livid and sputtered at her things about discrimination and being treated fairly. She would not budge. I climbed onto my high horse and sat upright in the saddle. Steve and I withdrew a distance to discuss this turn of events. Now understand, it was not like I could not afford the entrance fee or that I would not have gladly pay it under other circumstances. After reading the entrance sign I was just purely astounded that they would blatantly ignore their own rule and discriminate like that. However, cooler minds prevailed. Steve reminded me of a story he had told me earlier about not letting one person or one mishap ruin an otherwise good trip. And he was right.

We paid our admission, although I was very clear in my disgust in doing so. (like she cared one way or the other anyway!) I'm glad I did and I am even more glad that Steve calmed me down so that I could really enjoy the visit.

This is one building on the site that I have never seen close up. And probably never will. It is way off in the distance and I just don't have it in me to walk that far to see an old building.




I was even feeling happy enough to pose for a picture. Doesn't look like I was happy though, does it. I was squinting something fierce. I'll explain why later.




We made our way over to the cenote. I think this was Steve's first and I do believe he was suitably impressed with it! It is one of the more beautifully rustic ones I have seen.





Since it was Sunday, and locals got in free, the place was semi-crowded with picnicers and swimmers.

There is easy access into the water and people just swim around the lily pads.

We were lucky that day. The lilies were in full bloom. A gorgeous accent point to an already pretty setting.

We spent quite a bit of time at the cenote. Just sitting and watching the people and staring stupidly into the water. It was mesmerizing and relaxing all in one.

Our bit of relaxation over, we moved onto some of the buildings, ultimately heading to the church.

The Spaniards build this from stones of temples and buildings they tore down. At least they made something majestic in their own style.

The last time I visited this site, a few years ago, the church was not roped off. One could go inside and really get a feel for it.

A few pleasant hours were passed at this site and then we loaded ourselves back into our little rented Atos and pointed it north for the beach community of Progresso.