¡Vivo México!

Two of our port-of-calls were in Mexico. One was Progreso, on the Northern side of the Yucatan, and the other was good ole Cozumel.

Cozumel was our first stop and it went like this:

Step 1: Go to one of our favorite beaches on Cozumel.

Step 2: Watch “da boyz” order a bucket of beer.

Step 3: Repeat step 2 several more times and add in a few tequila shots for good measure (though it was Chris who mostly indulged in the Tequila).

Basically, they got smashed. Of course, on the way back from the beach to the taxicab there are several kiosks with Mexican wares (probably actually made in China). I took full advantage of Dave being a “borracho” and we bartered on some jewelry. I have a long history of getting Dave drunk in Mexico and then taking advantage of him in this way. You’d think he would learn by now.

My brother Chris and cousin Jason getting their drink on.

Our other Mexican port was Progreso, but we actually spent the day in Mérida, which is about 25 kilometers inland. It is home to the oldest cathedral in the western hemisphere. Incidentally it was closed when we got there. DOH! But, here are some pics of the beautiful (slammed tightly shut to gringos) doors to the cathedral. I would have loved to have seen inside.

The town is home to many government buildings (all painted lime green), and some beautiful murals depicting the Mayan civilization including their peak, decline, and the ultimate Spanish conquest.

Many of the murals also depict the importance of corn in their culture. The Mayans believe they were created when gods combined their blood with corn flour (similar to the Christian belief that Adam and Eve were created when God’s combined his breath with dirt). Corn cobs have been excavated at Mayan archaeological sites that have been dated back to 5000 B.C.