Day Eight: Mérida bound!

This was a busy day. It was more than just a car ride too.

It started by saying goodbye to a magical island with amazing people and culture. We packed up our golf cart and got on our way to drop it off. After that we sat in the hear for 20 minutes. As we sat, we waited for the ferry to come.

I didn't have everything nicely backed... it was just thrown together and my sisters backpack came in handy as we needed it to get everything on the ferry. Gia was a huge help with two suitcases and her book bag.

Argel Pedro our driver and owner of Yucatan Awesome Tours came right to the Cancun dock. It was as so nice to have someone come greet us with open arms and help us get to the car.

Argel is from Mérida and had a long day ahead of him! He was an amazing companion on this day and treated us like family friends. What I've learned from the locals so far is this:

They go above and beyond to make sure you are comfortable and when you have a desire to learn all you need to do is open your ears and listen. Soak up any history you can learn while you have a chance and use that to make a difference in someone else's life!

We got in the car, we weren't hungry, so we set off on a trip, a journey (a 5 hour one to be correct- through Mexico ) Within an hour I had decided I didn't really want to go back to the Cancun area (you know... where I'm supposed to end up for a week at the end of this trip). So I had a long drive ahead of me to figure this all out- and I'll tell you I figured it all out with the helpful tips from Argel and my reflection on what I need and want as we journey through this!

My reasons behind my decision is that I loved Isla Mujeres, but I know that Cancun will be much more stimulating and could be difficult to navigate at the tail end of my trip. I think I'll need something quiet and calming by then!

After all, we just keep moving everyday! So, in coming days I'll share more about our adventure as it unfolds! Back to today!

We get in this car and drive! We stop in Valladolid, a beautiful City with old Mayan roots that has a lot of historical background in the Spanish conquest. Gia learned about some of this in 5th grade... I remember because it was at the start of the pandemic and I had to do her work with her! This town was rebuilt by the demolition of the Mayan buildings. They were beautiful to say the least.

We took a little tour of the town, ate at the local market (for 116 pasós- which is 6 ish bucks in US) and stopped in the museum. This was closed for so long, but today my friends, it was open! After that we kinda just kept it moving.

We came across these little towns on the way (and there was a name for it, but I didn't write it down- note to self, keek journal on me at all times) small roadside villages with little stands and different things. Small Mayan villages. We stopped along one for some fruit we have never tried. It was interesting and Gia enjoyed it!

Once we got to Mérida we settled in quickly, as in... we walked into our Air BNB and felt it looked considerably smaller than the pictures!

Argel took us right to the grocery store when we hot there which was a blessing and so much help! Gia of course went for the candy and fruit! So I have a 1/2 a Papaya in the fridge (takes me back to when she named her first chicken that) and some Mexican candy. From there we got back and Gia made herself some soup as I unpacked ever suitcase.

I almost had a moment where I lost it... because this place is cute, but more like a hotel room (can you imagine 4 weeks in a freakin' hotel room with your kid, no cell phone and no TV).

After putting everything away and going outside, my hostess here tells me she will show me where the laundry is and so on. Little did I know she would tell me to get in the car and she took me on a little tour of the area until I could get back by telling her where to go! She doesn't speak much English, but is a doctor of the ears (I think she said). We had a few good laughs and I THINK IM GUNNA LIKE IT HERE (Anne reference for anyone who doesn't know)! I felt really good about my decision! We are staying in a place with a great outside area and it's in walking distance or a $40 peso cab ride to our program!

I'm just getting in bed. It's been a long day. I'm grateful I got to talk to Bill and see the girls faces today!

Ps- it's thunder storms here