Getting Sidetracked

Friday morning we had our first field trip with everyone. We climbed into two vans and left for Celestún, a small town along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. En route, Val pointed out interesting sights, answered questions, and explained more about the history of the areas we were passing through. We drove through a small Mayan village, and she pointed out how most Mexican towns are structured the same. There is a center plaza with a church on one side and the government building(s) on the other side.

A traditional Mayan hut, with the thatched roof.

Look at the little green cart: this is one of the types of local transportation. The car in the foreground is a little more modern, but both serve their purpose!

I don't remember the purpose of this picture, but I kept it because of the sign visible to the left. This is the speed bump warning sign. These speed bumps are very effective; you would severely damage your car if you did not slow down for them. When I was reading in a tourist guide, it said, "You will slow down for these speed bumps: either to inch your way over them, or to ask around for a repair shop!"    

Then we arrived in the village of Kinchil. Val was talking, but she interrupted herself mid-sentence. Look! They are having their fair! Oh, we have to stop here! As we looked for a place to park, she explained that the village was having its annual fair.

All these tents are set up in the plaza of the small village. In the street is another type of transportation, very popular in the smaller towns. It is a cart propelled by a bicycle. It is possible here only because the Yucatan is so flat. Many of these bikes are now being motorized, which makes them even more useful.

Visible behind the big tent that says Sol is the bull ring, constructed especially for the occasion. Val said it was put up in one day.

This is taken from the spectator seats.

The whole structure is put together with sticks and boards. It looks like a strong wind would blow it over, but it was very stable as we were climbing around on it. Not sure I would trust it with a bull in the middle though...

One of the ladders to get up and down. Very interesting! See the poles around? That is what the whole structure is resting on. I tried to wiggle a few of them, but they were firmly in place supporting the stadium.

After we had our fill of climbing on the bull ring, we walked over to the church on one side of the plaza. Beautiful because of its simplicity, the church was probably constructed in the 1600s.

Snapping a picture of the beautiful tree in front of the church. The plaza with the carnival rides and colorful tents is visible in the background.

Another view of the plaza

Inside the church, this is the view from the doorway.

The altar area.

In a little side room at the back of the church are the baptismal font and some other furniture.

Leaving the church, we walked over to the plaza.

A playground in the middle of all the action appears to be a little more permanent.

On another side of the plaza was a building housing the market. Val bought some pitaya fruit from one of the vendors, and we chatted with them a little.


The meat market, through another door into the back of the market. The first time Iwalked in, I saw a plucked chicken hanging by its head. When I returned with my camera, it was already being cut up and sold.   

Another stall in the market building. Notice the woman in the foreground with the beautiful blouse embroidered with pumpkins. This type of blouse or dress is worn by women in many of the native villages. It is called a huipil. Remember the pictures from Spanish class, Kerry, Monica, Rhonda? This is a real one, not something from Google Images! They are very beautiful and sold in tourist shops everywhere in Merida.

My last picture, completely random and out of place, is of some beautiful bougainvillea growing near the boat docks of Celestún. I love bougainvillea!