MERIDA ENGLISH LIBRARY
by Sandi-2004
The Merida English Library (MEL) is in El Centro and has several rooms of books as well as computers for use of the internet. It also has a lovely patio and garden behind the building for a quiet spot to relax and read in the shade of the trees.
The volunteers who work at the library are very kind and helpful. Also, the library sponsors monthly social gathering for expats and local folks to come together and chat either at the library or a restaurant. They offer other meetings as well.
Hints we found out for holidays in Mexico
by Redlats
- Unless you speak Spanish, bring a small notebook or calculator for writing prices when negotiating.
- Bring a Spanish-Your language dictionary to assist in communicating. - We did not bring enough clothes. We forgot about the heat and sweat and the fact that you can only wear a top for one day. You either need more clothes or to find a laundromat.
- Bring comfortable runners. I wore only sandals the first two days, but developed blisters since it has been 5 months since I last used them in Canada, so I had to switch to my runners until the blisters healed. - Consider bringing Pepto Bismal. We were told that taking Pepto Bismal twice or four times a day keeps most people from getting Montezuma's Revenge (or as they now call it Traveller's Disease).
- In Mexico, always carry tissues or wet ones. Many washrooms do not have toilet paper (or toilet seats).
- We used a lot of suntan lotion.
- We read elsewhere that visitors needed to bring mosquito lotion. It depends on when you visit. The rainy season in Merida is June through September (over 5" of rain each month). From November to April, average rainfall is approx 1" per month -- not enough rain to support mosquitos. - ATM's give out cash in 500 and 200 peso notes. Most restaurants were not happy accepting a 500 peso note. Make sure you have lots of smaller value notes, use the big bills in big grocery stores or paying for hotels.
- Regarding phone calls. The pay phones do not accept cash. We wanted to make a couple of local calls, and never found out how to do it -- the rules at buying (and using) a phone card are all in Spanish.
Ruta Puuc: Kabah
by darthmilmo
The fourth and last site was Kabah, a site with a huge palace that reminds me of the multi-million dollar mansions with nice lawns that are always shown in the movies. This palace's style of course was clearly Mayan and Puuc.
Ek Balam
by oceania26
If you're looking for some more ruins or less touristy ones, Ek Balam is a good option. There is no regular public transportation so your options is to drive or take a bus/colectivo to Valladolid (from Merida/Chichen Itza) and from there see if you can catch a colectivo but most likely you will have to catch a taxi. You will have to do some negotiating but you should be able get one for 200 pesos for a return trip while he waits for you.
The entrance is about 50 pesos.
Palacio de Gobierno
by dek516
The Governor's Palace on the square, dating to the late 19th century, is easily identifiable by its bright green exterior-- the interior courtyard is the same color. Upstairs are murals portraying the history of the city, with some rather unpleasant images of the Spaniards' conquest over the Maya. Plaques describing the history of the city are worth a look. You can also get a good view of the square from the upper windows. Admission is free.
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I attemp the waters but it was slimy and cold!
Mangroves
Parque Santa Lucia
Inside the cathedral
